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The Games We Play
Against the Odds: The Games We Play - Season 2
Callum
I've wanted to play pro hockey since I was nine years old. That's when my grandfather looked at an angry, hurting, orphaned kid and said, "A sport might be a good way for you to work some of that out." Sadly, in the Under-11s division, punching people wasn't part of the game, which is how I ended up a goalie, to keep me out of temptation's way. Well, plus I'm good at it.
Now I'm in the PHL, and have the second-best record (and yes, the most penalties) of any goalie in the league. I'm aiming for the NAPH and when I make it, I'm going to pay off my grandfather's mortgage and get the family store back out of debt. I'm not going to let anything derail me, not my high-school crush moving in next door, nor my least-favorite uncle showing up. But sometimes determination isn't enough to keep life going my way.
Zeke
I joined the Vancouver police department to honor my military dad after he passed and do good in the world. But a long stint undercover left its marks, and now suddenly I'm the guardian for my twelve-year-old half-brother. I'm rethinking everything about my life, and scrambling to fit a bereaved pre-teen into my shift work. Only help from my elderly neighbor, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and his hockey player grandson, Callum, lets me keep my head above water.
My attraction to Callum is a whole other problem. I'm trying hard not to let my appreciation for red hair and strong muscles and blunt honesty get out of control. Because Callum's gay but he's definitely not out and not looking for a relationship. We're just convenient. I'm not going to be the one to mess up his single-minded drive toward the top professional league. Until the day he comes to me, asking for help, and everything changes.
The Games We Play - Season 2 - is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!
I've wanted to play pro hockey since I was nine years old. That's when my grandfather looked at an angry, hurting, orphaned kid and said, "A sport might be a good way for you to work some of that out." Sadly, in the Under-11s division, punching people wasn't part of the game, which is how I ended up a goalie, to keep me out of temptation's way. Well, plus I'm good at it.
Now I'm in the PHL, and have the second-best record (and yes, the most penalties) of any goalie in the league. I'm aiming for the NAPH and when I make it, I'm going to pay off my grandfather's mortgage and get the family store back out of debt. I'm not going to let anything derail me, not my high-school crush moving in next door, nor my least-favorite uncle showing up. But sometimes determination isn't enough to keep life going my way.
Zeke
I joined the Vancouver police department to honor my military dad after he passed and do good in the world. But a long stint undercover left its marks, and now suddenly I'm the guardian for my twelve-year-old half-brother. I'm rethinking everything about my life, and scrambling to fit a bereaved pre-teen into my shift work. Only help from my elderly neighbor, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and his hockey player grandson, Callum, lets me keep my head above water.
My attraction to Callum is a whole other problem. I'm trying hard not to let my appreciation for red hair and strong muscles and blunt honesty get out of control. Because Callum's gay but he's definitely not out and not looking for a relationship. We're just convenient. I'm not going to be the one to mess up his single-minded drive toward the top professional league. Until the day he comes to me, asking for help, and everything changes.
The Games We Play - Season 2 - is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2025
23 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
91 books2,727 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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October 22, 2025Now available on Amazon and in KU - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F... ; paper also available. :)
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November 23, 2025Thank you for the gift, Ginger Bells Elf!
November 22, 2025
B / 4 stars
Kaje Harper’s Against the Odds is one of the entries in season two of The Games We Play, a multi-author series of hockey romances. The books in each series run concurrently throughout the same hockey season and each one is designed to be read as a standalone, so readers can jump in anywhere. Against the Odds is a skilful blend of hockey and romance with an added element of suspense and a pinch of family drama that add tension and depth to the story, and the romance and the found-family dynamic are nicely developed.
Callum Fitzpatrick is the talented goalie for the minor league Vancouver Cardinals, and has his sights very much set on making it to the majors this year. He’s dedicated, he works hard and he’s the main reason the Cardinals are doing as well as they are this season; their offense and goal-scoring abilities aren’t great, so it’s thanks to Callum’s goaltending that they’re currently second in the league with a relatively low scoring rate.
Whenever he’s able, Callum heads out east of the city to spend time with his grandfather, Roy, who raised him after his parents died and who got him playing hockey as a way of working out some of his grief-fuelled anger and hostility. Callum loves the old man dearly and recognises the sacrifices he made to raise Callum; he helps out around the house and at his grandfather’s store whenever he can, but he really wants to be able to help him out more financially, which he can’t do on a minor league salary that barely covers his own living expenses.
Zeke Evans lived next-door to the Fitzpatricks until he left home to go to college and then joined the police force. But now, he’s moving back into the house to take care of his twelve-year-old half-brother, Josiah, whose mother – Zeke’s stepmother – has recently died. Zeke is currently on extended leave after completing a dangerous assignment that had him deep undercover for several months, so he has some time to arrange to move and to spend with Josiah before he has to go back into uniform, but going back to his real life after his stint undercover has been tough to adjust to – and suddenly finding out he’s the legal guardian of a rebellious, grieving (almost) teen just adds another layer of pressure. But no matter what, he’s determined to do the best he can for Josiah – he just needs to work out exactly what that is.
Although they lived next-door to one another, Callum and Zeke didn’t really know each other back then; Zeke was Callum’s high-school crush, but he was three years older and they had nothing in common. Now, Zeke is one of the few openly queer cops on the local force and Callum feels that old crush come roaring back to life – but he’s firmly in the closet because he can’t afford to risk making any waves that could upset his chances of making it to a major league team, so any non-platonic thoughts about the hot cop on the other side of the fence have to be firmly squashed.
But fate has other ideas. When his apartment building is flooded, Callum has no alternative but to move in with his grandfather – which isn’t ideal as it means a forty minute drive to the rink, but at least he’ll be able to help out a bit more. It also means he can help Zeke with Josiah now and then; he suggests Josiah can go over after school and sleep over when Zeke is working nights, just until Zeke sorts out something more permanent. The arrangement works well – Zeke is working hard to be what Jos needs, the boy is slowly settling down, and Roy clearly enjoys having him around – and the chemistry zinging between Zeke and Callum is becoming impossible for them to ignore. When their mutual attraction explodes into searing kisses and more late one night, they agree to a secret fling – although it’s not long before they realise that whatever is happening between them has gone way past the ‘fling’ stage.
Zeke and Callum are well-rounded, engaging characters who exhibit growth as the story progresses, and their romance - which develops amid personal pressures, grief and family issues but is never overwhelmed by them - is heartfelt and satisfying and I enjoyed watching them step up to support one another through difficult circumstances. There’s a lot going on here, but the story is well-paced and isn’t overstuffed; the author injects some suspense into the second half of the book, which raises the stakes considerably and adds tension to the story. Callum finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place through no fault of his own, and although I was a bit frustrated by his initial refusal to ask for help it was understandable, and I appreciated the somewhat uncomfortable realism of the way things are resolved.
The secondary cast is superbly drawn, too. Roy is a wonderful man, loving and generous and loyal, even when perhaps it’s not in his best interest to be, and Josiah reads like a real twelve-year-old boy whose life has been upended – he’s angry and hurting and scared – and I appreciated the way Callum is able to draw on his own experience to help Zeke to help him. Callum’s uncle Wayne – who is a total slimeball – is easy to love to hate; he’s manipulative and nasty but comes across as a person rather than a cartoon.
Against the Odds is an enjoyable and entertaining read featuring likeable characters, a sexy slow-burn romance, a well-deserved HEA and more than a dash of drama to keep things moving. I enjoyed it and am happy to recommend it.
Kaje Harper’s Against the Odds is one of the entries in season two of The Games We Play, a multi-author series of hockey romances. The books in each series run concurrently throughout the same hockey season and each one is designed to be read as a standalone, so readers can jump in anywhere. Against the Odds is a skilful blend of hockey and romance with an added element of suspense and a pinch of family drama that add tension and depth to the story, and the romance and the found-family dynamic are nicely developed.
Callum Fitzpatrick is the talented goalie for the minor league Vancouver Cardinals, and has his sights very much set on making it to the majors this year. He’s dedicated, he works hard and he’s the main reason the Cardinals are doing as well as they are this season; their offense and goal-scoring abilities aren’t great, so it’s thanks to Callum’s goaltending that they’re currently second in the league with a relatively low scoring rate.
Whenever he’s able, Callum heads out east of the city to spend time with his grandfather, Roy, who raised him after his parents died and who got him playing hockey as a way of working out some of his grief-fuelled anger and hostility. Callum loves the old man dearly and recognises the sacrifices he made to raise Callum; he helps out around the house and at his grandfather’s store whenever he can, but he really wants to be able to help him out more financially, which he can’t do on a minor league salary that barely covers his own living expenses.
Zeke Evans lived next-door to the Fitzpatricks until he left home to go to college and then joined the police force. But now, he’s moving back into the house to take care of his twelve-year-old half-brother, Josiah, whose mother – Zeke’s stepmother – has recently died. Zeke is currently on extended leave after completing a dangerous assignment that had him deep undercover for several months, so he has some time to arrange to move and to spend with Josiah before he has to go back into uniform, but going back to his real life after his stint undercover has been tough to adjust to – and suddenly finding out he’s the legal guardian of a rebellious, grieving (almost) teen just adds another layer of pressure. But no matter what, he’s determined to do the best he can for Josiah – he just needs to work out exactly what that is.
Although they lived next-door to one another, Callum and Zeke didn’t really know each other back then; Zeke was Callum’s high-school crush, but he was three years older and they had nothing in common. Now, Zeke is one of the few openly queer cops on the local force and Callum feels that old crush come roaring back to life – but he’s firmly in the closet because he can’t afford to risk making any waves that could upset his chances of making it to a major league team, so any non-platonic thoughts about the hot cop on the other side of the fence have to be firmly squashed.
But fate has other ideas. When his apartment building is flooded, Callum has no alternative but to move in with his grandfather – which isn’t ideal as it means a forty minute drive to the rink, but at least he’ll be able to help out a bit more. It also means he can help Zeke with Josiah now and then; he suggests Josiah can go over after school and sleep over when Zeke is working nights, just until Zeke sorts out something more permanent. The arrangement works well – Zeke is working hard to be what Jos needs, the boy is slowly settling down, and Roy clearly enjoys having him around – and the chemistry zinging between Zeke and Callum is becoming impossible for them to ignore. When their mutual attraction explodes into searing kisses and more late one night, they agree to a secret fling – although it’s not long before they realise that whatever is happening between them has gone way past the ‘fling’ stage.
Zeke and Callum are well-rounded, engaging characters who exhibit growth as the story progresses, and their romance - which develops amid personal pressures, grief and family issues but is never overwhelmed by them - is heartfelt and satisfying and I enjoyed watching them step up to support one another through difficult circumstances. There’s a lot going on here, but the story is well-paced and isn’t overstuffed; the author injects some suspense into the second half of the book, which raises the stakes considerably and adds tension to the story. Callum finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place through no fault of his own, and although I was a bit frustrated by his initial refusal to ask for help it was understandable, and I appreciated the somewhat uncomfortable realism of the way things are resolved.
The secondary cast is superbly drawn, too. Roy is a wonderful man, loving and generous and loyal, even when perhaps it’s not in his best interest to be, and Josiah reads like a real twelve-year-old boy whose life has been upended – he’s angry and hurting and scared – and I appreciated the way Callum is able to draw on his own experience to help Zeke to help him. Callum’s uncle Wayne – who is a total slimeball – is easy to love to hate; he’s manipulative and nasty but comes across as a person rather than a cartoon.
Against the Odds is an enjoyable and entertaining read featuring likeable characters, a sexy slow-burn romance, a well-deserved HEA and more than a dash of drama to keep things moving. I enjoyed it and am happy to recommend it.
October 13, 2025
Really enjoyed this one!
Callum and Zeke were really good together and I liked how they'd known each other since they were children because they were neighbours, but they didn't know each other well because of the three year age difference. The way their relationship progressed was sweet and also funny at times, but they felt really natural together.
The hockey part of the plot was actually interesting and balanced well with the romance and the whole Uncle situation, and the side characters were fun too - especially Grandpa Roy, Jos, Sully and Hannah.
I did find some parts a little far fetched, and there were a few story threads that kind of got left by the wayside, but overall the story flowed really well and it never felt like the pacing was stalled.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Callum and Zeke were really good together and I liked how they'd known each other since they were children because they were neighbours, but they didn't know each other well because of the three year age difference. The way their relationship progressed was sweet and also funny at times, but they felt really natural together.
The hockey part of the plot was actually interesting and balanced well with the romance and the whole Uncle situation, and the side characters were fun too - especially Grandpa Roy, Jos, Sully and Hannah.
I did find some parts a little far fetched, and there were a few story threads that kind of got left by the wayside, but overall the story flowed really well and it never felt like the pacing was stalled.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
November 2, 2025
DNF ~31%
I think this series is just not for me... normally I love this author, but this just wasn't it for me. Zeke, one of the MCs, felt really inconsistent and it felt like the author didn't really have a handle on him or his voice. Might have been willing to struggle through to see if that solidified as we got farther into the book (though 1/3 through should have been plenty) but considering that the character is a cop who is struggling in the aftermath of going undercover has a virulent white supremacist, including covering up the racist tattoo he got to help him... that is just nowhere near a story I have a single interest in reading. I'm fairly certain his arc was going to involve him quitting the force (and probably taking over Callum's grandfather's store) I just wasn't not feeling the character, the connection of the MCs, or the backstory.
I think this series is just not for me... normally I love this author, but this just wasn't it for me. Zeke, one of the MCs, felt really inconsistent and it felt like the author didn't really have a handle on him or his voice. Might have been willing to struggle through to see if that solidified as we got farther into the book (though 1/3 through should have been plenty) but considering that the character is a cop who is struggling in the aftermath of going undercover has a virulent white supremacist, including covering up the racist tattoo he got to help him... that is just nowhere near a story I have a single interest in reading. I'm fairly certain his arc was going to involve him quitting the force (and probably taking over Callum's grandfather's store) I just wasn't not feeling the character, the connection of the MCs, or the backstory.
December 17, 2025
3.5 stars
I am not sure I am going to categorize this as hockey romance - while Callum is a hockey player, but the scenes involving hockey games are probably only 15-20% of the whole book?
This is more about hockey player dealing with life - with his elderly grandfather, with his no-use-of an uncle, and of course with the neighbor who also just get himself a custody of a preteen.
I thought Callum was a bit of a hot-head, man that temper of him would get him in trouble. But yeah, probably Zeke could help him with that. The part with Callum's uncle made me uneasy! I was so worried that it would take a long time for it to be solved, and I got anxious! I enjoyed the progress of the two of them dealing with Jos, though, Zeke's preteen step-brother. In the end they made good unit together.
I am not sure I am going to categorize this as hockey romance - while Callum is a hockey player, but the scenes involving hockey games are probably only 15-20% of the whole book?
This is more about hockey player dealing with life - with his elderly grandfather, with his no-use-of an uncle, and of course with the neighbor who also just get himself a custody of a preteen.
I thought Callum was a bit of a hot-head, man that temper of him would get him in trouble. But yeah, probably Zeke could help him with that. The part with Callum's uncle made me uneasy! I was so worried that it would take a long time for it to be solved, and I got anxious! I enjoyed the progress of the two of them dealing with Jos, though, Zeke's preteen step-brother. In the end they made good unit together.
November 21, 2025
Overall it’s good
This book is enjoyable overall. I love the chemistry between the two characters and they felt believable. Also love Jos and his attitude. He’s a good kid and deserves good things.
The uncle storyline was a surprise —was not expecting him.
The story moved pretty well. Mostly good pacing—the “I love yous” felt a bit out of nowhere but I wasn’t unhappy with it as they had been with each other for a bit. Was just surprising somehow. Not sure why. While the story didn’t blow me away, it was good and I enjoyed the subplot.
This book is enjoyable overall. I love the chemistry between the two characters and they felt believable. Also love Jos and his attitude. He’s a good kid and deserves good things.
The uncle storyline was a surprise —was not expecting him.
The story moved pretty well. Mostly good pacing—the “I love yous” felt a bit out of nowhere but I wasn’t unhappy with it as they had been with each other for a bit. Was just surprising somehow. Not sure why. While the story didn’t blow me away, it was good and I enjoyed the subplot.
Read
November 1, 2025I love that this series takes the characters beyond the game - and Kaje Harper gives us a story about neighbours, family dynamics and balancing work and home life! I absolutely love Callum and Zeke together and watching them learn to parent Zeke's brother and deal with Callum's uncle and his cronies!
This book was a great read - low angst relationship, but brought in just enough outside angst to add tension to the story!
This book was a great read - low angst relationship, but brought in just enough outside angst to add tension to the story!
October 23, 2025
I loved the whole thriller aspect of the book especially a cop and a hockey player. Zeke was so good for Callum and his hotheadedness. Such a cute story and I would definitely read more from this series.
November 15, 2025
3.5 stars
Nice characters and a good, solid setting. Even though it’s nowhere near my favorite by this author, I enjoyed reading this. There was a bit of a twist that almost descended into drama territory, but in the end it didn’t bother me too much.
Nice characters and a good, solid setting. Even though it’s nowhere near my favorite by this author, I enjoyed reading this. There was a bit of a twist that almost descended into drama territory, but in the end it didn’t bother me too much.
November 6, 2025
DNF at 61%
I just can't with this one. Zeke is sort of ok, kind of, the kid is sort of ok, Callum is not great, but the plot is making me mad. So it's time to stop.
I just can't with this one. Zeke is sort of ok, kind of, the kid is sort of ok, Callum is not great, but the plot is making me mad. So it's time to stop.
November 7, 2025
I nearly dnf'd this book at 62% because my anxiety about the situation with Uncle Wayne and friends was so strong and Callum was determined to deal with it alone. Luckily I figured I'd try one more chapter and things started swinging the other way almost immediately once Callum confided in Zeke. I ended up really enjoying this but the anxiety meant I couldn't give it 5*.
* sports
* ice hockey
* cop
* mild ptsd from working undercover
* grief (old and new)
* dealing with a grieving pre-teen
* closeted (hockey player)
* coming out (hockey player)
* coercion, threats, and blackmail
* tattoos
* enough ice time/cop shifts that their jobs aren't just lip service.
* sports
* ice hockey
* cop
* mild ptsd from working undercover
* grief (old and new)
* dealing with a grieving pre-teen
* closeted (hockey player)
* coming out (hockey player)
* coercion, threats, and blackmail
* tattoos
* enough ice time/cop shifts that their jobs aren't just lip service.
October 22, 2025
Packs a punch
I love Kaje Harper books. Especially Kaje Harper hockey books. Spotting a Canadian who grew up watching the NHL isn’t tough. Choosing which Canadian team to support (or American, if you have divided loyalties) can be tough. Me? I’m split between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks. That said, if any team makes the playoffs, Canada pretty much gets behind that Canadian team. The drought has to end sometime…right?
But I digress. Kaje set her new book with the hockey team in Surrey and the homes of the two heroes in Vancouver. Both are old stomping grounds for me. So, I felt right at home. She also opted to use Canadian spelling as well as some grammatical quirks. I loved that!
Okay, the story. Callum’s a successful goalie with his sights set on the big league. Yes, he wants to be the best. He also wants to pay off his grandfather’s mortgage and help the family business stay afloat. He’s juggling a lot of responsibilities as well as playing hockey. Oh, and he has a penchant for getting into fights and, therefore, having the highest penalty rate of any goalie in the league. Finally, he’s firmly in the closet. He doesn’t want anything to derail his hockey career.
Even if his high school crush moves in next door.
Zeke works for the Vancouver Police Department and has just finished a stint as an undercover gang member to help bring down some bad guys. He hasn’t even had time to rid himself of a horrible tattoo before his step-mother dies – leaving him as the guardian of a twelve-year-old half brother – who is now an orphan.
Then Callum comes home to stay for a while with his grandfather and Zeke’s seeing an entirely different side to the former surly teen.
Okay, so that’s enough crap going on with both of them.
Except, because this is a Kaje book, it’s not just a romance between a hockey goalie and a cop.
Callum has a horrible uncle who, after a stint in jail, pops back into his life. I can say that every time the man appeared on the page, my blood pressure rose and my stomach bottomed out.
Zeke is fighting to keep his nephew in Vancouver – where the boy wants to be – despite the kid’s family from Ontario wanting to take him back there and ‘raise him properly’.
Conflict, drama, and some more bad stuff.
Through all that, Callum and Zeke manage to have a relationship. But even that secret love affair is put in jeopardy by the forces beyond their control.
I will say I love how this book came together. There’s family drama, there’s mystery, there’s hot sex…and two guys who deserve happiness that might never come their way.
Phew.
I am allowed to say this is a Kaje Harper romance, so I got my happy ending. But man, these two had to wade through crap to get there!
I haven’t read the other books in the series, but am looking forward to seeing them all. I certainly hope Kaje keeps writing hockey books with heart.
I love Kaje Harper books. Especially Kaje Harper hockey books. Spotting a Canadian who grew up watching the NHL isn’t tough. Choosing which Canadian team to support (or American, if you have divided loyalties) can be tough. Me? I’m split between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks. That said, if any team makes the playoffs, Canada pretty much gets behind that Canadian team. The drought has to end sometime…right?
But I digress. Kaje set her new book with the hockey team in Surrey and the homes of the two heroes in Vancouver. Both are old stomping grounds for me. So, I felt right at home. She also opted to use Canadian spelling as well as some grammatical quirks. I loved that!
Okay, the story. Callum’s a successful goalie with his sights set on the big league. Yes, he wants to be the best. He also wants to pay off his grandfather’s mortgage and help the family business stay afloat. He’s juggling a lot of responsibilities as well as playing hockey. Oh, and he has a penchant for getting into fights and, therefore, having the highest penalty rate of any goalie in the league. Finally, he’s firmly in the closet. He doesn’t want anything to derail his hockey career.
Even if his high school crush moves in next door.
Zeke works for the Vancouver Police Department and has just finished a stint as an undercover gang member to help bring down some bad guys. He hasn’t even had time to rid himself of a horrible tattoo before his step-mother dies – leaving him as the guardian of a twelve-year-old half brother – who is now an orphan.
Then Callum comes home to stay for a while with his grandfather and Zeke’s seeing an entirely different side to the former surly teen.
Okay, so that’s enough crap going on with both of them.
Except, because this is a Kaje book, it’s not just a romance between a hockey goalie and a cop.
Callum has a horrible uncle who, after a stint in jail, pops back into his life. I can say that every time the man appeared on the page, my blood pressure rose and my stomach bottomed out.
Zeke is fighting to keep his nephew in Vancouver – where the boy wants to be – despite the kid’s family from Ontario wanting to take him back there and ‘raise him properly’.
Conflict, drama, and some more bad stuff.
Through all that, Callum and Zeke manage to have a relationship. But even that secret love affair is put in jeopardy by the forces beyond their control.
I will say I love how this book came together. There’s family drama, there’s mystery, there’s hot sex…and two guys who deserve happiness that might never come their way.
Phew.
I am allowed to say this is a Kaje Harper romance, so I got my happy ending. But man, these two had to wade through crap to get there!
I haven’t read the other books in the series, but am looking forward to seeing them all. I certainly hope Kaje keeps writing hockey books with heart.
October 23, 2025
Another entertaining hockey romance in the Games We Play (Season 2) multi-author series. This one is neighbors to lovers, cop meets hockey player, single dad (for younger brother), mild suspense elements.
Callum’s on the farm team for an NHL-equivalent team (in this series, the NAPH is the top level and goal for pro players—Callum’s on a PHL/one level lower team). When his apartment building suffers damage and is closed for repairs, he goes home to stay with his grandfather, Roy. And gets a load of the returning neighbor…
Zeke’s just inherited ownership of his family home next door and custody of his younger (12) half-brother, Jos. Zeke is a detective just out of a strenuous undercover op and needs someone to stay with Jos on nights when he has graveyard shifts.
These two are simply neighbors who take one look at each other…and then another…and another. They knew of each other over the years, and Callum had a crush on the three years older Zeke, but never really interacted until now. The chemistry is organic, growing from support and day to day compatibility, alongside physical attraction. Callum’s not out; Zeke’s publicly an out cop, but that never became a source of conflict between them and was handled maturely. I enjoyed the way they worked out their dynamic as part-time roommates and tentative to exclusive lovers, Callum taking over a spare room in Zeke’s house for nights Zeke was away, but still being there for his grandfather next door (loved Roy too!). Jos is an authentic kid who just lost his mom (Zeke’s stepmom—no love lost there, but, Zeke knows Jos loved her very much, so, no angst either), with attitude, but, he never takes over the narrative. The focus is mostly on Zeke and Callum’s growing attraction and developing emotions.
Callum’s dipshit criminal uncle (Roy’s son) comes home from prison and wreaks havoc, and Callum and Zeke get caught up in his nasty shenanigans, including his connection with a gambling shark who wants to influence hockey game outcomes, creating conflict and tension and more plot than I was expecting. I enjoyed the realistic way it was dealt with, not easily, not fully, but ultimately satisfyingly for Callum and his hockey organization.
It's a good solid story from Kaje Harper and I enjoyed it! The hockey is strong/credible, the characters layered and authentic, and the story trips along at a good pace. Secondary characters supported and elevated the story as they should. Shout out to Koda, Sully, Hannah, and Olivia as favorites. No cliché “mean” women here.
HEA, neighbors to lovers, closeted hockey player meets out cop, single parent, romantic suspense elements. Totally safe for me; no OM drama/others at all, and barely any annoying mentions of past partners. The focus stayed on the MCs’ romance. Recommended! I’ve enjoyed several titles from this series and look forward to more.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Callum’s on the farm team for an NHL-equivalent team (in this series, the NAPH is the top level and goal for pro players—Callum’s on a PHL/one level lower team). When his apartment building suffers damage and is closed for repairs, he goes home to stay with his grandfather, Roy. And gets a load of the returning neighbor…
Zeke’s just inherited ownership of his family home next door and custody of his younger (12) half-brother, Jos. Zeke is a detective just out of a strenuous undercover op and needs someone to stay with Jos on nights when he has graveyard shifts.
These two are simply neighbors who take one look at each other…and then another…and another. They knew of each other over the years, and Callum had a crush on the three years older Zeke, but never really interacted until now. The chemistry is organic, growing from support and day to day compatibility, alongside physical attraction. Callum’s not out; Zeke’s publicly an out cop, but that never became a source of conflict between them and was handled maturely. I enjoyed the way they worked out their dynamic as part-time roommates and tentative to exclusive lovers, Callum taking over a spare room in Zeke’s house for nights Zeke was away, but still being there for his grandfather next door (loved Roy too!). Jos is an authentic kid who just lost his mom (Zeke’s stepmom—no love lost there, but, Zeke knows Jos loved her very much, so, no angst either), with attitude, but, he never takes over the narrative. The focus is mostly on Zeke and Callum’s growing attraction and developing emotions.
Callum’s dipshit criminal uncle (Roy’s son) comes home from prison and wreaks havoc, and Callum and Zeke get caught up in his nasty shenanigans, including his connection with a gambling shark who wants to influence hockey game outcomes, creating conflict and tension and more plot than I was expecting. I enjoyed the realistic way it was dealt with, not easily, not fully, but ultimately satisfyingly for Callum and his hockey organization.
It's a good solid story from Kaje Harper and I enjoyed it! The hockey is strong/credible, the characters layered and authentic, and the story trips along at a good pace. Secondary characters supported and elevated the story as they should. Shout out to Koda, Sully, Hannah, and Olivia as favorites. No cliché “mean” women here.
HEA, neighbors to lovers, closeted hockey player meets out cop, single parent, romantic suspense elements. Totally safe for me; no OM drama/others at all, and barely any annoying mentions of past partners. The focus stayed on the MCs’ romance. Recommended! I’ve enjoyed several titles from this series and look forward to more.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
October 26, 2025
This book is part of the multi-author series of hockey romances that is under the heading The Games We Play Season 2. Every book in this series is a standalone read. The entire series runs concurrently throughout the same hockey season. This is the story of Callum Fitzpatrick and Zeke Evans. Callum is a talented goal tender who is hoping to make it to the NHL. His hard work and dedication are a major reason his team is doing so well this season. Callum wants to make it to the NHL and start making some serious money. He wants to pay off his grandfather's mortgage and help him out. His grandfather raised him since his parents died when he was only 9 years old. There is some serious love and respect between the two of them. And to make sure nothing stops him from going pro, he has also kept the fact that he is gay to himself. He is afraid that the negativity that can happen would hurt his chances joining the NHL. Finally, Callum has no filter when he talks and he is also leading the league in penalty minutes for a goalie. Those that know him are not surprised. Zeke is a police officer who grew up living next door to the Fitzpatrick's family. He is older than Callum and left home to forge his own way. But the unexpected death of his step mother throws his entire world into chaos. He is now the guardian of his much younger brother and half owner of the house he grew up in. As his brother's entire world is shaken, Zeke is determined to keep Jos in his own home, his regular school and let him keep all his friends. A stressful time for anyone. Luckily Zeke is on three weeks leave when the death occurs. It gives him and Jos a little time to start to bond together. But Zeke is scrambling for adult supervision for his brother. Being a shift worker with a four day rotating shift, he is comfortable with Jos being alone during the day but not the night. But that is where the Fitzpatrick's step in. Callum and his grandfather offer to help as needed. Since Callum has moved to his grandfather's place due to an unexpected roof leak in his old apartment, the two reconnect. This is their story. The book is very well written and easy to read. The author has beautifully combined both hockey and romance in this story. Of course, then there is the suspense and family drama to deal with. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from GRR and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I really enjoyed this book. I loved watching all the interpersonal relationships develop as well as the teammate dynamics. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys hockey and romance. It is a wonderful combination of the two.
October 24, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Kaje Harper writes some of the most immersive and compelling romances I've ever read. I got hooked on the drama from page 1 and didn't look up until about halfway through! There was a lot going on! I couldn't look away.
This story was anything but sweet. Against the Odds was a heavier hockey romance, with themes of childhood grief, criminality, as well as the athletic-ambitions closet we're all very familiar with.
Like always, Harper's characters were dynamic, fully-realized people, each one a unique and complicated bag of emotions, desires, mindsets, and energy. I didn't find Callum particularly likeable, but he really owned that prickly, snarling space, and I respect KH for staying true to his character to the very end.
I felt sorry for Zeke more times than not, and though not the most alluring draw for an MC, I appreciated getting there because of the challenges he had to face raising his grieving 12yo brother. His was a stable, grounding influence in the midst of a lot of turmoil, and I liked that he was both strong and yielding. He was aware of the pain and struggle in everyone around him, and he tried to ease that in any way that he could no matter where he was at after/during his day.
Callum and Zeke's romance was one built on shared caretaking, family melodrama, hot loving and a ton of heightened emotions on Callum's part lol. Their HEA felt realistic instead of storybook, even though there was a seedy, criminal underbelly vibe to this story that's more crime movie than hallmark and I loved that!
Looking forward to whatever Harper releases next, because even though this wasn't a super fave for me, I will never get enough of how immersive the reading experience always is whenever I lose myself in a character-rich, dramatic KH romance that I can't wait to have again!
Kaje Harper writes some of the most immersive and compelling romances I've ever read. I got hooked on the drama from page 1 and didn't look up until about halfway through! There was a lot going on! I couldn't look away.
This story was anything but sweet. Against the Odds was a heavier hockey romance, with themes of childhood grief, criminality, as well as the athletic-ambitions closet we're all very familiar with.
Like always, Harper's characters were dynamic, fully-realized people, each one a unique and complicated bag of emotions, desires, mindsets, and energy. I didn't find Callum particularly likeable, but he really owned that prickly, snarling space, and I respect KH for staying true to his character to the very end.
I felt sorry for Zeke more times than not, and though not the most alluring draw for an MC, I appreciated getting there because of the challenges he had to face raising his grieving 12yo brother. His was a stable, grounding influence in the midst of a lot of turmoil, and I liked that he was both strong and yielding. He was aware of the pain and struggle in everyone around him, and he tried to ease that in any way that he could no matter where he was at after/during his day.
Callum and Zeke's romance was one built on shared caretaking, family melodrama, hot loving and a ton of heightened emotions on Callum's part lol. Their HEA felt realistic instead of storybook, even though there was a seedy, criminal underbelly vibe to this story that's more crime movie than hallmark and I loved that!
Looking forward to whatever Harper releases next, because even though this wasn't a super fave for me, I will never get enough of how immersive the reading experience always is whenever I lose myself in a character-rich, dramatic KH romance that I can't wait to have again!
October 26, 2025
4.25 stars
This is part of the season two, multi author series, The Games We Play and features Callum, a hot headed, ginger goalie playing in the minors, hoping to be called up to the pros. Of course that meant he couldn’t come out for fear of being rejected by the team he was so desperate to join—but he had plenty of time for that later. First order of business was to make the team so he could take care of his elderly grandfather the way his grandfather had taken care of him after his parents passed when he was a child. When his uncle was released from prison and went to live with them, however, he brought with him a bad attitude and complications that could ruin Callum’s career before it even started.
It was only the presence of Zeke, their cop neighbor next door, and whom he’d crushed on as a teen, that kept Callum from spiraling when everything seemed to be crashing down around him. Zeke had a lot going on himself though; his stepmother had passed, leaving him as the guardian of his twelve year old little brother who was prone to outbursts and struggling with the loss of his mother—something Zeke had no idea how to deal with.
Although the book had a fair amount of drama, it was relatively low in angst while still having a good amount of steam, all of which I enjoyed but I’m at a loss as to how to describe it. It’s not a dark romance and it’s certainly not fluffy… I guess the best way to describe it is to say that it was really just a good overall read… a little on the long side maybe but it kept my attention throughout and is easy for me to recommend to readers who love hockey and enjoy a bit of suspense in their romances. 4.25 stars
I received a copy of this book for free from GRR but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is part of the season two, multi author series, The Games We Play and features Callum, a hot headed, ginger goalie playing in the minors, hoping to be called up to the pros. Of course that meant he couldn’t come out for fear of being rejected by the team he was so desperate to join—but he had plenty of time for that later. First order of business was to make the team so he could take care of his elderly grandfather the way his grandfather had taken care of him after his parents passed when he was a child. When his uncle was released from prison and went to live with them, however, he brought with him a bad attitude and complications that could ruin Callum’s career before it even started.
It was only the presence of Zeke, their cop neighbor next door, and whom he’d crushed on as a teen, that kept Callum from spiraling when everything seemed to be crashing down around him. Zeke had a lot going on himself though; his stepmother had passed, leaving him as the guardian of his twelve year old little brother who was prone to outbursts and struggling with the loss of his mother—something Zeke had no idea how to deal with.
Although the book had a fair amount of drama, it was relatively low in angst while still having a good amount of steam, all of which I enjoyed but I’m at a loss as to how to describe it. It’s not a dark romance and it’s certainly not fluffy… I guess the best way to describe it is to say that it was really just a good overall read… a little on the long side maybe but it kept my attention throughout and is easy for me to recommend to readers who love hockey and enjoy a bit of suspense in their romances. 4.25 stars
I received a copy of this book for free from GRR but am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2025
Callum has one dream. To play in the NAPH. He has been working hard in the minors for the day he will finally get pulled up. He hopes it is soon and in the meantime he will keep proving himself by winning games and keeping up with the shutouts since he is the goalie. The pressure is on especially when he wants to help his grandfather out financially. He sacrificed a lot to raise Callum when his parents died and his grandfather is really all he has. Though when his high school crush moves back home to raise his half-brother, well, things get a little complicated. Especially since Callum isn’t out yet either in fear of what may happen to his career. Zeke’s life is turned upside down when his stepmom dies and he has to raise his half brother, Josiah. Thankfully he was left as the guardian in the will and won’t have to hand him off to his stepmom’s awful family. But raising a grieving teen isn’t easy. But getting to know Callum? That has definitely been a nice thing in the mix of the chaos. And it isn’t long until these two are hooking up and falling fast. But then Callum’s shady uncle is let out of prison and comes back causing a whole lot of trouble. Can Callum lean on Zeke for help? Or will he try to face his issues alone? I really enjoyed Callum and Zeke’s story! They balances one another well. This story had a lot of action that kept you on your toes as well as being fun and some great romance! And of course hockey! Looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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October 24, 2025Callum and Zeke grew up next door to one another but never really knew each other. After his apartment is damaged, Callum, a professional hockey player with dreams of making it to the top league, is forced to move back home with his grandfather until renovations can take place. At the same time, Zeke, an officer for the Vancouver Police Department, has to move back home to assume guardianship of his pre-adolescent brother after the deaths of his father and step-mother.
The two connect after Callum’s grandfather offers his and Callum’s help watching over Zeke’s brother when he has to work nights. There is an attraction between Callum and Zeke which is explored fairly quickly. Zeke has no way of knowing Callum had a crush on him in high school and Callum thinks he doesn’t have a chance with Zeke as Zeke is proudly gay and out while Callum is not and has no intention to reveal his sexuality until after he is accepting in the top professional hockey league.
After a bribery incident by his uncle. Callum makes the decision to take the steps that will allow him to live the life he wants, which includes a boyfriend and not hiding it.
Callum is broody. Zeke is calm. Together they bring out the best in one another and give each other exactly what neither realized they were missing.
There is drama, conflict, emotional angst, fear, regret and other emotions present. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and plan to read other works by the author.
The two connect after Callum’s grandfather offers his and Callum’s help watching over Zeke’s brother when he has to work nights. There is an attraction between Callum and Zeke which is explored fairly quickly. Zeke has no way of knowing Callum had a crush on him in high school and Callum thinks he doesn’t have a chance with Zeke as Zeke is proudly gay and out while Callum is not and has no intention to reveal his sexuality until after he is accepting in the top professional hockey league.
After a bribery incident by his uncle. Callum makes the decision to take the steps that will allow him to live the life he wants, which includes a boyfriend and not hiding it.
Callum is broody. Zeke is calm. Together they bring out the best in one another and give each other exactly what neither realized they were missing.
There is drama, conflict, emotional angst, fear, regret and other emotions present. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and plan to read other works by the author.
October 22, 2025
Let me start off by saying that some relatives just need to stay away!
You can only forgive so much, before you need to be able to wash your hands of them, and move on.
Callum loves his grandfather, who raised him after the death of his parents.
His grandfather is a wonderful man, supportive and kind.
One of those who always looks for the goodness in everyone.
Sometimes to the detriment of his own well being.
He owns a small store that serves his community and Callum, and two other women, work for him.
He's 75 now and is slowing down some.
Just like the economy.
So he and his store are struggling.
Callum plays hockey for a minor league team with the hopes of being signed to th Dragons with a huge jump in pay.
Then he can help his grandfather financially.
Zeke, Callum's high school crush, is now a police officer 👮♂️ who is raising his nephew, Jos, following the death of his widowed mother.
Callum and his grandfather help with the 'child supervision'.
This closeness is beneficial for all of them, especially when crime comes knocking on Callum's door.
So much tension, so much love, so much of a future...
You're going to love meeting all of these characters, minus one, and the HEA will warm your heart!
Thanks to GRR for this fantastic book by Kaje.
I love the way she shares her vision of the world with me.
You can only forgive so much, before you need to be able to wash your hands of them, and move on.
Callum loves his grandfather, who raised him after the death of his parents.
His grandfather is a wonderful man, supportive and kind.
One of those who always looks for the goodness in everyone.
Sometimes to the detriment of his own well being.
He owns a small store that serves his community and Callum, and two other women, work for him.
He's 75 now and is slowing down some.
Just like the economy.
So he and his store are struggling.
Callum plays hockey for a minor league team with the hopes of being signed to th Dragons with a huge jump in pay.
Then he can help his grandfather financially.
Zeke, Callum's high school crush, is now a police officer 👮♂️ who is raising his nephew, Jos, following the death of his widowed mother.
Callum and his grandfather help with the 'child supervision'.
This closeness is beneficial for all of them, especially when crime comes knocking on Callum's door.
So much tension, so much love, so much of a future...
You're going to love meeting all of these characters, minus one, and the HEA will warm your heart!
Thanks to GRR for this fantastic book by Kaje.
I love the way she shares her vision of the world with me.
October 24, 2025
I love Kaje’s hockey books, as they always seem to have enough hockey for interest but not an overwhelming amount. Her characters are interesting and well-drawn, and they feel like old friends before too many chapters have passed. With this one we get some rough backstories – Callum’s folks died and his grandfather took him, but that (as we learn) wasn’t totally the end of the story, and he’s kind of still fighting. Zeke lost his beloved dad several years ago, and now has become responsible for his stepbrother. There’s some teenage history between the two former neighbors, but mostly this is a new relationship.
I love the family elements, past and present, that have shaped both Callum and Zeke and continue to drive their choices. There’s some serious soul-searching, not only about their immediate positions but about the choices they have made and those coming up, though the book isn’t maudlin. There’s also some action and drama to keep things lively, and while it’s handy that Zeke is in a position to help Callum, his viewpoint becomes an obstacle at times. These are the kinds of details that make a Kaje Harper book stand out and take root in my brain; while I’ve never been targeted by bad guys, I certainly have experienced friction with loved ones who viewed my problems through a vastly different lens. It’s relatable fiction at its finest.
I love the family elements, past and present, that have shaped both Callum and Zeke and continue to drive their choices. There’s some serious soul-searching, not only about their immediate positions but about the choices they have made and those coming up, though the book isn’t maudlin. There’s also some action and drama to keep things lively, and while it’s handy that Zeke is in a position to help Callum, his viewpoint becomes an obstacle at times. These are the kinds of details that make a Kaje Harper book stand out and take root in my brain; while I’ve never been targeted by bad guys, I certainly have experienced friction with loved ones who viewed my problems through a vastly different lens. It’s relatable fiction at its finest.
October 27, 2025
It was like history repeating itself to a certain extent in this story. When Callum's parents died he came to live with his grandfather at the age of nine. He was an angry child and his grandfather put him in sports to try to burn off some of that energy and it was hockey that stuck. Currently, Zeke has just inherited his 12 year old brother after his stepmother meets an unfortunate end. His brother is an angry child trying to deal with his grief. Both Zeke and Callum are at interesting spaces in their lives in relation to family and their professions. They have known one another all of their lives in passing and now that they are living next door again as adults - Zeke with his brother and Callum is staying with his grandfather again when his apartment building is in need of repairs - they have a chance to connect and to grow together in ways that neither expected. A lot happens to both of them but what is most important is the ways they grow to depend on one another to help them work their way through the challenges that life throws at them. It was also heartening to see the four of them blend together as a family.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2025
cameo, SS bolts, chocolate Timbits, Mr Yuck, doggy, sucker-kiss, tariffs, maple leaf lapel pin, BCMC, hot-water bottle, leopard-like
She shoots, and scores! Kaje Harper has done it again. She's crafted another great story that'll entrance, intrigue, and satisfy you. At times, it had me sitting on the edge of my seat. For me, the story came alive and leapt off the pages. There's plenty of angst from at least four of the characters. Two of the secondary characters almost are MCs; they play significant roles and are integral to the story.
Policeman Zeke is back in town for his shrewish stepmother's funeral. Also he's been given guardianship of his 12 year-old half-brother, Josiah. It's there he sees his next-door neighbor's son, goalie Callum again, who's back at the request of his grandfather for the funeral. But, it's Callum's anger and temper that has showed Zeke that Callum is still like his 9 year-old self. There's attraction, but both don't know if the other man is gay. Callum is gay, but closeted. Zeke has been out for a while.
I enjoyed this book immensely and enthusiastically recommend it.
She shoots, and scores! Kaje Harper has done it again. She's crafted another great story that'll entrance, intrigue, and satisfy you. At times, it had me sitting on the edge of my seat. For me, the story came alive and leapt off the pages. There's plenty of angst from at least four of the characters. Two of the secondary characters almost are MCs; they play significant roles and are integral to the story.
Policeman Zeke is back in town for his shrewish stepmother's funeral. Also he's been given guardianship of his 12 year-old half-brother, Josiah. It's there he sees his next-door neighbor's son, goalie Callum again, who's back at the request of his grandfather for the funeral. But, it's Callum's anger and temper that has showed Zeke that Callum is still like his 9 year-old self. There's attraction, but both don't know if the other man is gay. Callum is gay, but closeted. Zeke has been out for a while.
I enjoyed this book immensely and enthusiastically recommend it.
November 16, 2025
Callum and Zeke’s story kept me reading late at night as I had to see what happened next. I loved the mix of romance and suspense with a focus on family and sports.
I liked how Callum and Zeke reconnected after knowing each other from afar years ago. I loved how Zeke is trying to build a life for himself and Jos with the realistic difficulties of living with a pre-team who is trying to move past losing his mother. I loved Callum’s relationship with Roy, his grandfather, his determination to make life better for him, and how helping out Zeke leads to a HEA all round.
I liked Jos’s portrayal as a realistic teen. He’s definitely better off with Zeke than his horrible mother’s family. Roy is a sweetheart, and one of the good guys while Wayne is the very opposite in every way.
I loved the suspense plot with Wayne causing problems and the resolution of that. I was turning pages, hoping that Callum’s life wouldn’t be totally derailed or worse.
I also enjoyed the interactions between Callum and his team, which is one of my favourite parts of sports romance. I liked Zeke’s partner, Olivia, and her wife, too.
I liked how Callum and Zeke reconnected after knowing each other from afar years ago. I loved how Zeke is trying to build a life for himself and Jos with the realistic difficulties of living with a pre-team who is trying to move past losing his mother. I loved Callum’s relationship with Roy, his grandfather, his determination to make life better for him, and how helping out Zeke leads to a HEA all round.
I liked Jos’s portrayal as a realistic teen. He’s definitely better off with Zeke than his horrible mother’s family. Roy is a sweetheart, and one of the good guys while Wayne is the very opposite in every way.
I loved the suspense plot with Wayne causing problems and the resolution of that. I was turning pages, hoping that Callum’s life wouldn’t be totally derailed or worse.
I also enjoyed the interactions between Callum and his team, which is one of my favourite parts of sports romance. I liked Zeke’s partner, Olivia, and her wife, too.
October 26, 2025
Kaje is a new to me author and I wasn’t expecting to love their work. I really enjoyed Callum and Zeke’s story. I’m a sucker for childhood crushes and this one hit my sweet spot.
I loved how it intertwined hockey and betting crime. It got my heart racing for a little bit and that made it even more exciting.
After being blackmailed by his own uncle to throw a game, Callum finds himself on a bind. If he takes the money he jeopardizes his career but if he doesn’t, his family will be in trouble. Standing up to his deviant uncle, Callum decides to seek help even if it’s not the best option.
My heart hurt for grandpa. He didn’t deserve such a jerk as a son. To be willing to hurt his own family and be ok with it was so disappointing. I’m glad that Callum was there to show grandpa how much he was loved.
Zeke wasn’t counting on becoming a parent so unexpectedly but he did a fantastic job, or tried. Raising a kid isn’t easy but a pre-teen is even harder. Good thing he has such a great support system with Callum and Roy.
Really enjoying this series. Looking forward to reading the rest.
I loved how it intertwined hockey and betting crime. It got my heart racing for a little bit and that made it even more exciting.
After being blackmailed by his own uncle to throw a game, Callum finds himself on a bind. If he takes the money he jeopardizes his career but if he doesn’t, his family will be in trouble. Standing up to his deviant uncle, Callum decides to seek help even if it’s not the best option.
My heart hurt for grandpa. He didn’t deserve such a jerk as a son. To be willing to hurt his own family and be ok with it was so disappointing. I’m glad that Callum was there to show grandpa how much he was loved.
Zeke wasn’t counting on becoming a parent so unexpectedly but he did a fantastic job, or tried. Raising a kid isn’t easy but a pre-teen is even harder. Good thing he has such a great support system with Callum and Roy.
Really enjoying this series. Looking forward to reading the rest.
October 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed The Games We Play – Season 2! Callum’s journey as a driven, closeted minor league goalie striving for the NAPH is compelling, and Zeke’s struggle to balance raising his grieving half-brother while navigating his feelings for Callum adds so much depth to the story. Their chemistry is sizzling, and watching them connect and support one another through complicated circumstances is heartwarming and satisfying.
The plot keeps you engaged with twists like Callum being blackmailed by his uncle and the high-stakes tension around proving his innocence, all while juggling hockey and family drama. I loved how action, romance, and hockey are seamlessly blended, and the story feels both realistic and emotionally grounded. It’s a fun, heartfelt read with strong characters and a storyline that kept me turning pages—definitely looking forward to the other books in this series!
I really enjoyed The Games We Play – Season 2! Callum’s journey as a driven, closeted minor league goalie striving for the NAPH is compelling, and Zeke’s struggle to balance raising his grieving half-brother while navigating his feelings for Callum adds so much depth to the story. Their chemistry is sizzling, and watching them connect and support one another through complicated circumstances is heartwarming and satisfying.
The plot keeps you engaged with twists like Callum being blackmailed by his uncle and the high-stakes tension around proving his innocence, all while juggling hockey and family drama. I loved how action, romance, and hockey are seamlessly blended, and the story feels both realistic and emotionally grounded. It’s a fun, heartfelt read with strong characters and a storyline that kept me turning pages—definitely looking forward to the other books in this series!
October 15, 2025
I enjoyed this story, which blends sports romance with emotional depth and a touch of suspense, making it an engaging and layered read. Callum, a determined goalie chasing a shot at the majors, is closeted and cautious—especially with so much at stake. Zeke, a local cop suddenly thrust into caring for his younger half-brother, finds an unexpected connection with Callum that slowly grows into something real.
Their relationship develops amid personal pressures, grief, and a criminal scheme that pulls Callum into a dangerous bind. The blackmail subplot adds tension, and the way the characters navigate both systemic failures and personal dilemmas feels grounded and believable. The romance builds with care, the found-family dynamic is heartfelt, and the supporting cast adds texture without overshadowing the leads.
This is a solid, satisfying read that balances romance, real-world challenges, and a dash of intrigue—perfect for fans of character-driven sports romance.
Their relationship develops amid personal pressures, grief, and a criminal scheme that pulls Callum into a dangerous bind. The blackmail subplot adds tension, and the way the characters navigate both systemic failures and personal dilemmas feels grounded and believable. The romance builds with care, the found-family dynamic is heartfelt, and the supporting cast adds texture without overshadowing the leads.
This is a solid, satisfying read that balances romance, real-world challenges, and a dash of intrigue—perfect for fans of character-driven sports romance.
October 28, 2025
Another wonderful entry for Season 2 of the Games We Play series. We would not expect any thing less from Kaje. Callum, our rather angry goalie, and Zeke, our struggling police officer, has such a journey to get to their HEA. Callum is not out, dealing with an aging grandfather and a crooked uncle, and trying to drag his minor league team into the playoffs, while working towards a major league contract. Zeke, so proudly out, finds himself unexpectedly guardian for his half brother, tween angst compounded with grief. They end up as neighbors, finding their way between babysitting, comic books, stupid uncle, lovely grandfather. Callum and Zeke fall into such a lovely found and kin family. The suspense and hockey plot lines contribute to the romance plot without overwhelming it. Kudos to Kaje giving us such a great picture of child care struggles with Zeke and Josiah. Love the epilogue! Won't mind a little peak of their future in about a year
November 8, 2025
'The faint lingering taste of Callum in my mouth and the echo of his voice reminded me I wasn’t just a cop or a big brother or an executor trying to puzzle out an estate. I was a gay man who’d met another awesome gay man, and even though all we were doing was convenient sex, it’d included the best kisses I’d had in years. I couldn’t wait to see where we went from here.'
I really enjoyed this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Callum and Zeke. A closeted hockey goalie with too many penalties and a cop raising his orphaned teenaged half-brother. Both are trying to do the best they can for their respective family members- definitely not including Callum's horrible uncle!
I liked the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed. The banter was cute. And the chemistry between them was scorching hot! I got really invested in these two! It was not an easy path for them, but very worth the journey. 4 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Callum and Zeke. A closeted hockey goalie with too many penalties and a cop raising his orphaned teenaged half-brother. Both are trying to do the best they can for their respective family members- definitely not including Callum's horrible uncle!
I liked the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed. The banter was cute. And the chemistry between them was scorching hot! I got really invested in these two! It was not an easy path for them, but very worth the journey. 4 stars
October 25, 2025
Against the Odds is a lovely romance between Callum (a pro hockey player) and Zeke (a cop who has moved next door to Callum's grandfather to take over care of his 12 year-old orphaned step-brother). This was a nice change from standard MM hockey romance, where a lot of the drama centers around homophobia. And while Callum is in the closet (and his coming out is part of the book), the main bit of conflict involves his shady Uncle Wayne and a gambling ring that he gets dragged into. So we get hockey and a bit of police procedural as Callum figures out how to get out of a sticky situation. The relationship between Callum and his grandfather is beautiful, and I love the blended/extended family that is built.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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