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Wingmen: A rivals-to-lovers MM hockey romance
Two wingers. One bet. The summer that changes everything.
Dustin Bennet used to be the fastest winger in the league. But at twenty-nine, with a busted knee, he has to slow down — and that's terrifying. Dustin wasn’t raised to quit. He was raised to win.
Which means twenty-one-year-old Elliot Rodriguez is going to be a problem.
Elliot just finished one of the most impressive breakout seasons on record, with a win that made every sports headline in the country: Elliot Rodriguez is the new Dustin Bennet.
Dustin isn’t taking that lying down. So when they wind up doing their off-season in the same city, Dustin proposes a bet: act as each others' wingmen through the summer. Highest body count when the season starts in September wins.
As the summer deepens, what started as rivalry becomes something else. And somewhere between the 2AM drinks and the 6AM workouts, they realize they’re more interested in each other than the bodies they’re counting.
But Dustin is hiding something that's getting worse by the week. And Elliot has buried a loss that makes what he’s seeing impossible to ignore.
Summer ends at Labor Day. What they’re building behind the closed door of Dustin’s apartment might not.
Wingmen is a standalone, dual-POV, rivals-to-lovers MM hockey romance featuring a gay/bi awakening, a recovery arc handled with emotional honesty, explicit open-door scenes, and a satisfying HFN.
CONTENT WARNING: substance abuse, grief
Dustin Bennet used to be the fastest winger in the league. But at twenty-nine, with a busted knee, he has to slow down — and that's terrifying. Dustin wasn’t raised to quit. He was raised to win.
Which means twenty-one-year-old Elliot Rodriguez is going to be a problem.
Elliot just finished one of the most impressive breakout seasons on record, with a win that made every sports headline in the country: Elliot Rodriguez is the new Dustin Bennet.
Dustin isn’t taking that lying down. So when they wind up doing their off-season in the same city, Dustin proposes a bet: act as each others' wingmen through the summer. Highest body count when the season starts in September wins.
As the summer deepens, what started as rivalry becomes something else. And somewhere between the 2AM drinks and the 6AM workouts, they realize they’re more interested in each other than the bodies they’re counting.
But Dustin is hiding something that's getting worse by the week. And Elliot has buried a loss that makes what he’s seeing impossible to ignore.
Summer ends at Labor Day. What they’re building behind the closed door of Dustin’s apartment might not.
Wingmen is a standalone, dual-POV, rivals-to-lovers MM hockey romance featuring a gay/bi awakening, a recovery arc handled with emotional honesty, explicit open-door scenes, and a satisfying HFN.
CONTENT WARNING: substance abuse, grief
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 4, 2026
3.5 stars, but I am rounding down because it's really hard to overstate how much I disliked Elliot.
It's a rivals-to-lover hockey romance, featuring Dustin Bennet - 29-year-old legend who has recently had a catastrophic injury, and the up-and-coming Elliot Rodriguez - 21-year-old Puerto Rican prodigy coming for his crown. The entire story takes place in the off season, where Dustin and Elliot run into each other at a fundraiser and then end up summering in the same city and hanging out. From Dustin's perspective, he is trying to mentor Elliot, whereas Elliot hero-worships Dustin very secretly but is kind of a dick to him in person. These two embark on this disgusting little competition to see who can sleep with the most women during the summer, and I found this abhorrent. The way Elliot in particular spoke about women and having sex with them made my skin crawl. I almost dnf-ed before 50% because I actually couldn't stand him. I persevered because I felt that there was a lesson coming. Like, I understand the sociocultural context of Elliot's behaviour, and that he is a 21-year-old idiot, but I never warmed to him. He was arrogant, labile, callous and childish, which is probably an accurate description of a lot of young men, tbh. Emotional immaturity-maxxing.
Dustin was a more measured character, even thought the idiot bet about hooking up was his idea. But he was a pretty thoughtful person actually. The fact that so much of this book is him being called old unironically at 29 was absurd though. He has his issues and hang-ups, but he was the more sympathetic character for me. Elliot blindsides him with a kiss one night, but he just rolls with it, goes from perfectly straight to blowing a dude with very little angst.
Speaking of kissing, these two had decent chemistry, but it was so hot and cold that I lost interest towards the end. I enjoyed the writing, it was funny and sharp. But I don't know, I don't think that I was ever really invested in them as a couple and it's because I think Dustin could do much better than Elliot. He was really a problem for me in this book!
When we get the third act, in which all is forgiven and harms are mended, there's obviously some redemption for both them, but this part felt very tell more than show. So I felt like I was left holding this HFN that I don't know what to do with.
It's a rivals-to-lover hockey romance, featuring Dustin Bennet - 29-year-old legend who has recently had a catastrophic injury, and the up-and-coming Elliot Rodriguez - 21-year-old Puerto Rican prodigy coming for his crown. The entire story takes place in the off season, where Dustin and Elliot run into each other at a fundraiser and then end up summering in the same city and hanging out. From Dustin's perspective, he is trying to mentor Elliot, whereas Elliot hero-worships Dustin very secretly but is kind of a dick to him in person. These two embark on this disgusting little competition to see who can sleep with the most women during the summer, and I found this abhorrent. The way Elliot in particular spoke about women and having sex with them made my skin crawl. I almost dnf-ed before 50% because I actually couldn't stand him. I persevered because I felt that there was a lesson coming. Like, I understand the sociocultural context of Elliot's behaviour, and that he is a 21-year-old idiot, but I never warmed to him. He was arrogant, labile, callous and childish, which is probably an accurate description of a lot of young men, tbh. Emotional immaturity-maxxing.
Dustin was a more measured character, even thought the idiot bet about hooking up was his idea. But he was a pretty thoughtful person actually. The fact that so much of this book is him being called old unironically at 29 was absurd though. He has his issues and hang-ups, but he was the more sympathetic character for me. Elliot blindsides him with a kiss one night, but he just rolls with it, goes from perfectly straight to blowing a dude with very little angst.
Speaking of kissing, these two had decent chemistry, but it was so hot and cold that I lost interest towards the end. I enjoyed the writing, it was funny and sharp. But I don't know, I don't think that I was ever really invested in them as a couple and it's because I think Dustin could do much better than Elliot. He was really a problem for me in this book!
When we get the third act, in which all is forgiven and harms are mended, there's obviously some redemption for both them, but this part felt very tell more than show. So I felt like I was left holding this HFN that I don't know what to do with.
June 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
Wingmen by Hailey Reaves completely stole my sleep—and I regret nothing! I was up all night reading because I simply could not put it down.
Elliot and Dustin are such unforgettable characters. Their chemistry feels natural from the very beginning, and I loved how well they balanced each other. Elliot is still struggling with the loss his family suffered the previous year, while Dustin is trying to navigate life after a hockey injury. Watching them support one another through their individual challenges made their relationship even more meaningful.
This book delivered the perfect mix of humor, heart, and emotion. The VooDoo Donuts scene is something I will never look at the same way again (iykyk!), and the whole “assuming the position” moment had me laughing out loud.
Hailey Reaves created characters that feel real and a story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. If you love emotional romances with fantastic chemistry, memorable moments, and characters you’ll be thinking about long after the last page, this book is a must-read.
Go get this book—you won’t regret it!
Wingmen by Hailey Reaves completely stole my sleep—and I regret nothing! I was up all night reading because I simply could not put it down.
Elliot and Dustin are such unforgettable characters. Their chemistry feels natural from the very beginning, and I loved how well they balanced each other. Elliot is still struggling with the loss his family suffered the previous year, while Dustin is trying to navigate life after a hockey injury. Watching them support one another through their individual challenges made their relationship even more meaningful.
This book delivered the perfect mix of humor, heart, and emotion. The VooDoo Donuts scene is something I will never look at the same way again (iykyk!), and the whole “assuming the position” moment had me laughing out loud.
Hailey Reaves created characters that feel real and a story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. If you love emotional romances with fantastic chemistry, memorable moments, and characters you’ll be thinking about long after the last page, this book is a must-read.
Go get this book—you won’t regret it!
August 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was an engaging reading, with well-written and solid chemistry between the MMCs.
I enjoyed Hailey’s writing style, and feel like she managed to balance emotion and humour brilliantly.
The main reason I didn’t rate this book quieter, was because some of the main parts of this did make me cringe a bit/feel a bit uncomfortable - in particular the ‘bet’ the MMCs had, and the way Elliot spoke about women. The end of the book did acknowledge that neither of those things were okay, but it didn’t really feel enough to redeem things for me.
Also IDK much about hockey/sports, but the way the book made it as if being 29 years old is literally ancient felt weird to me.
I did feel as though Hailey discussed addiction in a well-considered way. It felt respectful, whilst acknowledging the implications addiction can have on both the individual, and those around them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emotional journey through self discovery, handling grief and addiction. Normalizing calling people out on their bullshit. And hot hockey guys ;)
July 14, 2026
The content warning of this book opens with “This book contains, honestly, too much banter. Sorry about that.” And I’d like it noted that I loved the banter! It kept me engaged and flipping those pages.
Wingman is the second book in The League of Extraordinarily Gay Gentlemen, a rivals-to-lovers M/M Ice Hockey series. While there are brief mentions of previous characters you don’t have to have read Medaling, although I’d recommend it, but that’s just because I really enjoyed it too.
Wingman goes back and forth following Elliot Rodriguez (21), the new hot shot and Dustin Bennet (29), a hockey legend who is off with a major injury.
Elliot is secretly a big fan of Dustin and looks up to him as a hockey icon, but you’d never know that from their interactions, at first.
Dustin is off with a possibly career ending injury while news papers are spouting headlines calling Elliot the new Dustin. So that pre sets up a dynamic between them that leads into their behaviour on their first ever meeting in person at a charity event.
Both characters dealing with a lot. Dustin with his injury and career decisions. Elliot, for the sake of no spoilers I’ll just say, family troubles.
Neither of them are out as gay. One is purposely in denial and the other’s never had an inkling that were anything other than straight.
Both characters go through a lot of personal growth - thankfully, because they both start out brewing with toxicity. The whole Wingman bet the book is named after is gross, but hardly a part of the story as a whole.
I found myself disliking Elliot early on but he does redeem himself. And I came to be invested in both of their lives and was rooting for them both to find happiness by the end.
Hailey Reaves (spicy M/M romance) is the alter ego of Liz Shipton (spicy urban fantasy and sci-fi). And I think i’m fast becoming a big fan of Liz’s witty and heartfelt writing (and yes ‘spicy’ refers to the fact that there is A LOT of sexy times in her stories, hence they are probably not for you if you aren’t open to reading graphic sex scenes).
Reasons to read Wingman: the banter, for two sports bros going through gay awakenings, for dudes becoming more in touch with their feelings and trying to fix their problematic behaviour.
Wingman is the second book in The League of Extraordinarily Gay Gentlemen, a rivals-to-lovers M/M Ice Hockey series. While there are brief mentions of previous characters you don’t have to have read Medaling, although I’d recommend it, but that’s just because I really enjoyed it too.
Wingman goes back and forth following Elliot Rodriguez (21), the new hot shot and Dustin Bennet (29), a hockey legend who is off with a major injury.
Elliot is secretly a big fan of Dustin and looks up to him as a hockey icon, but you’d never know that from their interactions, at first.
Dustin is off with a possibly career ending injury while news papers are spouting headlines calling Elliot the new Dustin. So that pre sets up a dynamic between them that leads into their behaviour on their first ever meeting in person at a charity event.
Both characters dealing with a lot. Dustin with his injury and career decisions. Elliot, for the sake of no spoilers I’ll just say, family troubles.
Neither of them are out as gay. One is purposely in denial and the other’s never had an inkling that were anything other than straight.
Both characters go through a lot of personal growth - thankfully, because they both start out brewing with toxicity. The whole Wingman bet the book is named after is gross, but hardly a part of the story as a whole.
I found myself disliking Elliot early on but he does redeem himself. And I came to be invested in both of their lives and was rooting for them both to find happiness by the end.
Hailey Reaves (spicy M/M romance) is the alter ego of Liz Shipton (spicy urban fantasy and sci-fi). And I think i’m fast becoming a big fan of Liz’s witty and heartfelt writing (and yes ‘spicy’ refers to the fact that there is A LOT of sexy times in her stories, hence they are probably not for you if you aren’t open to reading graphic sex scenes).
Reasons to read Wingman: the banter, for two sports bros going through gay awakenings, for dudes becoming more in touch with their feelings and trying to fix their problematic behaviour.
June 20, 2026
This is the second book in this series and sometimes it’s not as good as book 1 but damn this one was just as good! We have Elliot and Dustin! Dustin is a bit older and Elliot is dubbed the new Dustin on the ice
Dustin hurt his knee so he was completing rehab on his knee and Elliot decided to stay in Portland on his off season
They start a sort of friendship and decide to be each others wingmen as a competition which of course is gonna be simple
They have complicated feelings for each other
Neither have been with men so it brings up difficult feelings
Both are dealing with grief and feelings about liking each other
Their first time when Elliot freaked out because of complicated feelings about his uncle made me so sad he wanted this but was worried about what his uncle would think
God when he said that awful word to Dustin and then Dustin spiraled my heart broke!
This book takes you through so many different emotions
You have to see Elliot deal with his feelings about his uncle and how he would feel about Elliot being gay and listening to his teammate spew awful hate
I love that Elliot showed up for Dustin even if he was mad about him doing the drugs like his uncle did
He listened and they talked through everything together
Even though this book had serious themes the spice was spicing! I loved that they did research and I will not be forgetting about the donut scene anytime soon! LOL
It was hard for Dustin to give up hockey but seeing him be so excited for Elliot was amazing
Elliot came out but Dustin wasn’t ready but when he went to Elliot’s game and Elliot kissed him it clicked he just clung on to Elliot I yelled so loud!
I love the little updates we got about Nick and Liam so I hope we get updates about Dustin and Elliot’s life in Tampa in the next book!!
Dustin hurt his knee so he was completing rehab on his knee and Elliot decided to stay in Portland on his off season
They start a sort of friendship and decide to be each others wingmen as a competition which of course is gonna be simple
They have complicated feelings for each other
Neither have been with men so it brings up difficult feelings
Both are dealing with grief and feelings about liking each other
Their first time when Elliot freaked out because of complicated feelings about his uncle made me so sad he wanted this but was worried about what his uncle would think
God when he said that awful word to Dustin and then Dustin spiraled my heart broke!
This book takes you through so many different emotions
You have to see Elliot deal with his feelings about his uncle and how he would feel about Elliot being gay and listening to his teammate spew awful hate
I love that Elliot showed up for Dustin even if he was mad about him doing the drugs like his uncle did
He listened and they talked through everything together
Even though this book had serious themes the spice was spicing! I loved that they did research and I will not be forgetting about the donut scene anytime soon! LOL
It was hard for Dustin to give up hockey but seeing him be so excited for Elliot was amazing
Elliot came out but Dustin wasn’t ready but when he went to Elliot’s game and Elliot kissed him it clicked he just clung on to Elliot I yelled so loud!
I love the little updates we got about Nick and Liam so I hope we get updates about Dustin and Elliot’s life in Tampa in the next book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2026
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
It’s a rivals-to-lovers MM hockey dual gay awakening romance between 29 year-old Dustin Bennet, who used to be the fastest winger in the league, and 21 year-old Elliot Rodriguez, who just finished one of the most impressive breakout seasons on record. He’s even being called the new Bennet. They meet at a charity event and end up spending the summer in the same city.
The book deals with grief, substance abuse, homophobia, and imposter syndrome in a respectful way. Dustin and Elliot both have painful pasts and unresolved grief that affects their relationships. Both are afraid to be vulnerable with the other and it takes them a long time to trust each other and open up. When they do let their guards down, the couple are so cute together. They tease each other and create goofy nicknames. They bicker and banter together.
Other than a few references to it, the book doesn’t contain any hockey scenes, which was a bit disappointing. The first book in the series, Medaling, contained a lot of hockey, which I prefer. This is a fun series to read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Kate Rock Literary Services and the author. All opinions are my own.
It’s a rivals-to-lovers MM hockey dual gay awakening romance between 29 year-old Dustin Bennet, who used to be the fastest winger in the league, and 21 year-old Elliot Rodriguez, who just finished one of the most impressive breakout seasons on record. He’s even being called the new Bennet. They meet at a charity event and end up spending the summer in the same city.
The book deals with grief, substance abuse, homophobia, and imposter syndrome in a respectful way. Dustin and Elliot both have painful pasts and unresolved grief that affects their relationships. Both are afraid to be vulnerable with the other and it takes them a long time to trust each other and open up. When they do let their guards down, the couple are so cute together. They tease each other and create goofy nicknames. They bicker and banter together.
Other than a few references to it, the book doesn’t contain any hockey scenes, which was a bit disappointing. The first book in the series, Medaling, contained a lot of hockey, which I prefer. This is a fun series to read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Kate Rock Literary Services and the author. All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2026
I was really looking forward to this read, I loved the concept but there just seems to have been some missing parts that I would have loved!
Now, I’m neither male or gay, but I think two “straight men” going down on each other so easily was a bit hard to swallow (lol). Surely there would have been more hesitance even with the foreplay!
Elliot was prepping himself with a toy and you hear about it once they attempt to have intercourse? Disappointing, that could have been hot!
After the first two intermit interactions, the author glosses over I think it was like a week of hook ups? Also, when they have sex the second time, another time period of sex is also super glossed over? Kind of lame
I feel like the foundation was just brought up right as the end and Dustin is now all for retirement? Needed some more behind that for me personally.
Also, Roddy as a nickname? Not it for me I’m sorry!
I really loved when Dustin was there for Elliot through his breakdown and wanting to drive him to appointments. Also, when Elliot supported Dustin after the Vancouver incident.
Overall, I really liked the concept and characters but there were definitely other moments where I was like uhhhh what did I miss!? Thanks for a good read!
P.s. If I have to hear about a 29 year old being considered old, I may just scream haha!
Now, I’m neither male or gay, but I think two “straight men” going down on each other so easily was a bit hard to swallow (lol). Surely there would have been more hesitance even with the foreplay!
Elliot was prepping himself with a toy and you hear about it once they attempt to have intercourse? Disappointing, that could have been hot!
After the first two intermit interactions, the author glosses over I think it was like a week of hook ups? Also, when they have sex the second time, another time period of sex is also super glossed over? Kind of lame
I feel like the foundation was just brought up right as the end and Dustin is now all for retirement? Needed some more behind that for me personally.
Also, Roddy as a nickname? Not it for me I’m sorry!
I really loved when Dustin was there for Elliot through his breakdown and wanting to drive him to appointments. Also, when Elliot supported Dustin after the Vancouver incident.
Overall, I really liked the concept and characters but there were definitely other moments where I was like uhhhh what did I miss!? Thanks for a good read!
P.s. If I have to hear about a 29 year old being considered old, I may just scream haha!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2026
Welp this was a book
My complaints: the pro trail of a Florida Puerto Rican 21yo was weird. I'm a Puerto Rican mother to a 18yo kid and I know the advice and conversation I have with them. Elliott's mother and are most likely the same age, she a teacher and I can't not believe she's never spoke to her son about condoms, smoking or respecting women. My mother spoke to my sister and I about these things (respecting ourselves). I will venture to say Uncle Sal also spoke to him about at least the condom thing g being that he had no children. Also, everyone seeking Elliott's ambitions and talent they would want him to misstep. I could understand the machismo and bottling thing up would have been a better focus cuz that parallels Dustin in a way. I didn't care for the arguments with Drew, adding all these things really took me out. It felt like "save the savage"
I wish instead of the above, I wish the author cover the prejudice and racism a dark skin Puerto Rican man would face in this environment. We all saw/ headed what ppls ideas about BadBunny. And he's not a player just a singer. Unfortunately, the author had some basis that's all I could see.
I finished the book and it was a nice story. If you came for representation this not the book.
My complaints: the pro trail of a Florida Puerto Rican 21yo was weird. I'm a Puerto Rican mother to a 18yo kid and I know the advice and conversation I have with them. Elliott's mother and are most likely the same age, she a teacher and I can't not believe she's never spoke to her son about condoms, smoking or respecting women. My mother spoke to my sister and I about these things (respecting ourselves). I will venture to say Uncle Sal also spoke to him about at least the condom thing g being that he had no children. Also, everyone seeking Elliott's ambitions and talent they would want him to misstep. I could understand the machismo and bottling thing up would have been a better focus cuz that parallels Dustin in a way. I didn't care for the arguments with Drew, adding all these things really took me out. It felt like "save the savage"
I wish instead of the above, I wish the author cover the prejudice and racism a dark skin Puerto Rican man would face in this environment. We all saw/ headed what ppls ideas about BadBunny. And he's not a player just a singer. Unfortunately, the author had some basis that's all I could see.
I finished the book and it was a nice story. If you came for representation this not the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book started a little bit slow but I liked "Medaling" so much I kept going through the beginning. Having read the content warnings at the very beginning, I had that in the back of my head as I was reading and trying to figure out how it will be applicable to this book. Basically every time someone talked about taking an ibuprofen, i panicked! Luckily, I also reminded myself that this is a romance novel so it will end happily.
Like "Medaling", this book is also well written and easy to read. I didn't find any continuity errors, which is always nice, and I was never confused about the plot. The conflict part of the book was definitely deeper than conflict in other books I've read, but was written in a way that didn't get me too sad about it.
Dustin is a champ for his insistence on consent and for teaching Elliot about it! These guys are a great couple and it was fun to read about them.
I'm so pleased that this book was my first ARC experience and I definitely recommended this book to anyone, hockey fan or not!
Like "Medaling", this book is also well written and easy to read. I didn't find any continuity errors, which is always nice, and I was never confused about the plot. The conflict part of the book was definitely deeper than conflict in other books I've read, but was written in a way that didn't get me too sad about it.
Dustin is a champ for his insistence on consent and for teaching Elliot about it! These guys are a great couple and it was fun to read about them.
I'm so pleased that this book was my first ARC experience and I definitely recommended this book to anyone, hockey fan or not!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is probably one of the most recent timeline books I have read in a while, so it was a little bit jarring at times to hear social commentary of events that we are currently living. However that level of reaction is very much appreciated as the way the characters evolve and express their own feelings of what we the reader is currently living are very well within the realm with possibility in reality.
The use of Spanish throughout the dialogue felt current and true to actual social norms and how it was used.
The storyline and the character arcs were intense at times. And the spice in the spicy scenes was very well written. I can’t wait for the next book!
(it is a shame that somebody has already opted to give this a one star review based simply on how it handled social discourse subjects regarding the NHL, hockey players, and our current government)
The use of Spanish throughout the dialogue felt current and true to actual social norms and how it was used.
The storyline and the character arcs were intense at times. And the spice in the spicy scenes was very well written. I can’t wait for the next book!
(it is a shame that somebody has already opted to give this a one star review based simply on how it handled social discourse subjects regarding the NHL, hockey players, and our current government)
July 31, 2026
Dustin and Elliott are rivals on the ice. When they meet at a fund raising event of course they have a friendly competition there too of who can get a girls number. When Elliott decides to spend the summer in Portland, where Dustin spends his, they become each other's wingmen. What starts out as a friendly competition of picking up girls turns into banter, sexy innuendos, and a bunch of confused feelings. I loved the development of their relationship as it wasn't straightforward and all rainbows and butterflies. There were times they were confused about what they were feeling, especially with the stigma about queer relationships in sports. I am definitely making time to read the first in this series because I loved this one so much. This is perfect for any hockey romance lover.
August 7, 2026
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series, albeit that there's still obvious sections which mirror Heated Rivalry, this time its the 'What Colour?" scene (IYKYK 🤭) and the on ice kiss.
Dustin Bennett was the best hockey player in the world until he blew out his knee and young rival, Elliott Rodriguez, took the top spot.
When the two spend their summer in Portland, they strike up a tentative friendship, bar and bed hopping, working out and playing basketball together.
Everything changes when Elliott kisses Dustin after a night out and they both realise they're not as straight as they thought.
There's some trigger warnings for this book too, namely opioid addiction and homophobia. Also, the treatment of women by Elliott, in particular, is unpleasant.
Dustin Bennett was the best hockey player in the world until he blew out his knee and young rival, Elliott Rodriguez, took the top spot.
When the two spend their summer in Portland, they strike up a tentative friendship, bar and bed hopping, working out and playing basketball together.
Everything changes when Elliott kisses Dustin after a night out and they both realise they're not as straight as they thought.
There's some trigger warnings for this book too, namely opioid addiction and homophobia. Also, the treatment of women by Elliott, in particular, is unpleasant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2026
Ok so tbh there was a lot I did like here - I thought the chemistry between these two idiots was fun, and I thought some of the heavier topics were handled really well.
That being said, on no planet is a 29 year old hockey player (excluding the bum knee) nearing retirement! The average age of the Los Angeles Kings is 31! I mean granted they are an old ass team but the point stands that 29 is not retirement age for a exceptionally famous hockey player. I also found a lot of Elliot's toxic masculinity just totally unnecessary for the story.
So I guess it's like a 3.5 rounded down because I could have done with less annoying machismo. Treat women (and yourself) with respect!
That being said, on no planet is a 29 year old hockey player (excluding the bum knee) nearing retirement! The average age of the Los Angeles Kings is 31! I mean granted they are an old ass team but the point stands that 29 is not retirement age for a exceptionally famous hockey player. I also found a lot of Elliot's toxic masculinity just totally unnecessary for the story.
So I guess it's like a 3.5 rounded down because I could have done with less annoying machismo. Treat women (and yourself) with respect!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the realness of this story. The characters and the trials that they go through in their personal lives shows a different side of trauma and of how easily addiction can take someone from themselves. It also does a good job of showing the stigma and homophobia that are present in the world and a major league sports. The way people have to hide their true selves. I like the depth of real life in this book a lot.
August 4, 2026
I didn't have high expectations when i started reding this book, and somehow it still disappointed me. I kind of enjoyed it but Elliot is so infuriating i really can't stand him. Also 29 is not that old in sports years spacially when the player is as good as the author wants me to believe Dustin is, without the knee issue he could have played for another 8-10 years!!!
August 2, 2026
3.5+
Another stellar read by Hailey tbh. I really love her characters. It’s a light read that doesn’t take much brain power and it doesn’t exactly step on your neck with the feels, but little flutters instead. Super cute, very wholesome. Elliot and Dustin were adorable.
Another stellar read by Hailey tbh. I really love her characters. It’s a light read that doesn’t take much brain power and it doesn’t exactly step on your neck with the feels, but little flutters instead. Super cute, very wholesome. Elliot and Dustin were adorable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were adorable. I like the author's sense of humour and style of writing, it's always worth my time.
July 29, 2026
I enjoyed their story! I wasn't able to read Medaling, but I'm glad it's a standalone! Thanks to KateRocks Literary Services for the ebook!
July 30, 2026
The banter had me cackling, it was also a super cute relationship. Devoured it in a day.
August 3, 2026
bruh. calling your partner “kid” and saying you feel like jeffrey epstein is just a bit much for me idk.
August 7, 2026
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love rivals to lovers, hockey and mm romance so this combo was always going to be coming from a great place. A delightful quick read.
I love rivals to lovers, hockey and mm romance so this combo was always going to be coming from a great place. A delightful quick read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A completely different vibe than Medaling, which disappointed me a lot since I loved that book. Not to say that all books by author need to be the same/similar, but Wingmen left me rather baffled. And I had really high expectactions and lots of excitement.
I found no chemistry between Dustin and Elliot, well, maybe some, but their attraction to one another felt a little forced, too fast and I would even describe it a bit out of the blue. Two straight dudes are each others' wingmen but they are rivals at the same time, and suddenly start getting hard-ons for each other. Usually, this type of scenario would be exciting, but I didn't see that spark between the characters.
Not very fair to compare the two books, but Medaling had a lot of emotions, feels, risk and Wingmen lacked that. Yeah, there were some wholesome and touching moments, but the plot was more about fucking than falling in love, which isn't bad by itself.
One thing that really ick'ed me was the portayal of women in this books: only good for the bodycount, competition between men. And the score keeping app... Nope.
I did like the a bit older grump x sarcastic younger guy trope. Elliot was funny as hell at times and Dustin, well, never said no to a challenge. The age gap wasn't huge, but it was fun to read how Elliot kept on calling Dustin old man (which he is, in hockey years!).
Overall, not a bad read, just far more different from what I hoped for, after reading Medaling.
Thanks to the author for the ARC.
I found no chemistry between Dustin and Elliot, well, maybe some, but their attraction to one another felt a little forced, too fast and I would even describe it a bit out of the blue. Two straight dudes are each others' wingmen but they are rivals at the same time, and suddenly start getting hard-ons for each other. Usually, this type of scenario would be exciting, but I didn't see that spark between the characters.
Not very fair to compare the two books, but Medaling had a lot of emotions, feels, risk and Wingmen lacked that. Yeah, there were some wholesome and touching moments, but the plot was more about fucking than falling in love, which isn't bad by itself.
One thing that really ick'ed me was the portayal of women in this books: only good for the bodycount, competition between men. And the score keeping app... Nope.
I did like the a bit older grump x sarcastic younger guy trope. Elliot was funny as hell at times and Dustin, well, never said no to a challenge. The age gap wasn't huge, but it was fun to read how Elliot kept on calling Dustin old man (which he is, in hockey years!).
Overall, not a bad read, just far more different from what I hoped for, after reading Medaling.
Thanks to the author for the ARC.
July 28, 2026
***ARC review ***
Star rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
Such a cute MM hockey romance! The age gap was a nice touch. I liked how Elliot matured and changed his toxic thinking throughout the book. I also liked how their relationship built over time. I really loved the opioid use disorder representation! I felt like it was done well, and it reminded the reader of how it’s a chronic condition that needs treatment just like any other condition. I’ll definitely continue reading this series!
If you’re a fan of Heated Rivalry, this series is definitely one to check out!
Star rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
Such a cute MM hockey romance! The age gap was a nice touch. I liked how Elliot matured and changed his toxic thinking throughout the book. I also liked how their relationship built over time. I really loved the opioid use disorder representation! I felt like it was done well, and it reminded the reader of how it’s a chronic condition that needs treatment just like any other condition. I’ll definitely continue reading this series!
If you’re a fan of Heated Rivalry, this series is definitely one to check out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book wasn't terrible, but it way longer than it needed to be. The first book, Medaling, was much better. One thing this author needs to learn, is to leave their personal politics out of their books, It's completely unnecessary, considering what they wrote was a lie. "They usually accused Elliott of being ignorant , or even MAGA, which was f***ing ridiculous, because why the f*ck would Elliott vote for a guy who called his abuela's home a 'floating island of garbage'?" Trump never said that, but this is what happen when you only believe what you hear. There was literally no reason to include this in the story. All it will achieve is alienating readers. I will not be reading the next book in this series. The blurb for it is already laying the ground work for saying conservatives don't support gay people. We actually do and to insinuate that we don't makes this author ignorant, not MAGA.
After posting this review, an email was sent to ask that reviews like this are taken down until after the book release. I will not be doing that. That is completely dishonest and people need to know not to waste their money on authors like this. All she had to do was keep her ignorant political views to herself. Her opinion had no reason to be in this book. I still wouldn't have given it 5 stars anyways.
After posting this review, an email was sent to ask that reviews like this are taken down until after the book release. I will not be doing that. That is completely dishonest and people need to know not to waste their money on authors like this. All she had to do was keep her ignorant political views to herself. Her opinion had no reason to be in this book. I still wouldn't have given it 5 stars anyways.
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