There’s nothing Ethan Barnes has wanted more than to play hockey with his brothers. Avery, Charlie and Ethan have been dreaming about uniting the Barnes brothers on one team since they were barely old enough to hold a hockey stick.
Starting his rookie season on the New York Bandits, Ethan’s finally going to get the chance to play with his brother Charlie. But while Charlie’s great—a fantastic roommate, a better teammate, and a damn good forward—it turns out the guy Ethan’s really interested in doesn’t have a last name of Barnes.
Hank Tucker’s been working his ass off for two years to make the Bandits opening roster as one of their starting defensemen. What he needs is determination, hard work and focus.
What he doesn’t need is a rookie forward with a famous last name, who, since the first time they met at development camp last year, has permanently moved into his thoughts with his rumpled curls and magnetic smiles and killer body. No matter how grumpy Hank is or how determined he is to shake him, Ethan’s sunshine ends up buried deep under Hank’s skin.
Hank’s always been sure he was straight. But Ethan tempts him and entices him and ultimately, makes himself so irresistible Hank’s got no shot at holding back.
Especially when it turns out that Ethan’s not just been working hard to make a spot on the Bandits’ roster but in Hank’s bed, too.
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.
I feel like I say this for every Beth book recently, but this is my favourite!! I know I've been a huge Ramsey fan for the longest time, but I'm sorry to say that Ethan just knocked him off the top spot. I could not put this book down until I finished it and I definitely outsourced the making dinner part of the evening so I didn't have to leave these guys 😂
I absolutely adored Ethan!! His entire personality was just so fun and I wanted to keep reading more of him. The dynamics of the Barnes siblings was really interesting too, especially as I have the same age gaps with my siblings, and Ethan was such a typical baby of the family with his cheekiness and the way he's so laid back. I really liked Avery even though we didn't get all too much of him for most of the book, but he seems like the steadiest of the brothers - I'm very excited for his book and I have a character I absolutely want to see him paired with because I think it would bring a lot of fireworks 😂 Charlie though... Oh my god 😂😂😂 The way he is with Max is both adorable but baffling! I'm really looking forward to their book next, but I have that ominous Jaws music in my head and I'm scared they're going to hurt each other!!! Livvy was so funny as the voice of reason though, and I loved the bonus scene for her, but again, I wanted more!!
The way Ethan and Hank are like magnets from the minute they meet was just so fun to read. The slow burn was SOOOOO good too and I loved the way they really took the time to get to know each other before they were finally in the same location at the same time, and their relationship then became a physical one also. There was a lot of turmoil for both of them in the beginning, especially as neither had ever been attracted to a guy before, but Hank was determined to stay focused on his goal of making the NHL team permanently, and Ethan was on the other side of the country still at college - even though he was obsessed with Hank, he had no clue if Hank really felt the same about him. So, there was a lot of dancing around the fact they were into each other, but it was honestly just so good! Their friendship is so solid before they ever even kiss and it really felt like they were a forever couple in the making.
I laughed a lot throughout the book, and pretty much had a smile on my face the entire time, but I also cried when they hit yet another stumbling block! I was so sad for them both!! Hank is such a romantic though and when they FINALLY got the chance to be together for real, the way they both grabbed it with both hands was amazing.
Honestly never wanted this book to end!!
***** I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Ethan is the youngest of the three Barnes brothers and one sister. All play hockey. Ethan was drafted by the New York Bandits of the NHL to join his middle brother Charlie. His eldest brother, Avery, plays for the Mavericks in LA. In the prologue, they discussed a fantasy of all three of them playing on the same team. However, he is in college in Seattle and is frustrated that the team has left him there rather than bringing him up onto the roster. Before going back to Seattle, he meets Hank who plays defense for the Bandit’s AHL farm team in Syracuse. Ethan had messaged Hank a few times with no response until a while later after Ethan scores a beautiful goal. After that they chat almost daily. The meet a year later, after Ethan has been called up though Hank has not. They were supposed to go on a date, but before Hank goes to pick up Ethan, he receives a call from the Bandit’s GM telling him that unfortunately, he’ll have to return to Syracuse to start the season, evidently to protect him from a trade. He eventually does get called up. Ethan has been living with his brother Charlie. While Hank is staying with the “object” of Charlie’s affection and team captain, Max, 5 floors up in the same building. They eventually go on that date.
I have to admit that I still can’t see the purpose of the Prologue. Other than establish that they all play hockey, there doesn’t seem to be a relation with the rest of the story. That said, the rest of the book was very interesting. It shows the fascinating dynamics among the three brothers, very much love-hate, though clearly more love than the other. The two main characters are made for each other, and certainly not in the same strange league as that between Charlie and Max. They aren’t always on the same page when it comes to the physical part of their partnership, with Ethan seeming keener than Hank. The story is told in the third person; the first time I’ve encountered this in a while. They receive support on and off the ice from a large number of teammates from all three places (NYC, Seattle and Syracuse). The story has a sort of split plotline: the relationship between the two MCs, the odd relationship between Charlie and Max, and the trade deal concerning Avery. I also liked the fact that, with the exception of the teams for which the brothers played, the rest of the NHL kept it’s real names.
With the exception of the Prologue, I really enjoyed the book.
I have yet to read a Beth Bolden book that I didn’t love and of course, this one was no different! The writing always pulls me in and leaves a lasting impression long after I finish the book. Ethan & Hank have quickly became one of my favorite couples I’ve ever read.
Ethan and Hank are drawn to each other the moment they meet, even though neither of them have ever been attracted to a man before. I LOVED the way their relationship developed. I’m not usually a fan of a slow burn, but it worked so well in this instance. They really got to know one another and build a strong friendship before they really even spent any time together. Once they were reunited it person, they communicated so openly and honestly that is was refreshing to see. Especially Ethan. He was confident in what he wanted and never hesitated to make it known to Hank. And they both accepted that they were attracted to each other so easily. I love the world Beth has created where these queer characters are free to be themselves openly and without any hate.
The dynamics between the brothers was really interesting and I can’t wait to see more it play out. Ethan being the youngest, you could see where they babied him at times or tried too hard to tell him what was best for him. Charlie has the weight of the world on his shoulders but you can see the cracks forming. We didn’t to see Avery as much in the beginning but can’t wait until we get to know him better. Charlie and Max obviously being so into each other but not being together makes me nervous but excited for their book. I want to know what’s holding them back but I’m afraid it may be a painful journey for them. And I have a feeling we have met Avery’s match as well, a certain opinionated teammate maybe??
✨ Teammates ✨ Double Bi-awakening ✨ Slow Burn ✨ Grumpy Sunshine ✨ Black Cat x Golden Retriever ✨ Pining x Yearning
What a great start to this new series! Following three hockey brothers, Avery, Charlie, and Ethan, this first book of the series kicks off with the youngest Barnes brother: Ethan. Ethan may be the baby of their hockey family, but he is a great hockey player like his older siblings. And what better way to start his career off than by playing with Charlie’s team? The hope is one day all of them will play together, so starting off with one brother is pretty great. Scary but great. But even more scary? Meeting Hank Tucker. Because the moment Ethan meets Hank, he knows he is in trouble. Their connection is instant and natural and both come to realize that it’s the first time they have feelings for a guy. And they are more than okay with it. When they first meet, they find themselves keeping in touch even when they are on opposite ends of the coast. Ethan has another year at Portland U before they are ready to pull him up and Hank is spending another year at AHL. But it’s a year of getting to know one another and deciding can they be something? And even when they reunite, will they still be on the same team? Both hope so! Hank just needs to prove once and for all he deserves a spot on the roster. Absolutely loved this book! Such a great start to the series. I loved getting to know Ethan and Hank and watching them fall hard for one another. I loved their dynamic and how natural they fit together. They were just a great pair. And we got to see a lot of Avery and Charlie as well. I can’t wait for both their books. Especially Charlie after seeing him in this book and his best friend. It’s definitely gonna be a good one!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First, let me say that since it’s my favorite sport, I read a LOT of hockey romance. I loved this one especially because for a very popular theme/trope, it was unique.
One of my favorite tropes is a queer awakening and here, I got a double! I enjoyed the relative ease of it. Both MCs seemed to embrace their newfound attraction to another man with relatively no angst. Especially Ethan, who wasn’t afraid to just dive right in. The youngest of 3 hockey phenoms, Ethan was a completely lovable character, mostly because of how straight forward he was about everything, even his emotions.
In this hockey romance, distance played a factor in keeping our MCs apart, but not because they played for different teams. Though drafted, Ethan had another year of college hockey to play, and Hank was fighting for his spot to stay at the NHL level, getting knocked back down to the AHL more than once. This afforded the two to build a real friendship first even while being admittedly attracted to one another. What I loved about this, is that once they were finally in the same place, we had no more waiting! Ethan and Hank’s chemistry was undeniable and I adored them together. Ethan was the confident one pushing their relationship forward and being Hank’s best supporter. And Hank was the one allowed to protect and push Ethan in ways he wouldn’t allow his brothers to. Hearts eyes all around!
This book was really special, and a great lead in to this new series. All of the characters were great and I truly cannot wait for the other Barnes brothers’ HEAs!
4,5⭐️ This one was just so sweet; I just loved the rhythm of the story and how Ethan and Hank take the time to know each other, even if it is more due to the situation around hockey. It was beautiful to see them getting closer and just going with the feelings, their attraction for each other.
Ethan is the Barnes’ baby, ready to go to the NHL and play on the same team as his brother Charlie. During his first summer camp, he meets Hank, who is a d-man currently playing in the AHL and being called up from time to time until he gets a permanent spot. We can say that Ethan had an instant crush; he is really obsessed with Hank - and just so cute. Hank’s dream is to be part of the NHL team; he’s doing everything to get a full-time spot, but things don’t really go as planned. The good thing out of it is the time spent talking with Ethan and then having to deal with Barnes problems.
Truly a sweet and cute story; the dynamic is just beautiful. They are taking their time, discovering each other day by day. And please, I loved the Barnes drama; I cannot wait for Avery’s book (sorry, Charlie), but if he’s other half is gonna be who I think it is - yessss please.
I received an ARC Copy of this book; this review is from my own thoughts 😍
Fantastic start to a new series! I honestly had a hard time putting this down, and even though it was on the long-ish side, if it had been longer, I would have happily kept reading.
Ethan is the youngest of the 4 Barnes siblings (3 boys, 1 girl). All of them are professional hockey players, and all of them are VERY good. Ethan has been drafted by the same team middle brother Charlie is on, the New York Bandits, but is still playing college hockey, waiting to get called up. Ethan meets Tank during a very few days of preseason camp. Hank is jumping back and forth between the AHL and the NHL. The attraction is immediate for both of them. This is a slow burn romance, however, and it's almost halfway through the book before they finally get a chance to move their attraction to more than texting and phone calls - because neither of them are in the same place - until they finally ARE.
Lots of hockey in this book, lots of concern about who's getting traded or moved up. Medium spice, but lots of plot. Really interesting characters, really interesting dynamic between the brothers. Really looking forward to Charlie's book.
Wow, another hit from Beth! Ethan is a slow burn but hot story of two hockey guys who fall for each other. It’s not really addressed, but it’s more of a gay-for-you type of story. Ethan’s brothers are both gay, so it’s rather ambiguous. As Beth’s books are, this one is full of vivid details and characters. You’d know them in a flash if you spoke to them in a coffee shop or on the street. The players have their own idiosyncrasies, their own quirks. They’re a fun bunch of guys without being over the top. The storyline that’s developing is good, too. The Barnes brothers are a force to be reckoned with on the ice. It’ll be fun to see where it goes. Oh yes, I’ll be reading the other books as soon as I can get my greedy little hands on them! And Bo… he’s one in a million. I hope.
Out of Barnes brothers, we first get Ethan, the youngest. New to NHL, he's joining his brother's team in New York. In camp he meets Hank who he's immediately drawn to. But Ethan goes back to college for a year, and Hank keeps bouncing between NHL and AHL. Timing doesn't seem to be on their side. Ethan and Hank—especially Eth—keep fighting for an us, and they are finally in the same city and team, and have an adult conversation of what they want. A lot more mature than Charlie and Max, who have been dancing around each other for some years, and get their own HEA in the next installment. This is a guaranteed Beth romance, where you get a good balance between sport, romance, and friendship.
🏒 MM Hockey Romance 💙 Forward x defensemen 🌈 Double bi-awakening 🐈⬛ Black cat x golden retriever 🌤️ Grumpy x sunshine 🥵 Protective MMC 🤩 Pining / yearning 💋 Stolen kisses 😆 Amazing banger 🤫 Long distance texting
I've read most of Beth's books and I've loved everyone of them. Ethan was no exception. I laughed and cried sometimes at the same time. The way Beth makes her characters so life like is amazing. When I finish one of her books I always have a smile on my face and a warm fuzzy feeling inside. I can't wait for Charlie's book to come out this fall!