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Hockey Guys #4
My Kind of Guy
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…
307 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2026
About the author
Sarina Bowen
115 books19.8k 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 697 reviews
March 28, 2026
I had mixed feelings about this book when I started it, but it go a lot better for me later on.
I could say the same thing about Beck's character. I wasn't sure what to think of him at first. He was kind of funny and adorkable with his unfiltered ramblings, but his blatant flirting with Forest sometimes felt off-putting and forced to me. Thankfully, it was more subdued as the story progressed and I actually grew to love him so much.
Even though he is younger than Forest, he felt more mature. I loved his honesty and thoughtfulness. I feel he was the one giving more for the longest time, which made their relationship uneven. It was breaking my heart to see him pine for Forest, wanting more, but thinking he could never have that. I understood Forest's issues, but I wanted to shake him so many times.
I really loved what Beck did regarding Forest. I would have done the same. I loved how the story ended, both when it comes to hockey and their relationship. Beck deserved it all. Obviously, I'm happy for Forest, too, but Beck's happiness felt more satisfying.
I really liked the wonderful group of friends and teammates, all the hockey games that I was invested in as much as in the romance part, and the lovely connection between Beck and Charlie. They're adorable. Also, Beck has an excellent taste in music.
I could say the same thing about Beck's character. I wasn't sure what to think of him at first. He was kind of funny and adorkable with his unfiltered ramblings, but his blatant flirting with Forest sometimes felt off-putting and forced to me. Thankfully, it was more subdued as the story progressed and I actually grew to love him so much.
Even though he is younger than Forest, he felt more mature. I loved his honesty and thoughtfulness. I feel he was the one giving more for the longest time, which made their relationship uneven. It was breaking my heart to see him pine for Forest, wanting more, but thinking he could never have that. I understood Forest's issues, but I wanted to shake him so many times.
I really loved what Beck did regarding Forest. I would have done the same. I loved how the story ended, both when it comes to hockey and their relationship. Beck deserved it all. Obviously, I'm happy for Forest, too, but Beck's happiness felt more satisfying.
I really liked the wonderful group of friends and teammates, all the hockey games that I was invested in as much as in the romance part, and the lovely connection between Beck and Charlie. They're adorable. Also, Beck has an excellent taste in music.
June 20, 2026
I'm relieved to be done this one.... just not what I expect from one of my fave authors. The whole book was a massive disappointment because I don't think I've read a single Sarina Bowen book that I didn't absolutely love. This is the first one that let me down. Forest was wildly unlikeable to me. I understand that avoidant people exist, and that he was working through a previous traumatic incident and the crappy circumstances that resulted from it, but the way he treated Beck was really awful. Forest didn't give Beck the time of day, or the courtesy of basic human decency on occasion. I adore this series and I love that Sarina is still writing MM, but I'm just going to try to forget that this one exists.
Most of the time he doesn’t return my messages for hours. And when he does, it’s with a word or two, or a thumbs-up. There's something uniquely soul crushing about a thumbs-up emoji. It should come with a warning label: May cause existential crisis in people who overthink digital communication. It's approval without engagement, acknowledgment without investment. It’s the conversational equivalent of a polite golf clap—technically positive, but somehow more devastating than complete silence.
“I know the drill, man. I was listening when you explained your terms. But sometimes I get the distinct impression that you’re managing me. Like you keep me at arm’s length so that I won’t forget my place.”
This is all I’m going to get. No I love yous. No let’s meet each other’s families.
March 26, 2026
If there's an instinct for shame, Becker James had it excised at birth. Just vibing around, devoid of shame. I've never seen someone so colossally desperate that it laps itself and circles round to being earnestly adorable.
His friends - if he had any, would probably die of secondhand embarrassment (and they'd be the lucky ones) because those of us who had to experience it every time he spoke (or thought) wanted to die.
But with a persistent smile nonetheless because OH MY GOD, BECK, SHUT UP.
As a devout skimmer of sex scenes, this time I savored them because it was a few minutes of peace from Beck being the most enthusiastically desperate version of himself that it's possible to be.
Forest's beer league hockey team is down a goalie? Oh my God, how fortuitous! You're a goalie. You can totally cover them for that game. If he'll take you home after and fuck you.
He said no to your proposition? NOT TO WORRY! You can still show up. Nobody ever got a yes by accepting a no.
Double texting? Who's that? Think 10, 20 unanswered texts. No biggie. You'll just text again.
No response? Not. A. Problem. Just show up to that man's place unannounced. He probably wants to see you.
His kid's around? That's epic! You LOVE playing the same video game he plays. Isn't that a sign? That's a sign.
HE CAN'T GHOST YOU IF YOU JUST KEEP SHOWING UP.
He's a hoot a minute, but you can't help liking him because he's not just intense about Forest, he's intense about everything.
Can't fault Forest for folding. He stood no chance. Except, he really should have known there's no way to give Beck an inch(hehe) without him taking a mile. And then some.
The texting intensifies. Because why not?
"Also, you haven't said anything filthy to me in days and I'm starting to wilt like one of those plants that needs misting. Hope your night's good."
💀
This goes on for most of the story. Beck trying his hardest. Forest letting his demons, and literally everything else, stop him from giving anything back.
Which gets old REALLY fast, let me tell you.
Though, to be fair, Forest DID say he had nothing to offer but sex. And Beck said okay (even though, c'mon. It's Beck lol. He's a huge ball of 'care').
But I can't explain how utterly it broke my heart that months after starting their benefits only arrangement, Beck gets deliriously sick and genuinely, to the core of his soul, believes he can't call up Forest because 'Forest wouldn't care'.
And he's valid to think it. Forest leaves him on read like they're giving awards for it, pulls away the second anything gets remotely real and only engages for sex. Well. Aside from the one time he has nobody to call for help with his kid.
Which was giving less 'I like you and want you in my life' and more 'Don Draper dumping his kids on whichever unsuspecting person happens to be in his periphery in times of crisis'.
Still. I knew the score. And was still as sucker punched by it as Beck was when he metaphorically stretched a hand out and had it SWIFTLY chopped off.
That said. Unbelievably proud of how no contact Beck went after being given his marching papers. For a person dealing with first time heartbreak from his first love, I was really proud.
Also, deeply surprised. But happy to be surprised.
Seeing Forest be miserable over it was soothing to my soul, especially the moment when he realized that Beck had taken him at his request and finally truly moved on from him.
Seeing him send a paragraph and only get a thumbs up react on it? Hahahaha. Wonderful business. Nowhere close to making up for the thousands of texts he left unanswered during their run, but enough to get the point across.
Wish it had gone on longer than it did.
But. In fairness, Forest had his reasons for fearing attachment. He wasn't just waking up each day excited to be a dick to Beck, though he did end up being a dick most of the time.
I understood his reasons. Just hated how long it took for him to work that shit out.
Also wish he'd have been subjected to a longer apology tour but Beck is Beck, so you know if he had a tail it would have been wagging for dear life the moment Forest came to get him.
Stillllllll. Not perfect for me because I feel like their relationship dynamic is still unequal at the end. Yes, Forest makes actual attempts to be better at showing Beck how much he loves him and wants him in his life.
But it's very clear that Beck still feels like he's in it more. I would have loved an epilogue showing Beck be more secure in how loved he is. Because from the house thing, Beck still feels like Forest maybe isn't as all in as he is.
But it's so glaringly obvious to me that Forest's the lucky one.
Oh, also! Loved that Beck's a goalie. They're never beating the 'weird' allegations, though.
I just generally love Beck's attitude. Every other backup or farm team MC seems to feel a type of way about not being on the A team, which is valid. But Beck?
"That means I'm their new favourite spare tyre. I love this for me!"
Sick as a dog and still funny.
'I can hear colors now. Red and orange are nice. Blue is loud.'
And yes, maybe cereal IS a soup. Sure. Why not?
His friends - if he had any, would probably die of secondhand embarrassment (and they'd be the lucky ones) because those of us who had to experience it every time he spoke (or thought) wanted to die.
But with a persistent smile nonetheless because OH MY GOD, BECK, SHUT UP.
As a devout skimmer of sex scenes, this time I savored them because it was a few minutes of peace from Beck being the most enthusiastically desperate version of himself that it's possible to be.
Forest's beer league hockey team is down a goalie? Oh my God, how fortuitous! You're a goalie. You can totally cover them for that game. If he'll take you home after and fuck you.
He said no to your proposition? NOT TO WORRY! You can still show up. Nobody ever got a yes by accepting a no.
Double texting? Who's that? Think 10, 20 unanswered texts. No biggie. You'll just text again.
No response? Not. A. Problem. Just show up to that man's place unannounced. He probably wants to see you.
His kid's around? That's epic! You LOVE playing the same video game he plays. Isn't that a sign? That's a sign.
HE CAN'T GHOST YOU IF YOU JUST KEEP SHOWING UP.
He's a hoot a minute, but you can't help liking him because he's not just intense about Forest, he's intense about everything.
Can't fault Forest for folding. He stood no chance. Except, he really should have known there's no way to give Beck an inch(hehe) without him taking a mile. And then some.
The texting intensifies. Because why not?
"Also, you haven't said anything filthy to me in days and I'm starting to wilt like one of those plants that needs misting. Hope your night's good."
💀
This goes on for most of the story. Beck trying his hardest. Forest letting his demons, and literally everything else, stop him from giving anything back.
Which gets old REALLY fast, let me tell you.
Though, to be fair, Forest DID say he had nothing to offer but sex. And Beck said okay (even though, c'mon. It's Beck lol. He's a huge ball of 'care').
But I can't explain how utterly it broke my heart that months after starting their benefits only arrangement, Beck gets deliriously sick and genuinely, to the core of his soul, believes he can't call up Forest because 'Forest wouldn't care'.
And he's valid to think it. Forest leaves him on read like they're giving awards for it, pulls away the second anything gets remotely real and only engages for sex. Well. Aside from the one time he has nobody to call for help with his kid.
Which was giving less 'I like you and want you in my life' and more 'Don Draper dumping his kids on whichever unsuspecting person happens to be in his periphery in times of crisis'.
Still. I knew the score. And was still as sucker punched by it as Beck was when he metaphorically stretched a hand out and had it SWIFTLY chopped off.
That said. Unbelievably proud of how no contact Beck went after being given his marching papers. For a person dealing with first time heartbreak from his first love, I was really proud.
Also, deeply surprised. But happy to be surprised.
Seeing Forest be miserable over it was soothing to my soul, especially the moment when he realized that Beck had taken him at his request and finally truly moved on from him.
Seeing him send a paragraph and only get a thumbs up react on it? Hahahaha. Wonderful business. Nowhere close to making up for the thousands of texts he left unanswered during their run, but enough to get the point across.
Wish it had gone on longer than it did.
But. In fairness, Forest had his reasons for fearing attachment. He wasn't just waking up each day excited to be a dick to Beck, though he did end up being a dick most of the time.
I understood his reasons. Just hated how long it took for him to work that shit out.
Also wish he'd have been subjected to a longer apology tour but Beck is Beck, so you know if he had a tail it would have been wagging for dear life the moment Forest came to get him.
Stillllllll. Not perfect for me because I feel like their relationship dynamic is still unequal at the end. Yes, Forest makes actual attempts to be better at showing Beck how much he loves him and wants him in his life.
But it's very clear that Beck still feels like he's in it more. I would have loved an epilogue showing Beck be more secure in how loved he is. Because from the house thing, Beck still feels like Forest maybe isn't as all in as he is.
But it's so glaringly obvious to me that Forest's the lucky one.
Oh, also! Loved that Beck's a goalie. They're never beating the 'weird' allegations, though.
I just generally love Beck's attitude. Every other backup or farm team MC seems to feel a type of way about not being on the A team, which is valid. But Beck?
"That means I'm their new favourite spare tyre. I love this for me!"
Sick as a dog and still funny.
'I can hear colors now. Red and orange are nice. Blue is loud.'
And yes, maybe cereal IS a soup. Sure. Why not?
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
May 16, 2026
My Kind of Guy by Sarina Bowen is book four in the Hockey Guys series. This book!!! I need ALL the stars for this. Five is not enough. I knew right away that one of these men was going to own my heart. He is smart, so sweet, a golden retriever if there ever was one, so swoony, so EVERYTHING. I am so in love with him. So read on and I’ll tell you a little bit about him and the man who has his heart!
Becker James is twenty five years old. He is a goalie for the Ice Cats which is a minor league affiliate team of the Colorado Cougars. Beck was a top draft from college. But lately, he’s hit a hard patch and has been on the bench more than not. The longer his slump lasts, the deeper he gets in his head. His one bright patch of his week is when he goes into Denver to a gay bar, Sportsballs, and drinks one beer while staring at the most beautiful flannel wearing man who works behind the bar. He’s never gotten the nerve to speak to him though. Until that night.
Seth Forrester is thirty four years old and is half owner of Sportsballs, a queer friendly sports bar in Denver. He co-owns the bar with his best friend, Scully. Seth is also a single dad to his fifteen year old son, Charlie. Seth is barely holding his life together by the threads. A year ago, he had a very bad experience with a one night stand that turned is life upside down. Now he doesn’t date at all, just tries to be a good dad and is trying to make a success of the bar.
Seth and Scully are also co-captains of a beer league queer hockey team, The Stickhandlers. They have a game coming up against a team known for their awful taunts and behavior. And of course, at the last minute, The Stickhandler’s goalie says he can’t make the game. All this comes to light at the bar when Beck happens to be there. It’s his big chance to make his move and he goes for it. He volunteers to help the team out with only one request in return. For Seth to end the night with him, together.
And so it begins. Seth doesn’t do hook ups, or relationships. Beck wants Seth. However he can get him. Along the way, Beck is reminded how much he really does love hockey and finally finds his way out of his slump. Bonds begin to form, but Seth is adamant. He has no space in his life for anything else on his plate.
Both of these men are at turning points in their lives. Even without recognizing it, they give each other support, friendship, strength. I couldn’t love Beck any more than I do. He stole my heart probably by the ten percent mark. By fifteen percent, I was messaging my chat group with swoony heartfelt declarations of love. By the time I finished the book, my heart was bursting with happiness.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I loved this book. And I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Thank you so much to Sarina Bowen for giving me the kind of book that lights me up, made me laugh, and made my heart so happy.
Becker James is twenty five years old. He is a goalie for the Ice Cats which is a minor league affiliate team of the Colorado Cougars. Beck was a top draft from college. But lately, he’s hit a hard patch and has been on the bench more than not. The longer his slump lasts, the deeper he gets in his head. His one bright patch of his week is when he goes into Denver to a gay bar, Sportsballs, and drinks one beer while staring at the most beautiful flannel wearing man who works behind the bar. He’s never gotten the nerve to speak to him though. Until that night.
Seth Forrester is thirty four years old and is half owner of Sportsballs, a queer friendly sports bar in Denver. He co-owns the bar with his best friend, Scully. Seth is also a single dad to his fifteen year old son, Charlie. Seth is barely holding his life together by the threads. A year ago, he had a very bad experience with a one night stand that turned is life upside down. Now he doesn’t date at all, just tries to be a good dad and is trying to make a success of the bar.
Seth and Scully are also co-captains of a beer league queer hockey team, The Stickhandlers. They have a game coming up against a team known for their awful taunts and behavior. And of course, at the last minute, The Stickhandler’s goalie says he can’t make the game. All this comes to light at the bar when Beck happens to be there. It’s his big chance to make his move and he goes for it. He volunteers to help the team out with only one request in return. For Seth to end the night with him, together.
And so it begins. Seth doesn’t do hook ups, or relationships. Beck wants Seth. However he can get him. Along the way, Beck is reminded how much he really does love hockey and finally finds his way out of his slump. Bonds begin to form, but Seth is adamant. He has no space in his life for anything else on his plate.
Both of these men are at turning points in their lives. Even without recognizing it, they give each other support, friendship, strength. I couldn’t love Beck any more than I do. He stole my heart probably by the ten percent mark. By fifteen percent, I was messaging my chat group with swoony heartfelt declarations of love. By the time I finished the book, my heart was bursting with happiness.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I loved this book. And I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Thank you so much to Sarina Bowen for giving me the kind of book that lights me up, made me laugh, and made my heart so happy.
Did Not Finish
June 20, 2026Oh man, I’m so sad this didn’t work for me 😭
But Forest is a bit too emotionally unavailable and hot and cold and Beck‘s aggressive flirting was getting on my nerves - I just hate that in every book I read. I just didn’t feel them as love interests, at all.
I do think I could find them charming eventually (maybe?) because I believe everyone who says the book will become so much more enjoyable but I can’t find that spark right now and fear I’ll get in an audiobook slump if I continue.
So dnf after roughly 3 listening hours it is, even though I loved the rest of the series!
But Forest is a bit too emotionally unavailable and hot and cold and Beck‘s aggressive flirting was getting on my nerves - I just hate that in every book I read. I just didn’t feel them as love interests, at all.
I do think I could find them charming eventually (maybe?) because I believe everyone who says the book will become so much more enjoyable but I can’t find that spark right now and fear I’ll get in an audiobook slump if I continue.
So dnf after roughly 3 listening hours it is, even though I loved the rest of the series!
March 29, 2026
I was actually looking forward to this, but when the author decided to include an AI Chatbot, you lost me. WHY is the main character repeatedly using an AI chatbot for advice on what to do in his love life???
I am surprised and honestly appalled that the author who repeatedly uses her own social platforms to speak out against AI use has included it in her story.
I also find it dangerous to normalize the use of AI chatbots in our modern-day stories. It has been shown repeatedly that relying on these chatbots for personal advice is harmful. Why would we want to normalize this when we are actively trying to fight against it?
In a new study published in Science, Stanford computer scientists showed that artificial intelligence large language models are overly agreeable, or sycophantic, when users solicit advice on interpersonal dilemmas. Even when users described harmful or illegal behavior, the models often affirmed their choices. “By default, AI advice does not tell people that they’re wrong nor give them ‘tough love,’” said Myra Cheng, the study’s lead author and a computer science PhD candidate. “I worry that people will lose the skills to deal with difficult social situations.”
Quoted from this article:
https://news.stanford.edu/stories/202...
I am including in my review a few more articles citing how using AI chatbots for personal advice can be harmful.
https://www.usnews.com/news/business/...
https://www.tc.columbia.edu/articles/...
I am surprised and honestly appalled that the author who repeatedly uses her own social platforms to speak out against AI use has included it in her story.
I also find it dangerous to normalize the use of AI chatbots in our modern-day stories. It has been shown repeatedly that relying on these chatbots for personal advice is harmful. Why would we want to normalize this when we are actively trying to fight against it?
In a new study published in Science, Stanford computer scientists showed that artificial intelligence large language models are overly agreeable, or sycophantic, when users solicit advice on interpersonal dilemmas. Even when users described harmful or illegal behavior, the models often affirmed their choices. “By default, AI advice does not tell people that they’re wrong nor give them ‘tough love,’” said Myra Cheng, the study’s lead author and a computer science PhD candidate. “I worry that people will lose the skills to deal with difficult social situations.”
Quoted from this article:
https://news.stanford.edu/stories/202...
I am including in my review a few more articles citing how using AI chatbots for personal advice can be harmful.
https://www.usnews.com/news/business/...
https://www.tc.columbia.edu/articles/...
April 4, 2026
and i start talking about how cereal is really a soup?
FIRST holy shit guys, i’m in the top 100 most popular goodreads reviewers in the UK for this last month, thank you all so so much, i haven’t been here very long but i love this little community 💛
second off, let me say that i did enjoy this book, i desperately needed something easy, low key and ideally something that wouldn't rip my fucking heart out of my chest with every page.
and this book was exactly that. something i needed.
i have read two previous hockey guy books and i think the familiarity of them and the fact they're just comfy and silly loosens the heaviness of most books i tend to read!
however i do not think it's a particularly good book, and this is probs a hot take, but i think two things can be true: me enjoying the book and it not being particularly good.
it's formulaic, it's rushed, it's pretty unrealistic, the drama is forced and the reconciliation inevitable and too quick. but this has to be the case because sarina bowen writes shorter, comfier books and that's so fine. she's not trying to write anything groundbreaking. it's a system that works, but i just don't think the system is amazing.
i have to say, i did love beck, he was unashamedly himself and that is so refreshing to read in a book, it's what i strive to be in my life and it was nice to see that celebrated by the others characters and not ridiculed or put down.
forest - i could take and leave tbh. he didn't really have a personality other than lumberjack dad lol, i understand why some people might like him but he wasn't for me, and beck far overshadowed him.
that being said, the positivity and joy radiated from this book (made even better by the pink cover).
i did enjoy it, it was what i needed, march was rough and i honestly feel meh, but this book did make me feel a little brighter and i am thankful for that.
FIRST holy shit guys, i’m in the top 100 most popular goodreads reviewers in the UK for this last month, thank you all so so much, i haven’t been here very long but i love this little community 💛
second off, let me say that i did enjoy this book, i desperately needed something easy, low key and ideally something that wouldn't rip my fucking heart out of my chest with every page.
and this book was exactly that. something i needed.
i have read two previous hockey guy books and i think the familiarity of them and the fact they're just comfy and silly loosens the heaviness of most books i tend to read!
however i do not think it's a particularly good book, and this is probs a hot take, but i think two things can be true: me enjoying the book and it not being particularly good.
it's formulaic, it's rushed, it's pretty unrealistic, the drama is forced and the reconciliation inevitable and too quick. but this has to be the case because sarina bowen writes shorter, comfier books and that's so fine. she's not trying to write anything groundbreaking. it's a system that works, but i just don't think the system is amazing.
i have to say, i did love beck, he was unashamedly himself and that is so refreshing to read in a book, it's what i strive to be in my life and it was nice to see that celebrated by the others characters and not ridiculed or put down.
forest - i could take and leave tbh. he didn't really have a personality other than lumberjack dad lol, i understand why some people might like him but he wasn't for me, and beck far overshadowed him.
that being said, the positivity and joy radiated from this book (made even better by the pink cover).
i did enjoy it, it was what i needed, march was rough and i honestly feel meh, but this book did make me feel a little brighter and i am thankful for that.
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 28, 2026
A+
Will recommend, absolutely will read again.
DE-LIGHT-FUL! ✨✨✨✨✨
I couldn't stop smiling 😊
Delightful story, exceptionally delightful writing. The dialogue, inner and outer, is top tier funny.
Great, creative writing.
Beck is.... everything. One of the best MCs I've read in a while 😊
A gorgeous book, with all the laughs and all the (low angst) drama.
..a taste of what comes out of Beck's brain:
“Be a good boy for me and don’t blow yet, okay?”
“Trying,” he pants. “But the inside of my brain right now is just your name on repeat with exclamation points—like a really aggressive text message.
Will recommend, absolutely will read again.
DE-LIGHT-FUL! ✨✨✨✨✨
I couldn't stop smiling 😊
Delightful story, exceptionally delightful writing. The dialogue, inner and outer, is top tier funny.
Great, creative writing.
Beck is.... everything. One of the best MCs I've read in a while 😊
A gorgeous book, with all the laughs and all the (low angst) drama.
..a taste of what comes out of Beck's brain:
“Be a good boy for me and don’t blow yet, okay?”
“Trying,” he pants. “But the inside of my brain right now is just your name on repeat with exclamation points—like a really aggressive text message.
May 10, 2026
3.75 👍 Stars ✨
Although this was quite low-key, I enjoyed it much more than SB’s last couple of books.
I had reservations at first, but Beck quickly wormed his way into my affections. He’s so delightfully adorkable and impossible to resist. Single dad, Forest soon falls for his charms, but due to major trust issues 🙁, their relationship is quite uneven. Beck is 10 years younger, but much more emotionally available/mature and my heart hurt for him. Whilst I did like Forest, and completely understood all of his reservations, he was an idiot at times. It’s fair to say that Beck was my favourite.
I enjoyed all of the secondary characters, their support, the comic relief and most importantly, their acceptance. I relished all the texts when Beck came out 😂 Forest’s son, Charlie, was also portrayed realistically and I would’ve liked to have seen more of their dynamic. I especially liked Charlie’s connection with Beck.
Unfortunately, I did have a few minor issues which affected my rating slightly:
It’s a me thing, but considering Forest was Beck’s first, I found the steam a little underwhelming emotionally. They hook up fast, which is not my favourite.
I like hockey, but there was a bit too much emphasis on the game for me personally, although it was written very well.
I would’ve liked to have seen some growth from Beck’s mother, a tertiary character, but still … Beck deserved more. The same goes for Forest, as we never meet his parents and I wanted more closure on his financial woes.
However, this was a really nice comfort read when you’re not in the mood for anything heavy. Even though it’s #4 of the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Although this was quite low-key, I enjoyed it much more than SB’s last couple of books.
I had reservations at first, but Beck quickly wormed his way into my affections. He’s so delightfully adorkable and impossible to resist. Single dad, Forest soon falls for his charms, but due to major trust issues 🙁, their relationship is quite uneven. Beck is 10 years younger, but much more emotionally available/mature and my heart hurt for him. Whilst I did like Forest, and completely understood all of his reservations, he was an idiot at times. It’s fair to say that Beck was my favourite.
I enjoyed all of the secondary characters, their support, the comic relief and most importantly, their acceptance. I relished all the texts when Beck came out 😂 Forest’s son, Charlie, was also portrayed realistically and I would’ve liked to have seen more of their dynamic. I especially liked Charlie’s connection with Beck.
Unfortunately, I did have a few minor issues which affected my rating slightly:
It’s a me thing, but considering Forest was Beck’s first, I found the steam a little underwhelming emotionally. They hook up fast, which is not my favourite.
I like hockey, but there was a bit too much emphasis on the game for me personally, although it was written very well.
I would’ve liked to have seen some growth from Beck’s mother, a tertiary character, but still … Beck deserved more. The same goes for Forest, as we never meet his parents and I wanted more closure on his financial woes.
However, this was a really nice comfort read when you’re not in the mood for anything heavy. Even though it’s #4 of the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
March 27, 2026
Fuck AI chatbots
I refuse to root for a romantic lead that uses AI chatbots. Gross. Makes me wonder if the author also uses them, even casually if not to actually write.
I refuse to root for a romantic lead that uses AI chatbots. Gross. Makes me wonder if the author also uses them, even casually if not to actually write.
April 3, 2026
Bored now, so bored. I think it’s time to finally put Sarina Bowen in the bracket of authors that worked for me once upon a time but whose newer offerings are just not it for me. It’s frequently a fun and engaging premise that quickly falls apart.
I was into this initially – Beck was a dork but I appreciated his frank communication about what he wanted, and his lack of filters was amusing.
I struggled with Forest and how his traumatic experience was handled - . Like, I get that for plot purposes he needed to be destitute and traumatised but it didn’t seem super plausible to me.
Also, it makes sense that he’d have a hard time with a random hook-up after that but it very quickly progresses beyond that with Beck, and Forest’s evasiveness/push-pull crap just annoyed me. It made sense initially but it dragged out far too long.
Beck also lost me a bit after the initial charm. Was there any reason he needed to be so catty with Beck’s ex-wife when all she’s done is act mildly taken aback upon learning that her son has been picked up by her husband’s casual shag (since that’s as far as they officially go) whom she didn’t even know about? This guy who’s been bonding with her son is a stranger to her. She’s completely justified. But fifteen seconds after meeting her, he’s already calling her a bitch in his head. Dude.
The writing felt laboured - so many awkward similes, so much Gen Z slang that’s going to date the book really quickly (and had something cringe about it, depending on which character was using it). The smut was so perfunctory I was tempted to skim. And full disclosure, I’m docking a full star for Beck’s “funny” conversations with his chatbot. I deal with enough annoyance about the environment-destroying slop regurgitron in my daily life. I don’t need it featuring in my escapist reading.
My favourite parts overall generally involved the friendships and side characters – Scully and Rigsy were great, as were all the supportive team interactions. Beck’s team’s group chat responses to his coming out was a highlight for sure.
Bottom line, quick and mildly entertaining addition to this series but it felt a bit too shoddy overall.
I was into this initially – Beck was a dork but I appreciated his frank communication about what he wanted, and his lack of filters was amusing.
I struggled with Forest and how his traumatic experience was handled - . Like, I get that for plot purposes he needed to be destitute and traumatised but it didn’t seem super plausible to me.
Also, it makes sense that he’d have a hard time with a random hook-up after that but it very quickly progresses beyond that with Beck, and Forest’s evasiveness/push-pull crap just annoyed me. It made sense initially but it dragged out far too long.
Beck also lost me a bit after the initial charm. Was there any reason he needed to be so catty with Beck’s ex-wife when all she’s done is act mildly taken aback upon learning that her son has been picked up by her husband’s casual shag (since that’s as far as they officially go) whom she didn’t even know about? This guy who’s been bonding with her son is a stranger to her. She’s completely justified. But fifteen seconds after meeting her, he’s already calling her a bitch in his head. Dude.
The writing felt laboured - so many awkward similes, so much Gen Z slang that’s going to date the book really quickly (and had something cringe about it, depending on which character was using it). The smut was so perfunctory I was tempted to skim. And full disclosure, I’m docking a full star for Beck’s “funny” conversations with his chatbot. I deal with enough annoyance about the environment-destroying slop regurgitron in my daily life. I don’t need it featuring in my escapist reading.
My favourite parts overall generally involved the friendships and side characters – Scully and Rigsy were great, as were all the supportive team interactions. Beck’s team’s group chat responses to his coming out was a highlight for sure.
Bottom line, quick and mildly entertaining addition to this series but it felt a bit too shoddy overall.
March 25, 2026
Best book in the series! ✨
April 3, 2026
LOVED THIS!
Beck is the sweetest, and I just wanted to wrap him in my arms. I didn’t love Forest as much, but I understand his situation was more complicated.
It took me a while to get into it and I was worried it was going to be one of those over the top humour books I hate, but Beck hooked me and the feelings picked up.
Definitely want more of this series!
4.5 🌟
Beck is the sweetest, and I just wanted to wrap him in my arms. I didn’t love Forest as much, but I understand his situation was more complicated.
It took me a while to get into it and I was worried it was going to be one of those over the top humour books I hate, but Beck hooked me and the feelings picked up.
Definitely want more of this series!
4.5 🌟
March 26, 2026
I’m not sure if I want to give this book four or five stars. It’s a great story, very well written. And I love, love, love Beck! All of him! I really had an issue with Forrest though. I got that he is traumatized. And that he has money troubles. And a communication issue. But ome on! You can use emojis to acknowledge the guy every once in awhile if words are too hard. Be a grown up.
So… yeah. Great hockey book, lovely little cameos from earlier books. And great ending. Just a lot of very not nice inside turmoil that could have addressed a lot better.
Will reread (and might change the stars). And also definitely recommend. This is a great author, her books deserve a large audience
So… yeah. Great hockey book, lovely little cameos from earlier books. And great ending. Just a lot of very not nice inside turmoil that could have addressed a lot better.
Will reread (and might change the stars). And also definitely recommend. This is a great author, her books deserve a large audience
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!
June 1, 2026
I really don't know what happened because I have loved every book in this series, and every one else seems to have really enjoyed this book, but I don't know I just did not love it for some reason? I'm sad to be missing out on all the love everyone else is feeling for this book :( But I just never felt any connection or chemistry between the two characters. Everything felt physical without emotions. I also felt like Forest was a dipshit a lot of the time.
March 30, 2026
I liked this book fine, but it did leave me considering how I feel about authors presenting the use of AI in books even if there's no evidence AI was used in writing it. To explain: one of the main characters, an AHL player in his 20s, occasionally consults with a chatbot for advice. I HATE this but it also strikes me as perfectly in character for that kind of character. As readers, we can't rail against authors assigning favorite music or television programs that are hopelessly out of date and then deny authors the use of current technology, can we? I'm honestly still not sure. But I really liked that this book featured a hockey player who hadn't made it all the way to the big show yet and it would be wrong to say I liked it, but it was interesting to see a male main character scared by a hook up the way that women often carry a legacy of intimate partner violence.
April 1, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
This one was kinda bland? Neither very very good but I’ve also read way worse…
This one was kinda bland? Neither very very good but I’ve also read way worse…
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 25, 2026
ARC/ALC Review
Quirky awkwardness + 🎤Teddy Hamilton for the #win!
The combination of “the story” and “the narrators” (both Teddy and 🎤Brandon Francis) really made this experience pure gold for me. I would go as far as saying that if you’re in your audio era, I highly recommend this audiobook. I don’t get to play the “this or that” is better game too often and this is one of those rare times. Do with that tidbit what you will.
I enjoyed this story so much that I parsed it out into several days just so I could feel pure joy for more days! On the surface, this is a rom-com with a delightful set of circumstances and a variety of characters that truly will have your heart bursting from joy. On the surface. This story is a whole lot more than just that! It’s a story that highlights taking chances, trusting in your circle, uplifting and rooting for the best for your circle. It highlights friends and family, heart and hope and above all, love, in whatever form it may come. So many little life “lessons” all wrapped up in one of the cutest romance stories I’ve read/listened to in a long while.
You know, Sarina is one of those authors that is so talented that whatever she decides she is going to write, it just doesn’t disappoint. Sure, there have been a few that may not have hit the mark for me throughout the years, but when you’ve been writing as long as she has, that number is negligible. I cannot tell you the number of times I have devoured series and after series, over and over again of hers. She’s consistent and dependable and she makes me happy! And this story is what I love the most about her. I honestly loved everything about Beck & Forest, from their characters to their story to everyone around them! I’d like to live in this fictional world where people actually go out of their way and care for one another. It’s a novel concept these days but one can wish…
Sidebar: If you’re reading this and happen to also struggle with Algebra, X = hockey player in a blank jersey … *looks around* questions?
Sidebar 2: I’m not saying I cried like a lunatic during the bar scene on Beck’s first time being called-up and the whole bar going crazy over it, but possibly. FINE! Possibly a few other times *sigh* *grins like a lunatic*
Quirky awkwardness + 🎤Teddy Hamilton for the #win!
The combination of “the story” and “the narrators” (both Teddy and 🎤Brandon Francis) really made this experience pure gold for me. I would go as far as saying that if you’re in your audio era, I highly recommend this audiobook. I don’t get to play the “this or that” is better game too often and this is one of those rare times. Do with that tidbit what you will.
I enjoyed this story so much that I parsed it out into several days just so I could feel pure joy for more days! On the surface, this is a rom-com with a delightful set of circumstances and a variety of characters that truly will have your heart bursting from joy. On the surface. This story is a whole lot more than just that! It’s a story that highlights taking chances, trusting in your circle, uplifting and rooting for the best for your circle. It highlights friends and family, heart and hope and above all, love, in whatever form it may come. So many little life “lessons” all wrapped up in one of the cutest romance stories I’ve read/listened to in a long while.
You know, Sarina is one of those authors that is so talented that whatever she decides she is going to write, it just doesn’t disappoint. Sure, there have been a few that may not have hit the mark for me throughout the years, but when you’ve been writing as long as she has, that number is negligible. I cannot tell you the number of times I have devoured series and after series, over and over again of hers. She’s consistent and dependable and she makes me happy! And this story is what I love the most about her. I honestly loved everything about Beck & Forest, from their characters to their story to everyone around them! I’d like to live in this fictional world where people actually go out of their way and care for one another. It’s a novel concept these days but one can wish…
Sidebar: If you’re reading this and happen to also struggle with Algebra, X = hockey player in a blank jersey … *looks around* questions?
Sidebar 2: I’m not saying I cried like a lunatic during the bar scene on Beck’s first time being called-up and the whole bar going crazy over it, but possibly. FINE! Possibly a few other times *sigh* *grins like a lunatic*
April 16, 2026
DNF @ 75%
Notes I took while reading:
Omg that intro was so forward. Jesus, Beck really shot his shot. Was kinda weird how he sort of just expected Forest to be down for the whole "If we win, we have sex thing" though. That sort of pushed it from just "asking Forest out" to "expecting sex from a transaction" which is actually sort of problematic as a premise tbh.
Really not a fan of Beck just expo dumping his failure in the big leagues to us via internal monologues. It wouldn't have been hard for that stuff to come out more naturally as he and Forest got to know each other.
The scene where Beck's identity is revealed didn't really make sense? He says that the Plague probably won't recognize him unless they knew of the Ice Cats and knew of bench warming goalies but Scully recognized him and he presumably wasn't of either persuasion. I guess Beck having his face plastered on the wall could've given him a heads up, but then the way Scully talked about it seemed like he recognized Beck before pointing his face out on the wall.
I didn't get Forest's trauma around hookups stealing his shit? Did he not call the cops or anything? Surely someone drugging you, stealing your stuff from your house, AND transferring money out of your bank account would be SUPER easy to prosecute considering the paper trail on the transfer??? How would the defense even go? "Uh, he gave me all his things after one night together"? How did he not get his money back? I understand having trouble trusting hookups after that event, but if Forest's main fear was getting swindled again, why couldn't he just go home to their place instead and put a stronger lock on his phone to prevent them from opening it when he was sleeping. I have more thoughts on this when we do find out what the specifics were.
Having Beck rely on AI to navigate around social situations wasn't cute or endearing, it was off-putting. AI isn't inherently bad BUT there is negative connotation around it considering all the shit that it's being used for (particularly with regards to generative AI in creative fields). Using it in a lighthearted and humorous way here didn't add to my enjoyment, it just brought up that negative connotation. Him running to Forest's place uninvited to ask him for advice was super weird too considering he literally could've just asked the chatbot like he'd done before.
God, the longer the story went with Forest parroting the "I have issues" thing, the more I got annoyed. Why was it Beck that had to keep on reaching out? This story read like a toxic situationship fulfillment fantasy where instead of just being strung along til eternity, Beck gets his HEA from the emotionally unavailable Forest because he stuck it out. Forest needed to put in some effort into their relationship instead of just constantly ignoring Beck's texts. It was way too one sided and at some point I did believe that Beck deserved someone better (especially after he came out to his team... He literally no longer had any barriers to date other men, so him choosing to stick with Forest's flaky ass was really annoying)
Beck's friend, Riggs, was so on point with telling Forest to stop stringing Beck along because he was acting like a bad ex-GF he had. Seriously said what I was thinking about Forest kinda being an ass.
I honestly thought we were rounding the corner when Forest came over to take care of Beck when he got sick, but then the story just had to bring it all back and have
TL;DR: I mentioned earlier that this book felt like a weird fantasy fulfillment thing for a situationship with an emotionally unavailable man. Forest somehow continually stays in Beck's good graces despite him literally putting in negative effort into their relationship and that somehow works and leads to an HEA. No, that's not how I want my romances to be. I need both MCs to actually put in effort into their dynamic EVEN IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS ONE, the reluctant MC needs to be proactive at least a couple of time BEFORE 65% of the book (which Forest did not since he just continually let Beck make the first move). I don't want to read romances where LIs can do no wrong, because I don't want to read about undying love and patience when nothing had been done to earn it 1.5 stars rounded down because I legit lost my patience.
Notes I took while reading:
Omg that intro was so forward. Jesus, Beck really shot his shot. Was kinda weird how he sort of just expected Forest to be down for the whole "If we win, we have sex thing" though. That sort of pushed it from just "asking Forest out" to "expecting sex from a transaction" which is actually sort of problematic as a premise tbh.
Really not a fan of Beck just expo dumping his failure in the big leagues to us via internal monologues. It wouldn't have been hard for that stuff to come out more naturally as he and Forest got to know each other.
The scene where Beck's identity is revealed didn't really make sense? He says that the Plague probably won't recognize him unless they knew of the Ice Cats and knew of bench warming goalies but Scully recognized him and he presumably wasn't of either persuasion. I guess Beck having his face plastered on the wall could've given him a heads up, but then the way Scully talked about it seemed like he recognized Beck before pointing his face out on the wall.
I didn't get Forest's trauma around hookups stealing his shit? Did he not call the cops or anything? Surely someone drugging you, stealing your stuff from your house, AND transferring money out of your bank account would be SUPER easy to prosecute considering the paper trail on the transfer??? How would the defense even go? "Uh, he gave me all his things after one night together"? How did he not get his money back? I understand having trouble trusting hookups after that event, but if Forest's main fear was getting swindled again, why couldn't he just go home to their place instead and put a stronger lock on his phone to prevent them from opening it when he was sleeping. I have more thoughts on this when we do find out what the specifics were.
Having Beck rely on AI to navigate around social situations wasn't cute or endearing, it was off-putting. AI isn't inherently bad BUT there is negative connotation around it considering all the shit that it's being used for (particularly with regards to generative AI in creative fields). Using it in a lighthearted and humorous way here didn't add to my enjoyment, it just brought up that negative connotation. Him running to Forest's place uninvited to ask him for advice was super weird too considering he literally could've just asked the chatbot like he'd done before.
God, the longer the story went with Forest parroting the "I have issues" thing, the more I got annoyed. Why was it Beck that had to keep on reaching out? This story read like a toxic situationship fulfillment fantasy where instead of just being strung along til eternity, Beck gets his HEA from the emotionally unavailable Forest because he stuck it out. Forest needed to put in some effort into their relationship instead of just constantly ignoring Beck's texts. It was way too one sided and at some point I did believe that Beck deserved someone better (especially after he came out to his team... He literally no longer had any barriers to date other men, so him choosing to stick with Forest's flaky ass was really annoying)
Beck's friend, Riggs, was so on point with telling Forest to stop stringing Beck along because he was acting like a bad ex-GF he had. Seriously said what I was thinking about Forest kinda being an ass.
I honestly thought we were rounding the corner when Forest came over to take care of Beck when he got sick, but then the story just had to bring it all back and have
TL;DR: I mentioned earlier that this book felt like a weird fantasy fulfillment thing for a situationship with an emotionally unavailable man. Forest somehow continually stays in Beck's good graces despite him literally putting in negative effort into their relationship and that somehow works and leads to an HEA. No, that's not how I want my romances to be. I need both MCs to actually put in effort into their dynamic EVEN IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS ONE, the reluctant MC needs to be proactive at least a couple of time BEFORE 65% of the book (which Forest did not since he just continually let Beck make the first move). I don't want to read romances where LIs can do no wrong, because I don't want to read about undying love and patience when nothing had been done to earn it 1.5 stars rounded down because I legit lost my patience.
April 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Encore du M/M dans le monde du hockey me direz-vous ? Eh oui, encore un ! 🤪
Bref, j'ai lu le dernier Sarina Bowen dès sa sortie, et même s'il ne m'a pas transcendée, j'ai passé un chouette moment. Cette autrice a une plume fluide et agréable, les pages et les chapitres s'enchaînent sans qu'on s'en rende compte, et ça, c'est toujours cool, non ?
Ici on a un goalie pro de 25/26 ans Vs un barman de presque 40 ans, père d'un ado, et divorcé.
Les deux hommes vont se côtoyer au bar pendant plusieurs mois, jusqu'à ce qu'un soir, Beck profite d'un concours de circonstances lui permettant de mettre ses compétences sportives au service d'une petite équipe d'amateurs pour tenter sa chance auprès du barman sur lequel il craque en silence depuis le début. Beck est du genre bavard, un peu nerd sur les bords, il déborde d'enthousiasme, alors qu'en face, Forest (cours Forest cours 🤣) est du genre taiseux, discret et méfiant. Il faut dire qu'un an auparavant, il a vécu une expérience cauchemardesque qui a brisé toute sa confiance en lui et envers les autres. L'autrice joue donc la carte des opposés qui s'attirent, avec en prime une différence d'âge.
C'est un roman sympa, j'ai apprécié la relation amoureuse entre les deux hommes. J'ai été certes frustrée par la méfiance persistante de Forest et cette façon qu'il a de toujours freiner des quatre fers, mais une fois qu'on comprend pourquoi il agit ainsi, ce n'est au final pas si surprenant.
Un tout petit aparté sur Beck : là où nous on disait "Si t'as pas d'ami, prends un Curly", eh bien lui, comme il n'a pas d'ami à qui demander des conseils, il demande à ... son amie l'IA ! 😓😂
Le gros point fort du roman ? Le hockey et l'entourage des deux personnages ! Il y a dans ce livre une belle solidarité, un fort esprit de communauté, et c'est le genre d'ambiance qui vous réchauffe le coeur et vous donne le sourire. Et les scènes de hockey sont réussies et très prenantes !
Un bon moment de lecture donc, qui peut se lire comme un one-shot (on recroise simplement quelques-uns des héros des tomes précédents).
Encore du M/M dans le monde du hockey me direz-vous ? Eh oui, encore un ! 🤪
Bref, j'ai lu le dernier Sarina Bowen dès sa sortie, et même s'il ne m'a pas transcendée, j'ai passé un chouette moment. Cette autrice a une plume fluide et agréable, les pages et les chapitres s'enchaînent sans qu'on s'en rende compte, et ça, c'est toujours cool, non ?
Ici on a un goalie pro de 25/26 ans Vs un barman de presque 40 ans, père d'un ado, et divorcé.
Les deux hommes vont se côtoyer au bar pendant plusieurs mois, jusqu'à ce qu'un soir, Beck profite d'un concours de circonstances lui permettant de mettre ses compétences sportives au service d'une petite équipe d'amateurs pour tenter sa chance auprès du barman sur lequel il craque en silence depuis le début. Beck est du genre bavard, un peu nerd sur les bords, il déborde d'enthousiasme, alors qu'en face, Forest (cours Forest cours 🤣) est du genre taiseux, discret et méfiant. Il faut dire qu'un an auparavant, il a vécu une expérience cauchemardesque qui a brisé toute sa confiance en lui et envers les autres. L'autrice joue donc la carte des opposés qui s'attirent, avec en prime une différence d'âge.
C'est un roman sympa, j'ai apprécié la relation amoureuse entre les deux hommes. J'ai été certes frustrée par la méfiance persistante de Forest et cette façon qu'il a de toujours freiner des quatre fers, mais une fois qu'on comprend pourquoi il agit ainsi, ce n'est au final pas si surprenant.
Un tout petit aparté sur Beck : là où nous on disait "Si t'as pas d'ami, prends un Curly", eh bien lui, comme il n'a pas d'ami à qui demander des conseils, il demande à ... son amie l'IA ! 😓😂
Le gros point fort du roman ? Le hockey et l'entourage des deux personnages ! Il y a dans ce livre une belle solidarité, un fort esprit de communauté, et c'est le genre d'ambiance qui vous réchauffe le coeur et vous donne le sourire. Et les scènes de hockey sont réussies et très prenantes !
Un bon moment de lecture donc, qui peut se lire comme un one-shot (on recroise simplement quelques-uns des héros des tomes précédents).
May 1, 2026
Powiedzieć, że mam słabość do Sariny Bowen, to nic nie powiedzieć.
A już zwłaszcza do jej hokeistów 😁
Rzadko która z jej książek dostaje od mnie mniej niż 4+, a to zazwyczaj i tak w zaokrągleniu w górę.
Oczywiście, wszystkiemu winni są Jamie i Wes 😜😂
Nie inaczej było i tym razem - jak zwykle, czytało mi się super i błyskawicznie, dobrze się bawiłam, nie czepiam się, daję pięć pełnych hokejowych i barmańskich gwiazdek 😁
A już zwłaszcza do jej hokeistów 😁
Rzadko która z jej książek dostaje od mnie mniej niż 4+, a to zazwyczaj i tak w zaokrągleniu w górę.
Oczywiście, wszystkiemu winni są Jamie i Wes 😜😂
Nie inaczej było i tym razem - jak zwykle, czytało mi się super i błyskawicznie, dobrze się bawiłam, nie czepiam się, daję pięć pełnych hokejowych i barmańskich gwiazdek 😁
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March 27, 2026This wasn't a bad book. It was, however, an uneven one.
Bowen is good at showing the developing physical relationship between the MCs – and there is a lot of physical relationship to show. But when one of the MCs is vastly more emotionally mature than the other, the dual point of view does create an uncomfortable lurching effect.
Beck is a delightful creation — young, yes, but sensible and given to most engaging and weird flights of conversational diarrhoea. He's the heart of the book.
In contrast, Forest is, I suppose, meant to be Grumpy to Beck's Sunshine. He's the man whose tortured past has driven iron deep into his wounded soul. Or, to put it another way, he's a bitter and twisted git, incapable of being kind to those around him. He may be Beck's kind of guy, but he's not mine.
This passed an hour or two, though it's a pity the best bits were all Beck suffering stoically.
Bowen is good at showing the developing physical relationship between the MCs – and there is a lot of physical relationship to show. But when one of the MCs is vastly more emotionally mature than the other, the dual point of view does create an uncomfortable lurching effect.
Beck is a delightful creation — young, yes, but sensible and given to most engaging and weird flights of conversational diarrhoea. He's the heart of the book.
In contrast, Forest is, I suppose, meant to be Grumpy to Beck's Sunshine. He's the man whose tortured past has driven iron deep into his wounded soul. Or, to put it another way, he's a bitter and twisted git, incapable of being kind to those around him. He may be Beck's kind of guy, but he's not mine.
This passed an hour or two, though it's a pity the best bits were all Beck suffering stoically.
March 30, 2026
Hmm, very mixed feelings on this one. Honestly, it felt a little all over the place. A lot of it felt really OTT and unrealistic that it was hard to sink into the story. I really liked Beck a lot, but I found Forest a little exhausting, even understanding the trauma that was informing his actions. There were aspects/moments I enjoyed, and generally this was a good time, but at the end of the day it sort of felt like a mess.
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!!
March 25, 2026
forest wasn't really my kind of guy
May 8, 2026
3.5
Really cute, might need to read the whole series.
Really cute, might need to read the whole series.
April 10, 2026
3.5 stars, but rounded up for Beck. This was an enjoyable, if overlong book about the quirkiest hockey player I've ever encountered, and the grumpy, closed-off bartender he develops an obsession with.
Beck is a certified weirdo, which is par for the course with hockey goalies, but he was so endearing and forthright. 4 pages in, I was like oh, another autistic hockey player, although I'm not sure he's diagnosable, just very direct with a strange sense of humour. Anyway, Beck has been coming to Sportsballs, the queer sports bar featured in previous books, to ogle the owner and bartender, Forest. He manages to get drafted onto their beer-league hockey team for a single game, but stipulates that he wants to be taken home by Forest as compensation. Forest, a divorced dad with financial issues, is extremely leery of getting in to any romantic entanglements for various reasons. So although he is very attracted to Beck, he keeps him at arm's length. Beck is all in though, and we follow them through the back-and-forth of a new romance while we watch Beck's career in ascendance.
It was decent read, with a little bit of angst, and not enough spice. I was frustrated with Forest's emotional constipation and shit communication, but I really, really liked Beck. He was a little all over the place and a little desperate, but it was actually so cute. I feel like parts of it were drawn out, a lot of interactions felt repetitious, although the short chapters help to keep it moving. In the end I enjoyed it enough to finish in 2 days, so make of that what you will.
Beck is a certified weirdo, which is par for the course with hockey goalies, but he was so endearing and forthright. 4 pages in, I was like oh, another autistic hockey player, although I'm not sure he's diagnosable, just very direct with a strange sense of humour. Anyway, Beck has been coming to Sportsballs, the queer sports bar featured in previous books, to ogle the owner and bartender, Forest. He manages to get drafted onto their beer-league hockey team for a single game, but stipulates that he wants to be taken home by Forest as compensation. Forest, a divorced dad with financial issues, is extremely leery of getting in to any romantic entanglements for various reasons. So although he is very attracted to Beck, he keeps him at arm's length. Beck is all in though, and we follow them through the back-and-forth of a new romance while we watch Beck's career in ascendance.
It was decent read, with a little bit of angst, and not enough spice. I was frustrated with Forest's emotional constipation and shit communication, but I really, really liked Beck. He was a little all over the place and a little desperate, but it was actually so cute. I feel like parts of it were drawn out, a lot of interactions felt repetitious, although the short chapters help to keep it moving. In the end I enjoyed it enough to finish in 2 days, so make of that what you will.
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