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Love The Game
Barn Burner
I’ve ridden a Zamboni, but never a cowboy…
Missing out on my first Stanley Cup has left me more torn up than I expected. It was in my sights. So close, I could almost touch it.
With my brother back in England, I’m facing nothing but an empty house and my thoughts, and there’s only two ways to soothe my mind:
The ice and nature.
But when I pack up my car and head out into the Alberta wilderness, my bad luck lands me in the reluctant hands of a grumpy cowboy with a perpetual scowl.
I shouldn’t get involved with Jesse.
His life is the ranch, whereas my life is hockey.
So why do I allow myself to fall for him so hard?
And why do I keep my real identity a secret?
I live for barn burners, but this is one I might not survive.
Barn Burner is book three in the Love the Game sports shared world, featuring books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, EM Denning, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.
Missing out on my first Stanley Cup has left me more torn up than I expected. It was in my sights. So close, I could almost touch it.
With my brother back in England, I’m facing nothing but an empty house and my thoughts, and there’s only two ways to soothe my mind:
The ice and nature.
But when I pack up my car and head out into the Alberta wilderness, my bad luck lands me in the reluctant hands of a grumpy cowboy with a perpetual scowl.
I shouldn’t get involved with Jesse.
His life is the ranch, whereas my life is hockey.
So why do I allow myself to fall for him so hard?
And why do I keep my real identity a secret?
I live for barn burners, but this is one I might not survive.
Barn Burner is book three in the Love the Game sports shared world, featuring books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, EM Denning, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.
274 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2025
207 people are currently reading
758 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
September 8, 2025
This was a really sweet romance between NHL hockey player Brayden and cowboy Jesse. Brayden is escaping reality after losing the Stanley Cup final and Jesse is guarding his heart because no one ever wants to stay on the ranch or understand his lifestyle.
Jesse being the most romantic little marshmallow yet also the closed off, growly mountain man made him a really interesting character. I loved the dates he took Brayden on and how supportive he was of basically anything Brayden wanted to do. I'm also curious about his brothers though and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they might have stories also!
Brayden was on a journey of self-discovery after feeling lost and even his family knew that he'd found the place for him as soon as he showed them where he was! I would have liked to see more of his family though because his parents don't appear at all, and Jude and Cody only appear by text or video call. I kinda thought there was a nice moment where all of them could have met because the Premiership season would have been over, but nothing materialised so that was a little disappointing. I prefer a bit more crossover when character's are shared between books.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review
Jesse being the most romantic little marshmallow yet also the closed off, growly mountain man made him a really interesting character. I loved the dates he took Brayden on and how supportive he was of basically anything Brayden wanted to do. I'm also curious about his brothers though and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they might have stories also!
Brayden was on a journey of self-discovery after feeling lost and even his family knew that he'd found the place for him as soon as he showed them where he was! I would have liked to see more of his family though because his parents don't appear at all, and Jude and Cody only appear by text or video call. I kinda thought there was a nice moment where all of them could have met because the Premiership season would have been over, but nothing materialised so that was a little disappointing. I prefer a bit more crossover when character's are shared between books.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review
September 9, 2025
I love the way Jodi Oliver writes because - while her stories are always an easy read - that doesn't mean they have simple plots.
On the contrary, she often tackles issues within a sporting setting that have serious impact on the characters she's creating and, while things never descend into complete angst and depression, she still allows the reader to see the effects.
Here she gives us a 24-year-old British ice hockey player with amazing records who's been sold to a new team in the hope of winning the Stanley Cup.
When that doesn't happen, he's turned upon by press and fans alike and the weight of that crushing disappointment is evident from the start of this story.
For Brayden, escaping Calgary and the noise of his failure is the only option he sees and, when he breaks down on a lonely road in the middle of nowhere, his dejection is complete and the weight of the world becomes almost unbearable.
The arrival of a dusty red truck with a genuine cowboy, hat and all, brings a spark of both life and attraction and a chance to just forget who he is as Jesse offers Brayden a place to stay while his brother fixes his car.
I absolutely loved Jesse, and his family, the ranch setting is a perfect refresh for Brayden, being treated just for who he is, not what he represents, as they have no idea who he is, brings him peace and a sense of self-confidence.
This book is ridiculously hot, and also very swoony, because once Jesse gets over his fears that Brayden will want to change him, or want him to leave the ranch which is at the centre of all he is, the romance levels tick up into sunset picnics, long horse trails and discussions about life.
Of course, time is limited, the part for the car arrives, and it's repaired and, ultimately, Brayden has to return to Calgary and his team. But for a month, he's been able to escape the pressures and fall in love with an older guy who is kindness personified.
I loved the way the story develops from this point on, it's not an easy ride, both men make commitments they know will result in long times spent apart, but you get the sense that each is willing to make the short-term sacrifices for the long-term rewards.
And they do, it's a really wonderful romance, although it's in an author-shared world, I can't say I felt like there was a wider setting though. Brayden's brother Jude and one of his teammates are the subject of book one, but I haven't read that and didn't feel like I missed anything.
#ARC kindly received from the author via The Author Agency, I am voluntarily leaving a review
On the contrary, she often tackles issues within a sporting setting that have serious impact on the characters she's creating and, while things never descend into complete angst and depression, she still allows the reader to see the effects.
Here she gives us a 24-year-old British ice hockey player with amazing records who's been sold to a new team in the hope of winning the Stanley Cup.
When that doesn't happen, he's turned upon by press and fans alike and the weight of that crushing disappointment is evident from the start of this story.
For Brayden, escaping Calgary and the noise of his failure is the only option he sees and, when he breaks down on a lonely road in the middle of nowhere, his dejection is complete and the weight of the world becomes almost unbearable.
The arrival of a dusty red truck with a genuine cowboy, hat and all, brings a spark of both life and attraction and a chance to just forget who he is as Jesse offers Brayden a place to stay while his brother fixes his car.
I absolutely loved Jesse, and his family, the ranch setting is a perfect refresh for Brayden, being treated just for who he is, not what he represents, as they have no idea who he is, brings him peace and a sense of self-confidence.
This book is ridiculously hot, and also very swoony, because once Jesse gets over his fears that Brayden will want to change him, or want him to leave the ranch which is at the centre of all he is, the romance levels tick up into sunset picnics, long horse trails and discussions about life.
Of course, time is limited, the part for the car arrives, and it's repaired and, ultimately, Brayden has to return to Calgary and his team. But for a month, he's been able to escape the pressures and fall in love with an older guy who is kindness personified.
I loved the way the story develops from this point on, it's not an easy ride, both men make commitments they know will result in long times spent apart, but you get the sense that each is willing to make the short-term sacrifices for the long-term rewards.
And they do, it's a really wonderful romance, although it's in an author-shared world, I can't say I felt like there was a wider setting though. Brayden's brother Jude and one of his teammates are the subject of book one, but I haven't read that and didn't feel like I missed anything.
#ARC kindly received from the author via The Author Agency, I am voluntarily leaving a review
September 17, 2025
Fluffy boring story. I think this could have been a lot better. Many of the emotions feel off page. And the story feels like a story a teenager would write, because the details don’t add up at all. And then all the wonderful coincidences… It was just very easy writing.
Please stop reading if you don’t want spoilers!
When the book starts, Braeden already lost the championship and has suffered from the (ridiculous but probably not unrealistic) media backlash. He apparently has no common sense because he decides to go camping by himself in bear country (which is less than an hour from his home, so how could he not know that?) Luckily for him his car breaks down so this handsome cowboy can save him. They hit it off almost instantly and what do you know 4 weeks have passed while he waits for the spare parts for his car. Again: he lives just 1 hour away, so he could have gone home, but he doesn’t and nobody minds. Nobody ever asks him where he’s from and what he actually does for a living? And they’re all great hockey fans but somehow don’t know his name (although their team apparently made it to the Stanley cup finals and he was supposed to be the no 1 player of the team?)
At some point the car is fixed, right at the moment Braeden needs to go back to training camp. He and Jesse call every but hockey is never mentioned. Jesse’s family finds out on tv.
And of course Jesse doesn’t mention this to him, he just goes to the next game, and then to a bar where -of course- Braeden walks in with his friends. Since there are only 5 bars in Calgary and they just knew which one to pick.
Also: Braeden has a brother who is with his grumpy team mate (about which we can read in another book, but let’s not). He’s also a professional athlete. No parents are ever mentioned (except one scene where Braeden cooks a restaurant worthy meal although he admits he can’t really cook but he gets some pointers from his mom so this is no problem). And then at the end of the book Braeden and Jesse make a calculation of how many years Braeden should hockey for him to be able to buy his parents a house. Where do they live? Do they need a house? How about the superstar brother? Not to mention the off page but apparently very easy contract negotiations. Next season he wins the Stanley cup, they kiss but the cameras don’t pick up on that because Jesse holds his cap in front of their faces and his brothers are there. Braeden kisses a man on the ice right after winning the cup by scoring a hat trick and the media who were so mean to him last year don’t pay attention. What? Yeah.
Also: apparently Jesse’s family has a chef who cooks for them on a daily basis. We don’t meet her until about 90%, but Braeden knows all about her and wants to order some rolls from her. Earlier in the book he cooks the family a huge complicated meal, she wasn’t there and no one mentioned her either. Why not just let Jesse’s mom be the great cook? Or even better, his dad?
And Braeden knows how to ride a horse. He’s not allowed as professional athlete but he has no problem doing it. In bear country. (So he’s either very talented or very stupid, because horseback riding is not easy, especially not for hours, outside of the rink when there can be dangerous animals around. Even if you’re with a well trained professional.)
Hm, I guess I just told you the whole book. Sorry. 😬🤣 Or you’re welcome. I don’t think it’s a book worth a lot of time. I’ve read way better books by this author. Maybe she was in a hurry while writing this.
Please stop reading if you don’t want spoilers!
When the book starts, Braeden already lost the championship and has suffered from the (ridiculous but probably not unrealistic) media backlash. He apparently has no common sense because he decides to go camping by himself in bear country (which is less than an hour from his home, so how could he not know that?) Luckily for him his car breaks down so this handsome cowboy can save him. They hit it off almost instantly and what do you know 4 weeks have passed while he waits for the spare parts for his car. Again: he lives just 1 hour away, so he could have gone home, but he doesn’t and nobody minds. Nobody ever asks him where he’s from and what he actually does for a living? And they’re all great hockey fans but somehow don’t know his name (although their team apparently made it to the Stanley cup finals and he was supposed to be the no 1 player of the team?)
At some point the car is fixed, right at the moment Braeden needs to go back to training camp. He and Jesse call every but hockey is never mentioned. Jesse’s family finds out on tv.
And of course Jesse doesn’t mention this to him, he just goes to the next game, and then to a bar where -of course- Braeden walks in with his friends. Since there are only 5 bars in Calgary and they just knew which one to pick.
Also: Braeden has a brother who is with his grumpy team mate (about which we can read in another book, but let’s not). He’s also a professional athlete. No parents are ever mentioned (except one scene where Braeden cooks a restaurant worthy meal although he admits he can’t really cook but he gets some pointers from his mom so this is no problem). And then at the end of the book Braeden and Jesse make a calculation of how many years Braeden should hockey for him to be able to buy his parents a house. Where do they live? Do they need a house? How about the superstar brother? Not to mention the off page but apparently very easy contract negotiations. Next season he wins the Stanley cup, they kiss but the cameras don’t pick up on that because Jesse holds his cap in front of their faces and his brothers are there. Braeden kisses a man on the ice right after winning the cup by scoring a hat trick and the media who were so mean to him last year don’t pay attention. What? Yeah.
Also: apparently Jesse’s family has a chef who cooks for them on a daily basis. We don’t meet her until about 90%, but Braeden knows all about her and wants to order some rolls from her. Earlier in the book he cooks the family a huge complicated meal, she wasn’t there and no one mentioned her either. Why not just let Jesse’s mom be the great cook? Or even better, his dad?
And Braeden knows how to ride a horse. He’s not allowed as professional athlete but he has no problem doing it. In bear country. (So he’s either very talented or very stupid, because horseback riding is not easy, especially not for hours, outside of the rink when there can be dangerous animals around. Even if you’re with a well trained professional.)
Hm, I guess I just told you the whole book. Sorry. 😬🤣 Or you’re welcome. I don’t think it’s a book worth a lot of time. I’ve read way better books by this author. Maybe she was in a hurry while writing this.
September 9, 2025
I loved this one so much, it was such a fun read. The chemistry between Brayden and Jesse was crazy hot right from the start, and these guys kept me hooked till the very end. This was a super sweet cowboy/hockey player, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, secret identity romance, and if those are your jam I highly recommend it!
January 28, 2026
Nice and sweet, like a warm bath in the mountains with a nice view. It was just missing the tension, the will they/won’t they, any stakes at all really, for it to actually feel satisfying.
I’m glad it only half counts toward my self-imposed limit of 10 hockey romances in 2026 (one of them is a cowboy!)
I’m glad it only half counts toward my self-imposed limit of 10 hockey romances in 2026 (one of them is a cowboy!)
December 29, 2025
I'm kind of getting the feel of what this series is like and so far I've read two highly rated installments and they aren't good (to me).
So, for this one I'll say it has two good main characters with a love story that should've been a banger, because it was all there - the hockey star, the growly cowboy, the sex, the family, the money, it all somehow magically came together, and still the author failed to deliver a good one.
🟣 A rancher / a NHL hockey player
🟢 Age gap 24/36
🔵 A random meet-cute
🟠 Gay/bisexual
🟡 Could be so much better
🌶️ Sex begins as very promising, soon there's a lot off-page until they get too boring; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b
I actually liked Jesse and Brayden a lot, but their love story was terribly written.
They meet when Brayden’s car breaks down while he’s trying to hike and camp by the lakes and Jesse finds him and brings him back to the family ranch.
Brayden then waits a whole freaking month for the spare parts before heading back to Calgary.
Yeah, it’s ridiculous, he has the money to immediately leave, it's not like he has to wait for anything and his house isn’t that far away, but okay, he’s hiding from media scrutiny and no one knows he’s a hockey player. He likes Jesse and his home, so he’s trying to stretch this situation out for as long as he can. Fine, we'll believe it.
At first Jesse and Brayden have this intense, amazing chemistry where they're licking their lips a little too much, but again, fine, ill take it, because I loved Jesse, he’s a growly, hot cowboy with a dominant streak that, sadly, wasn’t nearly utilized enough. Those first on-page sex scenes were fantastic.
“What are you doing?” I ask curiously.
“Taking a moment to appreciate my breakfast.”
I swallow and lick over my lips. “W- what?”
He arches one thick brow as the corner of his lips kicks up. “Don’t you ever appreciate your meal before you eat, Brayden?”
Then the biggest downfall happens where the author skips a week during which Jesse and Brayden basically spend a lot of time together and develop their feelings for each other, probably wake up together, have sex all the time and do stuff around the ranch, but we don't get to experience any of it.
Another issue was how rushed the first half of the story felt, as if the author was quickly trying to create forever love without showing us much and Jesse also kind of slowly got lost in the story.
In the second half Brayden goes back to playing hockey, Jesse discovers that Brayden is a famous, successful player and from that point on their relationship becomes cheesy as hell. Not much happens besides a few meet ups and words of love and simping for Brayden and his hockey career.
The age gap worked, even though I would add about four more years to Brayden, he didn’t really sound like a 24-year old, more like a 27-28. But it still worked because Jesse was such a strong character, even though the author completely lost him by the end of the book.
I don't know if I should continue reading this series.
So, for this one I'll say it has two good main characters with a love story that should've been a banger, because it was all there - the hockey star, the growly cowboy, the sex, the family, the money, it all somehow magically came together, and still the author failed to deliver a good one.
🟣 A rancher / a NHL hockey player
🟢 Age gap 24/36
🔵 A random meet-cute
🟠 Gay/bisexual
🟡 Could be so much better
🌶️ Sex begins as very promising, soon there's a lot off-page until they get too boring; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b
I actually liked Jesse and Brayden a lot, but their love story was terribly written.
They meet when Brayden’s car breaks down while he’s trying to hike and camp by the lakes and Jesse finds him and brings him back to the family ranch.
Brayden then waits a whole freaking month for the spare parts before heading back to Calgary.
Yeah, it’s ridiculous, he has the money to immediately leave, it's not like he has to wait for anything and his house isn’t that far away, but okay, he’s hiding from media scrutiny and no one knows he’s a hockey player. He likes Jesse and his home, so he’s trying to stretch this situation out for as long as he can. Fine, we'll believe it.
At first Jesse and Brayden have this intense, amazing chemistry where they're licking their lips a little too much, but again, fine, ill take it, because I loved Jesse, he’s a growly, hot cowboy with a dominant streak that, sadly, wasn’t nearly utilized enough. Those first on-page sex scenes were fantastic.
“What are you doing?” I ask curiously.
“Taking a moment to appreciate my breakfast.”
I swallow and lick over my lips. “W- what?”
He arches one thick brow as the corner of his lips kicks up. “Don’t you ever appreciate your meal before you eat, Brayden?”
Then the biggest downfall happens where the author skips a week during which Jesse and Brayden basically spend a lot of time together and develop their feelings for each other, probably wake up together, have sex all the time and do stuff around the ranch, but we don't get to experience any of it.
Another issue was how rushed the first half of the story felt, as if the author was quickly trying to create forever love without showing us much and Jesse also kind of slowly got lost in the story.
In the second half Brayden goes back to playing hockey, Jesse discovers that Brayden is a famous, successful player and from that point on their relationship becomes cheesy as hell. Not much happens besides a few meet ups and words of love and simping for Brayden and his hockey career.
The age gap worked, even though I would add about four more years to Brayden, he didn’t really sound like a 24-year old, more like a 27-28. But it still worked because Jesse was such a strong character, even though the author completely lost him by the end of the book.
I don't know if I should continue reading this series.
September 6, 2025
“Can you breathe now?” I ask, hoping he’ll say yes.
A soft smile spreads across his face. He lifts his hand to hold the side of my face. His thumb traces my bottom lip before he stretches to press a gentle kiss to my mouth.
“Yeah, Jesse. I can breathe now.”
These two were adorable and just what I needed. Their chemistry was off the charts and Jesse’s one of the hottest cowboys I’ve ever read about.
Absolutely loved Brayden’s personality. He was such a sweetheart and he was so endearing.
Loved the communication and the way they expressed their feelings. Cuteness overload!
A soft smile spreads across his face. He lifts his hand to hold the side of my face. His thumb traces my bottom lip before he stretches to press a gentle kiss to my mouth.
“Yeah, Jesse. I can breathe now.”
These two were adorable and just what I needed. Their chemistry was off the charts and Jesse’s one of the hottest cowboys I’ve ever read about.
Absolutely loved Brayden’s personality. He was such a sweetheart and he was so endearing.
Loved the communication and the way they expressed their feelings. Cuteness overload!
September 12, 2025
gahhh where can I get someone like Jesse ... He was perfect and this story was swoony and sweet at times ... Enjoyed it alot..
looking forward to other stories in this series
looking forward to other stories in this series
September 8, 2025
This book definetly got me more emotional than I'd thought it would 😭 these two MCs honestly handle the perfect amount of being sweet and being naughty with each other and I am here for that 😏
Brayden is a profi hockey player, but after a defeat he needs some time to process that. Jesse is like a grumpy but very charismatic cowboy, who saves the day after Brayden needs help.
Like I said before, I felt so much with these guys. Poor Brayden was so stressed out over everything and Jesse needed someone as well, so the fact that they found each other was like destiny 🥰
If you like your romance book with depth, yet spice, a fantastic chemistry between the MCs and hilarious chats between friends, you should definitely go and read this book 💕
Brayden is a profi hockey player, but after a defeat he needs some time to process that. Jesse is like a grumpy but very charismatic cowboy, who saves the day after Brayden needs help.
Like I said before, I felt so much with these guys. Poor Brayden was so stressed out over everything and Jesse needed someone as well, so the fact that they found each other was like destiny 🥰
If you like your romance book with depth, yet spice, a fantastic chemistry between the MCs and hilarious chats between friends, you should definitely go and read this book 💕
dnf
September 18, 2025DNF. I tried but I'm not really feeling it. A lot of what happens does not make much sense and I keep getting distracted by other stuff.
September 14, 2025
5.0⭐️ | 3.0🌶️
-grumpy/sunshine
-hockey player x cowboy
-strict
-HEA
Wow! Jody Oliver, I wasn't familiar with your game. It's my first time reading one of her works, and it's honestly so heart-warming and genuine. Jess and Brayden's story is all about finding love and fighting for it until the end, while also not giving up their dreams. It's all about trust, commitment, and understanding of all the highs and the lows. Because if you finally find the right one, you are willing to not give it up despite the distance. I have so many highlights in this story, it amazes me because I never really highlight stories that much, but this story had so many lines that touched my heart. And again, I love hockey romances so much, and I can't wait until the release of the next installment of this series.
-grumpy/sunshine
-hockey player x cowboy
-strict
-HEA
Wow! Jody Oliver, I wasn't familiar with your game. It's my first time reading one of her works, and it's honestly so heart-warming and genuine. Jess and Brayden's story is all about finding love and fighting for it until the end, while also not giving up their dreams. It's all about trust, commitment, and understanding of all the highs and the lows. Because if you finally find the right one, you are willing to not give it up despite the distance. I have so many highlights in this story, it amazes me because I never really highlight stories that much, but this story had so many lines that touched my heart. And again, I love hockey romances so much, and I can't wait until the release of the next installment of this series.
September 11, 2025
I’ve been having a rough time lately and Barn Burner has been a bright spot for me these last few days. This book had it all. It was funny, sweet, spicy and it was (thankfully) low angst. I loved how Brayden, our hockey player, brought sunshine into Jesse’s life and made him realize there’s more to life than just working. As for Jesse, our cowboy, I loved how protective he was of Brayden. How him and his ranch was a safe place for Brayden to just breathe after going through it with the media. Plus along with some amazing chemistry, the pair had great communication! Which is always a win in my eyes. This was another fantastic book from Jodi Oliver. I’ll definitely be going back and checking out the rest of the books in this series.
Also a random side note…this was my first cowboy and hockey player romance but I am for sure a fan!
*I received an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Also a random side note…this was my first cowboy and hockey player romance but I am for sure a fan!
*I received an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.*
September 6, 2025
4.75⭐️
oh i LOVEDDDD this!! i wouldn’t expect anything less from jodi oliver though. this was exactly the kind of book i’ve been wanting for months now, it was soooo cute 😍 i’m obsessed with brayden and jesse, they are so sweet and i enjoyed getting to see them navigate their relationship while living apart and with they’re demanding jobs. they also made sure they knew they were important to each other and how much they cared! i highly recommend this 🫶🏻
oh i LOVEDDDD this!! i wouldn’t expect anything less from jodi oliver though. this was exactly the kind of book i’ve been wanting for months now, it was soooo cute 😍 i’m obsessed with brayden and jesse, they are so sweet and i enjoyed getting to see them navigate their relationship while living apart and with they’re demanding jobs. they also made sure they knew they were important to each other and how much they cared! i highly recommend this 🫶🏻
September 19, 2025
An easy, homey, wholesome, contemporary romance with all the cute and sexy moments. Chaps, horses, hockey and happy tears.
October 17, 2025
I love hockey romances. I was unprepared for how much I loved hockey romances, with CHAPS!
Yes, we’re talking hockey player/cowboy. Which by the way, is the perfect combination 🤭
I love Jodi Oliver’s books, she has fast become a favourite author of mine. She knows hockey. So when you’re reading about the MCs falling in love, you also get some really great hockey content too.
Brayden is at the top of his hockey career, but eels defeated after a big loss for his team. He decides getting away from everything is the best idea. When he breaks down in the middle of nowhere Alberta, a gorgeous but grumpy cowboy comes to his rescue.
Jesse seems to be just what Brayden needs to take his mind off things and the best thing is, he has no clue who he is.
The dynamic between these two is electric. Jesse is supportive and swoony. Brayden I’d cute and a little cocky. As their relationship develops, it’s romance novel perfection!
The sweetness is jaw aching, the banter is funny, and the spice is absolute fire! 🔥 (new chaps obsession unlocked!)
I was hooked from the meet cute to the very end. I hope to read more from Huxley Creek Ranch
This is book 3 of the multi author sports series ‘Love the Game’ but can be read as a stand alone. Highly recommended.
Read if you love
Hockey romance
Cowboy romance
Banter and fun
Sweet and swoony
Grumpy/sunshine
Hayloft shenanigans
CHAPS!
Yes, we’re talking hockey player/cowboy. Which by the way, is the perfect combination 🤭
I love Jodi Oliver’s books, she has fast become a favourite author of mine. She knows hockey. So when you’re reading about the MCs falling in love, you also get some really great hockey content too.
Brayden is at the top of his hockey career, but eels defeated after a big loss for his team. He decides getting away from everything is the best idea. When he breaks down in the middle of nowhere Alberta, a gorgeous but grumpy cowboy comes to his rescue.
Jesse seems to be just what Brayden needs to take his mind off things and the best thing is, he has no clue who he is.
The dynamic between these two is electric. Jesse is supportive and swoony. Brayden I’d cute and a little cocky. As their relationship develops, it’s romance novel perfection!
The sweetness is jaw aching, the banter is funny, and the spice is absolute fire! 🔥 (new chaps obsession unlocked!)
I was hooked from the meet cute to the very end. I hope to read more from Huxley Creek Ranch
This is book 3 of the multi author sports series ‘Love the Game’ but can be read as a stand alone. Highly recommended.
Read if you love
Hockey romance
Cowboy romance
Banter and fun
Sweet and swoony
Grumpy/sunshine
Hayloft shenanigans
CHAPS!
September 19, 2025
I’ve been excited to read Brayden’s story ever since meeting him in Offside Play, and Barn Burner did not disappoint! Not only do we get Brayden, but we also get Jesse. And oh my, Jesse is everything i could ask for in a MC, hot, funny, sweet, understanding… I’m in love.
After the Bobcats lose the Stanley Cup, Brayden needs time to himself. He heads out on a solo camping trip to clear his head, escape the media, disgruntled fans, and his own thoughts. That’s where he meets a grumpy cowboy who doesn’t recognize him. Brayden keeps his identity a secret and ends up spending his offseason helping out on a ranch in the Alberta wilderness.
At first, Jesse comes across as the “grumpy” one, but honestly, he’s the biggest cinnamon roll ever. He stole my heart from his very first growly word, but it’s how he treats Brayden and how he reacts when Brayden’s secret comes out that really did it for me.
I thought I knew where this story was going: secrets, misunderstandings, the inevitable third-act breakup. I braced myself for it, but I was wrong. The author completely surprised me, and I loved it. Sometimes it’s nice when the expected heartbreak never comes.
This was my first Book by Jodi Oliver and I was impressed with her writing style and the character development. I will definitely be reading her other books!
After the Bobcats lose the Stanley Cup, Brayden needs time to himself. He heads out on a solo camping trip to clear his head, escape the media, disgruntled fans, and his own thoughts. That’s where he meets a grumpy cowboy who doesn’t recognize him. Brayden keeps his identity a secret and ends up spending his offseason helping out on a ranch in the Alberta wilderness.
At first, Jesse comes across as the “grumpy” one, but honestly, he’s the biggest cinnamon roll ever. He stole my heart from his very first growly word, but it’s how he treats Brayden and how he reacts when Brayden’s secret comes out that really did it for me.
I thought I knew where this story was going: secrets, misunderstandings, the inevitable third-act breakup. I braced myself for it, but I was wrong. The author completely surprised me, and I loved it. Sometimes it’s nice when the expected heartbreak never comes.
This was my first Book by Jodi Oliver and I was impressed with her writing style and the character development. I will definitely be reading her other books!
September 18, 2025
i have received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
(english) hockey player x (canadian) cowboy?! YES PLEASE.
"i have ridden a zamboni, but never a cowboy" was hilarious and, honestly, i was sold!
smut was hot, omg
that breakfast scene? delicious. i had to take a break and talk about it to a friend.
lovely read! it's a pretty fast paced, without much angst. exactly what i needed !
(english) hockey player x (canadian) cowboy?! YES PLEASE.
"i have ridden a zamboni, but never a cowboy" was hilarious and, honestly, i was sold!
smut was hot, omg
that breakfast scene? delicious. i had to take a break and talk about it to a friend.
lovely read! it's a pretty fast paced, without much angst. exactly what i needed !
September 10, 2025
4.5☆
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Brayden, Jesse.
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Hockey Player/Cowboy, Grumpy Sunshine, Secret Identity, Age Gap.
Braysen 😘😘😘😘😘😘
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Brayden, Jesse.
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Hockey Player/Cowboy, Grumpy Sunshine, Secret Identity, Age Gap.
Braysen 😘😘😘😘😘😘
dnf
September 24, 2025dnf@35% This was just really simple and kinda boring. It looks like I've never read this author before so I don't have anything to compare it to. This book just didn't work for me :)
“Is that what you want? To ride me?” His tongue darts out to wet his bottom lip. “It’s just one of the many things I want to do to you, Jesse.”
September 6, 2025
Brayden + Jesse
-mm romance
-hockey player x cowboy
-grumpy/sunshine
-secret identity
-age gap
brayden runs away & jesse literally saves him & i loved that whole set up so so much!! these two were absolutely the cutest & it was pretty low angst so it was a perfect palette cleanser read!
-mm romance
-hockey player x cowboy
-grumpy/sunshine
-secret identity
-age gap
brayden runs away & jesse literally saves him & i loved that whole set up so so much!! these two were absolutely the cutest & it was pretty low angst so it was a perfect palette cleanser read!
September 8, 2025
4 ⭐
3 🌶️
Brayden and Jesse were a good time. My heart broke for Brayden and the pressures he was under. His sass and playful banter were perfect! Jesse a gentle, grumpy cowboy but also filthy af. I really enjoyed his POVs. His gentleness for animals and patience with Brayden spoke to who he was as a person.
I can confirm. I will never look at maple syrup the same way.
This was the perfect low angst, swoony and sweet read.
WHAT TO EXPECT
🏒 Cowboy x Hockey Player
🐎 Secret Identity
🏒 Age Gap
🐎 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒 Protective MC
🐎 Low Angst
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
3 🌶️
Brayden and Jesse were a good time. My heart broke for Brayden and the pressures he was under. His sass and playful banter were perfect! Jesse a gentle, grumpy cowboy but also filthy af. I really enjoyed his POVs. His gentleness for animals and patience with Brayden spoke to who he was as a person.
I can confirm. I will never look at maple syrup the same way.
This was the perfect low angst, swoony and sweet read.
WHAT TO EXPECT
🏒 Cowboy x Hockey Player
🐎 Secret Identity
🏒 Age Gap
🐎 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒 Protective MC
🐎 Low Angst
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
September 8, 2025
I swear I have no idea what Jodi puts in her books, but it’s like crack to me. I devoured Barn Burner so quickly, just like all her other books! I could’ve read 10x more about Jesse and Brayden and it still wouldn’t have been enough!
Brayden and Jesse are so freaking adorable, even if Jodi’s right and Jesse would hate being described as ‘adorable’…he’s a grumpy, rugged cowboy, who is also adorable and a complete softie for Brayden. Brayden who literally crashes into Jesse life and turns it the right way up!
I loved their story so much, it’s spicier than any of Jodi’s other books with an instant attraction between the NHL player and the rugged cowboy.
Wanting to escape the loss of the Stanley Cup final, Brayden takes himself off for a road trip into Alberta and ends up braking down on the side of the road where he’s rescued by Jesse. Taking him back to his family’s ranch, Jesse give Brayden the opportunity to work through the loss. Made even easier when he realises that nobody recognises him.
Brayden and Jesse’s instant chemistry starts an almost FWB situation knowing it’s temporary while Brayden stuck there until his car is fixed.
I loved how their relationship played out, the softness that Jesse had for Brayden, while also taming the bratty side. And how Brayden was the perfect person to get Jesse to open up and let in.
As always, Jodi has a knack for writing the most amazing side characters and found family, and the Huxley family are no different. I need more of Jesse’s brothers Rhett and Cooper, and although they’re not in the same universe, all I could think of was the chaos that Cooper and Elliot could cause if they ever met 😂
Brayden and Jesse are so freaking adorable, even if Jodi’s right and Jesse would hate being described as ‘adorable’…he’s a grumpy, rugged cowboy, who is also adorable and a complete softie for Brayden. Brayden who literally crashes into Jesse life and turns it the right way up!
I loved their story so much, it’s spicier than any of Jodi’s other books with an instant attraction between the NHL player and the rugged cowboy.
Wanting to escape the loss of the Stanley Cup final, Brayden takes himself off for a road trip into Alberta and ends up braking down on the side of the road where he’s rescued by Jesse. Taking him back to his family’s ranch, Jesse give Brayden the opportunity to work through the loss. Made even easier when he realises that nobody recognises him.
Brayden and Jesse’s instant chemistry starts an almost FWB situation knowing it’s temporary while Brayden stuck there until his car is fixed.
I loved how their relationship played out, the softness that Jesse had for Brayden, while also taming the bratty side. And how Brayden was the perfect person to get Jesse to open up and let in.
As always, Jodi has a knack for writing the most amazing side characters and found family, and the Huxley family are no different. I need more of Jesse’s brothers Rhett and Cooper, and although they’re not in the same universe, all I could think of was the chaos that Cooper and Elliot could cause if they ever met 😂
September 9, 2025
Finally, I found a cowboy romance that worked for me! Was it because it was paired with a hockey romance? Maybe…
Barn Burner by Jodi Oliver is another sweet mm standalone romance in the Love the Game world. After we met Jude, the football player, who falls hard for Cody, the hockey player in Offside Play, we now meet another unlikely pairing with Brayden, who we know is Jude‘s brother and a hockey player, and Jesse, the grumpy cowboy.
Brayden and Jesse were such a cute couple. The balance between naughty times and emotional times was met perfectly for me. Watching their relationship grow and how they supported each other in harder times was a real pleasure. I loved the little adventure tours they took through nature, but the sports aspect didn‘t come to short either. All in all, this was a well-rounded, quick-to-read palate cleanser, that left me with a smile on my face.
And now go and save a horse (ride a cowboy) or read this book 😬😄
Love the Game is an MM sports romance shared world, and features books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, EM Denning, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.
Thank you to Jodi Oliver and @the.author.agency for sending me an ARC of this. All opinions are my own.
Barn Burner by Jodi Oliver is another sweet mm standalone romance in the Love the Game world. After we met Jude, the football player, who falls hard for Cody, the hockey player in Offside Play, we now meet another unlikely pairing with Brayden, who we know is Jude‘s brother and a hockey player, and Jesse, the grumpy cowboy.
Brayden and Jesse were such a cute couple. The balance between naughty times and emotional times was met perfectly for me. Watching their relationship grow and how they supported each other in harder times was a real pleasure. I loved the little adventure tours they took through nature, but the sports aspect didn‘t come to short either. All in all, this was a well-rounded, quick-to-read palate cleanser, that left me with a smile on my face.
And now go and save a horse (ride a cowboy) or read this book 😬😄
Love the Game is an MM sports romance shared world, and features books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, EM Denning, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.
Thank you to Jodi Oliver and @the.author.agency for sending me an ARC of this. All opinions are my own.
September 18, 2025
story of Jesse and Brayden
This is an opposites attract sports romance, featuring Brayden and Jesse, and is book two in the Love The Game series.
Brayden escapes to the Alberta wilderness after losing his shot at the Stanley Cup and ends up in the care of Jesse, a grumpy cowboy. As their connection grows, but Brayden’s hidden identity as a hockey player puts their new connection at risk.
I loved this one, it was high heat and fast paced, and I really liked the mix of hockey and cowboy romance. Brayden and Jesse’s flirty banter, chemistry, the spice 🔥, and total opposites vibe made it a really fun read. Their relationship had the perfect balance of tension and sweetness, and I couldn’t put it down. I’m loving this series and can’t wait to read more.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2
Multi author series
MM sports romance
Set in Canada
High heat & fast paced
Opposites attract
Hockey player x Cowboy
British x Canadian
Secret identity
Grumpy x Sunshine
Age gap (36/24)
Fish out of water vibes
Forced proximity
Reluctant caretaker
Protective
Flirting
Mechanical bull
Spicy times & dirty talk
Food play - maple syrup
Chaps kink 🔥
Summer fling to more
Long distance relationship
Found family
Sweet HEA
This is an opposites attract sports romance, featuring Brayden and Jesse, and is book two in the Love The Game series.
Brayden escapes to the Alberta wilderness after losing his shot at the Stanley Cup and ends up in the care of Jesse, a grumpy cowboy. As their connection grows, but Brayden’s hidden identity as a hockey player puts their new connection at risk.
I loved this one, it was high heat and fast paced, and I really liked the mix of hockey and cowboy romance. Brayden and Jesse’s flirty banter, chemistry, the spice 🔥, and total opposites vibe made it a really fun read. Their relationship had the perfect balance of tension and sweetness, and I couldn’t put it down. I’m loving this series and can’t wait to read more.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2
Multi author series
MM sports romance
Set in Canada
High heat & fast paced
Opposites attract
Hockey player x Cowboy
British x Canadian
Secret identity
Grumpy x Sunshine
Age gap (36/24)
Fish out of water vibes
Forced proximity
Reluctant caretaker
Protective
Flirting
Mechanical bull
Spicy times & dirty talk
Food play - maple syrup
Chaps kink 🔥
Summer fling to more
Long distance relationship
Found family
Sweet HEA
September 6, 2025
After losing the Stanley Cup, Brayden is desperate to escape the harsh media spotlight and get some much needed space. So he packs his car and heads into nature. But his bad luck takes a turn when his car breaks down in the middle of the wilderness. Though maybe it’s good luck when a very handsome cowboy comes to his rescue. Brayden is not at all upset when Jesse rescues him and his family opens up their hone and ranch for him while they wait for his car to be fixed. Because not only is Jesse’s ranch exactly what Brayden needed, turns out he needed Jesse too. At first Jesse is wary of the fact that Brayden is there. A really attractive tourist is bound to leave as soon as he can and not look back. So opening his heart to Brayden can’t happen. Yet the more they get to know one another and spend time together, well they can’t help but hope for a future. But with them both having demanding jobs, is it even possible? Loved Brayden and Jesse! Their chemistry was so great and they were just so utterly adorable. I loved getting to know them and watch them fall in love. They are exactly what the other needed and have been waiting for. A fun story all around and a great addition to this series!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2025
Barn Burner by Jodi Oliver is book three in the Love The Game shared world Series, eight books by eight authors. It’s an mm, age-gap, hockey player x cowboy romance.
After a Stanley cup loss hockey star Brayden decides to take a break and get back to nature by going camping, only for his car to break down in the middle of nowhere before he’s even started. He’s rescued by cowboy Jesse who takes him back to his ranch to get his car is fixed, only it takes a while and Brayden can’t resist the invitation to stay at the ranch or Jesse.
Barn Burner is a fun mm romance with no third act break up and a HEA, it’s just over 200 pages so a nice quick read. I’ve not read any of Jodi’s books before so went in blind and I wasn’t disappointed, it’s nice to take a break from the darker books with a light hearted romance which still has good tension and spice. I’ll be adding the other books in this series to my TBR.
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
After a Stanley cup loss hockey star Brayden decides to take a break and get back to nature by going camping, only for his car to break down in the middle of nowhere before he’s even started. He’s rescued by cowboy Jesse who takes him back to his ranch to get his car is fixed, only it takes a while and Brayden can’t resist the invitation to stay at the ranch or Jesse.
Barn Burner is a fun mm romance with no third act break up and a HEA, it’s just over 200 pages so a nice quick read. I’ve not read any of Jodi’s books before so went in blind and I wasn’t disappointed, it’s nice to take a break from the darker books with a light hearted romance which still has good tension and spice. I’ll be adding the other books in this series to my TBR.
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
September 10, 2025
So, this is my first book by Jodi, and I must say, it won't be the last.
I don’t usually read cowboy romance, but I LOVED this one.
This is a story about two completely different characters, but they are perfect for each other.
The story follows Brayden, a hockey player who just lost a Stanley Cup final game, and Jesse, a grumpy cowboy who helps him with car trouble.
After losing a big game, Brayden needed time off, and he went on a road trip to nature. But his bad luck gets even worse because his car just broke down in the middle of nowhere.
Enter Jesse. A sexy, grumpy cowboy who helps him and takes Brayden to his ranch.
Surrounded by beautiful nature, sweet animals, and Jesse's amazing family, their friendship, connection, and chemistry grow, and one day their attraction just explodes.
They balance, challenge, and understand each other even without many words. (Especially Jesse.)
This is such a cute, fast read. There is no third-act breakup, and no unnecessary drama.
So if you are looking for an age gap, hockey player/cowboy, grumpy/sunshine, secret identity, age gap, mm book, this one is for you.
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ARC kindly received from the author via The Author Agency for an honest review.
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I don’t usually read cowboy romance, but I LOVED this one.
This is a story about two completely different characters, but they are perfect for each other.
The story follows Brayden, a hockey player who just lost a Stanley Cup final game, and Jesse, a grumpy cowboy who helps him with car trouble.
After losing a big game, Brayden needed time off, and he went on a road trip to nature. But his bad luck gets even worse because his car just broke down in the middle of nowhere.
Enter Jesse. A sexy, grumpy cowboy who helps him and takes Brayden to his ranch.
Surrounded by beautiful nature, sweet animals, and Jesse's amazing family, their friendship, connection, and chemistry grow, and one day their attraction just explodes.
They balance, challenge, and understand each other even without many words. (Especially Jesse.)
This is such a cute, fast read. There is no third-act breakup, and no unnecessary drama.
So if you are looking for an age gap, hockey player/cowboy, grumpy/sunshine, secret identity, age gap, mm book, this one is for you.
-------
ARC kindly received from the author via The Author Agency for an honest review.
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September 18, 2025
This is exactly what I wanted when I opened the book. Insta love. Check! Possessive swooney cowboy. Check! Lost sad hockey player. Check! Brayden and Jesse meet unexpectedly in the middle of nowhere. Brayden on a trip to clear his head in the wilderness after a devastating hockey season, breakdown on a dirt road. While laying down trying to figure things out and praying to all that is holy he doesn’t get eaten by a bear Jesse shows up to save the day. Jesse is a hot, grumpy, cowboy who has no idea his boring lonely life is about to be turned upside down. These two have an instant connection that neither of them can understand. They slowly unravel each other in more ways than one, if you get what I mean. Let’s just say Brayden dream is to save a horse and ride a cowboy…wearing only chaps. They two are so spicy, so sweet, I couldn’t get enough. Jodi has a way of keeping to story easy and light with just enough turmoil or angst to keep the story moving and keep a reader completely captivated.
October 13, 2025
This was pure fluff with no angst or drama of any kind. Like a sugary hallmark movie (which is sort of what I was looking for) the sex scenes were hot and they love story cute af. (Unlike Hallmark movies though I am really glad B didn't drop his career and everything to be with his man... they waited it out for 7 years being long distance) but I'm not gonna lie, I got a little teary in the epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
So sweet, swoony, & sexy!!! I love Brayden & Jesse together from their very first interactions. They have this instant attraction and it grows into a truly beautiful relationship. Jesse’s protective streak is TOP NOTCH! Also don’t talk to me about Jesse’s breakfast or the scene in the barn because 🔥🔥🔥🔥
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