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Smithton Bears #3
The Roommate Game
The hockey player, the figure skater, and the roommate situation…
Gus
No one knows how to make a party last quite like me. Technically, I should have graduated three years ago, but I love Smithton, I love hockey, and the team needs a good captain with a positive outlook. That’s me. I love this town and it loves me.
Well, everyone except my roommate.
Rafe doesn’t like me at all—total mystery. I’m a nice guy. Ask anyone. He’s the one with stick-in-the-mud-itis. However, that might be exactly what I need to curb my compulsion for nonstop fun ’cause like it or not, the excess partying is taking a toll. I need to slow down, switch gears, and maybe use my free time to make things right with my roomie.
In a twist, Rafe’s not so bad. He has a great smile, pretty eyes, cute dimples, and—
Oh, man. I think I have a situation.
Rafe
This cannot be happening. I’m a competitive figure skater with goals and big plans. How did I get saddled with a party-boy hockey-hero for a roommate?
Oh, yeah, I mistakenly assumed the captain of the hockey team would be a serious person. Wrong. Gus and I have nothing in common and I have no idea how I’m going to survive a year of this.
But in a twist, we’re good together in a crisis. So good, that I’m beginning to wonder if we could be something more than a couple of athletes playing the roommate game.
The Roommate Game is an MM light-angst, college hockey romance featuring a fun-loving captain, a serious figure skater, and a chance at forever.
Gus
No one knows how to make a party last quite like me. Technically, I should have graduated three years ago, but I love Smithton, I love hockey, and the team needs a good captain with a positive outlook. That’s me. I love this town and it loves me.
Well, everyone except my roommate.
Rafe doesn’t like me at all—total mystery. I’m a nice guy. Ask anyone. He’s the one with stick-in-the-mud-itis. However, that might be exactly what I need to curb my compulsion for nonstop fun ’cause like it or not, the excess partying is taking a toll. I need to slow down, switch gears, and maybe use my free time to make things right with my roomie.
In a twist, Rafe’s not so bad. He has a great smile, pretty eyes, cute dimples, and—
Oh, man. I think I have a situation.
Rafe
This cannot be happening. I’m a competitive figure skater with goals and big plans. How did I get saddled with a party-boy hockey-hero for a roommate?
Oh, yeah, I mistakenly assumed the captain of the hockey team would be a serious person. Wrong. Gus and I have nothing in common and I have no idea how I’m going to survive a year of this.
But in a twist, we’re good together in a crisis. So good, that I’m beginning to wonder if we could be something more than a couple of athletes playing the roommate game.
The Roommate Game is an MM light-angst, college hockey romance featuring a fun-loving captain, a serious figure skater, and a chance at forever.
218 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2025
59 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hayes
114 books1,729 followersLane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
November 25, 2025
4.25 stars
This was so lovely. I can't decide if this is my favourite in the series, or book one.
I have to say that I didn't like Gus at first, at all. I very much shared Rafe's opinion of him, and the animosity. 😅 Which only means that the author did a great job with both characters, and the character development throughout the story.
I really liked how everything developed between Gus and Rafe. It was almost perfect for me. The thing I appreciated the most was how honest they were with each other. Especially Rafe. He blurts out everything and I cannot express how much I loved him for it. There is a situation towards the end that I feel was justified, and also resolved quickly.
Another thing I loved about this book is the writing style. Dialogues that feel authentic and flow naturally between characters? Yes, please. It should be expected, but there has been a recent read that failed in that department. Those who know, will know.
This was so lovely. I can't decide if this is my favourite in the series, or book one.
I have to say that I didn't like Gus at first, at all. I very much shared Rafe's opinion of him, and the animosity. 😅 Which only means that the author did a great job with both characters, and the character development throughout the story.
I really liked how everything developed between Gus and Rafe. It was almost perfect for me. The thing I appreciated the most was how honest they were with each other. Especially Rafe. He blurts out everything and I cannot express how much I loved him for it. There is a situation towards the end that I feel was justified, and also resolved quickly.
Another thing I loved about this book is the writing style. Dialogues that feel authentic and flow naturally between characters? Yes, please. It should be expected, but there has been a recent read that failed in that department. Those who know, will know.
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November 25, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS
The Roommate Game is book three in the Smithton Bears series by Lane Hayes. I loved the first two books in this series. When I started this, some unforeseen things popped up in my personal life and I was distracted. So it’s probably completely my fault it took me a bit longer to really connect with these two. But once I did, I fell hard.
Gus Langley is nearly twenty five years old, is captain of the Smithton Bears hockey team, and is a bit of a career college student. He loves the team, loves playing hockey, and doesn’t want to give it up. Not only that, he’s the life of the party. The house he is renting has become party central and when it’s party time, Gus doesn’t hold back. When he’s sober, he doesn’t like what he’s become but it’s hard to break away from what’s expected of you by your friends and team mates. There is one person, though, that doesn’t like him very much, his roommate.
Rafe Johannsen is twenty two years old and is in his senior year at Smithton and is a very talented figure skater. Rafe is dedicating everything he has to his sport in hopes of taking things to the next level after college. But it’s hard when he goes home and finds his house filled with strangers partying. Not to mention, a roommate that seems dedicated to eating or drinking all of the things he has purchased for himself!
Gus knows he has to make some changes and work on himself. Being sober also sheds light on just how he has treated his roommate and he is determined to fix that. As these two start to spend time together, they see each other in a new light and a friendship is formed. A friendship that begins to feel like more.
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Gus. He is filled with sunshine, and always so willing to go over and above for anyone else. But he keeps his own struggles to himself. I loved what he did for Rafe to help him with an issue. It made me smile so big! These two together were wonderful. I most definitely melted at the way they were there for each other. This was such a sweet, swoony, steamy story that made my heart squeeze.
The Roommate Game is book three in the Smithton Bears series by Lane Hayes. I loved the first two books in this series. When I started this, some unforeseen things popped up in my personal life and I was distracted. So it’s probably completely my fault it took me a bit longer to really connect with these two. But once I did, I fell hard.
Gus Langley is nearly twenty five years old, is captain of the Smithton Bears hockey team, and is a bit of a career college student. He loves the team, loves playing hockey, and doesn’t want to give it up. Not only that, he’s the life of the party. The house he is renting has become party central and when it’s party time, Gus doesn’t hold back. When he’s sober, he doesn’t like what he’s become but it’s hard to break away from what’s expected of you by your friends and team mates. There is one person, though, that doesn’t like him very much, his roommate.
Rafe Johannsen is twenty two years old and is in his senior year at Smithton and is a very talented figure skater. Rafe is dedicating everything he has to his sport in hopes of taking things to the next level after college. But it’s hard when he goes home and finds his house filled with strangers partying. Not to mention, a roommate that seems dedicated to eating or drinking all of the things he has purchased for himself!
Gus knows he has to make some changes and work on himself. Being sober also sheds light on just how he has treated his roommate and he is determined to fix that. As these two start to spend time together, they see each other in a new light and a friendship is formed. A friendship that begins to feel like more.
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Gus. He is filled with sunshine, and always so willing to go over and above for anyone else. But he keeps his own struggles to himself. I loved what he did for Rafe to help him with an issue. It made me smile so big! These two together were wonderful. I most definitely melted at the way they were there for each other. This was such a sweet, swoony, steamy story that made my heart squeeze.
March 19, 2026
This.. was so unexpectedly wholesome and emotional?
I went in expecting a kind of generic opposites attract romance but this was actually so much more 🥹
Gus - the hockey star, the party animal, the guy everyone wants to be or be friends with (or in Rafe’s words: the self-serving obnoxious hockey jerk lol) - had such a broken, lonely, vulnerable, soft side to him that was incredibly endearing. I loved how everyone, including me as a reader, had preconceptions of what and who Gus was - just to be totally wrong about him.
Rafe was a snarky porcupine but also so hilariously adorable and that combo made him such a compelling MC and LI for our Gus. I loved these two together and the way they supported each other through absolutely everything 🥹
I’m still not quite sure about what to think of the kinda weird fake dating subplot between Rafe and a side character that was sprinkled in but it didn’t distract too much from the main event! And I wasn’t a big fan of the third act breakup - it felt a bit convoluted but then again, maybe it was age appropriate 😅
Still, I really enjoyed this one as a whole! 🥰
I went in expecting a kind of generic opposites attract romance but this was actually so much more 🥹
Gus - the hockey star, the party animal, the guy everyone wants to be or be friends with (or in Rafe’s words: the self-serving obnoxious hockey jerk lol) - had such a broken, lonely, vulnerable, soft side to him that was incredibly endearing. I loved how everyone, including me as a reader, had preconceptions of what and who Gus was - just to be totally wrong about him.
Rafe was a snarky porcupine but also so hilariously adorable and that combo made him such a compelling MC and LI for our Gus. I loved these two together and the way they supported each other through absolutely everything 🥹
I’m still not quite sure about what to think of the kinda weird fake dating subplot between Rafe and a side character that was sprinkled in but it didn’t distract too much from the main event! And I wasn’t a big fan of the third act breakup - it felt a bit convoluted but then again, maybe it was age appropriate 😅
Still, I really enjoyed this one as a whole! 🥰
February 14, 2026
4**** stars
Ugh, this I’m right here always does something to me. FML 🫠
Man, I really have a soft spot for stories were a situationship with benefits leads to real love. Gus and Rafe were very cute together. I loved their happy ending—individually and together.
*************
Smithton Bears Series
Book 1 - One-Time Shot
Book 2 - Something To Prove - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - The Roommate Game - 4.0 stars
Book 4 - tbd
“You make me happy and crazy and you bring so much joy and—” “So do you. Shh. Don’t cry.” He caught a tear with his thumb and cupped my chin. “I’m right here.”
Ugh, this I’m right here always does something to me. FML 🫠
Man, I really have a soft spot for stories were a situationship with benefits leads to real love. Gus and Rafe were very cute together. I loved their happy ending—individually and together.
*************
Smithton Bears Series
Book 1 - One-Time Shot
Book 2 - Something To Prove - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - The Roommate Game - 4.0 stars
Book 4 - tbd
November 15, 2025
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
Tragically, though, no sparks ignited between me and The Roommate Game that followed a predictable chain of events that had me feeling nothing for Gus and Rafe's relationship, despite the struggles they overcame. 😞 Stale? No, just predictable, without a lot of drama that made it relatively easy for them to just work everything out for the best. Even with the unnecessary drama of Eli, their 180 from trying to be better roommates to suddenly shooting heart eyes at one another left me empty. 🤷🏻♀️
I guess it takes only one suggestion of being a wingman on a trial period of three months to forget that Gus was an overgrown man-child with Peter Pan syndrome who's been tormenting you for the past five months with the worst roommate etiquette ever, making life a nightmare for a figure skater who deserves peace. 🙄 Or well, seeing how much of an Adonis he actually is that does have a good heart to go with it, it can't be the worst of catches f0r Rafe, right? 😌
“I’m serious. Life’s too short... ’Cause at the end of the day…happy matters, fun matters.”
Gus wasn't my cuppa, but Rafe was enough of a prickly porcupine, who may have succumbed a bit too easily to his horny desires of relieving some pent-up sexual tension, but what can you do in the face of feelings of love? Sadly, for me, there were just no butterflies. 😕 I can't complain about the writing, because obviously I'm willingly here knowing LH's style, but it felt a lot more telling, rather than showing, almost as if it was being shoved - not down our throats - but out of the way.
Gus definitely was struggling with his drinking dependency, but his good-natured spirit of not letting him drown his miseries for too long, and the pure-hearted presence of Rafe was able to help him fight his demons. 🥺 And Gus was the helpful boost to Rafe's own internal turmoil of his figure-skating mental block that eventually helped him find a way back from the brink or rink of despair. ❤️🩹
“All I could think was…
He feels like home.
I want to be home.”
So, win-win for both? 👀 Because yes, once the spice hits just right in all the right spots where each touch serves as lines in a poem I wished I knew how to write — okay, *sigh* it's just me, and not the book. They were good for each other and that's what counts. It's a light-hearted, angst-free opposites attract romance that was just a tad bland for me. A decent, but disappointingly unimpressive palette cleanser for my angsty soul. 🥰
“I don’t want more. I want you… just the way you are.”
Tragically, though, no sparks ignited between me and The Roommate Game that followed a predictable chain of events that had me feeling nothing for Gus and Rafe's relationship, despite the struggles they overcame. 😞 Stale? No, just predictable, without a lot of drama that made it relatively easy for them to just work everything out for the best. Even with the unnecessary drama of Eli, their 180 from trying to be better roommates to suddenly shooting heart eyes at one another left me empty. 🤷🏻♀️
I guess it takes only one suggestion of being a wingman on a trial period of three months to forget that Gus was an overgrown man-child with Peter Pan syndrome who's been tormenting you for the past five months with the worst roommate etiquette ever, making life a nightmare for a figure skater who deserves peace. 🙄 Or well, seeing how much of an Adonis he actually is that does have a good heart to go with it, it can't be the worst of catches f0r Rafe, right? 😌
“I’m serious. Life’s too short... ’Cause at the end of the day…happy matters, fun matters.”
Gus wasn't my cuppa, but Rafe was enough of a prickly porcupine, who may have succumbed a bit too easily to his horny desires of relieving some pent-up sexual tension, but what can you do in the face of feelings of love? Sadly, for me, there were just no butterflies. 😕 I can't complain about the writing, because obviously I'm willingly here knowing LH's style, but it felt a lot more telling, rather than showing, almost as if it was being shoved - not down our throats - but out of the way.
Gus definitely was struggling with his drinking dependency, but his good-natured spirit of not letting him drown his miseries for too long, and the pure-hearted presence of Rafe was able to help him fight his demons. 🥺 And Gus was the helpful boost to Rafe's own internal turmoil of his figure-skating mental block that eventually helped him find a way back from the brink or rink of despair. ❤️🩹
“All I could think was…
He feels like home.
I want to be home.”
So, win-win for both? 👀 Because yes, once the spice hits just right in all the right spots where each touch serves as lines in a poem I wished I knew how to write — okay, *sigh* it's just me, and not the book. They were good for each other and that's what counts. It's a light-hearted, angst-free opposites attract romance that was just a tad bland for me. A decent, but disappointingly unimpressive palette cleanser for my angsty soul. 🥰
November 10, 2025
This was more emotional than I was expecting considering Gus was one of the MCs and he was my idea of the worst roommate possible!
I do enjoy opposites attract though and this was a really entertaining read. Rafe was so reserved and scandalised whereas Gus never met a stranger and parties are an everyday thing for him.
Seeing Gus realise that he had some serious issues he needed to overcome was what made me love his character. His insecurities and worries were so relatable and the struggles he faced on his journey to graduation and becoming a 'real adult' made it easy to root for him to succeed.
Rafe did frustrate me a little with the whole Eli situation - he was right in his gut instincts but he ignored them!
Rafe and Gus together were actually a really good fit - I totally cried when Rafe was packing up his stuff after graduation!!! I was so happy when they finally figured out what they were to each other bcause the way their relationship built felt so natural and easy for them.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
I do enjoy opposites attract though and this was a really entertaining read. Rafe was so reserved and scandalised whereas Gus never met a stranger and parties are an everyday thing for him.
Seeing Gus realise that he had some serious issues he needed to overcome was what made me love his character. His insecurities and worries were so relatable and the struggles he faced on his journey to graduation and becoming a 'real adult' made it easy to root for him to succeed.
Rafe did frustrate me a little with the whole Eli situation - he was right in his gut instincts but he ignored them!
Rafe and Gus together were actually a really good fit - I totally cried when Rafe was packing up his stuff after graduation!!! I was so happy when they finally figured out what they were to each other bcause the way their relationship built felt so natural and easy for them.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
January 3, 2026
4.5⭐️
Book 3 in the Smithton Bears Series
Gus and Rafe were an adorable couple.
Rafe is a quiet figure skater that shares a house with Smithton colleges resident career student Gus, at 25 Gus has just about exhausted all options to stay in school, and as such has had an epiphany of sorts to reform his party boy ways, and goes cold turkey from drugs and alcohol. Rafe and Gus strike up an unlikely friendship, the figure skater and the captain of the hockey team, but the new friendship allows Gus to focus of Rafe and not his previous party boy persona.
All three books were enjoyable, and end with a HEA epilogue.
Book 3 in the Smithton Bears Series
Gus and Rafe were an adorable couple.
Rafe is a quiet figure skater that shares a house with Smithton colleges resident career student Gus, at 25 Gus has just about exhausted all options to stay in school, and as such has had an epiphany of sorts to reform his party boy ways, and goes cold turkey from drugs and alcohol. Rafe and Gus strike up an unlikely friendship, the figure skater and the captain of the hockey team, but the new friendship allows Gus to focus of Rafe and not his previous party boy persona.
All three books were enjoyable, and end with a HEA epilogue.
November 12, 2025
I love the way Lane writes college age men.
She seems to have an in to their heads like few others and she always manages to show them having real emotional growth while still maintaining the element of freedom that being away from home allows for many.
Here though, she mixes in the romance with a very poignant secondary plotline involving Gus' struggles with substance abuse and how he's used it, and the avoidance of parental pressures, to stay in college a few years past the usual leaving age.
He's nearing 25 while Rafe is 22 and this difference in ages is only really felt with regards to how Gus has avoided the growing up part of going through a college education versus Rafe's moving to a different school to further his ice staking career potential.
Things start off a bit enemies to lovers as it's a roommate romance with two complete opposite personality types but, as Gus realises he needs to do something about the state he's waking up in after another heavy night, it slowly turns into a cautious friendship.
From then, it's inevitable that the physical attraction each feels for the other would eventually take them into a with benefits approach to being in close proximity.
As they spend more time together not partying and just talking, Rafe discovers that there's so much more to Gus than the party boy image and Gus uses all his persuasion skills to help Rafe get over his season ending injury of the previous year.
I loved this entry into what's been a cracking good series from Lane. I'm not sure where we're going next but I'm up for anything!
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
She seems to have an in to their heads like few others and she always manages to show them having real emotional growth while still maintaining the element of freedom that being away from home allows for many.
Here though, she mixes in the romance with a very poignant secondary plotline involving Gus' struggles with substance abuse and how he's used it, and the avoidance of parental pressures, to stay in college a few years past the usual leaving age.
He's nearing 25 while Rafe is 22 and this difference in ages is only really felt with regards to how Gus has avoided the growing up part of going through a college education versus Rafe's moving to a different school to further his ice staking career potential.
Things start off a bit enemies to lovers as it's a roommate romance with two complete opposite personality types but, as Gus realises he needs to do something about the state he's waking up in after another heavy night, it slowly turns into a cautious friendship.
From then, it's inevitable that the physical attraction each feels for the other would eventually take them into a with benefits approach to being in close proximity.
As they spend more time together not partying and just talking, Rafe discovers that there's so much more to Gus than the party boy image and Gus uses all his persuasion skills to help Rafe get over his season ending injury of the previous year.
I loved this entry into what's been a cracking good series from Lane. I'm not sure where we're going next but I'm up for anything!
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
early-dnf
November 29, 2025Realized the entire plot hinges on the two at-odds roommate heroes liking/flirting with the same guy and one helping the other get a date with him (and possibly fake-date him for publicity?). That third guy is in the entire book, mucking up the works. Neither sleeps with him (as far as I could tell) but it was already not romantic the way they separately both ogled him, and I lost interest.
I'm sure it's a fun story if that sounds entertaining! This author is always good. This one's just not my thing.
I'm sure it's a fun story if that sounds entertaining! This author is always good. This one's just not my thing.
November 13, 2025
I can always count on a Lane Hayes book to make me fall for her characters. This Smithton series has been so good! I loved Rafe and Gus!
Gus was misunderstood, always looked at as the partier, no one knew he was fighting substance abuse issues since high school. His mother is extremely controlling and expects him to be a lawyer when he graduates. He comes to a point where he can’t party like he was anymore, he doesn’t know what he does most times and it scares him. Plus his roommate, Rafe, is beyond sick of the mess.
Rafe is a figure skater and has transferred to Smithton after an injury at his last school. He’s having difficulty landing his jumps because he’s scared he’ll hurt himself again. He just wants to finish out his last year at school and get into the championships that summer. Gus is a big distraction because he keeps throwing parties that leaves their house a wreck plus he eats all of Rafe’s food.
It was fun seeing these two become friends and support each other. I liked that there was no beating around the bush and that they gave into their attraction without a problem. I wasn’t sure why Gus couldn’t tell his closest friends he was sober. I wish the book dug into that a little more. Substance abuse is a major issue and this book had such a lightness to it that it didn’t always mix. But I appreciated that Gus reached out when he needed help.
I am excited for the next book in the series!
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
Gus was misunderstood, always looked at as the partier, no one knew he was fighting substance abuse issues since high school. His mother is extremely controlling and expects him to be a lawyer when he graduates. He comes to a point where he can’t party like he was anymore, he doesn’t know what he does most times and it scares him. Plus his roommate, Rafe, is beyond sick of the mess.
Rafe is a figure skater and has transferred to Smithton after an injury at his last school. He’s having difficulty landing his jumps because he’s scared he’ll hurt himself again. He just wants to finish out his last year at school and get into the championships that summer. Gus is a big distraction because he keeps throwing parties that leaves their house a wreck plus he eats all of Rafe’s food.
It was fun seeing these two become friends and support each other. I liked that there was no beating around the bush and that they gave into their attraction without a problem. I wasn’t sure why Gus couldn’t tell his closest friends he was sober. I wish the book dug into that a little more. Substance abuse is a major issue and this book had such a lightness to it that it didn’t always mix. But I appreciated that Gus reached out when he needed help.
I am excited for the next book in the series!
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
November 7, 2025
4.5⭐️
I think this was my favourite out of the three of them.
I love Gus; he’s such a green flag kind of guy. He has his issues, but he never lets that be an excuse and he never lets it get in the way of him encouraging his friends.
Rafe, understandably, doesn’t get on with Gus in the beginning, but once he looks beneath the surface, he sees that Gus is a genuinely kindhearted person.
Once again, this one is humorous and fun. It does have a sad but hopeful side story in regard to Gus’s addiction issues, but I think it’s handled so well. You’re rooting for him from the moment he admits it. Rafe is supportive and encourages Gus to take control of his own future.
It’s a really heartwarming story; they make an adorable couple. It’s emotional, a little fun, and I really enjoyed it.
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
I think this was my favourite out of the three of them.
I love Gus; he’s such a green flag kind of guy. He has his issues, but he never lets that be an excuse and he never lets it get in the way of him encouraging his friends.
Rafe, understandably, doesn’t get on with Gus in the beginning, but once he looks beneath the surface, he sees that Gus is a genuinely kindhearted person.
Once again, this one is humorous and fun. It does have a sad but hopeful side story in regard to Gus’s addiction issues, but I think it’s handled so well. You’re rooting for him from the moment he admits it. Rafe is supportive and encourages Gus to take control of his own future.
It’s a really heartwarming story; they make an adorable couple. It’s emotional, a little fun, and I really enjoyed it.
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
January 7, 2026
The Roommate Game is the first book I've read in Lane Hayes Smithtown Bears series. I had no trouble following along as previous books' characters don't seem to have much to do with these guys. So no issues enjoying this one as a standalone.
This is a fun opposites attract romance - both in the fact these guys' personalities are completely different as well as one is a figure skater and the other is a hockey player. Hayes always writes great sports scenes, and that's the highlight of The Roommate Game for me.
The audio version of The Roommate Game is nicely performed by Kirt Graves.
an audiobook copy of The Roommate Game was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
This is a fun opposites attract romance - both in the fact these guys' personalities are completely different as well as one is a figure skater and the other is a hockey player. Hayes always writes great sports scenes, and that's the highlight of The Roommate Game for me.
The audio version of The Roommate Game is nicely performed by Kirt Graves.
an audiobook copy of The Roommate Game was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
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November 30, 2025fast and sweet. opposites attract
December 20, 2025
I Wanted to Love This More Than I Did
I really wanted to like this more than I actually did. It was slow to get into, and I struggled to fully connect with the story. In particular, Gus confronting his drinking and substance abuse issues didn’t land well for me. It felt more like what someone expects that journey to look like rather than a deep or accurate portrayal, and there was an underlying ick I couldn’t quite shake.
Honestly, I found myself more intrigued by Rafe and his skating storyline than the main romance. I’m also not sure I’d truly call this enemies to lovers—it felt more like annoyed-to-friends-with-benefits-to-HEA, which is fine, just not what I was expecting.
Overall, not a bad read, but it didn’t hit the way I hoped it would.
I really wanted to like this more than I actually did. It was slow to get into, and I struggled to fully connect with the story. In particular, Gus confronting his drinking and substance abuse issues didn’t land well for me. It felt more like what someone expects that journey to look like rather than a deep or accurate portrayal, and there was an underlying ick I couldn’t quite shake.
Honestly, I found myself more intrigued by Rafe and his skating storyline than the main romance. I’m also not sure I’d truly call this enemies to lovers—it felt more like annoyed-to-friends-with-benefits-to-HEA, which is fine, just not what I was expecting.
Overall, not a bad read, but it didn’t hit the way I hoped it would.
November 14, 2025
Beautiful second chance romance ❣️
I've loved every one of Lane Hayes' college hockey romances. Her Smithton hockey series is, without a doubt, one of her best. Each of the three books is filled with sweetness, great chemistry between the main characters, and a beautiful conclusion. This last book is a light angst, grumpy/sunshine story, a trope which is one of my personal favorites. Out of all three stories, I think I found this one the most endearing.
I loved how Lane portrayed Gus as a committed athlete, the captain of his college ice hockey team, and dedicated to looking after his guys. Gus is such a well written character. On the surface, he's a party animal who organises a pretty mean 'do' with lots of booze, drugs, and sex. He's well liked, friendly, and good natured. However, beneath all of this, he suffers from persistent anxieties, he's lonely and simply feels that he doesn't fit. His refuge is the temporary escape provided by alcohol and drugs. When under the influence, he feels a fleeting sense of ease and a joy that is absent in his sober life.
This chemically induced relief, however, is a double edged sword. As the effects wear off, the underlying feelings of loneliness and the weight of his problems return with greater intensity, which become a neverending circle. His life becomes centered on seeking the next escape. I really adore Gus; as I read about his anxieties and low self-esteem, I felt myself tear up. The poor baby! 😭
Somehow, he ends up with ice skater Rafe as a roommate. Rafe is serious, goal orientated, and focused on his career. They're as different as chalk and cheese, and Rafe truly wants to strangle Gus at times. I enjoyed that Rafe doesn't take any crap from Gus, I loved his sassiness, and the dialogue between them makes for great reading.
The chemistry between the two is unreal, and of course, there are huge misunderstandings and obstacles to overcome. The way Gus makes things right in the end is so cute and sweet. Swoon 🥰
"We had friendship, laughter, and a bright future on the horizon. And a cat named Mr. Darcy. Loving Rafe was a gift, and I cherished what we had every damn day." (Gus)
Yet again, Lane has written a book that is the perfect blend of humour, emotional depth, and relatable characters. I love how her stories often interconnect through recurring characters; keeping up with them is a lovely touch that is great fun.
I received an ARC of this story, which in no way influenced my opinion.
I've loved every one of Lane Hayes' college hockey romances. Her Smithton hockey series is, without a doubt, one of her best. Each of the three books is filled with sweetness, great chemistry between the main characters, and a beautiful conclusion. This last book is a light angst, grumpy/sunshine story, a trope which is one of my personal favorites. Out of all three stories, I think I found this one the most endearing.
I loved how Lane portrayed Gus as a committed athlete, the captain of his college ice hockey team, and dedicated to looking after his guys. Gus is such a well written character. On the surface, he's a party animal who organises a pretty mean 'do' with lots of booze, drugs, and sex. He's well liked, friendly, and good natured. However, beneath all of this, he suffers from persistent anxieties, he's lonely and simply feels that he doesn't fit. His refuge is the temporary escape provided by alcohol and drugs. When under the influence, he feels a fleeting sense of ease and a joy that is absent in his sober life.
This chemically induced relief, however, is a double edged sword. As the effects wear off, the underlying feelings of loneliness and the weight of his problems return with greater intensity, which become a neverending circle. His life becomes centered on seeking the next escape. I really adore Gus; as I read about his anxieties and low self-esteem, I felt myself tear up. The poor baby! 😭
Somehow, he ends up with ice skater Rafe as a roommate. Rafe is serious, goal orientated, and focused on his career. They're as different as chalk and cheese, and Rafe truly wants to strangle Gus at times. I enjoyed that Rafe doesn't take any crap from Gus, I loved his sassiness, and the dialogue between them makes for great reading.
The chemistry between the two is unreal, and of course, there are huge misunderstandings and obstacles to overcome. The way Gus makes things right in the end is so cute and sweet. Swoon 🥰
"We had friendship, laughter, and a bright future on the horizon. And a cat named Mr. Darcy. Loving Rafe was a gift, and I cherished what we had every damn day." (Gus)
Yet again, Lane has written a book that is the perfect blend of humour, emotional depth, and relatable characters. I love how her stories often interconnect through recurring characters; keeping up with them is a lovely touch that is great fun.
I received an ARC of this story, which in no way influenced my opinion.
November 26, 2025
4.25 Stars!
If you've been reading the Smithton Bears series, you might remember some of the hockey team parties at Gus's house and how his roommate never attended and didn't seem to approve of them. It was clear the roommates didn't get along, and now we get to find out why. That said, you could easily read this book as a standalone since the story is focused on Gus and Rafe.
I felt for Rafe. Anyone with experience with roommates, good or bad, should be able to sympathize with the constant disregard Gus seemed to have for Rafe at the beginning. I was glad when Gus finally had a moment of clarity and tried his best to be better for himself and those around him. Once I knew what Gus was dealing with, I was willing to give him a little grace. I could understand why Rafe didn't trust Gus, but I loved how they slowly built some trust and learned to lean on each other. Rafe needed someone who truly supported and encouraged him as he trained and tried to regain his figure skating sponsorship. Gus, trying to help Rafe as a distraction, became a wonderful, needed support system for them both.
Gus struggled through the book with his own and others' expectations, both real and perceived. While I wish Gus had trusted his friends to help him sooner, I give him a lot of credit for doing the hard steps himself for a good portion of the book. I loved that Gus stayed true to himself and found a job that he loved. I was glad that Rafe got the push he needed. I was so happy they made a life together and that we got to see it happen. I'm hoping for at least one more book in this series for a certain set of Gus's teammates.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
If you've been reading the Smithton Bears series, you might remember some of the hockey team parties at Gus's house and how his roommate never attended and didn't seem to approve of them. It was clear the roommates didn't get along, and now we get to find out why. That said, you could easily read this book as a standalone since the story is focused on Gus and Rafe.
I felt for Rafe. Anyone with experience with roommates, good or bad, should be able to sympathize with the constant disregard Gus seemed to have for Rafe at the beginning. I was glad when Gus finally had a moment of clarity and tried his best to be better for himself and those around him. Once I knew what Gus was dealing with, I was willing to give him a little grace. I could understand why Rafe didn't trust Gus, but I loved how they slowly built some trust and learned to lean on each other. Rafe needed someone who truly supported and encouraged him as he trained and tried to regain his figure skating sponsorship. Gus, trying to help Rafe as a distraction, became a wonderful, needed support system for them both.
Gus struggled through the book with his own and others' expectations, both real and perceived. While I wish Gus had trusted his friends to help him sooner, I give him a lot of credit for doing the hard steps himself for a good portion of the book. I loved that Gus stayed true to himself and found a job that he loved. I was glad that Rafe got the push he needed. I was so happy they made a life together and that we got to see it happen. I'm hoping for at least one more book in this series for a certain set of Gus's teammates.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
November 8, 2025
I love Lane's books and this is an entertaining enemies to lovers college romance between a hockey player and a figure skater.
Gus is a terrible roommate, just ask Rafe. Constantly needing to be the life of the party, but why do the parties have to be at their house? Rafe definitely has some hostile feelings towards his roommate but without any interference from him, things seem to change.
I really felt for Gus, and the things that he goes through. I thought that Lane wrote that well, including the anxiety and embarrassment he was feeling. Rafe is an excellent balm during tough times and it turns out to be something both of them need. That friendship and support as they get closer to the end of their college years (Gus's slightly more than Rafe's) gives them both something to lean on as they go through personal things. What it especially leads to, is this spark of chemistry and then non stop sex. Apparently, the best ever but neither will talk about a future together.
These are two men who come across as so different, especially to start with, but in getting to know each other and spending time doing random things, they see just how well they fit together. It's an entertaining read but with some important lessons to learn, especially from Gus.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
**c/w - addiction**
Gus is a terrible roommate, just ask Rafe. Constantly needing to be the life of the party, but why do the parties have to be at their house? Rafe definitely has some hostile feelings towards his roommate but without any interference from him, things seem to change.
I really felt for Gus, and the things that he goes through. I thought that Lane wrote that well, including the anxiety and embarrassment he was feeling. Rafe is an excellent balm during tough times and it turns out to be something both of them need. That friendship and support as they get closer to the end of their college years (Gus's slightly more than Rafe's) gives them both something to lean on as they go through personal things. What it especially leads to, is this spark of chemistry and then non stop sex. Apparently, the best ever but neither will talk about a future together.
These are two men who come across as so different, especially to start with, but in getting to know each other and spending time doing random things, they see just how well they fit together. It's an entertaining read but with some important lessons to learn, especially from Gus.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
**c/w - addiction**
December 22, 2025
story of Gus and Rafe
This is an enemies / roommates to more college sports romance, featuring Gus and Rafe, and is book three in the Smithton Bears series.
Gus is a party-loving hockey captain who clashes with his serious roommate Rafe, until he starts to realise those feelings might be something more. Rafe thinks he has nothing in common with Gus, but their unexpected chemistry makes him wonder if they could work as more than just roommates.
This was a sweet, cozy story with great opposites-attract vibes, and I absolutely loved it. Gus and Rafe’s slow shift from annoyed roommates to something soft and heartfelt was a joy to read, especially as they learned to respect each other’s ambitions, making every small moment hit harder. Finding love when you least expect it, total swoon.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 in series
MM college sports romance
Slow burn
Enemies to more
Opposites attract
Hockey player x figure skater
Roommates
Forced proximity
Himbo x grumpy
MC with glasses
Sobriety
Flirting lessons
Accidental hand holding
Spicy times & dirty talk
Friends with benefits
Admit feelings
HEA
This is an enemies / roommates to more college sports romance, featuring Gus and Rafe, and is book three in the Smithton Bears series.
Gus is a party-loving hockey captain who clashes with his serious roommate Rafe, until he starts to realise those feelings might be something more. Rafe thinks he has nothing in common with Gus, but their unexpected chemistry makes him wonder if they could work as more than just roommates.
This was a sweet, cozy story with great opposites-attract vibes, and I absolutely loved it. Gus and Rafe’s slow shift from annoyed roommates to something soft and heartfelt was a joy to read, especially as they learned to respect each other’s ambitions, making every small moment hit harder. Finding love when you least expect it, total swoon.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 in series
MM college sports romance
Slow burn
Enemies to more
Opposites attract
Hockey player x figure skater
Roommates
Forced proximity
Himbo x grumpy
MC with glasses
Sobriety
Flirting lessons
Accidental hand holding
Spicy times & dirty talk
Friends with benefits
Admit feelings
HEA
November 14, 2025
I loved this one! I love that Hayes kept characters from other books in the series part of this book and these two were just fun! I so appreciated the aspect of not knowing who you will be after school and the weight of other’s expectations. As opposite as you can get these two were exactly what the other needed.
November 13, 2025
I love Gus & Rafe together. A hockey, play boy & a figure skater are such a match made in heaven type of couple. I’m glad that Rafe fought for what he wanted. Such a cute story and I love them both.
November 22, 2025
v cute!!
December 2, 2025
*4.5 stars*
November 26, 2025
I really enjoy Lane Hayes writing but this one just missed the mark with me. I feel like it was a slow start up but more so it felt like background stuff took away from the main couple which made me really not care much for them or their endgame. The writing flowed nicely which helped me see it to the end but it just wasn't for me.
December 31, 2025
Audiobook update: I loved it just as much listening to it as I did when I first read it. This is def my fave in this series. I have become an avid Lane Hayes fan because of this series!
full RTC
What to Expect:
*hockey captain + figure skater
*college setting
*roommates to lovers
*opposites attract
*road to sobriety
*super hot spice
full RTC
What to Expect:
*hockey captain + figure skater
*college setting
*roommates to lovers
*opposites attract
*road to sobriety
*super hot spice
January 3, 2026
M/M
Roommates
College
Opposites
Hockey player/Figure skater
Jock/nerd
Rich/poor
Enemies to lovers (light)
Arc audio review
Story = 4.5
Narration = 5 stars
This can be read as a standalone. I have not read the first 2 books and didn't feel lost at all.
I really enjoyed Rafes character from the start. I love adorable nerd characters and felt bad for his situation as I have been in the same position before. Gus I did not like at the beginning. He was really selfish, inconsiderate and rude. I found it hard to believe that anyone could act as badly as he did and be so self unaware. I did quickly warm up to him though as he changed his ways and did things to show his sweet side and opened up more about what he was going through. His family is pressuring him to forget hockey and school and be a lawyer but he has managed to stay 3 years longer and is secretly on his way to a Masters in English and is considering teaching English and coaching hockey. His family would flip so he uses bad influences to make him feel better.
I enjoyed their chemistry, both when they were bantering back and forth at the start and as they got closer. It wasn't off the charts sparks but it developed naturally over time and I really enjoyed that. It was more realistic. They made a cute couple that helped balance each other out.
This was a fast paced, easy read that didn't drag at all. It kept my interest from start to finish. I found the start amusing with some humor and then I was completely drawn in as the plot turned more serious and heartfelt and I finished it in one listen. There is some moderate angst and not gonna lie, I got frustrated at the end and was yelling at my kindle and thought it could have been handled better. This was the only reason I hesitate to give it 5 stars, but I loved the ending.
Overall, I found it really well written. The relationship development was in perfect timing and I really enjoyed the character development for both of the MCs. The author handled the topic of drug addiction really well and sensitively. It may not be your typical dark struggle that is stereotypical of drug addiction, some might argue it was handled to easily, but not everyone is at the same extreme level and I found it to be realistic to this character. I liked that he acknowledged that it was more a side effect of his mental state and was getting counseling as well so for me that was very realistic.
I really enjoyed the world building in this and the side characters so I may go back and read the first 2 books.
The narrator did a fantastic performance. He had a pleasant voice and sounded age appropriate for the roles. He kept a good flow. I did speed it up a bit though. He expressed all the emotions wonderfully and brought the story to life. He gave all the characters including the side characters their own distinct voice that suited them all perfectly and made it easy to follow the story.
Roommates
College
Opposites
Hockey player/Figure skater
Jock/nerd
Rich/poor
Enemies to lovers (light)
Arc audio review
Story = 4.5
Narration = 5 stars
This can be read as a standalone. I have not read the first 2 books and didn't feel lost at all.
I really enjoyed Rafes character from the start. I love adorable nerd characters and felt bad for his situation as I have been in the same position before. Gus I did not like at the beginning. He was really selfish, inconsiderate and rude. I found it hard to believe that anyone could act as badly as he did and be so self unaware. I did quickly warm up to him though as he changed his ways and did things to show his sweet side and opened up more about what he was going through. His family is pressuring him to forget hockey and school and be a lawyer but he has managed to stay 3 years longer and is secretly on his way to a Masters in English and is considering teaching English and coaching hockey. His family would flip so he uses bad influences to make him feel better.
I enjoyed their chemistry, both when they were bantering back and forth at the start and as they got closer. It wasn't off the charts sparks but it developed naturally over time and I really enjoyed that. It was more realistic. They made a cute couple that helped balance each other out.
This was a fast paced, easy read that didn't drag at all. It kept my interest from start to finish. I found the start amusing with some humor and then I was completely drawn in as the plot turned more serious and heartfelt and I finished it in one listen. There is some moderate angst and not gonna lie, I got frustrated at the end and was yelling at my kindle and thought it could have been handled better. This was the only reason I hesitate to give it 5 stars, but I loved the ending.
Overall, I found it really well written. The relationship development was in perfect timing and I really enjoyed the character development for both of the MCs. The author handled the topic of drug addiction really well and sensitively. It may not be your typical dark struggle that is stereotypical of drug addiction, some might argue it was handled to easily, but not everyone is at the same extreme level and I found it to be realistic to this character. I liked that he acknowledged that it was more a side effect of his mental state and was getting counseling as well so for me that was very realistic.
I really enjoyed the world building in this and the side characters so I may go back and read the first 2 books.
The narrator did a fantastic performance. He had a pleasant voice and sounded age appropriate for the roles. He kept a good flow. I did speed it up a bit though. He expressed all the emotions wonderfully and brought the story to life. He gave all the characters including the side characters their own distinct voice that suited them all perfectly and made it easy to follow the story.
November 19, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Awwww I really enjoyed this!! Gus and Rafe's love journey was a wild one but, in typical Lane Hayes fashion, stuck the landing with the sweetest HEA! I was about 9% in and stg Gus would've been 6ft under if he was my roommate! So I was absolutely feeling big feral feelings on Rafe's behalf!
But then Hayes worked her smushy fabulous magic, and Gus' arc started to rock 'n' roll. His was the kind of transmutation from jockbro-fkboi into the lovable babe we love to read! Gus was miles of endearing, had the most buoyant gregarious charm, and was a solid golden retriever to Rafe's slinky, side-eyeing cat energy.
Athletes on ice will always make me melt! Rafe and Gus skated their way to love, gliding from friendly beginnings, to sharing vulnerabilities and secret fears, to being each other's trusted and reliable safe space. Gus helped alleviate Rafe's hang-ups with an injection of fun times. And ofc all the sexy spicing was the cure-all for everything else that Rafe and Gus needed in order to get by.
I wasn't exactly sure why Gus couldn't share the challenges of his healing journey with his teammates and friends closest to him, but I'm glad he at least had Rafe and his therapist to help him move through the roughest parts when things got to be too much.
Gus' Mom was a MIGHTY a-hole, and she gave me the super ick.
It's disastrous.
I don't want to "get" it.
It's not for me.
Her ewww was a hearty enough blemish on this otherwise delectable romance, and I'm straight up tired of being disgusted by people's entitlement periodt.
Minus the above, I had a great time with The Roommate Game and I'll always be excited for more Smithton Bears romance!
BUT
when I say that I may have cried a little
when I saw that we're returning to Four Forest/Wood Hollow next year…
And that also
We're getting
A COWBOY HOLIDAY SEASONAL ROMANCE BEFORE THAT!!!
My heart is officially mollified and ready for ranchers in love! I CANNOT WAIT!!
Awwww I really enjoyed this!! Gus and Rafe's love journey was a wild one but, in typical Lane Hayes fashion, stuck the landing with the sweetest HEA! I was about 9% in and stg Gus would've been 6ft under if he was my roommate! So I was absolutely feeling big feral feelings on Rafe's behalf!
But then Hayes worked her smushy fabulous magic, and Gus' arc started to rock 'n' roll. His was the kind of transmutation from jockbro-fkboi into the lovable babe we love to read! Gus was miles of endearing, had the most buoyant gregarious charm, and was a solid golden retriever to Rafe's slinky, side-eyeing cat energy.
Athletes on ice will always make me melt! Rafe and Gus skated their way to love, gliding from friendly beginnings, to sharing vulnerabilities and secret fears, to being each other's trusted and reliable safe space. Gus helped alleviate Rafe's hang-ups with an injection of fun times. And ofc all the sexy spicing was the cure-all for everything else that Rafe and Gus needed in order to get by.
I wasn't exactly sure why Gus couldn't share the challenges of his healing journey with his teammates and friends closest to him, but I'm glad he at least had Rafe and his therapist to help him move through the roughest parts when things got to be too much.
Gus' Mom was a MIGHTY a-hole, and she gave me the super ick.
It's disastrous.
I don't want to "get" it.
It's not for me.
Her ewww was a hearty enough blemish on this otherwise delectable romance, and I'm straight up tired of being disgusted by people's entitlement periodt.
Minus the above, I had a great time with The Roommate Game and I'll always be excited for more Smithton Bears romance!
BUT
when I say that I may have cried a little
when I saw that we're returning to Four Forest/Wood Hollow next year…
And that also
We're getting
A COWBOY HOLIDAY SEASONAL ROMANCE BEFORE THAT!!!
My heart is officially mollified and ready for ranchers in love! I CANNOT WAIT!!
November 12, 2025
This is the third book in the Smithton Bears series and I think you could enjoy it as a standalone read. This is the story of Gus and Rafe. Both are students at Smithton college. Gus is the captain of the men's hockey team. He is charming and outgoing. He fully supports all of his teammates and tries project positivity all the time. He is also partying way too much and too often at his shared dorm room. Unable to deal with overwhelming pressure from school, hockey and his mom; he has turned to alcohol and substances to help him through this period. Rafe has transferred to Smithton for his final year at school. He is slowly rebuilding his figure skating career after a serious injury. He is trying to earn an invitation to the US Collegiate Figure Skating Championships. He mistakenly thought that having the captain of the hockey team as his roommate would mean that they would be both focused on training and success. Instead he comes home to Gus having eaten his food, drinking his juice and milk from the cartoon and having large, noisy parties on a regular basis. After five months of this, Rafe has reached his breaking point. But it is at this point that Gus has reached his breaking point as well. After deciding to quit drinking and substances cold turkey, he turns his attention to Rafe's love life. Or lack of love life. He will be the best wingman ever even if Rafe doesn't really want one. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I enjoyed watching how Rafe and Gus slowly became friends. How Rafe began to see below the surface image that Gus projects and see the genuinely kind and nice guy underneath. I enjoyed how Gus also worked to get Rafe's confidence back while figure skating. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I really enjoyed this book. It is a great addition to this series.
January 3, 2026
I was excited for this, I have a soft spot for roommates and if they are enemies to lovers, that's even better. Plus hockey player x figure skater? Gimme all of it, I love those tropes. Plus Lane Hayes is brilliant when they are on form.
I still think this could have been an amazing book, but it didn't quite live up to its potential, and seemed to be pretty confused about what it wanted to be. The other person drama that dominated the first half of the book was completely unnecessary and annoying rather than endearing. It even tried to come back in the end but was brushed away. Similarly, the problem of Gus's mom mysteriously evaporated once it was no longer useful, and Gus's apparent substance misuse problem fluctuated from a minor and forgettable inconvenience to a major addiction issue that was destroying his life, depending on what the author chose in that moment. I didn't like the inconsistency and it seemed frankly disrespectful to those of us who battle addiction. It also did not seem to be well-researched or considered as he had no real medical help or formal support, just started going to AA meetings in the last third of the book. I didn't mind this initially when it was just presented as partying too hard, but when it became apparent he had long term issues and a history of addiction, it seemed he got over things ridiculously easily. As I said, the problem fluctuated a lot according to the needs of the story.
I did like that Gus's real strength was shown as encouraging and motivating others, being a leader and captain, and that he was able to utilise that going forward. Rafe was okay but wasn't really developed beyond being the prissy princess who fell for the jock who kept stealing his food from their fridge. It was nice that Gus was able to help his career as well as bone him on the regular, I guess. Great narration as always from Kirt Graves, but overall it was a miss for me.
I still think this could have been an amazing book, but it didn't quite live up to its potential, and seemed to be pretty confused about what it wanted to be. The other person drama that dominated the first half of the book was completely unnecessary and annoying rather than endearing. It even tried to come back in the end but was brushed away. Similarly, the problem of Gus's mom mysteriously evaporated once it was no longer useful, and Gus's apparent substance misuse problem fluctuated from a minor and forgettable inconvenience to a major addiction issue that was destroying his life, depending on what the author chose in that moment. I didn't like the inconsistency and it seemed frankly disrespectful to those of us who battle addiction. It also did not seem to be well-researched or considered as he had no real medical help or formal support, just started going to AA meetings in the last third of the book. I didn't mind this initially when it was just presented as partying too hard, but when it became apparent he had long term issues and a history of addiction, it seemed he got over things ridiculously easily. As I said, the problem fluctuated a lot according to the needs of the story.
I did like that Gus's real strength was shown as encouraging and motivating others, being a leader and captain, and that he was able to utilise that going forward. Rafe was okay but wasn't really developed beyond being the prissy princess who fell for the jock who kept stealing his food from their fridge. It was nice that Gus was able to help his career as well as bone him on the regular, I guess. Great narration as always from Kirt Graves, but overall it was a miss for me.
November 18, 2025
MY OPINION: This is the third book in the series, and I was super glad to grab it since I read the second one and liked it a lot. There is an ease to these books that I genuinely enjoy, with a solid pace and plenty of story.
These two are roommates with no past between them. Gus had a room, and Rafe needed a place to live, so it worked. We started after they had been together for most of the school year, and there was a very adversarial relationship.
When Gus decides he needs to change his lifestyle, he ends up staying home and getting to know his roommate. The hard-partying hockey player channels his energy into being a better person. The two of them find that once the ugly parts are stripped away, there is an amazing person. Rafe likes that guy a lot.
One of the things I liked a lot was that, as a rough-and-tumble hockey player, Gus recognized that ice skating was a very athletic sport. That it wasn’t all the stereotypes you might expect. There is some hockey and some ice skating, but it’s primarily focused on the two men in their apartment. It was a nice melding of the two sports and respect for each other.
Before there are feelings, there is spice. These two enjoy a friends-with-benefits situation, where they are happy with the physical only. There is plenty of them getting together, which leads to all the feels. The last 20% of the book had me reaching for the tissues. My heart was crushed. What a story.
If you want a great story, with plenty of fun and two great guys, this one you will like. I would say it falls under enemies-to-lovers, some close proximity, and a whole lot of surprise when they find they are attracted. Spice too. Pick it up, you’ll enjoy it. I don’t think you need to read the other books to enjoy this one. And yes, even though it felt like there wouldn’t be, there is an HEA.
These two are roommates with no past between them. Gus had a room, and Rafe needed a place to live, so it worked. We started after they had been together for most of the school year, and there was a very adversarial relationship.
When Gus decides he needs to change his lifestyle, he ends up staying home and getting to know his roommate. The hard-partying hockey player channels his energy into being a better person. The two of them find that once the ugly parts are stripped away, there is an amazing person. Rafe likes that guy a lot.
One of the things I liked a lot was that, as a rough-and-tumble hockey player, Gus recognized that ice skating was a very athletic sport. That it wasn’t all the stereotypes you might expect. There is some hockey and some ice skating, but it’s primarily focused on the two men in their apartment. It was a nice melding of the two sports and respect for each other.
Before there are feelings, there is spice. These two enjoy a friends-with-benefits situation, where they are happy with the physical only. There is plenty of them getting together, which leads to all the feels. The last 20% of the book had me reaching for the tissues. My heart was crushed. What a story.
If you want a great story, with plenty of fun and two great guys, this one you will like. I would say it falls under enemies-to-lovers, some close proximity, and a whole lot of surprise when they find they are attracted. Spice too. Pick it up, you’ll enjoy it. I don’t think you need to read the other books to enjoy this one. And yes, even though it felt like there wouldn’t be, there is an HEA.
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