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: LGBT, Sports, M M Romance

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Cam and Dawson. I appreciated Cam's attitude and the way he brings light back to Dawson's world. I liked that their friendship morphed into more. I like all the characters and love how the team interacts. I enjoyed the storyline. This was a good read I finished in an evening. I can't wait for the next book.

[Melduk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is grumpy/sunshine at its finest. Cam’s never ending positivity and enthusiasm sneak under Dawson’s guard and wear him down without him even knowing. Which is also because he is so wrapped up in his own affairs that he is totally oblivious. A bit of back story drama adds to the plot as it goes along.

[allmy_booklovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Beth’s books. I love her football series. This one was even better than Aiden’s (book one). I loved sunshine Rookie Cam and Veteran Dawson. This friends to lovers (really you think it is just a hook up?!?!), age gap, grumpy/sunshine romance!

Also Nate and Ramsey are going to be historic!

[Megan Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Dawson and Cam’s story. The sweet rookie and jaded veteran. I love also love the intertwining of past and future stories that just keep you wanting to be part of Thunder’s universe.