Stealing His Thunder

Toronto Thunder #2

by Beth Bolden

Can rookie Cam’s sunshine steal veteran Dawson’s thunder?

Kicker Dawson Hall is ready to leave his past in the dust. His last season was catastrophically bad, with the distraction of his divorce and discovering that his father-in-law wasn’t managing his money—he was stealing it, instead.

He signs with the Toronto Thunder, poised for his redemption arc, but he’s grumpy and frustrated he has to undertake one at all. He should be better than this. He is better than this.

The new rookie punter’s hero worship might be just another annoyance, but Cameron Green is sweet and kind and more than a little naïve. He’s a country boy suddenly dumped amongst all the skyscrapers, with no idea of how the real world can chew him up and spit him out. It’s practically Dawson’s duty to mentor him and if Dawson soaks up a little of his sunshine, too?

Well, nobody could blame him for that. Not after the year’s he’s just had.

But when Dawson starts craving more and more of Cam, his crush dangerously teetering into passion kind of territory, he’s forced to not just confront his own past, full of disappointment and distrust, but his future, too.

He wants his redemption, and that perfect vision of a season feels just within reach. But it turns out he doesn’t just want Cam for single season—even if it’s everything he believed he wanted—he wants Cam for every season.

Genres: Sports, Romance, M M Romance, LGBT, Sports Romance, Football

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 14, 2026

About the author

A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the whole vibe of this story universe Beth has built and every book just builds on that feeling.

Cam and Dawson had such a wholesome relationship despite all the baggage and their insistence on being casual friends with benefits.

Their dates were so adorable and they just fell into domesticity so easily. Cam was definitely more clued in to his feelings and the fact they were in a real relationship, which was pretty funny because he's the young rookie!

Dawson was so bloody dense! I feel like if Aidan Flynn is the person pointing out that you're a bad communicator and that you're being stupid about your feelings, something is terribly wrong with your self awareness 😂😂

I loved the way these two hyped each other up and supported each other no matter what.

That said, I am stupidly excited to get Nate and Ramsey's book next!! It's one of my most anticipated releases of 2026 and I've been dying to get Ramsey's story since he appeared in the first book for the Portland Evergreens series. The set up between Nate and Ramsey in this book had me wanting to grab the popcorn and settle in for the delightful drama that I can feel coming 😂

*****

I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review   

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking entry in this latest series from Beth.

I loved that this was, in the main, a fairly low angst romance and that the relationship itself had zero messing around other than the odd tension caused by inexperience rather than miscommunication.

Dawson's been through a lot and it's perfectly understandable why he's cautious to label either what he's doing, or what he's feeling, for the young rookie who's shoring him up and breaking all his defences.

Cam's a real sweetheart with a little bit of hero worship, but I never felt like his feelings for the older guy on his team wasn't genuine.

It's not a huge age gap and while Cam's only 22, he's definitely got a mature head on his shoulders. His inexperience with relationships couples nicely with Dawson being burned by his ex wife and her father to create the necessary tension points in the story.

Loved all the interactions with the rest of the Thunder guys, especially Aiden and Levi, loved Cam's dad Shane, and the Special Teams coach Marty.

Now I'm just holding in my excitement at finally getting Ramsey's story, especially as it's with the Thunder's Nate Bishop 😁

#ARC kindly received from the author via NeonRainbow Reviews, I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy received from author via Neon Rainbow Reviews for an honest review

This is the 2nd book in the Thunder world, however we have met a lot of the characters in previous Beth Bolden series, so it is like going home to visit family.

Can the rook tame the veteran kicker? Yes. Yes he can.

Cam and Dawson are so much fun and so adorable. Hero worship turning in to more? Yes please! Their interactions are so believeable, you could imagine yourself on the sideline listening in on their conversations.

I really liked the teammates, their comraderie, their banter and sh!t talking lol

I was also really happy to see more of Aidan and Levi and that their relationship is still going so strong.

I need more Toronto Thunder in my life

[Aysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stealing His Thunder is the second book in the Toronto Thunder series and could be read as a standalone.

Dawson is a thirty-two year old kicker who’s had a really tough time with his divorce, his father-in-law stealing from him and being traded. Understandably, he’s feeling jaded.

Cameron is the rookie punter and is struggling to adjust to big city life. I love his dad, he made me chuckle a few times.

I was eagerly devouring every little interaction between Daws and Cam. Beth Bolden always writes chemistry (and jealously) so well, I think I had stars in my eyes. I did want to see a bit more romance in this one though, I felt like the book ended just when it started to get good.

I did really like Daws confidence growing in his football abilities.

I live for all the team interactions and I’m glad to see my predictions coming true!! Also so pleased to see Aidan and Levi so happy, I wouldn’t have complained if I saw more of them. Words cannot describe how excited I am for the next book!

🏈 MM sports romance
🌤️ Grumpy/ sunshine
😇 Veteran/ rookie
⚡ Opposites attract
🤩 Age gap (10 years)
❤️‍🩹 Redemption arc

Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawson has had a tough few years. Last year in particular was the worst because he learned that his ex-father-in-law was stealing a lot of money from him (and others) while Dawson was distracted with his divorce. Add in the fact that he had a bad year of playing football meant that his team was quick to kick him out. Lucky for him though, Toronto wanted him. So here he is, starting fresh but still having a bit of trouble getting out of his own head and letting others in. Good thing he has some good people around him to knock some sense into him. Specifically when it comes to the rookie, Cam. Someone he should have been looking out for but has yet to do so. But another bit of luck for him that Cam is probably the sweetest and most understanding guy. Who also happens to have a bit of a crush on Dawson with a side of some hero worship. And turns out, spending time with Cam is something Dawson didn’t realize he needed. Cam opens his eyes to what could be the best thing that ever happened to him if he lets himself have it. Cam’s adjustment to Toronto hasn’t been easy. He is struggling with a new place more than he wants to admit. But when Dawson finally takes notice of him, he never imagined that Dawson would be looking back at him with more than just friends in mind. Their relationship may simply be called two friends with benefits, but Cam knows deep down it is more. And if he is patient enough, Dawson will see that too. Well these two were very cute. I loved how sweet and patient Cam was. He was perfect for Dawson in so many ways and knew that if he waited and just continued to be there for Dawson, that this thing between them could be so much more. It was also fun to watch how oblivious Dawson was. Everyone around him calling him out, but he refused to really open his eyes. Truthfully, he needed to come to it on his own. ButI really loved their story. I also loved our peek at what is definitely going to be the next book! I’m very much looking forward to see how Ramsey and Nate get together. Those two have enemies to lovers written all over them and I can’t wait to see how it comes together. Loving this series so far! Can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawson Hall is just trying to get his career on track after his life imploded and he was let down by the people he trusted most. He is bitter, grumpy, tired, and feeling off-kilter. His self-worth and belief in his skills took a hit. He is so focused on himself and his worries about his game and new team that he is not paying enough attention to his rookie.

Cameron Greene is his new holder, punter rookie. He is ten years younger, naive, lonely, and nervous about being new in a big city. He has a healthy case of hero worship for Dawson and is one of the few teammates who gets into his personal space.

Cameron is cute, funny, and positive. And his personality and some targeted advice from a team member and coach make Dawson take more notice and begin to support his rookie more.

And along the way to becoming better teammates, they develop a new friendship, a sense of campanionship that leads to flirting and finally a friends-with-bennies situation. I loved seeing them develop a rapport, trust, self-worth, and enjoy life more fully. Dawson is snarky, thoughtful, and protective, but is still dealing with the repercussions of his past but having support is a game changer.

This is a bad idea turned really good one, veteran-rookie, grumpy-sunshine, secret friends-with-benefits, teammate romance about hope, trust, redemption, and found family. I loved these two together and getting more with the other guys. I am so excited for the next book with a football and hockey crossover.

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[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY OPINION: This is the second book in the series. We are in the world of professional football, where queer athletes are not looked at sideways. That in itself makes this a solid series. I know reality, but sometimes I just like it when an organization just doesn’t care about a person's identity when it comes to their ability on the field.

The focus is on the special teams players, the punter, and the kicker. I knew nothing about either of these positions, and there is plenty of football in the story, even though it is focused on this special area of the game.

After being on a team he loved for his entire career, he had a tough season and they cut him. Luckily? He found a new team. At the same time he was joined by an actual rookie of the game. When the season starts Dawson is in his head, ignoring everyone, and generally trying to get his life back together. This meant he also pulled away from the team, including the rookie who was part of his individual unit.

Cameron thought Dawson was amazing. He hero-worshiped the man as a player and, of course, thought he was hot. There were fantasies, sure, but he knew that nothing would happen. Until one day, Dawson actually noticed him, and somewhere they found a friendship. But more than that they needed each other. Sure, they both thought scratching that itch was a good idea, and why not hang out, why not eat dinner together, why not be best friends?

They were dating, but neither of them realized it. Feelings grow slowly and steadily with them. Everyone sees it, but acknowledging the love between them is hard. This is a great story of two men who find the person who completes them. They overcome their worries and lean into the feeling. There are some solid subplots about getting better at their sport and an ex-family member.

Overall, I liked the book, and the two MCs are wonderful. I am a Beth Bolden fan and loved this book like many of her others. More than 300 pages, it’s still an easy read where you have plenty of meat throughout. I look forward to the next story in the series.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid addition to the football series with a grumpy/sunshine thrope and fairly low angst/drama.

While this couple has its own HEA, I think it's better reading the books in order to really get the most of the team's relationship.

Dawson is a mess, a divorce, his father-in-law stealing from him and being dumped by his team all means his confidence in anything is virtually non existing. He doesn't trust his judgement for love and his abilities anymore.

Cam is the rookie working with him but having his own issues, plonked from small town Montana into big city Toronto is causing anxiety and with Dawson's head in the sand, noone realises that he is not getting any support.

I like how they are forced to be more interacting outside the training, starting a slow friendship. They are both over their heads about each other but just can't seem to see it at first. Cam is catching up faster and I love how he is steadly supporting and encouraging Dawson to get his confident back.

They are a cute couple with plenty of chemistry. There is spice but also just building a proper foundation.

Dawson is getting his home truth from several sides before he realises what everyone else already sees.

The team is again providing plenty of good secondary characters with Aiden being his usual overly invested in everyone's life. There are plenty of hints about the next couple but no real idea what their problems are.

It's quite technical on the football, I am in the UK and have no idea about football so I was left scrating my head a bit too often and that's the reason for the 4* only. Some glossary would be helpfu; for the non-US readers.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Place kicker Dawson Hall has been dealing poorly with a number of setbacks: his divorce from a wife who cheated o him; theft of his money by his ex-father-in-law; and his perceived bad season with the Baltimore Ravens that resulted from these. He has a chance to show his stuff after signing with the Toronto Thunder, but he’s still dealing with the hangover from the past season. This has him ignoring his teammates, including rookie Cameron Greene. The latter isn’t leaving his apartment because of an incident that almost happened. Dawson’s longtime friend, QB Aiden, kicks him out of his funk. He runs into Cameron in the building pool and they strike up a conversation. Cam has been idol worshipping Daws forever and happily accepts a dinner with him. A while later, they are inseparable.

It takes a great effort by Dawson to overcome his problems. Further, he has to overcome some setbacks as well. The difficulties affect his relationship with Cam, and he struggles in dealing with them. The author handles these battles in a tasteful fashion, with Cam giving strong support. The book is an archetypal grumpy/sunshine trope, one that I really enjoy. Aiden from the previous chapter is in this book a lot and continues his interfering big brother act, kept in check by his boyfriend Levi. The rest of the team members also contribute to plot development and provide a certain degree of comic relief. While not too many other NFL teams appear, I was glad to see that the only fictitious one was the Toronto Thunder, but the others all had their real names, making it easier to follow.

Another good book from the author.

[Woodatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love grumpy/sunshine and a slow burn then Stealing His Thunder is right up your alley.

Dawson has been lost since his divorce, finding out his father-in-law stealing from him and moving teams. He's been keeping mostly by himself, not building any close relationships with his teammates. And most definitely far away from any romantic relationships, having lost all trust in people.

Cam is a real sunshiny person who's got his own insecurities but always tries to see the best in people and life. He's got a close band with his father who's the same sweetheart as his son. Being in a new town and team, he's got some problems adjusting and eventually finds a new friend in Dawson once the latter realises how tough things have been on Cam.

Despite the age gap both men develop a nice friendship that turns into a deeper relationship the more time they spent together. It's so sweet to see how both men evolve into their relationship without even calling it that. I loved how Cam, who's always had a bit of crush on Dawson was super patient. Letting him take his time to come to the realisation that the band they have isn't just friendship but goes a lot deeper than he thought. I loved how Dawson was so oblivious, even his teammates saw what was going on between both him and Cam.

The story has its sweet moments, some hilarious times with Aiden and Levi and the rest of the team, Cam's father was such a darling. Plus the tension between Ramsey and Nate is seriously ramping up. I'm so pleased to know that their story will be next.

**ARC kindly received from the author via Neon Rainbow Reviews. This is my voluntary honest review.**

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron & Dawson

I absolutely loved these two guys—their dynamic, their chemistry, from the very first moment to the very last. Their grumpy/sunshine pairing fit their story perfectly. Dawson has been through so much, and somehow it was exactly Cam’s brightness that he truly needed.

I really loved that we got to see how their feelings for each other developed from both of their POVs, and how effortlessly that mutual admiration turned into something else—something stronger. I adored the fact that even though Cameron was the one who realized first that he was in love and wanted more, he never pushed Dawson into anything. Instead, he waited and allowed Daws to get there at his own pace. And when Dawson finally does get there, when he realizes that they’ve essentially been dating for months already—wow, that was fantastic.

Cam’s dad, Shane, was wonderful, just like the rest of the team, and the author beautifully showed how much of an impact it can have on a person’s life to have an amazing support system behind them—friends, teammates—and how that support can help someone face their fears, just like Daws did.

I’m a huge fan of Beth Bolden’s worldbuilding and her side characters, and I have to say this because I can’t keep it to myself: ever since the first book in the Portland Evergreens series, I’ve been waiting for Ramsey to get his own story—and finally, finally, we’re getting closer, and I couldn’t be more excited 🤩

The ARC of this book was provided by Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews, and this is my honest opinion.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

New in town rookie Cam and new to the team Dawson work together, but Dawson is buried under so much that life has thrown at him he doesn’t help Cam become part of the team.

When others give him a nudge he realizes his mistake and apologizes to Cam, offering to hang out more. Cam’s main struggle is being in a big city and having a bad experience when he runs across some tough guys when he’s alone and doesn’t know to be more aware.

He shares this with Daws, and they go out together so Cam can build his confidence and enjoy himself exploring a new lifestyle. They also live in the same building and end up together a lot.

As Daws works through his feelings about his divorce and his ex father in law stealing money from him, Cam supports him and gives him good advice about following his instincts.

Dawson also improves his game, which he lost track of last season and which resulted in him coming to Toronto. Their attraction leads to agreeing to hook up, but from the beginning Dawson treats Cam like a boyfriend.

It’s no surprise that they end up dating and falling in love, and Dawson gets his game back, and more importantly a guy he can trust and love he can have for the rest of his life.

This was a good story because it starts with Dawson doubting everything and everyone, including himself, until Cam comes along. Cam’s innocence means he can learn from Dawson, but he’s wise in ways that help Dawson gain clarity and build hope again.

I received this ARC for free and am happy to provide my honest review with thanks.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

STEALING HIS THUNDER - BETH BOLDEN

This is book two in the Toronto Thunder series, and can be read as a standalone, but it’s more enjoyable to read all the series the characters from this book appear in!

Dallas is coming out of one of the worst years of his life and trying to get his professional career back on track. After being told by a few people he should be helping the rookie get acclimated to Toronto and being in the NFL, he finally starts spending time getting to know him.

Cam has hero worshipped Dallas for years, and finds being around him both heartstopping and heartbreaking at the same time. Whenever anyone tries to give Dallas a hard time, Cam is quick to defend him. After discovering they live in the same building, they start carpooling to the stadium together and their friendship becomes what they both need to start moving forward in their lives.

Once they realize they are attracted to each other, their dynamic changes, and both Dallas and Cam start to open up their hearts to the possibilities of a future together. Filled with humor, sincere emotion and true friendship.

Beth Bolden writes some of the best found family, team sport community style books, and always engages readers in these worlds so they are looking forward to where the next book takes them. This is a must read, go-to author you don’t want to miss.

[CatOnABlueBackground · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Toronto Thunder series, and while it can be read as a stand alone, there's enough Aiden (from book#1) in here, that your reading experience would be enhanced by reading the first book first.

This time it's Dawson's turn. He's had an awful time, with his divorce, his father-in-law stealing his money, and his being 'fired' from his previous team because his personal problems got in the way of his kicking. Cameron, rookie punter, comes to the NFL from a small town and is having issues adjusting to big city life. It takes a bit for Dawson to realize that Cam needs help adjusting, and to start to come out of his depression over his circumstances. Cam and Dawson fall for each other pretty quickly after that, and it's a slow, sweet journey to an HEA.

There's lots of football, Cam's dad comes to town, and the court case against Dawson's father-in-law continues. There's plenty of 'found family' among the teammates, and there's a 10-year age gap between Cam & Dawson.

Really sweet romance, low angst in the romance, but plenty of angst in Dawson's personal life dealing with the court case. Plenty of spice. Loved this a lot, looking forward to the next one.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout Perfect Storm, you could see how Cameron reacted with Dawson ,that look that said Dawson had hung the moon, it was a shame that Dawson had bigger issues on his plate, a recent divorce and finding out his now ex father in law had stolen most of his money, being moved to a new team, Dawson was not in the right headspace to notice Cameron.
Cam and Dawson was great together, as both came from small towns, Dawson knew what Cam was going through. Cam had an old soul about him and at times it was him making Dawson see sense. The times they spent together, Dawson encouraging Cam to try new things, the none dates that were dates and their Friends with Benefits that were so much more. I soaked it up.
Laughing at Aiden who now classes himself as a romance guru and learning more about the team. I was getting excited when more and more of the teams' personalities were revealed and I was working out the couples. Then the cherry on the cake, the time when the next story was announced the character who's story I have been waiting for, for 7 books. The disappointment to read it was coming in Spring 2026 and the happiness when I realised is was 2026. In my defence I was reading this into the night as I could not put it down. I am counting down the days

[Sara Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stealing His Thunder is book 2 of the Toronto Thunder series and follows veteran player Dawson and rookie player Cameron. I always enjoy Beth’s writing and this time was no different. The way she can bring the characters to life with so much depth is always amazing. Daws has a lot of baggage from his past that still haunts him and is constantly trying to work through it. Cam is facing some struggles of his own but is still light and sunshine. They form a close friendship and the chemistry between them is off the charts. I love how they openly communicated and leaned on each other when needed. Their teammates & other side characters add such a fun element to the story and was great to see Aidan and Levi from book 1 so happily in love still! And let’s not forget the spice!!! Soooo spicy and sooo good!!!

I really loved this whole story and was unable to put it down! BUT I cannot tell you how excited I am for Ramsey & Nate’s story!!! The tension building up in this book and the last…I just know book 3 is going to be fantastic and I cannot wait!!!

🏈 Grumpy/Sunshine
⚡️ Veteren/Rookie
🏈 Age Gap
⚡️ Opposites Attract
🏈 Redemption Arc

[SNik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in series (Toronto Thunder), but can be read as a standalone. Teammates. Neighbors. Slight age gap. Slow burn. Dual POV.

Cam is a rookie punter from a small town in Montana but he is struggling to find his place in a big city and his first NFL team, while slightly crushing on the team’s veteran kicker. Dawson should have been mentoring Cam, but he’s stuck in his head about his recent divorce, his last team dumping him, and being stolen from by his former father-in-law.

Cam and Dawson start a tentative friendship as Dawson takes Cam under his wing, but the attraction his hard to ignore and they try to keep it casual. What I especially enjoyed was how mature Cam was, he was just maturity and joyfulness full stop, and whenever Dawson needs to lean on him he can. Dawson is slower to acknowledge his feelings, but he tries to be honest as he struggles with overcoming his difficulty trusting and falling in love. I appreciated that their relationship was sweet and grew organically from their closeness, sharing meals, driving to work together, or watching movies on the couch. 4.25

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet! I loved how tender and gentle this whole story felt.
Cam and Dawson are teammates on the Toronto Thunder team, and end up getting friendly after Dawson kind of wakes up out of his little post divorce/shit hitting the fan bubble. I loved their friendship and how natural everything was between them. Cam was so patient and supportive, he was just the partner Dawson needed. I loved his sunshine personality and also how wise he was. Dawson was walking around with a thundercloud overhead at the start, but Cam's sunshine chased that away. I loved how Cam gave Dawson the space to heal, but also was a constant presence he could count on. I loved their chemistry and their love was beautiful. Dawson could be very oblivious, so it was fun seeing Aidan and Marty trying to steer him in the right direction. So yes, Dawson was oblivious to his feelings towards Cam, but he instinctually acted like they were together. It was cute to see them navigate everything and get to the other end of the season.

This felt sweet and romantic, tender but also fun and lighthearted. Aidan's meddling was funny and I loved the Ramsey cameo! Very excited for the next book in this series.

[Jennifer Laber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam & Daws

I adored these MCs and their dynamic from the get-go. Their sunshine/grump combo fit right into the storyline created for them and carried over from book 1. Daws has been through so much and Cam’s sunshine was exactly what he needed. I loved getting to see their individual interest for the other grow from each of their POVs. And then the ease with which their mutual admiration shifted to more. Can may have realized he was all-in first, but when Daws realized how he felt, there was no questioning, he was all in. Refreshingly no self-doubt at that point and no 3rd act breakup.

I truly enjoyed the continued building of the world in this 2nd book, getting to know the team, the other players and all the varied dynamic between them. The inclusion of these “side” characters was not just gratuitous but authentic. I look forward to seeing these new connections as the series continues.

Lastly, I appreciated an underlying theme for this story. Leaning on your support system not to overcome your baggage, but your fear.

[Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love being back in the Beth Bolden football world and a kicker/punter romance? Yes, please! Dawson and Cam were so much fun to read and such a fun addition to this world.

Dawson Hall is trying to rebuild his life - his football career with a new team, his finances and the last thing on his mind is a love life after everything that happened with his ex-wife. He’s an extremely talented kicker, but he’s lost some of his confidence and is working through a lot while trying to gel with the rest of the Toronto Thunder team. Cameron (Cam) Green is a rookie punter from small town Montana who is totally overwhelmed by the big city of Toronto, feeling in over his head and nervous to venture out on his own.

Cam is most definitely the sunshine to Dawson’s grump and it was so fun to see them work together both on and off the field. They’re supportive and challenge each other to do their best and find their confidence while at work and I loved seeing them start to explore Toronto together, getting out of their comfort zones to find things they both enjoy. Their age gap and Cam’s hero-worship of Dawson made for an interesting dynamic, but ultimately it boiled down to two men who were drawn to each other and helped bring each other out of their shells in different ways.

The one thing I was a little disappointed by was the interactions between Dawson and Cam after Cam’s dad came to Toronto. Cam pulling away without having a conversation with Dawson felt uncharacteristic of him and seemed kind of unnecessary. I would have loved to see some quality bonding time between the three of them since Cam and his dad were so close.

Loved the moments between Dawson and Aiden and all of the funny Levi moments for levity, but I have to say I’m SO excited to (FINALLY!!!) get my hands on Ramsey’s story next! Counting down the days until there’s some more Toronto Thunder goodness in my life.

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Bolden has done it again .. everytime I think this is my favourite couple from her, another one gets added to the list. I adore Cam and Daws - I couldn’t put this book down, it was perfection.

You know the thing about sports romances that really get me is not the sport itself but the interinsic emotions woven into the plays - the anticipation, the pride, the belonging, the humour, the resilience and while I’m not one with any credentials to comment on the football plot lines - the way Bolden builds these parts of the book are chefs kiss, absolutely gripping perfectly in sync with the relational plots and the character arcs - the whole story a beautiful crescendo so you’re jumping and cheering at the end of it for everything that’s happening.

I love Cam’s old soul and his sunshineyness and I feel for what Daws is hurdling - man has mental strength for days. The found family is as always spectacular, love how this story develops and how everyone’s dynamic shifts as Daws and Cam’s dynamic shifts.

highly recommend reading it. Absolutely stellar story! Infinity stars.

[Rata Robinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rookie takes on the veterans broken heart???

Cameron Green rookie for the Toronto Thunder as a punter that was termed a ray of sunshine by the veteran kicker Dawson Hall.. Signed on to the Toronto Thunder his first time in a big city with no one looking out for him to help him adjust. He gets scared while walking back to his apartment making him afraid to leave his house except to go to work!


Dawsons life imploded a year ago. He found out his wife had not only cheated on him but wanted a divorce. Through the divorce proceedings he finds out his father - in - law who was his money manager was stealing his money instead of investing it!! While going through this hell he was let go from his old team and signed on with the Toronto Thunder..

Slowly but surely Cameron brings the grumpy veteran back to life with his happiness and seeing the world through happiness. Cam and Dawson slowly becomes friends hanging out watching old movies or grabbing dinner.. Soon it appears to everyone that theres something going on between the 2 of them!!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to this series! I just loved Dawson and Cam! Cam is the young rookie and Dawson is the older guy with a lot of baggage. Cam has a little hero worship going on for Dawson but he really has a level head on his shoulders. These two start hanging out and things are moving along nicely. Cam realizes things are more than what they discussed but Dawson is really not wanting to see it because of what he’s been through. Cam really shows his maturity, patience, and caring while he waits for Dawson to see what’s in front of his face. These two have such a comfortable relationship right from the beginning and I just loved them together! I loved how they supported each other. This story and their relationship flowed so smoothly and kept me entertained through the whole book! Can’t wait for the next one! Very highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunshine, Second Chances, and a Perfect Season

Dawson and Cam are pure contrast in the best way.

Dawson is grumpy, burned by life, and desperate for a redemption season after everything fell apart. Cam is sunshine in human form—sweet, naïve, and unintentionally charming without even trying. The pull between them builds quietly but steadily, and once it hits, it hits.

What I loved most is how natural their connection feels. It’s not rushed or forced—just two people slowly becoming each other’s safe place. Cam’s warmth chips away at Dawson’s walls, and Dawson’s protectiveness grounds Cam in a world that’s a lot harsher than he expected.

No complaints from me. This is a feel-good sports romance with heart, chemistry, and just enough emotional depth to make it satisfying without being heavy.

Perfect for readers who love tender tension, soft devotion, and a grumpy man falling helplessly for a walking ray of sunshine.

[Lauren Kohout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta love the kicker and punter representation in this book! We definitely don't celebrate them enough, that's for sure, and Beth Bolden has put them in the spotlight for this romance. Dawson and Cam deserve the HEA so much!

🔥: Steamy and passionate! These two are wild for each other but they're also so sweet together. We get medium-paced scenes with all the fun details.
😆: This one will definitely make you giggle! Cam is a bit naive as a rookie, but he's not about to take any crap from anyone! Beth knows football so well and it's easy to feel like you're a part of the team when you read her books.
😭: No tears, except maybe some happy ones!

I'm loving this series and falling hard for every character. The Toronto Thunder series is an instant Beth Bolden classic!

CW: cheating off the page (not by an MC)

[Henna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawson has been through the wringer in past year - divorce, his ex-father-in-law stealing from him, changing a team. No wonder he's grumpy and expects the worst in everything and everyone. And then sunshiney rookie punter keeps talking to him.
Cam is a rookie and has admired Dawson for years. He's not enjoying the city life ashe thought he might, since it's a bit scary. But one evening Cam finds Dawson outside of work and the two talk about their struggles. Soon a friendship forms, and then something more fun. And it's just supposed to be fun but feelings get involved.
Dawson struggles more with idea of anything more due to his past life. The two figuring themselves out was sweet, cute, and definitely hot.
Loved seeing Aidan and Levi as well!

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Stealing His Thunder is the second book on the Toronto Thunder series.

The series follows the members of the Toronto Thunder football team.

It's Dawson's turn, the team's kicker. Coming out of a marriage that ended in divorce because his wife cheated on him and his father-in-law stole his money, he's going through the worst time of his life, but it seems that things are going a little better for him on the new team.
Cam is the rookie, younger than Dawson, but he's a ray of sunshine.
Their story unfolds between football games, teammates who meddle in each other's love lives, and Dawson's problems.

It is important to me that the book has an established bisexual character.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawson & Cameron

These two were fun to follow from start to finish. The little hints about them we got from book 1 from Aidan's perspective were a nice little treat to lead into this story, but it was really fun to watch Cameron's hero worship turn very easily into a friendship and then a relationship. Both men were attracted to one another but never admitted it until they got closer. And Dawson felt bad enough about not staying on top of being a mentor initially that he kind of just let himself fall into his feelings and it was really sweet and fun to see.

It's impossible to say no to any incredible story that Beth comes up with, and her extended food & sports universe is nothing short of amazing. I haven't read them all yet, but I've read enough to know the interconnected characters, and it's always a fun time.

Stealing His Thunder was much sweeter than Perfect Storm (book 1) from my perspective, and I loved the way these two men interacted, and watching their story really develop. I also learned a bit more about the ins and outs of special teams for football that I hadn't really understood before. That's always a nice little side benefit.

I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Sarah Thornburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stealing His Thunder is the story of a sunshine rookie punter and the grumpy veteran kicker whose walls are built high because of past incidents. Cam is the happy, if not naive, rookie who hero-worships Dawson. Dawson helps Cam through his fear of exploring the big city, and Cam helps Dawson work through the baggage that his previous season - personal and professional - brought him. Through it all, they develop feelings for each other and find a family in their new team.
I loved the banter between team members and their coaches, plus characters mentioned in previous novels. I'm looking forward to reading the next novel in the series.

[Shannon Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not have loved "Stealing His Thunder" by Beth Bolden any more. I am absolutely loving these Toronto Thunder characters every time I think this author cannot outdo a series she gives us another one. Cam and Daws are fabulous and their story drew me right in, so much so that I devoured this in one day, good thing it was a weekend. There are so many things to love about this story, Cams sunshine is the perfect counterbalance to Daws' grumpy. The secondary characters are always trying to steal the show and I can't wait for their stories!!! The next book cannot come soon enough.