Scoring Chance

The Comebacks #2

by A.J. Truman

A totally fake marriage… with very real feelings.

I'm a carefree bachelor who never wanted kids. But it seems life has other plans.

When my best friend and hockey teammate Tanner Chance finds himself jobless with four kids to support, I suggest a wild marriage. My health insurance can cover Tanner’s family, but to keep nosy coworkers from sniffing out the scheme, the whole Chance clan moves in. Together, we pretend to be one big, happy family.

Suddenly, my sleek apartment is overrun with sticky fingers, loud giggles, and chaotic bedtime routines.

As I stumble my way through parenting, I start to realize the kids and Tanner are finding a permanent place in my heart. But when our fake marriage risks exposure, I risk losing not just my job, but the unexpected family I've grown to love. Will this sham marriage turn into something real before our secret unravels?

Scoring Chance is a single dad, friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience MM hockey romance. It's book 2 in The Comebacks series, which revolves around a group of former hockey champions recapturing their magic in a local amateur league, but can be read as a standalone. Whether they win or lose, there's always a post-game beer.

Genres: M M Romance, Hockey, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Sports, Contemporary, LGBT

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2026

About the author

Welcome! I’m a gay male author who writes MM romance filled with humor, heart, and hot guys. My characters fall into bed and fall in love, usually in that order. Think LOL meets DTF.

I live in central Indiana, surrounded by churches and Olive Gardens, with my husband, kids, and cats. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing around a toddler or sneaking off to a movie.

Make sure to sign up for my newsletter The Outsiders to get the latest updates on my books and to start reading free stories.

http://www.ajtruman.com/outsiders/

Reviews

[Jono Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ / AJ Truman really leans into his trademark humor and heightened tone here, giving the book a very big, sitcom-style energy. Everything feels intentionally exaggerated, from the characters to the tropes, which makes it an easy, light read. It works well as a palate cleanser, and I can see a lot of readers enjoying how playful and self-aware it is. While it didn’t quite hit my personal sweet spot compared to some of his other work, it’s still a fun, breezy entry that clearly knows exactly what it wants to be.

[DeniReadsMostlyMM · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is the second book in A.J. Truman’s series The Comebacks. (It can be read as a standalone). I was instantly hooked by the single-dad vs. longtime bachelor, friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience storyline. Tanner and Des are best friends that know one another in and out. They have been there for each other through adolescence, the birth of children, medical illness, loss and grief - all the highs and lows of being human. They keep it real, and I really appreciate how they just accept one another as they are.

I cannot express enough about how much I enjoy reading about MCs in their 40s. (Maybe it’s because I’m rapidly approaching that age bracket, who knows, but I also just enjoy reading about people with more seasoned walks of life).

I was barely 2% in before I had at least 3 quotes that made me guffaw out loud. This book is full of humor, heart, and heat. It’s really interesting seeing Des go from a proud bachelor to a full-time family man. The fact that’s he’s always been a part of Tanner’s family helps with the transition from “Uncle Des” to more. I also appreciate that there’s no hint of trying to replace Katie.

I really appreciated the demisexual rep in this story as well. Tanner is the opposite of Des when it comes to how he approaches his potentially romantic partners. I think the decades long friendship works in their favor. Des and Tanner have always had a connection as friends, so when things progress to be more romantic, it doesn’t feel forced. Tanner and Des’s chemistry is two thumbs up (iykyk). Both MCs figure out how to handle any worries about and/or nuances with their relationship.

Tanner’s kids are great in this book. It’s great seeing the rest of the adult recreational hockey league team members in this story. Des’s boss, Stan, is pretty great too! The HEA is satisfying and well deserved. This book will make you laugh and smile. It will also touch your heart. I ate it with delight, and I highly recommend it.

[D. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't expect the first thing I read to be one of the MCs in the middle of having sex with another person, ew, and he keeps doing it with her, and as it turned out, they are occasional fuck buddies. Big fucking no!! I can't continue reading it.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. I love best friends to lovers stories so much, and this was so perfectly done. I love how these two start as more marriage if convenience before realizes they are both idiots. I really liked all 4 kids, too. They each had distinct personalities, and I loved that. Daddy Des was also super fun. I loved it.

[Marcos “MSMDragon” · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Scoring Chance! A.J. Truman is an incredible author of MM Romance.

Scoring Chance was a quick read, but it was full of excellent characters and fantastic chemistry. Most importantly, it was full of heart. Des and Tanner are amazing friends, so getting to see their relationship and family grow even more was great.

[Crisana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* rounded up. I enjoyed this one but personally I wanted a bit more push and pull from them. We do get some but it felt too quick for Des to change his ways from a bachelor to a family man.
Kudos for no bi awakening freakout though. I love when people just go for it and not think about body parts and gender.

[Marie-Pierre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scoring Chance is book 2 of the The Comebacks series by A.J. Truman

We call ourselves The Comebacks. I guess The Old F*cks was taken.

Reading an A.J. Truman book is always like wearing a comfy hoodie: fluffy, feel good, heartwarming. And funny (most of my hoodies have funny quotes on them. True story.)

Synopsis: Widower Tanner loses his job and his best friend offers to marry him in order to get Tanner and his 4 kids on his work insurance. Hilarity ensues.

I'm glad I'm marrying my best friend for insurance fraud. Legal, insurance fraud.

A.J. Truman has found the secret recipe to writing books I (and many others) enjoy and the end result is always sweet and spicy. I'd eat those books every day.

Tanner and Des were very much in sync. Seeing their relationship evolve from best friends to lovers was so satisfying! I loved their dynamic together but also as a whole family, with Tanner's 4 kids. Everything was really felt between the two. And Des's relationship with the kids was very well done. 

I'm enjoying this series a lot and will be waiting for book 3 with excitement.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fake marriage / teammates to more sports romance, featuring Des and Tanner, and is book two in the Comebacks series.

Des marries Tanner, his widowed hockey teammate, to help him keep medical coverage for his kids, but their fake marriage goes public and forces them to live together. As they play house and share a bed, real feelings grow and the line between fake and real disappears.

I loved this book. It was soft, heartfelt and just the right amount of humour and emotions. Des and Tanner were so great together, the quiet domestic moments, being there for each other and their growing feelings completely captivated me. The kids were fantastic and so entertaining. Love it!

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM rom com
Rec hockey league
Best friends
Single dad to 4 kids
Fake marriage
Forced proximity
Roommates
Only one bed
Hurt / Comfort
Widower
Cancer survivor
MCs in their 40s
Pan & Demi reps
Family hilariousness
Spicy times
Cooks for the family
Catching feelings
HEA

[José Orlando · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Scoring Chance” by A.J. Truman was such a delightful surprise, funny, tender, and quietly sexy in a way that sneaks up on you. This second book in The Comebacks series follows Des and Tanner, best friends in their 40s who enter a marriage of convenience so Tanner and his four kids can have medical coverage after losing his job. What starts as a purely practical arrangement quickly turns into something much more real, especially when their secret marriage goes public and they’re forced to play house. Watching Des go from single, childless, and living the high-rise life to suddenly juggling four kids, sibling squabbles, and meatloaf disasters was both hilarious and deeply charming. The kids are genuinely funny, the family chaos feels lived-in, and Des stepping up to support Tanner and his family melted my heart, because yes, going from zero kids to four overnight is a LOT, but Des is so clearly made for it.

What really makes this book shine is the heart. There’s less spice than in some of Truman’s other books, but the emotional payoff more than makes up for it, and when the heat does hit, it’s hot, filthy, and perfectly earned as their relationship evolves. Des and Tanner’s friends-to-lovers progression felt natural and incredibly satisfying, grounded in mutual care and shared history. The story also doesn’t shy away from heavier topics, like Des’ past with testicular cancer and Tanner’s grief after losing his wife, which added real depth and tenderness to their connection. I loved the cameo appearances from characters in the previous book and other Truman series; it made the world feel richer and more connected. Overall, Scoring Chance is a sweet, funny, and emotionally satisfying romance about finding love after loss and choosing to build something beautiful together, even when it starts as “totally fake.”

[Fátima Perochena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta es la segunda novela de la serie "The Comebacks". En esta ocasión, tenemos la historia de Des y Tanner, dos mejores amigos desde la secundaria que, por circunstancias de la trama, deciden contraer matrimonio escondidas.

La pareja principal me encantó. Definitivamente, la dinámica entre ellos es bastante diferente que en la primera entrega. Des y Tanner se conocen tan bien como si tuviesen veinte años de casados. La química es tan notoria como los sentimientos.

Los hijos de Tanner también me gustaron. No eran personajes exactamente profundos, como cabe esperarse, pero su participación en la historia le dio un toque especial, ya que cumplieron un papel importante.

En cuanto a la trama, esta me pareció interesante, sencilla, dinámica y de ritmo bastante ágil, aunque a la autora casi se le va la pinza con el drama en cierto momento. Sin embargo, disfruté mucho de la lectura.

La siguiente entrega de la serie todavía tardará algo en salir. Sin embargo, a pesar de que el siguiente protagonista será Hank, que me encanta, el interés romántico no me atrae para nada. Igual le daré una oportunidad, solo espero que me guste. Por ahora, continuaré con algunas otras novelas dentro de este universo.

Una vez más, recomendable para fans del BL.

[Mélanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this book. I can always count on AJ to give us great laughs and the first 25% more than delivered.

I thought both MMCs were endearing and the way their friendship turned into more felt organic. I’m a huge single dad trope fan and seeing Des grow closer and more comfortable with the kids was nice.

I hope Lulu never stops saying “you’re so delusional” 🤣.

“I know it’s fast and unorthodox, but nothing has ever felt this right. They say the best decisions are made in the blink of an eye.”

[LegalGal421 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed a book by AJ Truman. This time, we meet Des and Tanner, who are best friends. When Tanner, a recent widower, loses his job and his health benefits for his four children, Des doesn’t hesitate to step in and help. Enter a fake marriage for the sake of convenience that turns incredibly real. First, they give in to their physical desires, then to their emotional ones.

There is heart, humor and some tension. We get some great cameos from the author’s other books.

Highly recommended!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this. The mix of friends to lovers and fake marriage/marriage of convenience was a fun journey. Also Des’s interactions with the kids were so wholesome and fun. It was fairly low angst but there was enough of a through line of tension provided by “keeping up the facade” and a disgruntled coworker to add to the story and keep things entertaining. I would have loved a wee bit more yearning and angst but that’s just personal preference. It’s definitely present in this book and I ate it up when it was explored.

We are only two books into this series but I already feel like this one may be my favourite in the long run. It just ticked a lot of boxes that I enjoy. A fun read.

[Boys From The Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and tender ‘best friends to lovers’ story. High flying ad exec Des, and single dad Tanner get married out of convenience, and when the two move in, their relationship shifts.

It’s so charming, I loved the family dynamic these two characters built, together with Tanners four children.

I swooned, I giggled, I loved the spice and the sweetness. A really enjoyable read from AJ Truman. I’m looking forward to more from ‘The Combacks’ series.

[This.Girl.Readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanner and Des are so sweet together! I love friends to lovers, single dad and marriage of convenience tropes and these were done so well! I enjoyed seeing them explore their relationship and feelings for each other. Their chemistry was undeniable, steamy, and didn’t feel forced. The whole book was full of laughter and chaos in the best ways. I am looking forward to the next in the series!

[iz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second volume of The Comeback series had its ups and downs. On one side, there were cute and emotional moments, but on the other side, there were boring moments. I didn't hate it, yet I didn't love it.

I wished I could like it more, since I really loved the first volume.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ 2🌶️

[lmreadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Scoring Chance by @ajtruman_author which is the second book in The Comebacks series and I really enjoyed this book.
Tanner and Des have been best friends since childhood. Tanner is a widower and dad to four children, Des is a self proclaimed bachelor (and identifies as straight) and in no way sees himself as a family man. When Tanner looses his job and in turn his health insurance, Des proposed a secret marriage of convenience until Tanner can find a new job, sounds simple right? It is until the secret gets out.
This book was fun, fast paced, had a little angst and great banter. I loved watching Des and Tanner relationship develop from friendship to lovers, discovering their sexualities and identities, and seeing what everyone else around them could see was there all along. I loved the chaos of family life and parenting, watching Des find his place in the family.
I loved seeing all the cameos from past series and of course seeing their friends lovingly interfer when necessary. You feel like part of a big family reading along!

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the Comebacks series. I enjoyed this one, but I do like a good best friends to lovers and a marriage of convenience thrown in. Des is the playboy, Tanner is the family man, widower, who loses his job. Des suggests a marriage of convenience to help Tanner out. It's not long before these two grow closer. Really loved the story and of course all of the characters. I'm enjoying this series and can't wait to see what comes next.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scoring Chance by A. J. Truman is the second book in his The Comebacks series. It is the story of two men in their 40’s who are opposites, have been best friends since high school where they played hockey together, and fall in love when one of them helps the other out of a bad situation. Max Desmond, or Des as his friends call him, is a workaholic who has a job at the Petty/Marsh Ad Agency and has worked his way up the ladder. His parents didn’t set a very good example for him so his life is work and one-night stands and he doesn’t do relationships. He played hockey in high school and now his former teammates have formed a team called The Comebacks who are pretty good and play in the adult recreational hockey games in town. He has been best friends with Tanner Chance since high school when his family welcomed him when his parents were fighting and they played hockey together then like they do now. Tanner’s wife died in an accident 2 years ago so he has been trying to hold everything together with his job, the kids, and all their activities. One day Tanner calls him, half panicked because he just lost his job after a company merger and is worried that he won’t have health insurance for his family including his 4 kids, Lena, Davy, Dean, and Lulu. Even though Des finds children exhausting, tiring, and dirty he offers to have a fake marriage with Tanner to get him the insurance he needs and after he gets a job they can dissolve it. However, things don’t go the way they planned when people start finding out they married and it really hits home when Des’s boss, Stan, finds out. He’s looking to retire soon and as he is the creative director at the company, he will be deciding who will replace him and Des is one he’s considering. So he invites himself to dinner to meet his family and see how he’s doing which makes Des decide he has to move in with Tanner and the kids. Then there is Kyle, an entitled smarmy coworker who is also up for the job and has been trying to get the details of what is happening so he can use them against Des and he also gets himself invited to the dinner with his family. Des has been a part of Tanner’s family since the children were born and they know him as Uncle Des and he loves them like they are his own. Their actions are typical kid ones with some hilarious scenes when they are trying to take a picture on their sofa for Des to have in his office, their first dinner together as a family with spilled food everywhere, and goat herding while playing hockey, to name a few. They have to get the kids on board so they act like a loving family when Stan comes to dinner. Meanwhile, Des and Tanner have always been close but are now experiencing some romantic feelings which they both hide because they don’t want to lose their close friendship. But soon they can’t help themselves and kiss and since they are sharing a bed this eventually morphs into more with some hot love scenes. But Des pulls away because he is scared of breaking Tanner’s and the kids’ hearts. After a scene with his hockey team where they tell him to either man up and admit his feelings or leave Tanner alone he realizes he wants to a part of this family and to be with him. He talks to him after going home and tells him he wants to be his real husband and that he loves him. Tanner reciprocates and they eventually have another hot love scene. Things come to a head at the ad agency with Kyle trying to take over but luckily Stan knows what is going on so Des, Tanner, and the kids can be together just like they want to. Des has also had some times solving problems with the kids so he realizes he really isn’t a bad Dad and is able to help them out, too. I really enjoyed this story. Des is a total player at the beginning but has always had a soft spot for Tanner and his family and once he starts living with them, he realizes that they are who he wants in his life. Tanner is thoughtful and cautious but is trying to just make it through after all that happened. He is thankful for Des and what he does for him and is able to show him what life would be like if they could be together. They both hide their feelings for each other but they eventually come out and once Des realizes he wants to be a part of this family they go forward together. The kids are a big part of the story as are the members of their hockey team and Stan and Kyle also play a part. One of the things I loved about this story is that you find yourself chuckling and then laughing out loud at many of the things that take place so there is some light heartedness in every chapter as they figure out what they are going to do. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like fake marriage stories that become more, a man with 4 kids trying to get through their days, his best friend who is there to help if he can, and how they turn their marriage into a real one filled with love.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of Tanner and Des discovering a love that neither realized was possible with their best friend of over thirty years. Tanner lost his wife two years ago and is raising his 4 kids on his own. Now he has lost his job, and is really stressing out. He reaches out to his best friend, and despite being in a delicate situation, Des is there for him, listening and commiserating, working out ways to help. When Tanner mentions he is really concerned about losing his health insurance for his children, Des has the brilliant idea of a fake marriage, get the kids on his medical plan at work, then a quiet divorce once Tanner finds a job. What could possibly go wrong??? Turns out, more than a few things —trying to keep it secret doesn’t work real well, convincing 4 kids (including a precocious 5 year old) to keep quiet about it, trying to convince Des’s boss that this is a real relationship, and keeping the office back-stabber in the dark after an unexpected encounter, all increase the stress level. As the physical attraction that had been tamped down by both over the years becomes more prominent as they play the fake marriage game, both find themselves wanting more but sure the other doesn’t, creating a situation that must come to a head. Add in work stresses for Des, the usual problems that arise when raising kids, and the sexual tension in the room, they must either face things head on or risk heartbreak for all.

Des and his interaction with the kids is so fun to watch. He has known all 4 since birth, but that is very different from living in the same house and dealing with the attendant chaos so different from the quiet, ordered life in his upscale penthouse apartment. Squabbles, emotional meltdowns, aftermath of too much cotton candy and rides, and dealing with a teenager all challenge his skills, but he finds he loves the chaos, and would do anything to keep Tanner happy. It is heartwarming to watch Tanner and Des become aware of the physical attraction between them, the wondering on both sides “what if” and ‘how would it feel” and all the other questions they each must acknowledge, then face, as they navigate the fake, but not so fake, relationship they have entered. Fairly low angst, some spice that isn’t the main focus, and just two guys discovering that the friendship since high school can develop into a real and enduring love for a lifetime.

I found myself smiling a lot as I read the book, I could identify with both MCs and the thoughts running through their heads, wanting each other but uncomfortable thinking about crossing that line. I liked Des’s boss, he was very aware and had Des’s back, effectively shutting down the office instigator. Discovering he actually had some good parenting skills was a surprise to Des, especially after his own upbringing, and he had unexpected empathy with Lena and some pretty killer awareness reading other teens. His interactions with all of the children demonstrated the care and affection he had had with them since birth, and he was an integral part of this new family unit and dynamic. I especially adored Lulu, the precocious kindergartener. Some strange things come out of the mouth of babes like her. She was so cute. Tanner was so easy to like and identify with also. He loves his kids so much, has been struggling on his own since he lost his wife, missing adult human contact. Des has been his rock, supportive and good with the kids, and a lifesaver when needed. Even though he needs the help, Tanner is leery of starting this fake marriage —how can he keep his attraction to Des hidden? The interactions between the kids themselves were very realistic, took me back to the days with my own two and the challenges at times being the mediator as well as the disciplinarian. The whole book felt very realistic and possible to me, something that could actually happen, and probably has.

If you are looking for a not too angsty, friends to lovers, fake marriage story with a great group of supportive friends, and some hockey in the background, I am sure you would enjoy this book. Prepare for smiles, a few giggles, and an occasional growl at a real jerk every so often. Five stars from me.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Frank Chillura (OhYouRead) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to be the biggest hater on friends to lovers, but if 2025 taught me one thing, it was to find love in the things I used to dislike. Am I good at always doing that? Nope! But in the case of Des and Tanner, he is the father! I mean, it’s a yes!! I loved them!!

One of the biggest perks in this series is seeing familiar characters again whom I adore from AJ Truman’s series, Single Dad’s Club. ***mental note - I sure do love a single dad book. *** You don’t have to read any other book to feel caught up, they are all interconnected standalones. It’s just a nice added bonus to get more connections and cameos when an author does series that take place in the same town/world.

Scoring Chance takes us straight (or curved slightly) into the 25 year friendship of Tanner and Des. They’ve been best friends since way back when, played hockey together in college and have been in each other’s lives forever. Now, when one of them is going through a rough patch, it makes sense for the other to step up.

Tanner is the father to 4 incredible kids. After the death of his wife, he’s had the sole income to provide for them… until he’s let go from his job.

Des isn’t shy about his sexual escapades. After having cancer and going through chemo, he’s put on his big boy panties (or not… he can freeball if he wants to!) and is living his life. But when his best friend calls him frantic, he comes up with a plan to help.

They’re getting married! Yes, it could be seen as insurance fraud, just to get them all covered while Tanner finds a new job, but no one needs to know.

It’s all supposed to stay quiet, but when Des’ boss sees a change in his insurance claims stating that he’s newly married, he wants to meet the family. His workplace frenemy, on the other hand, doesn’t believe he could so easily stop being a playboy and settle down.

It all becomes too real too quickly as they make their fake marriage look much more legit. The lines get blurred and the pillow lines in the bed get crossed. And we all know what happens anytime the word fake is put in the front… fake becomes factual.

We got a plethora of tropes that I love in this book. So if you love any of the following as much as I do, then this book is an immediate must-read:

•friends to lovers
•fake dating/marriage
•marriage of convenience
•forced proximity
•single dad

Thank you to the author for my gifted ALC. Nick J Russo and Alexander Cendese were incredible. I love dual narration so much and it is a need when it comes to MM Romance. Their voices are magical and brought me straight into the book!

[verlorenimbuecherregal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Idk man.
The second half, especially the last 40 percent or so, were really good and I'm glad I didn't DNF earlier. But especially in the beginning, Des was insufferable. Contrary to some other reviewers, I actually liked the intro scene, because I thought it was hilarious how he answered his phone while having a hookup and how it was totally fine. But from there, it went a little downhill (until later in the book where he actually was cute, but I didn't really see a progression in his character, so he just changed and the reader doesn't really see how and why). Des's career and the vibe at his job in the beginning also didn't make a comfy romance for me, that also got better towards the end, but it didn't add to my enjoyment in the beginning. Marriage of convenience is a trope I love to read and this was done well, except the mentioned character development (I really asked myself how on earth these two became and STAYED best friends). The bi awakening also felt rushed, there was absolutely no hesitation?
I liked the story arc with Lena towards the end, but Des's acts towards Matthias in the beginning were really awful and I almost threw my kindle.
I also had some struggles regarding the kids and names, because what do you mean the two middle boys are called Davy and Dean? And one of the MCs is called Des? I'm so bad with names in real life already, please choose names with different first letters in fiction at least 😭😂
And there was something I thought was weird, because it happened at least three times - that something sexual happened and then one MC thought about something related to the children, or the other way around - I unfortunately only highlighted one of those sections, but that was about dentists while the MCs were having s€x and the "sexy" part was getting a cavity filled (so the filling part), and the next thought is, that one of their sons is due for a dentist checkup?
Here's the whole scene:
'Since it’s your first time, it may hurt a little. But I’m nothing if not a thoughtful, attentive lover. Like my dentist says to me, I’ll do everything I can to make it as painless as possible. Ironically, I was getting a cavity filled.” “That reminds me. Davy is due for his six-month checkup.'
It kinda weirded me out, ngl.

All in all, it was nothing deep and quite fun, but it had some issues.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Des and Tanner have been best friends for a very long time. They’ve been there for one another at the worst times of their lives, like when Des went through chemo and when Tanner lost his wife. There is nothing these two wouldn’t do for one another. So when Tanner unexpectedly loses his job and is worried about how he is going to take care of his four kids, Des comes up with a bit of a crazy plan. Getting married. If they are married Tanner and his family will be on his insurance in case something happens while Tanner finds a new job. So that is what they do. But things get complicated quick when Des finds out that he is up for a promotion and the person promoting him learns he is recently married and likes to see him settled. He can’t tell him the marriage is a sham to help his best friend. They’ll have to fake it. Even if it means moving in with Tanner’s family. But the lines begin to blur between what is real and not real. And they’ll have to figure out if crossing the line from friends to more is worth the risk. For Des, he never imagined settling down. Not with how he grew up. He was so sure that being with one person, having a family, it wasn’t for him. But being with Tanner? Spending time with his kids who he has known their entire lives? It hits him different and for the first time he wonders if this is what home feels like. And for Tanner, losing his wife and raising his four kids alone has been the hardest thing he has had to face. But he’s doing it. And now falling for his best friend? As scary as it is, it also feels so right. Des and Tanner were so good together. These two had a genuine friendship and that has stood strong for so long. And while the thought of getting together crossed their minds more than once in their lives, neither would risk it. But it’s all about timing for them. And now is their time and they both deserve so much happiness after what they’ve been through. I loved seeing them go from friends to more. A fun story all around and I’m looking forward to more books in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanner and Des have been best friends since high school. They have been through all sorts of life events and currently play on the same hockey team. They have always been opposites in how they see relationships and goals. Tanner's family was always Des's safe space when he was a kid, and he still is now.

Tanner is a widowed dad of four who just lost his job. Des is a put-together, work-a-holic, and a player and commitment-phobe. In an attempt to help his friend, Des proposes a fake marriage with a bit of insurance fraud that is supposed to be temporary. But keeping it a secret turns out to be not as easy as they thought, and now it seems to be affecting their lives in unexpected ways. And the more time they spend in forced proximity in a chaotic house, the more comfortable they start to become. But both of them are scared of their changing feelings and worry that the other could never feel the same.

This is a sweet, heartfelt, single dad, marriage-of-convenience, best-friends/teammates to lovers romance. It brings back friends from previous books to both taunt and support them when needed. I like that these guys are older and have been friends for a long time, and that this is their second chance to be a hockey team. I enjoyed seeing Des become immersed in a chaotic kid-filled house and family and these two explore more past the friendship they always had and how it naturally progresses to something neither of them expected was possible.

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[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and heartwarming story!

Get yourself a friend who would marry you just so your kids can have insurance coverage. How selfless is that?

Des never expected that his perfect, chaos free life would be upended by the most amazing thing that could ever happen to him when he offered to help his best friend and his family. All he ever thought he wanted was to sip expensive drinks and enjoy his bachelor pad.

But when his best friend Tanner loses his job and with it his health benefits, Des offers to marry him to make his load less stressful. Tanner’s kids are like his own and he would do anything to help them.

It was supposed to be simple. Get married, put them on his insurance and he on his merry way. But when the truth threatens to come light, Des must make a decision that can change the way he looks at his life.

Tanner never saw Des as anything other than the kind, generous man that was there for him during the hardest time of his life. But seeing this new side of him, the caring, protective stepfather to his kids, makes him want things he knows he shouldn’t want.

Des vowed to never settle down and have a family. Yet, he can’t help but wonder how bad can it be to let himself be part of Tanner’s family and claim him as his real husband.

When lines start to blur between fake and real, Des realizes that it was never about not settling down. It was about WHO he wanted to settle down with. Tanner was everything he never knew he wanted and now that the opportunity had come, he wouldn’t let him go.

“𝑰𝒕’𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒐𝒌𝒂𝒚,” 𝑰 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎. “𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕, 𝒘𝒆’𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.” 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔. “𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
“𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆.”
“𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕.”
“𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔, 𝑰’𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒏.”

I really loved this story. Tanner deserved a second chance at love after such a devastating loss and Des deserved to have family that loved him. How it happened wasn’t important, what matters is that it did.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanner & Desmond

"Married life with Des is a lot like regular life with Des--only now we text like we're starring in a sitcom with a laugh track."

"Tan, you're my number one guy. The only thing you're not good at is being a sh**head. And bowling."

The Comebacks hockey team have so far been one of the better series I've enjoyed in a while. Both Tanner and Desmond sit as minor side characters in the first book in this series but you could definitely tell something was hovering there just below the surface of their relationship. Their story was really fun to read and AJ creates such perfect personalities and characteristics for his men that it's always hard to leave the story when it's done. Tanner and Desmond were the kind of complete opposites that work perfectly as friends and their romantic relationship builds off of that 20+ year long friendship simply because they gave themselves a chance to be with one another. Desmond thinks he would never be father or husband material because of his past and his parents' relationship, and he proves himself and everyone else wrong time and time again because he is a perfect parental figure for Tanner's kids and connects with each of them on their own levels, which is always important as a parent. I could wax poetic about most of the characters I have loved from AJ Truman stories and it would probably never end. But I'm seriously impressed and excited to see these stories continue and I love the Sourwood universe and all of the ongoing cameos we get to enjoy!

Scoring Chance was a fantastic read and a really fun story. Even with the few bits of negative plot lines we have to endure. They don't pull away from the characters but it gives them that reason to connect to overcome their conflict and hardships. The story itself is fairly low angst with just a few moments here or there. The kids are also really fun to read because they each have their own personalities as well and that always adds a fun element to these romances because it gives it more truth and reality. I loved this book and I'm really excited to see how Hank's book comes together next. He's such a quirky character. I have a feeling his is probably going to be one of the funniest and or silliest of this series.

I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Stars

 This is book two of The Comebacks. You might want to read book one first to get familiar with all the characters, but I believe it can be a standalone

  I was starting to think about what I wanted to say in this review and realized I started re-reading the book. I am actually a little miffed that I have to stop re-reading to tell you that this book was simply fantastic. The author took several very serious themes and wove them with the struggles of everyday life. I am not sure exactly how this novel turned out to be filled with love, joy, humor, and sparkling wit, but it really did.

 Tanner lost his wife two years ago in a freak accident. He got terminated from his job because of a merger. Even though he was thought highly of in his old company, he was now redundant. He starts freaking out because no health insurance with four kids is a recipe for disaster. 

  Des is Tanner's best friend. He has had his scary moments, too. With a bout of cancer behind him, the two men had each other's backs during the other's personal crisis. Des is still there for his bestie, and the simple solution is to marry and get everyone on Des's health plan until Tanner finds work

  I adored the dynamics between the two. Des loves expensive clothes and all the shiny things that come with his bachelor's high salary. Tanner knows lack of sleep, incessant worry, and always having something sticky on his clothing. Des was hysterically funny, and I'm not sure he even knows that. Tanner is a grown-up Boy Scout, and together, you will witness the perfect couple

  I strongly urge you to meet them and their four equally wonderful kids. The youngest Lulu will be in complete agreement with me that this book is priceless. Happy reading.

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement.*

[Ramsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me get something off my chest first:
1. this is book 2 but I did not read book 1 and never felt like I was missing something. It definitely can stand as a standalone.
2. yes, hockey is a theme but in this case not the biggest part of the book. Since I'm not that enamoured with sports that was just fine with me. Aside from that I never felt lost because I don't know much about hockey.



- Fake marriage
- friends to lovers
- single dad
- small town

This was a wonderful, well written read that I wholeheartedly enjoyed.

Fake marriage is a favourite trope of mine especially if it's between year-long friends like in this case. Since they know each other quite well I think it's more realistic that there are people who completely fall for this and believe it's real. And pair it with single dad and I am a happy reader.


Right from the start the story managed to grab my attention and I had trouble to stop reading when necessary. All I wanted to know was what would be happening next.
Perhaps at the beginning I was not overly fond of Des but he quickly showed his true colours and I couldn't help falling for him a bit.

I was often laughing and had just so much fun reading the story of Des, Tanner and the kids. More than once I felt like I was reading about people I really know - they felt just so...real.
I was rooting for them hard and had hearts in my eyes when they indeed started to fall for each other – and that was not for show.

A cozy feel good story that warmed my heart. And I was so there for it. This was exactly what I needed in these times.

Thank you AJ for making some of my hours brighter and giving me a bit of hope.



I know for sure I'll give the first book a try too. This book was just too good to miss out on another story simply because sports is not my jam.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY OPINION: I loved the first one and feel the same about this one. We have a trio of favorite tropes here that I enjoyed completely. Forced proximity, fake marriage, and best friends to lovers. Who wouldn’t enjoy all of these together?

Des and Tanner have been best friends forever. They’ve gone through some very scary things together, which has bonded them in a way that few people get. Des is a ‘Playboy’ who has a very active personal life, very nice things, a fancy apartment, and finally a job that he keeps climbing the ladder in. He is happy.

Tanner is a widower with four kids and is barely keeping it together. He manages, though.

When these two have to get married, it's only for technical reasons, but friendship turns to love, and manifests itself into lust, and they find themselves with new needs, wants, and desires.

There is a lot of interaction with kids ages 5 to 14. It’s cute and sweet. Des wasn’t really involved with the kids, didn’t want that kind of thing, no commitment, no falling in love, but it all happens. Des learning how to be a stepdad, falling for his friend, and loving those kids.

This was generally low angst, but there was a goodly amount of tears from me. I wanted so much for them; they had so much love between them. Accepting love is hard, and Des feels every second of that. I recommend both these books there are a little bit emotional, and a lot of fun. There are some great spice scenes, and lots of wonderful moments between the MCs and the kids.

A great book with a wonderful Happily Ever After. I am so glad I got to read this as an ARC and look forward to the next book in the series.