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Breakaway Plays #1
First Shift
When the biggest risk is playing it safe.
Stormhawks’ Captain Griffin Lapierre has spent sixteen years as an elite NHL player—and sixteen years in the closet. Traded to the Portland expansion team, he’s determined to redeem his career while keeping his sexuality hidden. But now that’s more of a challenge than ever.
Wesley Hutton knows the cost of a secret romance. After a devastating scandal destroyed his last job, he’s repaired his reputation as the Stormhawks’ PR manager. He can’t repeat past mistakes, even if Griffin is too tempting to ignore. Getting involved with a player—especially a closeted one—isn’t just forbidden, it’s professional self-destruction.
One kiss ignites an attraction neither can deny. As their clandestine relationship deepens, Griffin realizes that hiding is costing him more than honesty ever could. But coming out means risking it all—his captaincy, the career he’s built, and the team’s dynamic.
An impulsive moment changes everything, and Griffin faces an impossible keep his sexuality secret and watch Wesley lose his job, or come out publicly and potentially lose everything else.
With a closeted captain and a forbidden attraction, First Shift delivers a high-stakes MM hockey romance about taking the shot that matters most.
Stormhawks’ Captain Griffin Lapierre has spent sixteen years as an elite NHL player—and sixteen years in the closet. Traded to the Portland expansion team, he’s determined to redeem his career while keeping his sexuality hidden. But now that’s more of a challenge than ever.
Wesley Hutton knows the cost of a secret romance. After a devastating scandal destroyed his last job, he’s repaired his reputation as the Stormhawks’ PR manager. He can’t repeat past mistakes, even if Griffin is too tempting to ignore. Getting involved with a player—especially a closeted one—isn’t just forbidden, it’s professional self-destruction.
One kiss ignites an attraction neither can deny. As their clandestine relationship deepens, Griffin realizes that hiding is costing him more than honesty ever could. But coming out means risking it all—his captaincy, the career he’s built, and the team’s dynamic.
An impulsive moment changes everything, and Griffin faces an impossible keep his sexuality secret and watch Wesley lose his job, or come out publicly and potentially lose everything else.
With a closeted captain and a forbidden attraction, First Shift delivers a high-stakes MM hockey romance about taking the shot that matters most.
- GenresM M Romance
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
45 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Linden
5 books29 followersLisa Linden writes swoon-worthy MM romance by day and devours it by night. When not crafting happily-ever-afters, she’s hunting for her next book obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 11, 2026
Griffin is the Captain of the new expansion NHL team the Portland Stormhawks and he is in the closet. Their PR manager Wesley is gay and both are attracted. They work so well together but know they have to keep it professional though it gets harder everyday until they cross the line. It's a book about the hyper masculine atmosphere of hockey and the strain of secrecy in their lives. But it is also about two men willing to fight for each other and happiness. I received a copy of this through BookSirens and this is my voluntary opinion.
Review of advance copy
First Shift by Lisa Linden is a solid MM hockey romance that leans far more on emotional depth than spice, and for the most part, it works really well.
Griffin Lapierre is the veteran NHL captain of a brand-new expansion team who has spent sixteen years in the closet; first pushed there by his late father and later kept there by his agent. Being traded forces him to rebuild not only his career, but his sense of self, all while trying to unify a group of individual players into an actual team. His struggle felt painfully real and deeply rooted in fear, responsibility, and habit.
Wesley Hutton, the team’s PR manager, brings his own emotional baggage. After a past scandal involving a closeted player destroyed his career once before, Wesley knows exactly how dangerous a secret relationship can be. He doesn’t want to repeat old mistakes, but his chemistry with Griffin is undeniable.
The romance starts as a slow burn, built on friendship and mutual awareness of the risks involved. I really appreciated how they tried to experience “normal” couple moments in secret, learning each other in small, intimate ways. The book is relatively low on spice, but the emotional connection more than makes up for it.
The hockey content is well balanced, present and engaging without becoming overly technical. Watching Griffin work to shape the team dynamic was a highlight, even if the inclusion of a “bad apple” player felt a bit cliché.
My biggest issue was the length and repetition. Wesley constantly compares Griffin to his ex, and both characters rehash the same fears and internal conflicts repeatedly for a large portion of the book. It became tiring, especially when very little emotional progress was happening for over half the story. At times, they were also frustratingly careless given how aware they were of the risks.
That said, the third act absolutely redeemed the story for me. Griffin’s coming-out journey, and the way he and Wesley protect and stand by each other, was handled with care and emotional weight. Their decision to face the consequences together was powerful and satisfying.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, emotionally driven MM hockey romance with strong characters and a meaningful HEA. Despite some pacing issues, I enjoyed it and will definitely be continuing the series to see where the Stormhawks go next.
⭐ 4 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Griffin Lapierre is the veteran NHL captain of a brand-new expansion team who has spent sixteen years in the closet; first pushed there by his late father and later kept there by his agent. Being traded forces him to rebuild not only his career, but his sense of self, all while trying to unify a group of individual players into an actual team. His struggle felt painfully real and deeply rooted in fear, responsibility, and habit.
Wesley Hutton, the team’s PR manager, brings his own emotional baggage. After a past scandal involving a closeted player destroyed his career once before, Wesley knows exactly how dangerous a secret relationship can be. He doesn’t want to repeat old mistakes, but his chemistry with Griffin is undeniable.
The romance starts as a slow burn, built on friendship and mutual awareness of the risks involved. I really appreciated how they tried to experience “normal” couple moments in secret, learning each other in small, intimate ways. The book is relatively low on spice, but the emotional connection more than makes up for it.
The hockey content is well balanced, present and engaging without becoming overly technical. Watching Griffin work to shape the team dynamic was a highlight, even if the inclusion of a “bad apple” player felt a bit cliché.
My biggest issue was the length and repetition. Wesley constantly compares Griffin to his ex, and both characters rehash the same fears and internal conflicts repeatedly for a large portion of the book. It became tiring, especially when very little emotional progress was happening for over half the story. At times, they were also frustratingly careless given how aware they were of the risks.
That said, the third act absolutely redeemed the story for me. Griffin’s coming-out journey, and the way he and Wesley protect and stand by each other, was handled with care and emotional weight. Their decision to face the consequences together was powerful and satisfying.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, emotionally driven MM hockey romance with strong characters and a meaningful HEA. Despite some pacing issues, I enjoyed it and will definitely be continuing the series to see where the Stormhawks go next.
⭐ 4 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
Griffin Lapierre’s lonely existence at the pinnacle of his career is about to change when a sudden, humiliating transfer forces him into close contact with a new PR manager. Even as a manager whose professional life revolves around 'reframing narratives' aimed at making players look good, Wesley Hutton somehow manages to challenges everything Griffin done with his life, his career, and his identity.
As Griffin soon discovers, Wesley is far more than a slick-talking, surface-polishing PR man or a style-but-no-substance media handler. The tentative friendship they forge soon drifts into dangerous territory, and after sixteen years of hiding who he is both on and off the ice, this status-quo has never felt more untenable.
Lisa Linden’s First Shift sets its collision course early. A closeted hockey player and his PR manager? It’s a disaster waiting to happen—especially once attraction enters the picture and personal principles begin to to get questioned and compromised.
Griffin and Wesley are ace together. Linden hit all the right notes for me: their chemistry, the slow-burn closeness, and most importantly, their commitment to communication and their support of each other. Rather than manufacturing drama through secrets and miscommunication, the story lets them put their cards on the table early on before bracing for the fallout together. That said, Wesley’s PR instincts and PR-speak do verge on repetitive at times, and some of the media coaching leaned a little too hard into cringey territory—perhaps it's a bit too reflective of how the news outlets massage the stories they wish to tell until the 'reality' they shape surpasses the facts.
Thankfully, 'First Shift' never loses sight of who these characters really are. Linden steers Griffin and Wesley back to themselves, and into a hard-won HEA that feels genuinely earned. Griffin’s arc, in particular, is groundbreaking and as it is brutal, but I loved every moment of his struggle that led to an ending that I thought made him the player and captain he was always meant to be.
As Griffin soon discovers, Wesley is far more than a slick-talking, surface-polishing PR man or a style-but-no-substance media handler. The tentative friendship they forge soon drifts into dangerous territory, and after sixteen years of hiding who he is both on and off the ice, this status-quo has never felt more untenable.
Lisa Linden’s First Shift sets its collision course early. A closeted hockey player and his PR manager? It’s a disaster waiting to happen—especially once attraction enters the picture and personal principles begin to to get questioned and compromised.
Griffin and Wesley are ace together. Linden hit all the right notes for me: their chemistry, the slow-burn closeness, and most importantly, their commitment to communication and their support of each other. Rather than manufacturing drama through secrets and miscommunication, the story lets them put their cards on the table early on before bracing for the fallout together. That said, Wesley’s PR instincts and PR-speak do verge on repetitive at times, and some of the media coaching leaned a little too hard into cringey territory—perhaps it's a bit too reflective of how the news outlets massage the stories they wish to tell until the 'reality' they shape surpasses the facts.
Thankfully, 'First Shift' never loses sight of who these characters really are. Linden steers Griffin and Wesley back to themselves, and into a hard-won HEA that feels genuinely earned. Griffin’s arc, in particular, is groundbreaking and as it is brutal, but I loved every moment of his struggle that led to an ending that I thought made him the player and captain he was always meant to be.
February 26, 2026
The blurb gives the basics of the story, but the development of the relationship between Griffin and Wesley is what is so compelling. For 16 years, Griffin has lived a lie, never able to be himself, but with Wesley he feels safe and seen and valued for more than just his hockey skills. Even though he is closeted, his feelings allow him to share his secret with only the third person who now knows it. Terrified of being caught, Griff is blinded by desire for Wesley and the type of intimacy he has never had before, leading to a lapse in judgement which brings consequences. Will Griff be able to take the step needed to claim the freedom he deserves, to protect Wesley, and to lead to the life he has craved for so long? Since it’s a romance, of course he will, but it is the journey which is so amazing.
The story is so real, it must be one that is/was longed for by gay athletes in all major and minor sports, the yearning to life their life authentically, out of the darkness and into the light of the life lived by those not hiding this secret. Wesley gave Griff the courage, the desire, and the reason to claim what he wanted, to realize what he had and what he could lose if he didn’t follow his heart. I found it to be an inspirational and uplifting story, one which had me satisfied and smiling at the end.
I found this book hard to put down, and would gladly recommend it for the engaging and relatable characters (main and supporting — except Turner), the story which I thought did a good job presenting the viewpoint on what Griff had given up all those years to stay closeted, the the impact on his life because of that, and the positive outcome to a moment of weakness in the midst of these new found feelings and realizations. The hockey parts were good, too, and the ways Griff tried to create a positive and uniting atmosphere for this newly established team demonstrated his leadership qualities. Overall, an enthusiastic 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.
I received an advance copy for free and this is my voluntary review.
The story is so real, it must be one that is/was longed for by gay athletes in all major and minor sports, the yearning to life their life authentically, out of the darkness and into the light of the life lived by those not hiding this secret. Wesley gave Griff the courage, the desire, and the reason to claim what he wanted, to realize what he had and what he could lose if he didn’t follow his heart. I found it to be an inspirational and uplifting story, one which had me satisfied and smiling at the end.
I found this book hard to put down, and would gladly recommend it for the engaging and relatable characters (main and supporting — except Turner), the story which I thought did a good job presenting the viewpoint on what Griff had given up all those years to stay closeted, the the impact on his life because of that, and the positive outcome to a moment of weakness in the midst of these new found feelings and realizations. The hockey parts were good, too, and the ways Griff tried to create a positive and uniting atmosphere for this newly established team demonstrated his leadership qualities. Overall, an enthusiastic 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.
I received an advance copy for free and this is my voluntary review.
March 23, 2026
Griffin needs this season to be good. He found out he was traded from his last team onto a brand new expansion team via a mistimed social media post. He’s determined to show the team that moved on from him, what they lost by trading him. He’s got to be the perfect player and the perfect captain, and that means keeping the secret he’s been closely guarding his entire career a secret until he retires. It’s more important to him now than ever that no one finds out he’s gay.
Wesley is openly gay and the expansion team’s PR manager. He’s rebuilding his life and his career after leaving behind a scandal on his last team. He can’t afford to have a relationship with a player on his new team. No matter how attractive and tempting and kind the captain is.
This book was good and the hockey was mostly accurate. I wish the relationship and their growing feelings for each other had felt like more of a focus though. It felt like a lot of the book was just them repeatedly saying how reckless they were being with regards to potential discovery zand then proceeding to be even more reckless. I feel like we knew the stakes and we could have focused a little less on them and a little more on the characters flirting with each other and getting to know each other and build a relationship.
I also prefer my books to be a little less realistic with their homophobia but that’s just my personal preference as a queer person who reads for escapism. I know plenty of other people prefer for it to be portrayed realistically like it is in this book.
Tropes
🏒 player/staff member
🏒 secret relationship
🏒 coming out
hockey accuracy: 4.5/5
Wesley is openly gay and the expansion team’s PR manager. He’s rebuilding his life and his career after leaving behind a scandal on his last team. He can’t afford to have a relationship with a player on his new team. No matter how attractive and tempting and kind the captain is.
This book was good and the hockey was mostly accurate. I wish the relationship and their growing feelings for each other had felt like more of a focus though. It felt like a lot of the book was just them repeatedly saying how reckless they were being with regards to potential discovery zand then proceeding to be even more reckless. I feel like we knew the stakes and we could have focused a little less on them and a little more on the characters flirting with each other and getting to know each other and build a relationship.
I also prefer my books to be a little less realistic with their homophobia but that’s just my personal preference as a queer person who reads for escapism. I know plenty of other people prefer for it to be portrayed realistically like it is in this book.
Tropes
🏒 player/staff member
🏒 secret relationship
🏒 coming out
hockey accuracy: 4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5* rounded up
It's a solid hockey romance. I really liked Griffin and Wesley, there is plenty of chemistry, they are written well rounded and both have plenty of depth to make them likeable.
Griffin is closeted, pushed there at 16 by his late father and kept there by his agent. Being traded he needs to not only find himself again but also being the captain of a brand new team means merging individuals into a team.
Wesley has his share of experiences with closeted men. Something he didn't plan to do again but the attraction to Griffin is too much.
I like how it's a slow burn at first, how they develop a friendship and are both aware what a relationship will mean for them. I love how they try to do couple-things and learn about each other.
It's quite low on spice.
There are good hockey scenes without going into too many technicalities and the way Griffin starts to merge the men into a team are great. There is the one bad apple, a bit too much cliche but ok.
The biggest issues I have though is that the book is too long. Especially Wesley is constantly comparing Griffin's behaviour to his ex and it does get tiring.
And they are definitely careless and too stupid.
What brings the book back into my favour is Griffin coming out and the way he and Wesley do it. They both try to protect the other and show that they are standing together and support each other is really great.
It will be interesting what comes next.
It's a solid hockey romance. I really liked Griffin and Wesley, there is plenty of chemistry, they are written well rounded and both have plenty of depth to make them likeable.
Griffin is closeted, pushed there at 16 by his late father and kept there by his agent. Being traded he needs to not only find himself again but also being the captain of a brand new team means merging individuals into a team.
Wesley has his share of experiences with closeted men. Something he didn't plan to do again but the attraction to Griffin is too much.
I like how it's a slow burn at first, how they develop a friendship and are both aware what a relationship will mean for them. I love how they try to do couple-things and learn about each other.
It's quite low on spice.
There are good hockey scenes without going into too many technicalities and the way Griffin starts to merge the men into a team are great. There is the one bad apple, a bit too much cliche but ok.
The biggest issues I have though is that the book is too long. Especially Wesley is constantly comparing Griffin's behaviour to his ex and it does get tiring.
And they are definitely careless and too stupid.
What brings the book back into my favour is Griffin coming out and the way he and Wesley do it. They both try to protect the other and show that they are standing together and support each other is really great.
It will be interesting what comes next.
February 11, 2026
From the start, it was clear that Griffin and Wesley felt a pull toward each other. It was also clear that neither of them felt like they could do anything about it - Griffin is the captain of an expansion hockey team and Wesley is the PR manager escaping a scandal that rocked his world. After 16 years in the league, Griffin knows that coming out could ruin everything he's built for himself. Wesley knows that he will never again accept being someone's secret.
Except Wesley does decide to be Griffin's secret, otherwise this book would be 35 pages. But, their dynamic is intense and the pressure of the secrecy and the perceived scrutiny all felt real. You could actually feel Wesley and Griffin's fear of being caught - even when they made stupid choices that left them vulnerable to discovery.
That said, this would have gotten a full 5 stars from me if not for a couple of things. Wesley's constant comparison of Griffin to his ex started to wear on me after a while and took my focus from him and Griffin. It also felt like the last bit of the book was rushed and wrapped everything up too quickly, which is saying something for a book that's more than 350 pages.
Still, this author continues to deliver strong characters and excellent storylines, and I can't wait for book 2!
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
Except Wesley does decide to be Griffin's secret, otherwise this book would be 35 pages. But, their dynamic is intense and the pressure of the secrecy and the perceived scrutiny all felt real. You could actually feel Wesley and Griffin's fear of being caught - even when they made stupid choices that left them vulnerable to discovery.
That said, this would have gotten a full 5 stars from me if not for a couple of things. Wesley's constant comparison of Griffin to his ex started to wear on me after a while and took my focus from him and Griffin. It also felt like the last bit of the book was rushed and wrapped everything up too quickly, which is saying something for a book that's more than 350 pages.
Still, this author continues to deliver strong characters and excellent storylines, and I can't wait for book 2!
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
March 29, 2026
I really loved First Shift by Lisa Linden. It’s a beautiful later-in-life MM sports romance with a powerful and emotional coming-out story at its core.
The story follows Griffin, a professional NHL player who has been hiding his identity for sixteen years. When he’s traded and becomes the captain of a newly formed team, it marks not just a major career shift, but a turning point in his personal life as well. There’s a lot of internal struggle, frustration, and pressure woven into his journey, which makes it feel very real.
Wesley, the team’s PR manager, was such a great counterpart to Griffin. He’s also starting over after a previous relationship ended in scandal, so both characters are navigating fresh beginnings while carrying emotional baggage. I really appreciated how their connection develops—it’s full of tension, mutual understanding, and quiet support.
What stood out most is the emotional depth and the sense of commitment between them. Their relationship builds steadily, shaped by the risks they both clearly recognize, which only adds to the intensity.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt, comforting read with strong character dynamics and a meaningful message: sports should be for everyone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows Griffin, a professional NHL player who has been hiding his identity for sixteen years. When he’s traded and becomes the captain of a newly formed team, it marks not just a major career shift, but a turning point in his personal life as well. There’s a lot of internal struggle, frustration, and pressure woven into his journey, which makes it feel very real.
Wesley, the team’s PR manager, was such a great counterpart to Griffin. He’s also starting over after a previous relationship ended in scandal, so both characters are navigating fresh beginnings while carrying emotional baggage. I really appreciated how their connection develops—it’s full of tension, mutual understanding, and quiet support.
What stood out most is the emotional depth and the sense of commitment between them. Their relationship builds steadily, shaped by the risks they both clearly recognize, which only adds to the intensity.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt, comforting read with strong character dynamics and a meaningful message: sports should be for everyone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Griffin is the veteran closeted hockey player and captain for a new expansion team. Wesley is the PR manager for the new expansion team with a bad history with dating closeted men. The two are drawn to each other from the beginning and the chemistry is undeniable. Between the team’s no fraternization policy, Griffin being in the closet, and Wesleys fear of losing his job, they have a lot of issues to overcome if they want their HEA.
There is a lot of hockey which I enjoyed and some spice which was also good. My only negatives were the amount of times the same things were repeatedly said. They both knew the risks going in but in every chapter, after every encounter, they had the same thoughts and worries, without any improvements or changes for over 70% of the book. It was just repetitive to me and I felt like it could’ve been better if progress was slowly being made. And then theres how many times Wesley’s ex was compared to Griffin. It was too much for a healthy relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will likely read the rest of the series when they are released. The writing was well done, even if repetitive at times, and the characters were well formed.
There is a lot of hockey which I enjoyed and some spice which was also good. My only negatives were the amount of times the same things were repeatedly said. They both knew the risks going in but in every chapter, after every encounter, they had the same thoughts and worries, without any improvements or changes for over 70% of the book. It was just repetitive to me and I felt like it could’ve been better if progress was slowly being made. And then theres how many times Wesley’s ex was compared to Griffin. It was too much for a healthy relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will likely read the rest of the series when they are released. The writing was well done, even if repetitive at times, and the characters were well formed.
Review of advance copy
First Shift by Lisa Linden really surprised me in the best way. This is an MM hockey romance that doesn’t rely on spice to carry the story—and honestly, it doesn’t need to. The emotional depth here does all the heavy lifting.
Griffin Lapierre has been in the NHL for 16 years and has spent just as long hiding who he really is. The pressure from his manager and family to stay closeted felt painfully real. Wesley Hutton, the team’s PR manager, brings his own baggage after betrayals and heartbreak from past relationship. Both men are guarded and carrying a lot more than they let on.
What I loved most was how authentic their journey felt. This story is really about coming out—not just publicly, but emotionally—and learning what it means to live honestly. It also asks some hard questions about sacrifice and what you’re willing to risk for the person you love.
This was a heartwarming, thoughtful read with a very satisfying HEA. If you’re looking for an MM hockey romance that focuses more on feelings, growth, and genuine connection than heat, I highly recommend First Shift.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Griffin Lapierre has been in the NHL for 16 years and has spent just as long hiding who he really is. The pressure from his manager and family to stay closeted felt painfully real. Wesley Hutton, the team’s PR manager, brings his own baggage after betrayals and heartbreak from past relationship. Both men are guarded and carrying a lot more than they let on.
What I loved most was how authentic their journey felt. This story is really about coming out—not just publicly, but emotionally—and learning what it means to live honestly. It also asks some hard questions about sacrifice and what you’re willing to risk for the person you love.
This was a heartwarming, thoughtful read with a very satisfying HEA. If you’re looking for an MM hockey romance that focuses more on feelings, growth, and genuine connection than heat, I highly recommend First Shift.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
People wear masks for many reasons. Some do it to protect themselves, while others do it to protect loved ones. In this day and age, people shouldn’t have to hide who they truly are. First Shift explores one of the last institutions where hiding is still preferable to the truth. This is where we meet Griffin Lapierre—a strong leader who is hiding to protect his image and family legacy. We also meet Wesley Hutton, who had to hide for a very different reason. This story explores what happens when attraction overwhelms and drives change. I love the way Lisa Linden writes this story. It felt equal parts endearing and frustrating. Most books sugarcoat or downplay the emotions associated with coming out, but not this story. Lisa has created characters with depth and emotion and gets you right in the feels! It also taught me a thing or two about Hockey! If you’re looking for a story that feels real and current, do yourself a favor and give First Shift a read! You will dive headfirst into the world of expansion team dynamics, team building, and romance all in one place! I can’t wait to read where this series goes next!
Review of advance copy
Hockey is my favourite sport. I grew up around rinks and one of my kids plays. I know too much about hockey to be normal about it ever. 🤣 So I’m always thrilled to read about one of the sports I love.
This book is so good. So good. And given the topic du jour surrounding hockey and the resistance to let gay men exist and live their lives authentically and still play hockey, this book comes at a good time.
There’s spice but it’s not the main point. The hockey, the pain felt by Griffin of having to hide, Wesley’s last secret relationship that made him vow to not be a secret again, all that takes centre stage. The pressure from family, ghosts of the past, teammates, society, it’s all there.
Of course nothing hidden stays hidden and how these two characters deal with their discovery and the fallout is nothing short of beautiful. They don’t run from it or each other. They work together and strengthen each other. It’s just perfect really.
This author is new to me but I want to read more by her. And thank you, BookSirens, for the opportunity to read and review this. This review is my honest opinion.
This book is so good. So good. And given the topic du jour surrounding hockey and the resistance to let gay men exist and live their lives authentically and still play hockey, this book comes at a good time.
There’s spice but it’s not the main point. The hockey, the pain felt by Griffin of having to hide, Wesley’s last secret relationship that made him vow to not be a secret again, all that takes centre stage. The pressure from family, ghosts of the past, teammates, society, it’s all there.
Of course nothing hidden stays hidden and how these two characters deal with their discovery and the fallout is nothing short of beautiful. They don’t run from it or each other. They work together and strengthen each other. It’s just perfect really.
This author is new to me but I want to read more by her. And thank you, BookSirens, for the opportunity to read and review this. This review is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First Shift revolves around the new NHL team, the Portland Stormhawks. Captain Griffin Lapierre is under enormous pressure to perform perfectly in public, while Wesley Hutton, the new PR manager, should really not be taking any risks after his bitter experiences in Nashville. A bond slowly develops between the two, but hierarchy, media risk, and team dynamics make any rapprochement dangerous.
Pros: strong PR/hockey setting, palpable chemistry, an emotional core revolving around visibility, fear, and trust.
Cons: For me, the narrative was sometimes slow-paced (lots of introspection), and Wesley's renewed involvement in a similar situation after his trauma didn't always seem entirely credible.
Conclusion: Good idea, strong atmosphere – despite the slow pace and minor logical inconsistencies, a solid 4 stars.
If you like workplace/sports romance that deals a lot with image, coming-out pressure, and media and is told in a more emotional-psychological way than action-packed, you'll be well served here. Those who expect very consistent boundaries when it comes to trauma consequences or need a tighter pace might, like me, wish for a little more friction and less repetition.
Pros: strong PR/hockey setting, palpable chemistry, an emotional core revolving around visibility, fear, and trust.
Cons: For me, the narrative was sometimes slow-paced (lots of introspection), and Wesley's renewed involvement in a similar situation after his trauma didn't always seem entirely credible.
Conclusion: Good idea, strong atmosphere – despite the slow pace and minor logical inconsistencies, a solid 4 stars.
If you like workplace/sports romance that deals a lot with image, coming-out pressure, and media and is told in a more emotional-psychological way than action-packed, you'll be well served here. Those who expect very consistent boundaries when it comes to trauma consequences or need a tighter pace might, like me, wish for a little more friction and less repetition.
Review of advance copy
It was a solid read, entertaining pretty much consistently troughout the whole story. The strongest points were definitely the establishing of the main characters! You can definitely empathize with Griffin’s struggles with coming out in a hyper-masculine environment, but you also feel for Wesley’s fear to be another secret. And you don’t feel the need to choose between both, since it’s so easy to sympathize with both scenarios and how each one of them deals with it.
The romance is also very sweet, and the chemistry builds up over time. Unfortunately, something that threw me off a little bit, is how they were discussing feelings and commitment before kissing for the first time. It could be a personal preference, but I would have like to have a built up of the physical/sensual relationship before all the deep talks about emotions. Other than that, is an easy couple to read about and to root for.
The theme of sexuality in sports is also handled with the right sensibility, like with the coming out scenes!
Overall a fun and sweet read !.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The romance is also very sweet, and the chemistry builds up over time. Unfortunately, something that threw me off a little bit, is how they were discussing feelings and commitment before kissing for the first time. It could be a personal preference, but I would have like to have a built up of the physical/sensual relationship before all the deep talks about emotions. Other than that, is an easy couple to read about and to root for.
The theme of sexuality in sports is also handled with the right sensibility, like with the coming out scenes!
Overall a fun and sweet read !.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I was so totally into this book. I loved the characters and the story and even the fact that they took a minute to get to each other. I read this in one go and could not put it down.
Griffin and Wesley have both had their fair share of life being unkind to them (Griffin by hiding who he is, and Wesley by having dealt with heartbreak) and this was just a beautiful story of two kindred spirits who found each other at a later stage of their lives.
I really like the fact that they were both older, in their 30s and they both had enough life experiences to recognise something social when they see it. I liked the writing, the storyline and especially the MCs. Definitely recommend this book if you are after a HEA after a bit of angst.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*.
Griffin and Wesley have both had their fair share of life being unkind to them (Griffin by hiding who he is, and Wesley by having dealt with heartbreak) and this was just a beautiful story of two kindred spirits who found each other at a later stage of their lives.
I really like the fact that they were both older, in their 30s and they both had enough life experiences to recognise something social when they see it. I liked the writing, the storyline and especially the MCs. Definitely recommend this book if you are after a HEA after a bit of angst.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*.
February 12, 2026
3.5 stars
I liked the premise of the story, the relationship of the MCs and the build up.
I really wanted to love this story, but the repetitive scenes. I even caught text that was written almost word for word on two different scenes.
Wesley constantly comparing Griffin to his ex Charles gets tiring and makes the story drag.
Another thing secondary character that in one scene is supportive and attentive, next he is like questioning and even sounds like judgy (I think the author wanted to maybe make this sound like banter, but there is not enough about their relationship to treat this as banter.) and then towards the end is like all this is news to him even of he is supportive.
so even if overall I liked thd story by 70% I ready to be done felt like it dragged and how things unravel people were "this is wrong" and then but "I support you", which didn't seem authentic.
I liked the premise of the story, the relationship of the MCs and the build up.
I really wanted to love this story, but the repetitive scenes. I even caught text that was written almost word for word on two different scenes.
Wesley constantly comparing Griffin to his ex Charles gets tiring and makes the story drag.
Another thing secondary character that in one scene is supportive and attentive, next he is like questioning and even sounds like judgy (I think the author wanted to maybe make this sound like banter, but there is not enough about their relationship to treat this as banter.) and then towards the end is like all this is news to him even of he is supportive.
so even if overall I liked thd story by 70% I ready to be done felt like it dragged and how things unravel people were "this is wrong" and then but "I support you", which didn't seem authentic.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hockey player Griffin has been traded to the new Portland expansion team (along with his fellow teammates). He's been made captain of this new team, and must work with the PR guy, Wesley, to address social media and the press, while also trying to put a new team together. Wesley's gay, Griffin's in the closet. There's instant attraction.
They decide they're going to try a relationship despite the need to keep it quiet. What follows gets to be sort of repetitive, with their constant worry that they're going to get found out (meanwhile doing almost every dumb thing they could do to get outed). Of course they DO get caught. If the book had been shorter, I'd have given it more stars. They get their HEA in the end.
They decide they're going to try a relationship despite the need to keep it quiet. What follows gets to be sort of repetitive, with their constant worry that they're going to get found out (meanwhile doing almost every dumb thing they could do to get outed). Of course they DO get caught. If the book had been shorter, I'd have given it more stars. They get their HEA in the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
A perfect start of the new series Breakaway Plays.
This is brilliant writing at its finest. I was hooked from the first page and drawn into the story. The suspense was maintained throughout the book and I couldn't put it down. This book positively surprised me and the author shows a strategic approach. I love everything from characters, plot to tropes. I have read other books from Lisa Linden, but this is my favourite so far. I'm looking forward to the next one. This was so exciting that my nerves are still on high alert. A good advice is to not read it close to bedtime because you wont be able to put it down.
A beautiful, emotional coming out hockey romance story. Warmly recommend.
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A perfect start of the new series Breakaway Plays.
This is brilliant writing at its finest. I was hooked from the first page and drawn into the story. The suspense was maintained throughout the book and I couldn't put it down. This book positively surprised me and the author shows a strategic approach. I love everything from characters, plot to tropes. I have read other books from Lisa Linden, but this is my favourite so far. I'm looking forward to the next one. This was so exciting that my nerves are still on high alert. A good advice is to not read it close to bedtime because you wont be able to put it down.
A beautiful, emotional coming out hockey romance story. Warmly recommend.
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I'm absolutely in love with this book. Full stop. It had me giggling and cringing and worrying in all the appropriate places, and the epilogue even had me tearing up just the tiniest bit. Both men had my heart, and their concerns were so valid. After reading another hockey romance series where homosexuality was just accepted, it was a little painful to see it more realistically portrayed, but even in fiction, the world can't all be sunshine and rainbows. The happy ending was so satisfying and so, So well earned. I hope we get to see some Griffin and Wesley cameos in later books, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2026
This is Book 1 of the Breakaway Plays series. And it is a FANtastic start! Look forward to more from this world.
'With a closeted captain and a forbidden attraction, First Shift delivers a high-stakes MM hockey romance about taking the shot that matters most.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'With a closeted captain and a forbidden attraction, First Shift delivers a high-stakes MM hockey romance about taking the shot that matters most.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Being Captain of an expansion hockey team Griffin is in close contact with Wesley & the media. There's a definite attraction but no-one knows Griffin is gay. Wesley has some bad experiences with closeted gay men, one nearly costing his career. They try to keep it professional, then a secret but it becomes too hard. Griffin no longer wants to live this way. Griffin, after 16 years playing hockey finally finds the one he wants to come out for, Wesley. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 23, 2026
Griffin is traded to the new Portland expansion hockey team and made captain of the team. He's played hockey for sixteen years and has kept a secret he's gay. Wesley is the new PR for the team and he's out and proud, but his last boyfriend was in the closet, and it ended badly. He promised himself he'd never get involved with anyone in the closet. When Griffin and Wesley meet there's an attraction, they try to ignore it but can't seem to stay away from each other. I really enjoyed this book.
Review of advance copy
This was a new author for me. The blurb sounded interesting, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by what a lovely story featuring the most amazing men, Griffin and Wesley, who complement each other so well. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a beautiful story of learning to live life on your own terms. About being who you are and not hiding in society's thoughts.
The characters are done very well and the world building is wonderful. There are some steamy parts and therefore I recommend an 18+ rating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are done very well and the world building is wonderful. There are some steamy parts and therefore I recommend an 18+ rating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In my opinion this book was very slow. It's good just slow. Westley is working as the social media manager for a new hockey team. Griffin is the teams star player who is not out yet. As they spend more time together fellings start to change. It's a slow burn until it isn't and trouble is around the corner.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
February 9, 2026This hockey romance focuses on emotional depth rather than heat. Griffin, a veteran player drafted to a new team, and Wesley, a PR manager wary of closeted athletes, build their relationship through trust, shared moments, and hard choices. The story explores identity, courage, and honesty, with a strong focus on character and emotional connection. Overall, it’s a solid and enjoyable read.
February 15, 2026
good
I liked this book. It truly is about being yourself and not being afraid. So many sport mm romances are like this but it is a major concern for so many male sports figures that it is very relevant. I don’t anticipate that this really will change in my lifetime but I hope that all of these types of novels can maybe give some kind of hope for male athletes out there.
I liked this book. It truly is about being yourself and not being afraid. So many sport mm romances are like this but it is a major concern for so many male sports figures that it is very relevant. I don’t anticipate that this really will change in my lifetime but I hope that all of these types of novels can maybe give some kind of hope for male athletes out there.
Want to read
February 20, 2026I'm reading this book at the moment, and as a Finnish-speaker, I can't help but notice a possible (maybe?) mistake in a character's name..
Antti Laasko is surely meant to be "Laakso", right?
Laasko ("sk") is not a Finnish word, but Laakso ("ks") means "valley", and is a somewhat common Finnish surname.
Antti Laasko is surely meant to be "Laakso", right?
Laasko ("sk") is not a Finnish word, but Laakso ("ks") means "valley", and is a somewhat common Finnish surname.
March 10, 2026
This was a lovely book, I loved the main characters, they were well developed and so were most of the side character. The story was not very original, but it had it's moments. One thing that did not sit well with me was how rushed the ending felt, even if the love story itself was insa-love, which I don't mind.
March 12, 2026
Wesley and Griffin have built a love throughout this book that is so compelling and intriguing. Desire that brings consequences, fulfillment that brings happiness.
There were many obstacles along the way. Every step worth it in the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There were many obstacles along the way. Every step worth it in the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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