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Hockey Guys #4
My Kind of Guy
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Expected 24 Mar 26Win a free print copy of this book!
1 day and 23:42:21
3 copies available
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He’s a backup goalie with a broken game. The only thing he needs more than a win is the hot, grumpy bartender who pours his weekly beer.
Becker James is having a spectacularly bad season. Once a top draft pick, he’s now riding the bench in the minors, one failed save away from being cut. The highlight of his week? A lonely hour on a barstool at Sportsballs, Denver’s queerest watering hole—and Forest, the bartender with flannel sleeves, a gruff voice, and a beard that stars in Beck’s dreams.
Opportunity strikes when Forest’s LGBTQ hockey team—the Stickhandlers—loses their goalie last-minute. Beck makes Forest an offer: he’ll help them beat the most hated team in the beer league, but he wants something in return—one night together.
Cue the record scratch, because Seth Forrester doesn’t do hookups. After his last one went horribly wrong, he swore off men for good. He’s definitely not falling for the awkward hottie who just stammered through an indecent proposal.
But Beck is prepared to press his case, no matter how awkward it gets. And one beer league game turns into something messier, sweeter, and so much harder to walk away from…
Becker James is having a spectacularly bad season. Once a top draft pick, he’s now riding the bench in the minors, one failed save away from being cut. The highlight of his week? A lonely hour on a barstool at Sportsballs, Denver’s queerest watering hole—and Forest, the bartender with flannel sleeves, a gruff voice, and a beard that stars in Beck’s dreams.
Opportunity strikes when Forest’s LGBTQ hockey team—the Stickhandlers—loses their goalie last-minute. Beck makes Forest an offer: he’ll help them beat the most hated team in the beer league, but he wants something in return—one night together.
Cue the record scratch, because Seth Forrester doesn’t do hookups. After his last one went horribly wrong, he swore off men for good. He’s definitely not falling for the awkward hottie who just stammered through an indecent proposal.
But Beck is prepared to press his case, no matter how awkward it gets. And one beer league game turns into something messier, sweeter, and so much harder to walk away from…
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 24, 2026
23 people are currently reading
10542 people want to read
About the author
Sarina Bowen
105 books19.4k followers
Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!
You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 16, 2026
I love everything Sarina writes and she knocked it out of the park with this one. I love this series and I was so excited for this book and even more excited to be chosen as an arc reader for the book. I absolutely adored Beck and Forest. Beck is this sweet, precious, weirdo goalie and he was absolutely perfect in every way. His hilarious commentary on everything and out of the box commentary was so entertaining. I was laughing out loud at some of the things he said. Forest is this rugged and handsome bartender, but he is so closed off after experiencing a trauma. He's also a single dad with nothing but love for his son, which you know I love. These two are complete opposites in every way, minus their love of playing hockey, but they are actually the perfect match for each other. Forest helps Beck with his confidence in hockey and life in general and Beck helps Forest open up and learn how to have fun again. I loved every single thing about these two and this whole book. 10/10 read and I can't recommend it enough!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beck + Forest
Beck is a hockey goalie. Playing - not very successfully - for a Colorado minor league team. His dream is to start for the Cougars. But it doesn't look too good.
His private life doesn't look like anything much either.
He's lonely. His only joy is getting a beer in this gay sports bar once a week and dreamily stare at the hot bearded barkeeper.
Forest has no time and mental space for hooking up or dating. His last try ended horribly and he has his teenaged son and money problems to worry about. Plus he's way too old for this cute but weird guy.
But then usually super shy Beck goes and kinda propositions him. WTF?
Let the fun times begin...
══════════════════
That was so adorable!
Everything about it was just perfection.
It was so sweet and funny and ridiculous and sexy but also tender and emotional.
I just adored this book. And these guys! Forest is this 35 year old grumpy lumberjack barkeeper. With lots of worries in his life. And in comes this super hot 25 year old guy with his awkward monologues and weird facts and funny trivia knowledge. Forest tries to resist - but ... not a chance! LOL.
I loved those guys and the kid and the bar and their hockey, poker, and bar besties.
Perfect hockey romance!
MY KIND OF GUY was definitely my kind of hockey romance! I adored it! It was Funny, Sexy, Adorable, Hockey-y. All the things! I loved reading it! Run to your nearest bookdealer for your own Beck + Forest!
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
March 11, 2026
4.5 Stars
This was SOOOO cute! Sarina Bowen's Hockey Guys series is one of my favorites, and I was so excited to hear she was releasing a new one. I absolutely devoured this one. It's been a while since I had a hard time putting a book down, but this was one I just wanted to keep going. The story was a lot of fun, the romance was sweet and spicy, and the characters were fantastic.
Beck, precious Beck, he was such an awkward mess, and I loved him. He lived up to the "goalies are weird" stereotype. But he was so charming and earnest, it was impossible to dislike the guy. Which was how Forest found himself breaking all the rules he had for himself. Beck had been coming into the bar Forest co-owned for months. Only one night a week and only having one drink before leaving. Never having the courage to make a move on the sexy bartender. Until the perfect opportunity presents itself and Beck decides to shoot his shot. It's awkward and adorable, and Forest doesn't know what to do with it.
Forest was very closed off and had very good reasons for not hooking up with anyone anymore. I loved how persistent Beck was, though. He wasn't overbearing or annoying, but he charmed his way into fulfilling his fantasy with Forest, and they both got so much more than they bargained for in the end.
I loved seeing Beck gain Forest's trust and seeing their relationship morph into something more serious than the casual arrangement they agreed on. There's a bit of angst stemming from Forest's past, but it all felt totally believable, and it was something he had to work through if he and Beck had any shot at something real. There was never any miscommunication, though. Beck may not have always liked what Forest had to say, but he never played games with him.
The book also had some great hockey moments. This is one of the few series where the actual hockey bits make me emotional! Beck's journey from a struggling AHL goalie to where he ends up was just fantastic. And seeing all the guys from the other books in the series make cameos throughout was a lot of fun.
I love this world, and I loved Beck and Forest's story!
Is there such a thing as having a kink for hot bartenders who hate me? Must be.
This was SOOOO cute! Sarina Bowen's Hockey Guys series is one of my favorites, and I was so excited to hear she was releasing a new one. I absolutely devoured this one. It's been a while since I had a hard time putting a book down, but this was one I just wanted to keep going. The story was a lot of fun, the romance was sweet and spicy, and the characters were fantastic.
Beck, precious Beck, he was such an awkward mess, and I loved him. He lived up to the "goalies are weird" stereotype. But he was so charming and earnest, it was impossible to dislike the guy. Which was how Forest found himself breaking all the rules he had for himself. Beck had been coming into the bar Forest co-owned for months. Only one night a week and only having one drink before leaving. Never having the courage to make a move on the sexy bartender. Until the perfect opportunity presents itself and Beck decides to shoot his shot. It's awkward and adorable, and Forest doesn't know what to do with it.
Forest was very closed off and had very good reasons for not hooking up with anyone anymore. I loved how persistent Beck was, though. He wasn't overbearing or annoying, but he charmed his way into fulfilling his fantasy with Forest, and they both got so much more than they bargained for in the end.
I loved seeing Beck gain Forest's trust and seeing their relationship morph into something more serious than the casual arrangement they agreed on. There's a bit of angst stemming from Forest's past, but it all felt totally believable, and it was something he had to work through if he and Beck had any shot at something real. There was never any miscommunication, though. Beck may not have always liked what Forest had to say, but he never played games with him.
The book also had some great hockey moments. This is one of the few series where the actual hockey bits make me emotional! Beck's journey from a struggling AHL goalie to where he ends up was just fantastic. And seeing all the guys from the other books in the series make cameos throughout was a lot of fun.
I love this world, and I loved Beck and Forest's story!
March 19, 2026
So. I binged My Kind of Guy, I loved EVERY SINGLE SECOND and y’all, this book is definitely my favorite Hockey Guys book and quite possibly my favorite @sarina.bowen book. It’s SO GOOD. I loved the characters, the story, its low angst but it also made me cry, devastating but also so hopeful, and the humor made me laugh out loud. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS BOOK MY FRIENDS.
Goofy goalie Beck might be my favorite character Sarina has ever written. He has zero filter and he’s honest to a fault, but it’s not in a cringy way, more endearingly sweet. He’s thoughtful and kind and I love how he wears his heart on his sleeve. How this man thinks that he’s not worthy of love is beyond me. And I loved grumpy Forrest too - he’s struggling to learn to trust again and tries to keep Beck at arms length, but who can resist that guy (I know I couldn’t)?
I loved the beer league hockey aspects. I loved getting to see the Cougars players again, and I loved Beck’s wonder at seeing a queer-friendly hockey team. I love how it’s such a non-issue for him to come out (this scene was a DELIGHT) - this is not a hockey book centered around a forbidden romance, but it’s more about trying to move beyond a friends with benefits situation that felt SO REAL to me. I loved the grand gestures, all the hockey games (and Beck’s ridiculous chirps!), the scenes with Forrest’s son Charlie….. I could write SO MUCH MORE, but y’all, this book is out on March 24 and I just encourage you to go see for yourself. GET SO EXCITED!!
Goofy goalie Beck might be my favorite character Sarina has ever written. He has zero filter and he’s honest to a fault, but it’s not in a cringy way, more endearingly sweet. He’s thoughtful and kind and I love how he wears his heart on his sleeve. How this man thinks that he’s not worthy of love is beyond me. And I loved grumpy Forrest too - he’s struggling to learn to trust again and tries to keep Beck at arms length, but who can resist that guy (I know I couldn’t)?
I loved the beer league hockey aspects. I loved getting to see the Cougars players again, and I loved Beck’s wonder at seeing a queer-friendly hockey team. I love how it’s such a non-issue for him to come out (this scene was a DELIGHT) - this is not a hockey book centered around a forbidden romance, but it’s more about trying to move beyond a friends with benefits situation that felt SO REAL to me. I loved the grand gestures, all the hockey games (and Beck’s ridiculous chirps!), the scenes with Forrest’s son Charlie….. I could write SO MUCH MORE, but y’all, this book is out on March 24 and I just encourage you to go see for yourself. GET SO EXCITED!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Becker has been going to the same bar for months in the hopes that he can work himself up to propositioning the handsome bartender that works there. He sees his opening when they need a goalie for their beer league team, and he makes him an offer he hopes he can't refuse. He'll be their goalie - if Forrest takes him home for the night.
*****
I absolutely loved this one. I had both the ARC and ALC and swapped between them a few times. Teddy Hamilton and Brandon Francis do a dual narration, each handling their own chapters and they did so in a way that made the story seamless. They truly brought the author's vision to life with dry lines, manic babbling, and soft emotion as the story progressed.
The author also really did the whole "goalie's are f**king weird" reputation justice. With hilarious one-liners, chirps that had me cackling in public, and just strange energy abound, I easily binged this one in a single day. I loved that we had our kind, brazen, naive and goofy goalie, contrasted by a chronically overworked, jaded single dad that definitely didn't have his life together. The desperate golden retriever energy from Beck really balanced out the absolute red flag emotionally unavailable energy that Forrest brought to the table, and I loved that they each had to come around to their own truths and grow, to be able to be good together.
All in all, this was a fantastic book! I loved the ample bisexual and queer rep, and was overjoyed to hear a small city in Canada mentioned that I actually have lived and worked in for most of my twenties mentioned! It was a strange and entertaining moment, as I've actually watched that farm team play against teams from the states, and could picture Becker there easily.
If you love MM romances, and hockey, this is definitely the book for you!
*****
I was provided complimentary advanced reader and advanced listener copies. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
I absolutely loved this one. I had both the ARC and ALC and swapped between them a few times. Teddy Hamilton and Brandon Francis do a dual narration, each handling their own chapters and they did so in a way that made the story seamless. They truly brought the author's vision to life with dry lines, manic babbling, and soft emotion as the story progressed.
The author also really did the whole "goalie's are f**king weird" reputation justice. With hilarious one-liners, chirps that had me cackling in public, and just strange energy abound, I easily binged this one in a single day. I loved that we had our kind, brazen, naive and goofy goalie, contrasted by a chronically overworked, jaded single dad that definitely didn't have his life together. The desperate golden retriever energy from Beck really balanced out the absolute red flag emotionally unavailable energy that Forrest brought to the table, and I loved that they each had to come around to their own truths and grow, to be able to be good together.
All in all, this was a fantastic book! I loved the ample bisexual and queer rep, and was overjoyed to hear a small city in Canada mentioned that I actually have lived and worked in for most of my twenties mentioned! It was a strange and entertaining moment, as I've actually watched that farm team play against teams from the states, and could picture Becker there easily.
If you love MM romances, and hockey, this is definitely the book for you!
*****
I was provided complimentary advanced reader and advanced listener copies. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 20, 2026
My King Of Guy by Sarina Bowen was such a fun read. This age-gap, grumpy/sunshine hockey romance also has great representation on anxiety, and I ended up loving both Forest and Becker.
Becker is an anxious, awkward hockey goalie who totally overthinks everything, but he’s also clever and surprisingly charming. His gaming hobby also leads to some really sweet moments with Forest’s son.
Forest is a divorced dad and bar owner who swore off hookups after a bad experience, so he runs a little hot and cold with Becker while dealing with trust and financial issues.
I also loved the hockey, the friendships, and Forest’s son, who steals a few scenes. There’s definitely plenty of chemistry, but the emotional connection builds more slowly and it really pays off.
Becker is an anxious, awkward hockey goalie who totally overthinks everything, but he’s also clever and surprisingly charming. His gaming hobby also leads to some really sweet moments with Forest’s son.
Forest is a divorced dad and bar owner who swore off hookups after a bad experience, so he runs a little hot and cold with Becker while dealing with trust and financial issues.
I also loved the hockey, the friendships, and Forest’s son, who steals a few scenes. There’s definitely plenty of chemistry, but the emotional connection builds more slowly and it really pays off.
March 4, 2026
Love this series so much! I do not have enough words to say how much I absolutely love this book. I listened to it and it was such a treat for my ears! And let me just say if you are a Teddy Hamilton lover like me, you will love him more than you ever thought possible after his portrayal of Beck aka Becker James. He is perfect as the awkward, sweet, quirky goalie who has a crush on the handsome, sexy bartender, Forrest aka Seth Forrester, at his favorite sports bar Sportsballs. Forest is voiced by Brandon Francis, who I do not think I’ve heard before but he too was perfect as Forest.
I loved their story so much and as always Sarina Bowen includes the perfect amount of hockey woven into what is ultimately a wonderful M/M love story. The other characters are so likable as well and it makes for some awesome banter!
Forrest’s son Charlie is a great character that helps get his dad out of his comfort zone while at the same time quietly accepting Beck into their lives. Charlie is back and forth between his mom and Forrest’s house. So the met fairly early on when Beck showed up at his house. Entertaining scene there, but honestly they are all very entertaining.
This story is as sweet as it is steamy and I honestly loved every single minute!
I loved their story so much and as always Sarina Bowen includes the perfect amount of hockey woven into what is ultimately a wonderful M/M love story. The other characters are so likable as well and it makes for some awesome banter!
Forrest’s son Charlie is a great character that helps get his dad out of his comfort zone while at the same time quietly accepting Beck into their lives. Charlie is back and forth between his mom and Forrest’s house. So the met fairly early on when Beck showed up at his house. Entertaining scene there, but honestly they are all very entertaining.
This story is as sweet as it is steamy and I honestly loved every single minute!
March 19, 2026
Really really hate that a character used AI multiples times. That is never and will never be a good plot point no matter how minor in the story. Especially with how minor it is in this book, I’d have rather had the character talk to himself to make the point of being lonely and feeling isolated. We all need to be anti-AI in every aspect of life.
I am such a sucker for a hockey romance and this was no exception! Beck and Forest are such a perfect pairing and I immediately fell in love with them. The way they balance each other out and bring out the best in one another is so charming. I really loved the dynamic between the team and the friend group and will need to go read more asap.
I love getting weird goalie representation but feel kind of off about this one. Beck was very charming to me and I loved him instantly but having him mellow out, by just saying he’s weird and no longer showing it, once he got into a relationship just felt odd and made his rambling and quirks at the beginning feel forced.
Another small thing that really is such a personal annoyance, I really hate how the younger characters talk and use slang words. As an early 20-some, it is not an accurate representation of how that generation speaks and really took me out of the book.
Thank you to Sarina Bowen and team for this ARC!
I am such a sucker for a hockey romance and this was no exception! Beck and Forest are such a perfect pairing and I immediately fell in love with them. The way they balance each other out and bring out the best in one another is so charming. I really loved the dynamic between the team and the friend group and will need to go read more asap.
I love getting weird goalie representation but feel kind of off about this one. Beck was very charming to me and I loved him instantly but having him mellow out, by just saying he’s weird and no longer showing it, once he got into a relationship just felt odd and made his rambling and quirks at the beginning feel forced.
Another small thing that really is such a personal annoyance, I really hate how the younger characters talk and use slang words. As an early 20-some, it is not an accurate representation of how that generation speaks and really took me out of the book.
Thank you to Sarina Bowen and team for this ARC!
March 19, 2026
If you’re looking for a hot M/M hockey romance this one’s for you. I really enjoyed this awkward meets grumpy storyline. You’ll be hooked from the get go. Definitely recommend this read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“...Every time we’re in the same room, I forget how to think. Because you make me feel like I’m actually good for something besides stopping pucks. Because when you look at me like that…I’d drive through a blizzard just to see it again.”
My Kind of Guy is the fourth instalment in the adult MM hockey romances series, Hockey Guys. Each book is an interconnected standalone so you do not need to read them in order. Written in dual first person POV the story follows Beck and Forest. Beck is a backup goalie who is looking to prove himself when he falls head into lust with local bar owner, Forest, an older man who is not looking for a hook up. When Beck propositions Forest to help out Forest's LGBTQ hockey team it begins a connection neither of them fully understand but as time goes on they soon realize they can't really turn away from this. Can a socially awkward goaltender and a gruff barkeep walk away from what is growing between them or will they find the mess they have created is the one sweet thing they needed?
I ADORED Beck and Forest so much!
Beck is an absolute darling of such bumbling awkwardness and honestly. He sees what he wants and even though he has no experience he goes for it. I loved how endearing he was with just speaking from his heart and his capacity to accept people as they are. He works so well with his team and watching him find success was so much fun!
Forest is a more broody MMC and the perfect compliment to Beck. A hookup gone wrong last year has left Forest shaken and wary and you can see how much he is trying to hold Beck back but he fails. His need for Beck truly shines through despite how much he doesn't want it to be seen. I also felt for his struggles as he balances the bar, being a single dad with part custody, and a growing list of to dos they require more money than he has. There is stress that leads him to pull away but he never can fully commit.
“You undo me,” he whispers, and my heart skips a beat.
In terms of spice I would place this at 3 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. There are about 5 spicy scenes in this book with the first appearing around the 16% mark. As a large premise of this book initially focuses on a hookup, it makes sense for the early spice but the relationship between our character grows steadily and the spice reflects that. It is explicit and detailed and Beck is inexperienced in a lot of ways so we get to see some fun exploration and teaching as a result. I felt the spice worked for our two leads as you can see this is so much more than just spice for them, even while they are in denial.
The story itself is so effortless to dive into and I devoured this in a single day - I just could not put it down! Beck is focusing on getting back the spark he had for hockey after being relegated as a back goalie for years. He also wants to explore something with a man and he finds himself drawn to Forest. I liked seeing him build connections with others throughout because he struggles with seeing why people like him. Meanwhile Forest is being hit with so many problems pulling him apart. Beck offers him an escape he initially is reticent about but finds himself unable to turn away from. I felt they both offered each other the situationship that they both needed. Their friends and family add an excellent dynamic but showing Forest and Beck how good they are for each other and it lends itself to a bit of drama. I felt the climax has some traditional elements to it and watching how Beck and Forest respond to it was a thing of beauty. Also, shout out to the cameos of previous characters!
Overall, this was such a fun hockey romance and one I left smiling and loving the characters!
Thank you to the author for this arc!
“...Every time we’re in the same room, I forget how to think. Because you make me feel like I’m actually good for something besides stopping pucks. Because when you look at me like that…I’d drive through a blizzard just to see it again.”
My Kind of Guy is the fourth instalment in the adult MM hockey romances series, Hockey Guys. Each book is an interconnected standalone so you do not need to read them in order. Written in dual first person POV the story follows Beck and Forest. Beck is a backup goalie who is looking to prove himself when he falls head into lust with local bar owner, Forest, an older man who is not looking for a hook up. When Beck propositions Forest to help out Forest's LGBTQ hockey team it begins a connection neither of them fully understand but as time goes on they soon realize they can't really turn away from this. Can a socially awkward goaltender and a gruff barkeep walk away from what is growing between them or will they find the mess they have created is the one sweet thing they needed?
I ADORED Beck and Forest so much!
Beck is an absolute darling of such bumbling awkwardness and honestly. He sees what he wants and even though he has no experience he goes for it. I loved how endearing he was with just speaking from his heart and his capacity to accept people as they are. He works so well with his team and watching him find success was so much fun!
Forest is a more broody MMC and the perfect compliment to Beck. A hookup gone wrong last year has left Forest shaken and wary and you can see how much he is trying to hold Beck back but he fails. His need for Beck truly shines through despite how much he doesn't want it to be seen. I also felt for his struggles as he balances the bar, being a single dad with part custody, and a growing list of to dos they require more money than he has. There is stress that leads him to pull away but he never can fully commit.
“You undo me,” he whispers, and my heart skips a beat.
In terms of spice I would place this at 3 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. There are about 5 spicy scenes in this book with the first appearing around the 16% mark. As a large premise of this book initially focuses on a hookup, it makes sense for the early spice but the relationship between our character grows steadily and the spice reflects that. It is explicit and detailed and Beck is inexperienced in a lot of ways so we get to see some fun exploration and teaching as a result. I felt the spice worked for our two leads as you can see this is so much more than just spice for them, even while they are in denial.
The story itself is so effortless to dive into and I devoured this in a single day - I just could not put it down! Beck is focusing on getting back the spark he had for hockey after being relegated as a back goalie for years. He also wants to explore something with a man and he finds himself drawn to Forest. I liked seeing him build connections with others throughout because he struggles with seeing why people like him. Meanwhile Forest is being hit with so many problems pulling him apart. Beck offers him an escape he initially is reticent about but finds himself unable to turn away from. I felt they both offered each other the situationship that they both needed. Their friends and family add an excellent dynamic but showing Forest and Beck how good they are for each other and it lends itself to a bit of drama. I felt the climax has some traditional elements to it and watching how Beck and Forest respond to it was a thing of beauty. Also, shout out to the cameos of previous characters!
Overall, this was such a fun hockey romance and one I left smiling and loving the characters!
Thank you to the author for this arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book managed to be 1) an excellent addition to Bowen's already-excellent Hockey Guys series; 2) exactly the heartfelt, warm, funny read I wanted right now.
Minor-league goaltender Becker James is in a slump - in both his professional and personal life. The main bright spot is his weekly solo visits to see his favourite bartender at queer sports bar, Sportsballs. Even if he's not yet worked up the courage for an actual conversation... But when it becomes apparent that the burly lumbersnack bar owner, Forest, is in need of a stand-in goalie for his beer league team, Beck decides to shoot his shot and make Forest an indecent proposal...
For me, this is a story about connection: needing it, fearing it, and how it can change lives. Beck and Forest ground each other and have great chemistry. Forest helps Beck steady his game between the pipes and navigate the tricky jump from minor to major league pressure, but he's still reeling from an event that railroaded both his financial security and his confidence, and he's scared to open himself up to the possibility of more pain. Between Beck's increasingly busy career and Forest keeping himself at arm's length, will their relationship survive?
As well as a satisfying emotional arc, Bowen's skill at creating rounded, believable characters leaps off the page in the distinct, contrasting POVs, and it's impossible not to root for these two. Beck is possibly my favourite character of recent memory: he's delightfully odd, has the best inner monologue and the funniest dialogue and is just so damn charming you want to squish him. I've read goaltender characters who were "weird" (but actually really not), but Sarina Bowen really said "hold my beer" and I'm 100% here for it. Beck is to be protected at all costs. Bowen is also really on point with the hockey side of things: never treating it as just a cut-and-paste setting for a romance, she always delivers with an attention to detail and real knowledge of the sport that evokes all the drama and thrill of a Game 7. In this particular book, we get a sense of the slightly chaotic nature of playing for an affiliate team: all the graft of the NHL, but without the job security and paycheck, and having to deal with potentially being called up and sent back down according to the needs and whims of the 'big club'.
It's almost impossible not to mention Heated Rivalry, which is part of the zeitgeist right now - and fans of Reid's Game Changers series who haven't yet discovered Bowen's Hockey Guys and other work are in for a real treat if they come here looking for similarly emotionally satisfying MM hockey romance. But I wouldn't hesitate to recommend My Kind of Guy to anyone looking for a laugh-out-loud read that will have you in your feels and leave you grinning from ear to ear. While it's the latest in a series of MM stories featuring the same team (and in this case, their minor league affiliate), it's not necessary to have read the others, and works just fine as a standalone - with the bonus of being able to circle back to the rest when you've finished. It also ties in to the wider Brooklyn Hockey verse, from which book one of Hockey Guys (New Guy) was a spinoff.
Highly recommended, this one is going to enter my re-read rotation as a new fave. A real joy of a read.
Minor-league goaltender Becker James is in a slump - in both his professional and personal life. The main bright spot is his weekly solo visits to see his favourite bartender at queer sports bar, Sportsballs. Even if he's not yet worked up the courage for an actual conversation... But when it becomes apparent that the burly lumbersnack bar owner, Forest, is in need of a stand-in goalie for his beer league team, Beck decides to shoot his shot and make Forest an indecent proposal...
For me, this is a story about connection: needing it, fearing it, and how it can change lives. Beck and Forest ground each other and have great chemistry. Forest helps Beck steady his game between the pipes and navigate the tricky jump from minor to major league pressure, but he's still reeling from an event that railroaded both his financial security and his confidence, and he's scared to open himself up to the possibility of more pain. Between Beck's increasingly busy career and Forest keeping himself at arm's length, will their relationship survive?
As well as a satisfying emotional arc, Bowen's skill at creating rounded, believable characters leaps off the page in the distinct, contrasting POVs, and it's impossible not to root for these two. Beck is possibly my favourite character of recent memory: he's delightfully odd, has the best inner monologue and the funniest dialogue and is just so damn charming you want to squish him. I've read goaltender characters who were "weird" (but actually really not), but Sarina Bowen really said "hold my beer" and I'm 100% here for it. Beck is to be protected at all costs. Bowen is also really on point with the hockey side of things: never treating it as just a cut-and-paste setting for a romance, she always delivers with an attention to detail and real knowledge of the sport that evokes all the drama and thrill of a Game 7. In this particular book, we get a sense of the slightly chaotic nature of playing for an affiliate team: all the graft of the NHL, but without the job security and paycheck, and having to deal with potentially being called up and sent back down according to the needs and whims of the 'big club'.
It's almost impossible not to mention Heated Rivalry, which is part of the zeitgeist right now - and fans of Reid's Game Changers series who haven't yet discovered Bowen's Hockey Guys and other work are in for a real treat if they come here looking for similarly emotionally satisfying MM hockey romance. But I wouldn't hesitate to recommend My Kind of Guy to anyone looking for a laugh-out-loud read that will have you in your feels and leave you grinning from ear to ear. While it's the latest in a series of MM stories featuring the same team (and in this case, their minor league affiliate), it's not necessary to have read the others, and works just fine as a standalone - with the bonus of being able to circle back to the rest when you've finished. It also ties in to the wider Brooklyn Hockey verse, from which book one of Hockey Guys (New Guy) was a spinoff.
Highly recommended, this one is going to enter my re-read rotation as a new fave. A real joy of a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
This is such a great read! A grumpy/sunshine, age gap, m/m hockey romance, these characters stole my heart. This is the fourth book in the Hockey Guys series, but it can easily be read as a standalone, and I loved this story.
Beck is a closeted, socially awkward hockey goalie playing in a minor team and is battling hard to keep his place. He is a bit of a longer, and his happiest moments come when he heads to a gay sports bar where he gets to see Forest, the lumberjack-y owner/bartender who he is crushing on. Forest is a single dad and the gruff owner of Sportsballs. His life was turned upside down after a hookup the previous year, and he’s struggling to get back on his feet and the last thing he needs is a man in his life. But when Beck comes right out and propositions Forest, the older man finally notices him and though he tries to resist, their chemistry proves explosive.
This is a fun set-up, and these guys have such a great dynamic. Beck is endearingly awkward with limited social skills and a tendency to babble, and his persistence in engaging with Forest is both wildly flirtatious and charmingly adorable. Forest does his best to stay away and keep things casual, but their mad attraction and Beck’s earnest declarations make him impossible to ignore.
It’s a gorgeous romance with lots of laughs, emotion, sexy times and sweet moments. I could feel the struggles they were both going through as they dealt with the challenges in their lives while trying to figure out exactly what they are to each other, and my heart ached for them both.
They have ups and downs, but of course there is a happy ending, and I loved watching these two find their way to each other for real.
Adding to the wonderful dynamic is Forest’s 15-year-old son, Charlie, who is fabulously entertaining. I loved meeting Forest’s dad-friends and Beck’s hockey buds, and characters from previous books of the series also appear, and I loved catching up with them again.
And I’m not a hockey fan, I’ve never actually seen an NHL game in my life, but those scenes with Beck on the ice were absolutely sensational! My heart raced and I could feel the excitement, and I reread some of those scenes over again just to stay in the moment and keep feeling it.
Such a fun read, I loved this book – 4.5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
This is such a great read! A grumpy/sunshine, age gap, m/m hockey romance, these characters stole my heart. This is the fourth book in the Hockey Guys series, but it can easily be read as a standalone, and I loved this story.
Beck is a closeted, socially awkward hockey goalie playing in a minor team and is battling hard to keep his place. He is a bit of a longer, and his happiest moments come when he heads to a gay sports bar where he gets to see Forest, the lumberjack-y owner/bartender who he is crushing on. Forest is a single dad and the gruff owner of Sportsballs. His life was turned upside down after a hookup the previous year, and he’s struggling to get back on his feet and the last thing he needs is a man in his life. But when Beck comes right out and propositions Forest, the older man finally notices him and though he tries to resist, their chemistry proves explosive.
This is a fun set-up, and these guys have such a great dynamic. Beck is endearingly awkward with limited social skills and a tendency to babble, and his persistence in engaging with Forest is both wildly flirtatious and charmingly adorable. Forest does his best to stay away and keep things casual, but their mad attraction and Beck’s earnest declarations make him impossible to ignore.
“I spent my whole life thinking I was some kind of frankendude who didn’t belong anywhere. But I’m not, because you exist.”
I swallow roughly. “Wow. Not sure what to say. I’m honored.”
“I swear it’s not like I imprinted on you like a baby duck.” He shrugs. “… I spent months watching you make drinks and break up fights and take care of everyone in the bar. Sportsballs is my safe place because of you.”
It’s a gorgeous romance with lots of laughs, emotion, sexy times and sweet moments. I could feel the struggles they were both going through as they dealt with the challenges in their lives while trying to figure out exactly what they are to each other, and my heart ached for them both.
“I just don’t have a lot to give.” I look up at him, trying to make him understand. “But if I did? I’d give it to you.”
They have ups and downs, but of course there is a happy ending, and I loved watching these two find their way to each other for real.
“I never wanted you to feel like you settled for me, when you could have anyone.”
… “When did I ever give you the impression that I was settling?”
Adding to the wonderful dynamic is Forest’s 15-year-old son, Charlie, who is fabulously entertaining. I loved meeting Forest’s dad-friends and Beck’s hockey buds, and characters from previous books of the series also appear, and I loved catching up with them again.
And I’m not a hockey fan, I’ve never actually seen an NHL game in my life, but those scenes with Beck on the ice were absolutely sensational! My heart raced and I could feel the excitement, and I reread some of those scenes over again just to stay in the moment and keep feeling it.
Such a fun read, I loved this book – 4.5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fabulous way to finish off this series if, as I believe, this is the final book for the Hockey Guys.
I loved everything about this, from Beck's outward confidence over his desire and attraction to Forest, to Forest's completely understandable fears that he had nothing to offer the younger man.
The hockey-ness of it is also just the right level for those who love and adore the game and for those who don't have as much knowledge about it.
Sarina uses Beck's inexperience in bed as a mirror towards his stumbling career and, once he begins to remember why he loved ice hockey so much, having got himself caught up in Forest's beer league as a substitute goalie, his confidence grows in both spheres of his life.
Forest's hesitance makes perfect sense, especially once the reader finds out how he was the victim of a definite trauma inducing crime that had an instant financial impact but also much more damaging long term emotional effects.
I loved all the secondary characters and the bar setting, they brought some real depth to the life Forest was leading and to the potential one he could have if he was only willing to let himself risk his heart again.
Getting to catch up with the rest of the Colorado Cougars was also so much fun as Beck's game continues to improve and he gets a call up to practise with the senior squad.
One thing Sarina always delivers on is the tension needed to keep the reader enthralled in the narrative and the relationship journey.
Here it's mostly focused on the romance, but there's enough of a sub-plot around Beck's career prospects to stop all the will Forest give in backwards and forwards not become too repetitive and irritating.
Instead, it makes the reader's sympathies stay firmly onside, even as he's going through phases where you want to shake him and tell him to stop being an idiot.
Fortunately, he has his best friends to do that for him and he gets a pretty big wake-up call when Beck's career takes off and he's not aware of it until the last minute.
Overall the pacing of this story works just right, there is the Third Act/70% break up style drama point but as Forest and Beck weren't an actual couple, it's not as annoying as I would normally find it.
And, thankfully, it doesn't last long enough for me to begin to be irritated by it, Forest and Beck get the opportunity to reconnect in an organic and believable way and they actually talk things over to a degree that felt they were properly committing to each other.
The bonus scene (available via newsletter) really does nicely wrap up this series in a sweet and funny fashion.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
I loved everything about this, from Beck's outward confidence over his desire and attraction to Forest, to Forest's completely understandable fears that he had nothing to offer the younger man.
The hockey-ness of it is also just the right level for those who love and adore the game and for those who don't have as much knowledge about it.
Sarina uses Beck's inexperience in bed as a mirror towards his stumbling career and, once he begins to remember why he loved ice hockey so much, having got himself caught up in Forest's beer league as a substitute goalie, his confidence grows in both spheres of his life.
Forest's hesitance makes perfect sense, especially once the reader finds out how he was the victim of a definite trauma inducing crime that had an instant financial impact but also much more damaging long term emotional effects.
I loved all the secondary characters and the bar setting, they brought some real depth to the life Forest was leading and to the potential one he could have if he was only willing to let himself risk his heart again.
Getting to catch up with the rest of the Colorado Cougars was also so much fun as Beck's game continues to improve and he gets a call up to practise with the senior squad.
One thing Sarina always delivers on is the tension needed to keep the reader enthralled in the narrative and the relationship journey.
Here it's mostly focused on the romance, but there's enough of a sub-plot around Beck's career prospects to stop all the will Forest give in backwards and forwards not become too repetitive and irritating.
Instead, it makes the reader's sympathies stay firmly onside, even as he's going through phases where you want to shake him and tell him to stop being an idiot.
Fortunately, he has his best friends to do that for him and he gets a pretty big wake-up call when Beck's career takes off and he's not aware of it until the last minute.
Overall the pacing of this story works just right, there is the Third Act/70% break up style drama point but as Forest and Beck weren't an actual couple, it's not as annoying as I would normally find it.
And, thankfully, it doesn't last long enough for me to begin to be irritated by it, Forest and Beck get the opportunity to reconnect in an organic and believable way and they actually talk things over to a degree that felt they were properly committing to each other.
The bonus scene (available via newsletter) really does nicely wrap up this series in a sweet and funny fashion.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC/ALC Review
This book was so much fun (as I knew it would be). And although when given the option I don’t usually apply for audiobooks over e-books when it comes to ARCs, but I will always make an exception for anything Teddy Hamilton narrates, especially if it’s one of Sarina’s books. And gosh this book, this book reminds me why I love romantic-comedies and why they are good for the soul (in my opinion). In this we’re blessed with age gap pairing that just works in every way. We have our older, grumpy and scorned bartender Forest, who after experiencing something horrible is hesitant to get involved with anyone. And then there is Beck, who is a young struggling professional hockey goalie but also the literal embodiment of sunshine with no filter. Both are just so lovable, and I loved their dynamic. Like Forest tries to resist falling for Beck’s weirdo charm but fails miserably and it was glorious. The plot is not overly complex but kept me engaged throughout. Forest and Beck’s are the type of love story you settle into immediately and can root for the whole time.
The supporting cast endeared me as well; I loved the little tib bits with Forest’s son and his friend Skully. Beck’s teammates were also charming.
The humorous aspects also land so well; there were moments when I had to pause and go back because I was laughing so hard. The one point there is a line about making out like horny goats on meth that had me dying.
In my opinion there wasn’t much to not like; I will admit the setup took a bit longer than I usually prefer, and I did find myself wishing the book had also carved out a little more space for them to do couple-ish things; like actual dates, more shared outings, you know those little moments in love stories that can really deepen their relationship. However, the absence of those had little impact on my overall enjoyment...nor my score. It was more just a kind of “would have been nice” thing.
I have got to say this is an easy book to enjoy and even easier one to recommend. It’s warm, funny, and full of characters you love and can’t help but want to spend more time with. And when I reflect on this series, I have to say this one has officially become my favorite right behind book two - I'm Your Guy, which says a lot because Tommaso and Carter are one of my Top 10 couples of all time and a frequent re-read. But yes, regardless of if you’re a long time fan of this series or have even read one of Sarina’s books…this one is 100% worth picking up.
This book was so much fun (as I knew it would be). And although when given the option I don’t usually apply for audiobooks over e-books when it comes to ARCs, but I will always make an exception for anything Teddy Hamilton narrates, especially if it’s one of Sarina’s books. And gosh this book, this book reminds me why I love romantic-comedies and why they are good for the soul (in my opinion). In this we’re blessed with age gap pairing that just works in every way. We have our older, grumpy and scorned bartender Forest, who after experiencing something horrible is hesitant to get involved with anyone. And then there is Beck, who is a young struggling professional hockey goalie but also the literal embodiment of sunshine with no filter. Both are just so lovable, and I loved their dynamic. Like Forest tries to resist falling for Beck’s weirdo charm but fails miserably and it was glorious. The plot is not overly complex but kept me engaged throughout. Forest and Beck’s are the type of love story you settle into immediately and can root for the whole time.
The supporting cast endeared me as well; I loved the little tib bits with Forest’s son and his friend Skully. Beck’s teammates were also charming.
The humorous aspects also land so well; there were moments when I had to pause and go back because I was laughing so hard. The one point there is a line about making out like horny goats on meth that had me dying.
In my opinion there wasn’t much to not like; I will admit the setup took a bit longer than I usually prefer, and I did find myself wishing the book had also carved out a little more space for them to do couple-ish things; like actual dates, more shared outings, you know those little moments in love stories that can really deepen their relationship. However, the absence of those had little impact on my overall enjoyment...nor my score. It was more just a kind of “would have been nice” thing.
I have got to say this is an easy book to enjoy and even easier one to recommend. It’s warm, funny, and full of characters you love and can’t help but want to spend more time with. And when I reflect on this series, I have to say this one has officially become my favorite right behind book two - I'm Your Guy, which says a lot because Tommaso and Carter are one of my Top 10 couples of all time and a frequent re-read. But yes, regardless of if you’re a long time fan of this series or have even read one of Sarina’s books…this one is 100% worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another fantastic book from Sarina! I swear she has the magic touch when it comes to writing emotional stories that leave you all warm and fuzzy inside.
From the moment I started listening to this book, I was completely invested in the characters. I might have broken night listening to it because I couldn’t stop. Sleep is overrated anyway 😆 Beck and Forrest were worth it.
Beck was a struggling hockey player whom every time he had the chance would sit at Forrest’s bar and nurse a drink. His only reason for going there was so he could feast his eyes on the gorgeous bartender who had become the object of his fantasies.
All Beck wanted was a night with Forrest. But Forrest wouldn’t give him the time of day. Forrest thought Beck was too young for him, therefore; there could never be anything between them.
But the truth was more painful than that. After experiencing one of the worst moments of his life, Forrest swore off hookups and relationships. He was too jaded to be with someone as pure and innocent as Beck. It was a shame too, because Beck was exactly his type.
When Forrest and his friends need a goalie for their team, Beck is more than willing to lend his services. In exchange, Forrest would spend the night with him. Obviously, Forrest shuts down the idea.
Forrest can’t help feeling like crap for rejecting Beck, but his past trauma doesn’t allow him to go for him. He doesn’t feel like he deserves Beck and it’s this rejection that leaves Beck feeling like he’s too much to handle.
Nothing could be farther from the truth though. Forrest loved how Beck had no filter and would tell it like it is. He loved his sense of humor and how much better he felt when Beck was around.
But Forrest just couldn’t let go of what happened and it was that reluctance that almost cost him a chance at happiness. He almost lost the best thing that ever happened to him because he wouldn’t allow himself the chance to fall in love.
It made me tear up when Beck felt like he was unlovable. That nobody wanted him because of how he his brain worked. He really felt so alone and it broke my heart.
𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓳𝓸𝓫 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝓮. 𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓫𝓸𝓭𝔂’𝓼 𝓳𝓸𝓫. 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓫𝓵𝓮𝓶 𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝕙𝕚𝕞, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽’𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭.
I loved that after getting out of his own way, Forrest accepted how much better his life was with Beck in it. Loved the beautiful relationship Beck had with Forrest’s son. For maybe the first time ever, Forrest was truly happy.
Have I mentioned I loved this book? And to have Teddy Hamilton and Brandon Francis narrate it, made it even better.
From the moment I started listening to this book, I was completely invested in the characters. I might have broken night listening to it because I couldn’t stop. Sleep is overrated anyway 😆 Beck and Forrest were worth it.
Beck was a struggling hockey player whom every time he had the chance would sit at Forrest’s bar and nurse a drink. His only reason for going there was so he could feast his eyes on the gorgeous bartender who had become the object of his fantasies.
All Beck wanted was a night with Forrest. But Forrest wouldn’t give him the time of day. Forrest thought Beck was too young for him, therefore; there could never be anything between them.
But the truth was more painful than that. After experiencing one of the worst moments of his life, Forrest swore off hookups and relationships. He was too jaded to be with someone as pure and innocent as Beck. It was a shame too, because Beck was exactly his type.
When Forrest and his friends need a goalie for their team, Beck is more than willing to lend his services. In exchange, Forrest would spend the night with him. Obviously, Forrest shuts down the idea.
Forrest can’t help feeling like crap for rejecting Beck, but his past trauma doesn’t allow him to go for him. He doesn’t feel like he deserves Beck and it’s this rejection that leaves Beck feeling like he’s too much to handle.
Nothing could be farther from the truth though. Forrest loved how Beck had no filter and would tell it like it is. He loved his sense of humor and how much better he felt when Beck was around.
But Forrest just couldn’t let go of what happened and it was that reluctance that almost cost him a chance at happiness. He almost lost the best thing that ever happened to him because he wouldn’t allow himself the chance to fall in love.
It made me tear up when Beck felt like he was unlovable. That nobody wanted him because of how he his brain worked. He really felt so alone and it broke my heart.
𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓳𝓸𝓫 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝓮. 𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓫𝓸𝓭𝔂’𝓼 𝓳𝓸𝓫. 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓫𝓵𝓮𝓶 𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝕙𝕚𝕞, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽’𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭.
I loved that after getting out of his own way, Forrest accepted how much better his life was with Beck in it. Loved the beautiful relationship Beck had with Forrest’s son. For maybe the first time ever, Forrest was truly happy.
Have I mentioned I loved this book? And to have Teddy Hamilton and Brandon Francis narrate it, made it even better.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
**Audiobook Review**
The moment this hit my account, I couldn’t wait to start it. “My Kind of Guy” is a swoony, emotional and steamy age gap, hockey MM romance that kept a smile on my face from start to finish.
Becker James is a goalie in the AHL and his game has been lacking. Something is not clicking when he’s in the crease and he can’t seem to shake it. He visits his favorite bar, Sportsballs, a Queer sports bar, once a week and when he overhears the hot, bearded bartender saying that they need a goalie for their beer league, he offers to play for them for a night with the hot bartender. Seth Forester, aka Forest, is the owner and bartender who doesn't do random hookups after a terrible incident a year prior. But he can’t say no to the offer although he does say no to the night together. But as the game goes on, the two can’t stay away from each other. Forest might not be looking for anything serious but there is something about Becker he can’t stay away from.
From the moment I started listening, I could not stop and I loved Becjker and Forest so much. Becker is a goalie so he’s a little weird and that’s one of the best things about him. He has all the golden retriever energy and I loved how he has no filter. He will say whatever is on his mind and it had me laughing out loud so many times. But he’s also very honest and isn't scared to show his feelings. Forest is a complex man who built a wall around himself after the hookup that went wrong, not that I blame him, that would scare me too. Forest is driven, caring and is a great Dad to his son. I love how he owned Sportsballs and made sure it was Queer friendly bar. But he was no match for the charm that Becker had, even though it was a tad awkward but he’s a goalie so that tracks. The steamy scenes were great and the big tall goalie was taken care of by the hot guy in the flannel. They might have almost right away but it was a slow burn to them being in a relationship. But they built something really solid and were all in once they got over the issues they each had. These two were so sweet and I loved them as a couple.
Teddy Hamilton and Brandon Francis narrated as Becker and Forest and I loved listening to them bring this story to life. Teddy was fantastic as the sweet, funny and quirky goalie with a heart of gold. I loved listening to Brandon bring the guarded but caring Forest alive.
The moment this hit my account, I couldn’t wait to start it. “My Kind of Guy” is a swoony, emotional and steamy age gap, hockey MM romance that kept a smile on my face from start to finish.
Becker James is a goalie in the AHL and his game has been lacking. Something is not clicking when he’s in the crease and he can’t seem to shake it. He visits his favorite bar, Sportsballs, a Queer sports bar, once a week and when he overhears the hot, bearded bartender saying that they need a goalie for their beer league, he offers to play for them for a night with the hot bartender. Seth Forester, aka Forest, is the owner and bartender who doesn't do random hookups after a terrible incident a year prior. But he can’t say no to the offer although he does say no to the night together. But as the game goes on, the two can’t stay away from each other. Forest might not be looking for anything serious but there is something about Becker he can’t stay away from.
From the moment I started listening, I could not stop and I loved Becjker and Forest so much. Becker is a goalie so he’s a little weird and that’s one of the best things about him. He has all the golden retriever energy and I loved how he has no filter. He will say whatever is on his mind and it had me laughing out loud so many times. But he’s also very honest and isn't scared to show his feelings. Forest is a complex man who built a wall around himself after the hookup that went wrong, not that I blame him, that would scare me too. Forest is driven, caring and is a great Dad to his son. I love how he owned Sportsballs and made sure it was Queer friendly bar. But he was no match for the charm that Becker had, even though it was a tad awkward but he’s a goalie so that tracks. The steamy scenes were great and the big tall goalie was taken care of by the hot guy in the flannel. They might have almost right away but it was a slow burn to them being in a relationship. But they built something really solid and were all in once they got over the issues they each had. These two were so sweet and I loved them as a couple.
Teddy Hamilton and Brandon Francis narrated as Becker and Forest and I loved listening to them bring this story to life. Teddy was fantastic as the sweet, funny and quirky goalie with a heart of gold. I loved listening to Brandon bring the guarded but caring Forest alive.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beck’s hockey season isn’t going so great. He’s in a bit of a slump and for a goalie, that is something he just can’t afford to be going through. Especially when his goal is to be moved up to play for the NHL rather than the minors. Trying to get out of his head leads him to his frequent his favorite bar where he can sit and try to work up the courage to ask out his crush. The bartender and one of the owners. And when he learns that Forest plays in a hockey beer league and his team needs a goalie, he decides to take his shot. Helping Forest out and maybe getting to finally hook up with his dream guy. But it doesn’t exactly work out in his favor when he throws the idea out there. Little does he know that Forest is in his untrusting phase. Being burned the year before scarred him in more ways than one. And he is still recovering in several ways. He may be attracted to Beck, but getting over his baggage? Not easy. And even when he gives into the chemistry between them, he still has some walls up. And he needs to figure out if he can truly bring them down or risk losing Beck and the really great future they could have together if he can just get out of his own way. Loved this story! Loved Beck especially because I love our weird hockey goalies. I dare you to find a goalie centric story and not love said goalie. They have the best quirks and our just utterly themselves with zero shame. With Beck, you just want to hug him and protect him and shake Forest a few times because how can he resist everything that is Beck! Though of course, you can’t help but sympathize with Forest after what he has been through. I really loved these two and watching them fall hard for one another despite some resistance not to! They truly were perfect for one another. Especially as they helped one another overcome their fears and obstacles. Another great book in this series! I hope to see more and I can’t wait to see who could be next!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2026
Rating: Obsessed
I love Sarina’s writing! Thrown for a Loop and Dying to Meet You were highlights for me. I actually have the first three books in the Hockey Guys series on my shelf but somehow hadn’t gotten to them yet. When I saw the ARC for this one become available, I knew it was exactly the push I needed to finally dive into the series and it absolutely delivered. I’ve already gone back and started Book 1 because I’m not ready to leave this universe yet.
Beck is exactly why I love goalies. They’re the best! Pure chaotic energy that keeps you on your toes and guarantees you’ll be laughing. But they’re also the most sensitive, ooey-gooey teddy bears underneath it all. Beck feels everything deeply. He’s confident on the surface, but there’s still a heartbroken little boy underneath who just wants to be chosen.
Forrest is the broody bartender, and as a part-time bartender myself, I get it. Some days it takes everything you have and then some just to people. Thankfully, regulars usually know us well enough to understand that if we’re a little prickly, it’s just a bad day. Forrest has been burned badly and has spent the last year just trying to rebuild his life while still being a good father. He feels like he has nothing to offer anyone and isn’t ready to risk trusting someone again.
The meet-cute between these two was perfect. I was cackling and immediately knew I was in for a great ride. My heart broke for Beck, who was willing to take any scrap Forrest gave him because a little bit of something you want can feel better than nothing at all. Watching Forrest slowly lose the battle he’s been fighting in his own head and realize he's in love with Beck was incredibly satisfying.
I do think Beck forgave Forrest a little too quickly, but it didn’t end up mattering much because Forrest knew he messed up and was already fully committed to making it right and those two are perfect.
Thank you so much Sarina for the ARC.
I love Sarina’s writing! Thrown for a Loop and Dying to Meet You were highlights for me. I actually have the first three books in the Hockey Guys series on my shelf but somehow hadn’t gotten to them yet. When I saw the ARC for this one become available, I knew it was exactly the push I needed to finally dive into the series and it absolutely delivered. I’ve already gone back and started Book 1 because I’m not ready to leave this universe yet.
Beck is exactly why I love goalies. They’re the best! Pure chaotic energy that keeps you on your toes and guarantees you’ll be laughing. But they’re also the most sensitive, ooey-gooey teddy bears underneath it all. Beck feels everything deeply. He’s confident on the surface, but there’s still a heartbroken little boy underneath who just wants to be chosen.
Forrest is the broody bartender, and as a part-time bartender myself, I get it. Some days it takes everything you have and then some just to people. Thankfully, regulars usually know us well enough to understand that if we’re a little prickly, it’s just a bad day. Forrest has been burned badly and has spent the last year just trying to rebuild his life while still being a good father. He feels like he has nothing to offer anyone and isn’t ready to risk trusting someone again.
The meet-cute between these two was perfect. I was cackling and immediately knew I was in for a great ride. My heart broke for Beck, who was willing to take any scrap Forrest gave him because a little bit of something you want can feel better than nothing at all. Watching Forrest slowly lose the battle he’s been fighting in his own head and realize he's in love with Beck was incredibly satisfying.
I do think Beck forgave Forrest a little too quickly, but it didn’t end up mattering much because Forrest knew he messed up and was already fully committed to making it right and those two are perfect.
Thank you so much Sarina for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Kind of Guy is the best kind of fun. Sarina Bowen writes the loveliest men and she has done an amazing job with both Forest and Becker. An age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, hockey romance with a touch of anxiety representation - this is a terrific read 😍
Becker is a hockey goalie who is anxious, closeted, playing badly and smart as paint. He talks too much, overthinks everything and has a faulty filter. He’s also tenacious and yes, so very clever. I adored how relatable he is, and best of all, so believable. And he has a hobby! Gold stars to Sarina for giving him an interest other than love and hockey - it's gaming, which brings out all his goofiness, and lets him connect with Forest’s son. Beck is completely into Forest, and he texts and chats and propositions Forest in ways that are so charming I’m surprised Forest resisted as much as he did.
Forest is just as vivid. He’s a part owner of a bar, divorced father of a pre-teen, plays in a LGBTQ hockey league and has sworn off hookups after an encounter went very wrong and cost him heaps. Forest runs hot and cold with Beck, and this to-ing and fro-ing is frustrating for everyone, while it's interwoven with Beck getting his hockey mojo back, and Forest muddling through his financial and trust issues.
Other things I loved:
❄️ The hockey! There’s plenty of it, and I could totally imagine all the players jostling and sniping on the ice.
❄️ The friendships - from the bar, to the hockey teams, these men have community.
❄️ The kid. Forest’s son is a delight who jumps off the page as he gives his dad a push in Beck’s direction.
Forest and Beck are into each other physically, so there is plenty of steam while it’s the emotional connection that takes time and pays off for them - and for the reader!
Thank you Sarina Bowen for the ARC, this was a joy to read and review. Opinions are my own.
Becker is a hockey goalie who is anxious, closeted, playing badly and smart as paint. He talks too much, overthinks everything and has a faulty filter. He’s also tenacious and yes, so very clever. I adored how relatable he is, and best of all, so believable. And he has a hobby! Gold stars to Sarina for giving him an interest other than love and hockey - it's gaming, which brings out all his goofiness, and lets him connect with Forest’s son. Beck is completely into Forest, and he texts and chats and propositions Forest in ways that are so charming I’m surprised Forest resisted as much as he did.
Forest is just as vivid. He’s a part owner of a bar, divorced father of a pre-teen, plays in a LGBTQ hockey league and has sworn off hookups after an encounter went very wrong and cost him heaps. Forest runs hot and cold with Beck, and this to-ing and fro-ing is frustrating for everyone, while it's interwoven with Beck getting his hockey mojo back, and Forest muddling through his financial and trust issues.
Other things I loved:
❄️ The hockey! There’s plenty of it, and I could totally imagine all the players jostling and sniping on the ice.
❄️ The friendships - from the bar, to the hockey teams, these men have community.
❄️ The kid. Forest’s son is a delight who jumps off the page as he gives his dad a push in Beck’s direction.
Forest and Beck are into each other physically, so there is plenty of steam while it’s the emotional connection that takes time and pays off for them - and for the reader!
Thank you Sarina Bowen for the ARC, this was a joy to read and review. Opinions are my own.
March 19, 2026
My Kind of Guy introduces Beck, a goalie for the Colorado Cougar’s AHL and fits the stereotype of goalies are weird. He has a crush on Forest, the bartender at Sportsball, the queer sports bar from the rest of the series. Beck offers to play for Forest’s beer league team in exchange for one night together but can these two leave it at one night?
I liked the grumpy/sunshine dynamic with Forest and Beck. Forest is the epitome of grumpy , lumberjack bartender that is a softie under all the gruff. Beck is very much the golden retriever goaltender who is very optimistic and wears his heart on his sleeve. There was also a bit an age gap but it never felt like too much and they worked well together.
I did overall enjoy the one night stand to forever trope and how the author did build their relationship. Yes there is instalust with the one night stand but then the relationship and the trust builds on both sides to a more well developed relationship.
Beck being an AHL goalie trying to get into the NHL was a more unique storyline as well and I did really like his individual journey and storyline.
I also loved seeing the characters from the previous books make cameos! More Clay and Jethro will always make me happy.
For weaknesses I did find the chemistry between Beck and Forest lacking a bit. I also did find Beck’s “weirdness” to be a lot, even for a goalie (and I say that as someone married to a goalie haha) which did occasionally veer off into second hand embarrassment territory. There was also a moment in the ending that I will not spoil but definitely requires suspension of disbelief for a hockey play.
Overall a good addition to the Hockey Guys series!
Thank you to the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the grumpy/sunshine dynamic with Forest and Beck. Forest is the epitome of grumpy , lumberjack bartender that is a softie under all the gruff. Beck is very much the golden retriever goaltender who is very optimistic and wears his heart on his sleeve. There was also a bit an age gap but it never felt like too much and they worked well together.
I did overall enjoy the one night stand to forever trope and how the author did build their relationship. Yes there is instalust with the one night stand but then the relationship and the trust builds on both sides to a more well developed relationship.
Beck being an AHL goalie trying to get into the NHL was a more unique storyline as well and I did really like his individual journey and storyline.
I also loved seeing the characters from the previous books make cameos! More Clay and Jethro will always make me happy.
For weaknesses I did find the chemistry between Beck and Forest lacking a bit. I also did find Beck’s “weirdness” to be a lot, even for a goalie (and I say that as someone married to a goalie haha) which did occasionally veer off into second hand embarrassment territory. There was also a moment in the ending that I will not spoil but definitely requires suspension of disbelief for a hockey play.
Overall a good addition to the Hockey Guys series!
Thank you to the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks, @sarinabowen for the ALC.
Becker James, once a top draft pick, is having the worst season. He's now bench warming in the minors, THIS close to being cut. The only highlight of his life is his weekly beer at Sportsball, a queer bar in Denver. That's where he gets to see (or better yet, discreetly ogle) Forest, the bartender/owner. He doesn't think he'd ever have a chance with him until the Universe puts the puck right in front of him - Forest's beer league LGBTQ+ team has just lost their goalie. He offers to stand in in exchange for one thing: one night with Forest.
Forest cannot believe he's just been "Indecent Proposal"-ed by the young guy who nurses a beer every week at his bar. But the whole team is pressuring him to give the kid a chance. He doesn't do hookups, though, especially after how horribly wrong his last one ended. One beer league game... one night... that changes everything.
OMG! This one is sweet, steamy, heartwarming, funny and adorable!
The audiobook is narrated by Brandon Francis and Teddy Hamilton, who are phenomenal here. Brandon gives us a grumpy, disheartened Forest, who's a dedicated single dad dealing with the aftermath of a disastrous hookup. Teddy is the one and only choice to play the smitten, sweet but anxious Becker who is flabbergasted at the good things coming his way. They are fire together. Kudos to Brandon for doing a mean Teddy when voicing Becker!
This one warmed my heart. I was rooting for the down on his luck goalie who finally found love and got his mojo back and for the single dad who deserves so much more than life has given him.
You have banter, beer league hockey, a virgin hero, NHL unexpected debuts, an equally unexpected shirtless cheering squad, a very supportive son, caretaking, video game battles, justice being served and a heartwarming HEA.
I love Sarina and she never disappoints! And Sarina, Brandon and Teddy are a 'hat trick'!
Content notes (including but not limited to): financial insecurity, anxiety, mentions of being drugged on a date (not SA)
Becker James, once a top draft pick, is having the worst season. He's now bench warming in the minors, THIS close to being cut. The only highlight of his life is his weekly beer at Sportsball, a queer bar in Denver. That's where he gets to see (or better yet, discreetly ogle) Forest, the bartender/owner. He doesn't think he'd ever have a chance with him until the Universe puts the puck right in front of him - Forest's beer league LGBTQ+ team has just lost their goalie. He offers to stand in in exchange for one thing: one night with Forest.
Forest cannot believe he's just been "Indecent Proposal"-ed by the young guy who nurses a beer every week at his bar. But the whole team is pressuring him to give the kid a chance. He doesn't do hookups, though, especially after how horribly wrong his last one ended. One beer league game... one night... that changes everything.
OMG! This one is sweet, steamy, heartwarming, funny and adorable!
The audiobook is narrated by Brandon Francis and Teddy Hamilton, who are phenomenal here. Brandon gives us a grumpy, disheartened Forest, who's a dedicated single dad dealing with the aftermath of a disastrous hookup. Teddy is the one and only choice to play the smitten, sweet but anxious Becker who is flabbergasted at the good things coming his way. They are fire together. Kudos to Brandon for doing a mean Teddy when voicing Becker!
This one warmed my heart. I was rooting for the down on his luck goalie who finally found love and got his mojo back and for the single dad who deserves so much more than life has given him.
You have banter, beer league hockey, a virgin hero, NHL unexpected debuts, an equally unexpected shirtless cheering squad, a very supportive son, caretaking, video game battles, justice being served and a heartwarming HEA.
I love Sarina and she never disappoints! And Sarina, Brandon and Teddy are a 'hat trick'!
Content notes (including but not limited to): financial insecurity, anxiety, mentions of being drugged on a date (not SA)
Review of advance copy
My Kind of Guy is an amazing hockey romance between a quirky goalie—aren’t they all?—and the hottie single dad bartender he’s crushing on. Sarina Bowen is a master of hockey romance, and this MM story is a treat from start to finish.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Minor league goalie Becker James is struggling to play well, and the highlight of his week is going to queer bar Sports Balls and watching Seth Forester mixing drinks. When he hears that Forest’s beer league hockey team is desperate for a goalie, Beck offers his services for the chance to hookup with Forest. Only Forest doesn’t do hookups, not anymore. But the adorably awkward Beck has a way of getting past his carefully constructed walls.
I adore Beck and Forest. This is a book where you want good things to happen for both characters. Beck is sweet and earnest, and endlessly entertaining. I really enjoyed his perspective as a minor league goalie who is working for his big break while trying to maintain his top level of play. He and Forest have amazing chemistry, which makes his frustration with Forest’s on and off communication understandable.
For Forest’s part, his reasons for initially not wanting to get involved with Beck are understandable. He’s had a traumatic experience, and only someone as open and honest as Beck has any chance of getting past his defenses. And, his day to day single dad struggles are relatable to any parent of a teen.
I adore My Kind of Guy. If you are a fan of MM romance, this entire series is a must read. Sarina Bowen’s books are the perfect blend of characters, steam, emotion, and hockey that are impossible to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Minor league goalie Becker James is struggling to play well, and the highlight of his week is going to queer bar Sports Balls and watching Seth Forester mixing drinks. When he hears that Forest’s beer league hockey team is desperate for a goalie, Beck offers his services for the chance to hookup with Forest. Only Forest doesn’t do hookups, not anymore. But the adorably awkward Beck has a way of getting past his carefully constructed walls.
I adore Beck and Forest. This is a book where you want good things to happen for both characters. Beck is sweet and earnest, and endlessly entertaining. I really enjoyed his perspective as a minor league goalie who is working for his big break while trying to maintain his top level of play. He and Forest have amazing chemistry, which makes his frustration with Forest’s on and off communication understandable.
For Forest’s part, his reasons for initially not wanting to get involved with Beck are understandable. He’s had a traumatic experience, and only someone as open and honest as Beck has any chance of getting past his defenses. And, his day to day single dad struggles are relatable to any parent of a teen.
I adore My Kind of Guy. If you are a fan of MM romance, this entire series is a must read. Sarina Bowen’s books are the perfect blend of characters, steam, emotion, and hockey that are impossible to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
** Audio Review **
Adorably obsessed! My Kind of Guy by Sarina Bowen was a feel-good hockey romance that made me all warm and gooey inside. I couldn’t get enough of Becker and Forrest's opposites-attract chemistry that had me smiling and happy sighing throughout their love story. Sarina’s hockey guys always win my heart!
Brandon Francis and Teddy Hamilton perform this audiobook in dual narration. This is the first time I’ve heard these two paired together, and I really enjoyed how well their voices complemented their characters and each other. Brandon’s warm, expressive tone matched Forest’s grumpy and guarded persona, while Teddy’s upbeat, carefree tone gave Becker the perfect amount of an eager and willing man obsessed. Both narrators created an undeniable longing between Becker and Forest that had me rooting for and blushing over these two at the same time.
Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of MM hockey romance with a carefree, dedicated goalie, a broody, tatted bartender, bar propositions, beer league hockey, shirtless cheering sections, chicken wings, and video games, an adolescent son, fulfilling small favors, text banter, goalie rules, NHL debuts, slow burn steamy times, covid scares, grand gestures, supportive teammates, a painful past, just served, and a HEA that will you will love for real, then you will fall hard for Becker and Forest. I always look forward to more from Sarina Bowen.
Adorably obsessed! My Kind of Guy by Sarina Bowen was a feel-good hockey romance that made me all warm and gooey inside. I couldn’t get enough of Becker and Forrest's opposites-attract chemistry that had me smiling and happy sighing throughout their love story. Sarina’s hockey guys always win my heart!
Brandon Francis and Teddy Hamilton perform this audiobook in dual narration. This is the first time I’ve heard these two paired together, and I really enjoyed how well their voices complemented their characters and each other. Brandon’s warm, expressive tone matched Forest’s grumpy and guarded persona, while Teddy’s upbeat, carefree tone gave Becker the perfect amount of an eager and willing man obsessed. Both narrators created an undeniable longing between Becker and Forest that had me rooting for and blushing over these two at the same time.
Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of MM hockey romance with a carefree, dedicated goalie, a broody, tatted bartender, bar propositions, beer league hockey, shirtless cheering sections, chicken wings, and video games, an adolescent son, fulfilling small favors, text banter, goalie rules, NHL debuts, slow burn steamy times, covid scares, grand gestures, supportive teammates, a painful past, just served, and a HEA that will you will love for real, then you will fall hard for Becker and Forest. I always look forward to more from Sarina Bowen.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Kind of Guy is another winner from Sarina Bowen. My Kind of Guy is book 4 and follows Becker, a goalie in the AHL working towards the NHL, and hot, grumpy, bartender Forrest. These two have the most delicious banter, angsty relationship and hot sex.
When Forrest’s beer league needs a goalie for a game, bar regular Becker volunteers with the caveat that Forrest has sex with him. Forrest doesn’t know that Becker is really an AHL goalie and when he shows up, they demolish the competition. Forrest has recently been burned by a hook-up so he’s very reluctant to start a suituationship with Becker, but Becker’s sunny, off beat personality makes him hard to resist.
I love Becker, his ”goalies are weird vibes” are off the chart, his ability to surprise Forrest and his acceptance of Forrest’s son Charlie. Forrest needs a sympathetic, loving man to knock down his walls and Becker is perfect for him. My Kind of Guy has enough hockey (in topical Sarina Bowen fashion), comeos from previous Hockey Guys in Jethro and Clay and the prefect amount of steam. These two built a strong relationship with lots of laughs (shirtless cheering sections), caretaking, text banter and grand gestures.
I listened to this one and Teddy Hamilton and Brandon Francis, as Becker and Forest were perfect. I was locked in from the first chapter, their voices brought the characters to life!
When Forrest’s beer league needs a goalie for a game, bar regular Becker volunteers with the caveat that Forrest has sex with him. Forrest doesn’t know that Becker is really an AHL goalie and when he shows up, they demolish the competition. Forrest has recently been burned by a hook-up so he’s very reluctant to start a suituationship with Becker, but Becker’s sunny, off beat personality makes him hard to resist.
I love Becker, his ”goalies are weird vibes” are off the chart, his ability to surprise Forrest and his acceptance of Forrest’s son Charlie. Forrest needs a sympathetic, loving man to knock down his walls and Becker is perfect for him. My Kind of Guy has enough hockey (in topical Sarina Bowen fashion), comeos from previous Hockey Guys in Jethro and Clay and the prefect amount of steam. These two built a strong relationship with lots of laughs (shirtless cheering sections), caretaking, text banter and grand gestures.
I listened to this one and Teddy Hamilton and Brandon Francis, as Becker and Forest were perfect. I was locked in from the first chapter, their voices brought the characters to life!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love this series so much! I do not have enough words to say how much I absolutely love this book. I listened to it and it was such a treat for my ears! And let me just say if you are a Teddy Hamilton lover like me, you will love him more than you ever thought possible after his portrayal of Beck aka Becker James. He is perfect as the awkward, sweet, quirky goalie who has a crush on the handsome, sexy bartender, Forrest aka Seth Forrester, at his favorite sports bar Sportsballs. Forrest is voiced by Brandon Francis, who I do not think I’ve heard before but he too was perfect as Forrest. They are such a great couple and balance each other out so well.
I loved their story so much and as always Sarina Bowen includes the perfect amount of hockey woven into what is ultimately a wonderful M/M love story. The other characters are so likable as well and it makes for some awesome banter!
Forrest’s son Charlie is a great character that helps get his dad out of his comfort zone while at the same time quietly accepting Beck into their lives. Charlie is back and forth between his mom and Forrest’s house. So the met fairly early on when Beck showed up at his house. Entertaining scene there, but honestly they are all very entertaining.
This story is as sweet as it is steamy and I honestly loved every single minute!
I loved their story so much and as always Sarina Bowen includes the perfect amount of hockey woven into what is ultimately a wonderful M/M love story. The other characters are so likable as well and it makes for some awesome banter!
Forrest’s son Charlie is a great character that helps get his dad out of his comfort zone while at the same time quietly accepting Beck into their lives. Charlie is back and forth between his mom and Forrest’s house. So the met fairly early on when Beck showed up at his house. Entertaining scene there, but honestly they are all very entertaining.
This story is as sweet as it is steamy and I honestly loved every single minute!
Review of advance copy received from Autor
On one hand, I can't believe I'm so late to this series, and on the other, I'm so happy to be starting it by reading this book. Reading Forest and James.
From the first paragraph they sucked me into their story, James with his fresh personality so unique in his fears and insecurities, and Forest trying to keep his cool while dealing with all his obligations, but let's be honest from the first minute James speaks to him he can’t leave his mind.
They bring the energy of opposites impossible to resist each other, and it's impossible to put the book down.
James Becker is having a rough season in the minor leagues and feels like he's blown his chances of making it big, but when he hears that his favorite bar's hockey team needs a goalie, he can't resist offering his help in exchange for fulfilling his dream and spending a night with Forest, the sexy bartender he can't stop thinking about.
But Forest isn't that kind of man anymore. For a year, he's completely avoided getting involved with anyone, especially for just one night.
What follows is magnetic, because James agrees to play for them anyway, and as Forest discovers more about him, the attraction becomes impossible to resist.
I loved every second of the book and regretted reading it so quickly. Forest and his role as a single parent, the co-owner of a queer bar, and discovering James and how hard is to leave him behind, let alone forget.
I loved James Becker, his quick and witty mind, his line of thinking, and the honest way he cares for others, especially the ones he loves. He’s perfection.
I can’t wait to get on track and read the rest of the series, let alone read what’s coming up.
Thanks to Sarina Bowen and her team for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion.
From the first paragraph they sucked me into their story, James with his fresh personality so unique in his fears and insecurities, and Forest trying to keep his cool while dealing with all his obligations, but let's be honest from the first minute James speaks to him he can’t leave his mind.
They bring the energy of opposites impossible to resist each other, and it's impossible to put the book down.
James Becker is having a rough season in the minor leagues and feels like he's blown his chances of making it big, but when he hears that his favorite bar's hockey team needs a goalie, he can't resist offering his help in exchange for fulfilling his dream and spending a night with Forest, the sexy bartender he can't stop thinking about.
But Forest isn't that kind of man anymore. For a year, he's completely avoided getting involved with anyone, especially for just one night.
What follows is magnetic, because James agrees to play for them anyway, and as Forest discovers more about him, the attraction becomes impossible to resist.
I loved every second of the book and regretted reading it so quickly. Forest and his role as a single parent, the co-owner of a queer bar, and discovering James and how hard is to leave him behind, let alone forget.
I loved James Becker, his quick and witty mind, his line of thinking, and the honest way he cares for others, especially the ones he loves. He’s perfection.
I can’t wait to get on track and read the rest of the series, let alone read what’s coming up.
Thanks to Sarina Bowen and her team for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Kind of Guy: ★ ★ ★ ★
Sarina Bowen (Hockey Guys, #4)
"You're the only thing that feels real anymore.
Awkward hockey goalie Beck has had a crush on the grumpy bartender for the longest time so when he finally makes a proposition to sleep together, he’s not expecting it to actually work.
Tropes:
— Sports romance (hockey)
— Single dad
— Grumpy/sunshine
— Friends with benefits
— Age gap
I have loved this series for the longest time, and I was so excited to read Beck & Forest’s story! It was filled with humor and pining and so much love. Beck is so awkward and very hard on himself and it made me want to give him a hug. Forest is grumpy and trying to get past his previous trauma and his aversion to hook ups.
It was supposed to be casual, but the feelings that are developing are so much more. With every morning after, Beck keeps thawing Forest’s carefully erected walls and slipping into the cracks of his life seamlessly. I loved their relationship and how they both grew together. Plus the grand gestures and jealousy at the end? *Chefs kiss*
Highly recommend the audio for a great experience! Thank you to Sarina Bowen for the ALC!
Sarina Bowen (Hockey Guys, #4)
"You're the only thing that feels real anymore.
Awkward hockey goalie Beck has had a crush on the grumpy bartender for the longest time so when he finally makes a proposition to sleep together, he’s not expecting it to actually work.
Tropes:
— Sports romance (hockey)
— Single dad
— Grumpy/sunshine
— Friends with benefits
— Age gap
I have loved this series for the longest time, and I was so excited to read Beck & Forest’s story! It was filled with humor and pining and so much love. Beck is so awkward and very hard on himself and it made me want to give him a hug. Forest is grumpy and trying to get past his previous trauma and his aversion to hook ups.
It was supposed to be casual, but the feelings that are developing are so much more. With every morning after, Beck keeps thawing Forest’s carefully erected walls and slipping into the cracks of his life seamlessly. I loved their relationship and how they both grew together. Plus the grand gestures and jealousy at the end? *Chefs kiss*
Highly recommend the audio for a great experience! Thank you to Sarina Bowen for the ALC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Sarina Bowen's publicity team for the Advance Listening Copy :-)
The premise: Becker James is a minor-league hockey goalie who's in a bit of a slump. During his weekly visit to a gay sports bar in Denver, he hears his crush, a lumberjack-ish bartender discuss the need for a goalie that week in their beer league hockey game. Beck makes an indecent proposal: he'll help out in the beer league game in exchange for a date. Well, not a date, per se. Ya know. Bow chicka wow wow. But the bartender, Forest, whom we've seen in the previous books in the series, isn't interested in hookups because he had a HORRIBLE experience with one in the past. But stuff happens and they end up playing together, and like, dot, dot, dot...
Overall, a great MM hockey romance. I saw the promotional stuff saying that while all goalies are weird, Beck says, "hold my beer," and I can confirm: Beck is one wacky guy. Teddy Hamilton voiced him to perfection. The wackiness aside, I liked the emotional side of the story too. Forest and Beck were a great match and I enjoyed watching their story unfold. I'm not a huge fan of third act breakups, but this one was tolerable. And when the book ended, I had a lovely "awwwwww" moment. Can't wait to add the hardback edition to my Sarina Bowen collection.
Open door and spicy enough. Five stars. Would recommend.
The premise: Becker James is a minor-league hockey goalie who's in a bit of a slump. During his weekly visit to a gay sports bar in Denver, he hears his crush, a lumberjack-ish bartender discuss the need for a goalie that week in their beer league hockey game. Beck makes an indecent proposal: he'll help out in the beer league game in exchange for a date. Well, not a date, per se. Ya know. Bow chicka wow wow. But the bartender, Forest, whom we've seen in the previous books in the series, isn't interested in hookups because he had a HORRIBLE experience with one in the past. But stuff happens and they end up playing together, and like, dot, dot, dot...
Overall, a great MM hockey romance. I saw the promotional stuff saying that while all goalies are weird, Beck says, "hold my beer," and I can confirm: Beck is one wacky guy. Teddy Hamilton voiced him to perfection. The wackiness aside, I liked the emotional side of the story too. Forest and Beck were a great match and I enjoyed watching their story unfold. I'm not a huge fan of third act breakups, but this one was tolerable. And when the book ended, I had a lovely "awwwwww" moment. Can't wait to add the hardback edition to my Sarina Bowen collection.
Open door and spicy enough. Five stars. Would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was exactly the book I needed. Like… I really needed this one.
I loved it from beginning to end—I read it in two days and couldn’t put it down.
Beck is a socially awkward hockey goalie who spends his nights at a queer bar, quietly crushing on the bartender, Forrest. But when Forrest’s team suddenly needs a goalie, Beck steps in—with one very bold condition: Forrest has to take him home after.
And yes… that’s how it starts 😮💨
Beck completely stole the show for me. He’s weird, awkward, unintentionally hilarious, and says the most random things out of nowhere—I laughed so many times because of him. But at the same time, he’s so genuine and lovable that it’s impossible not to fall for him.
Forrest is older, a little grumpy, and dealing with trust issues from his past, which made his dynamic with Beck even better. Watching him try (and fail) to resist Beck was everything.
The chemistry between them is instant, but it still felt emotional and real. It’s funny, sweet, a little messy, and so easy to get hooked on.
I started this series with book five (oops), but now I need to go back and read the rest because I’m already so invested in these characters.
Highly recommend if you love:
🏒 MM sports romance
🍺 queer bar setting
😮💨 age gap
😂 awkward but lovable MC
🔥 instant chemistry
👉 I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. 🫶🏻
This was exactly the book I needed. Like… I really needed this one.
I loved it from beginning to end—I read it in two days and couldn’t put it down.
Beck is a socially awkward hockey goalie who spends his nights at a queer bar, quietly crushing on the bartender, Forrest. But when Forrest’s team suddenly needs a goalie, Beck steps in—with one very bold condition: Forrest has to take him home after.
And yes… that’s how it starts 😮💨
Beck completely stole the show for me. He’s weird, awkward, unintentionally hilarious, and says the most random things out of nowhere—I laughed so many times because of him. But at the same time, he’s so genuine and lovable that it’s impossible not to fall for him.
Forrest is older, a little grumpy, and dealing with trust issues from his past, which made his dynamic with Beck even better. Watching him try (and fail) to resist Beck was everything.
The chemistry between them is instant, but it still felt emotional and real. It’s funny, sweet, a little messy, and so easy to get hooked on.
I started this series with book five (oops), but now I need to go back and read the rest because I’m already so invested in these characters.
Highly recommend if you love:
🏒 MM sports romance
🍺 queer bar setting
😮💨 age gap
😂 awkward but lovable MC
🔥 instant chemistry
👉 I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this!!
Beck is such a great character. He's funny, weird, exuberant, and wears his heart on his sleeve. Totally the kind of character I'd want to be best friends with! I wanted to be there cheering him on for his achievements and consoling him about his relationship problems.
Forest has really been through it and you can feel the pressure he's under and the fear he has about letting Beck into his life after what he's experienced. There were definitely times I wanted to join in with his friends and tell him to live and be happy! I loved Rigsy's bluntness with him too.
The relationship between these two definitely has ups and downs and emotional moments. Beck when he was sick made me laugh yet also be simultaneously horrified at his word vomit! Forest realising Beck hadn't let him know about his big moment was brutal. I loved how they worked through their issues and became such a strong couple though, and Beck's relationship with Charlie was so sweet and supportive!
I really hope there'll be more MM hockey stories to come from Sarina because I love the characters in this series so much, and the Him/Us/Epic books are some of my favourites too!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Sarina Bowen, and this is my honest review
Beck is such a great character. He's funny, weird, exuberant, and wears his heart on his sleeve. Totally the kind of character I'd want to be best friends with! I wanted to be there cheering him on for his achievements and consoling him about his relationship problems.
Forest has really been through it and you can feel the pressure he's under and the fear he has about letting Beck into his life after what he's experienced. There were definitely times I wanted to join in with his friends and tell him to live and be happy! I loved Rigsy's bluntness with him too.
The relationship between these two definitely has ups and downs and emotional moments. Beck when he was sick made me laugh yet also be simultaneously horrified at his word vomit! Forest realising Beck hadn't let him know about his big moment was brutal. I loved how they worked through their issues and became such a strong couple though, and Beck's relationship with Charlie was so sweet and supportive!
I really hope there'll be more MM hockey stories to come from Sarina because I love the characters in this series so much, and the Him/Us/Epic books are some of my favourites too!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Sarina Bowen, and this is my honest review
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