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Shift Change
A captain with everything to lose. A rookie with nothing to hide.
Ethan Tremblay has spent a decade as the Minnesota Huskies' dependable captain – and just as long making sure no one ever really knows him. In a league that still isn't ready, keeping his head down and his truth buried has felt like the only way to survive. He's buried it so deep, he's almost convinced himself it's what he deserves.
Jamie Carter never had that option. After coming out at eighteen, he clawed his way back to the draft on pure talent and sheer refusal to shrink. He has zero intention of hiding now. Not for the fans, not for the media, and not for Ethan.
When they collide on the ice, the friction is immediate. But what neither expects is what happens off it. In a sport that still isn't ready for them, loving each other may be the biggest risk of all.
Ethan Tremblay has spent a decade as the Minnesota Huskies' dependable captain – and just as long making sure no one ever really knows him. In a league that still isn't ready, keeping his head down and his truth buried has felt like the only way to survive. He's buried it so deep, he's almost convinced himself it's what he deserves.
Jamie Carter never had that option. After coming out at eighteen, he clawed his way back to the draft on pure talent and sheer refusal to shrink. He has zero intention of hiding now. Not for the fans, not for the media, and not for Ethan.
When they collide on the ice, the friction is immediate. But what neither expects is what happens off it. In a sport that still isn't ready for them, loving each other may be the biggest risk of all.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 23, 2026
Disclaimer: I had the privilege of serving as a Beta reader for Shift Change. What follows is my fair and honest review.
Shift Change is the kind of romance that begins as a compelling sports story and evolves into something richer — a story about loyalty, friendship, found family, timing, and the complicated ways people learn to love and, perhaps most importantly, trust themselves and each other.
Maggie Holloway's novel feels like a lived-in story, not a debut offering. What struck me most was how quickly Holloway created characters I was deeply invested in. Ethan and Jamie felt like dear personal friends — and while I was rooting for them, I also wanted to pull them aside and yell, "Get it together!" The cast feels remarkably real. They have histories, inside jokes, favorite foods, quirks, and relationships that extend well beyond the central romance. Even secondary characters feel fully realized, and several of them managed to become favorites in their own right — Alexei, Avery, Hailey, Mac, Finn... I'll stop there, otherwise I'm just listing every character.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emotional authenticity. The relationships — romantic and otherwise — develop in ways that feel earned. Ethan and Jamie communicate imperfectly, make mistakes, carry old wounds, and occasionally drive you absolutely crazy. Yet their choices always feel grounded in who they are, rather than what the plot needs them to do. And the miscommunication doesn't stay confined to the romance — it shows up in platonic friendships too, which is both honest and refreshing.
The world-building deserves recognition as well. The hockey backdrop provides structure, but the story never feels dependent on the sport. It's a good reminder that even in fiction, your job is not the totality of your life. Whether you're a hockey fan or not, the real draw is the community surrounding these characters and the way their lives intersect over time.
There are moments of humor that had me laughing out loud, moments of tenderness that had me teary-eyed, and more than a few moments that left me genuinely anxious about the fate of people who do not, in fact, exist. That's usually a sign that an author has done something right.
Perhaps the highest compliment I can give Shift Change is this: I finished the book wanting more time with these characters. Not because the story felt incomplete, but because they felt real enough that I wasn't ready to leave them behind.
If you enjoy character-driven romance, found family dynamics, emotional depth, and stories that make you care deeply about the people on the page, Shift Change is well worth your time. Jamie, Ethan, and the rest of the Huskies are great fun.
Bottom line : Come for the hockey. Come because you like queer romance. Leave emotionally attached to people you'll be thinking about long after you turn the last page.
And if you've read this far thinking, "Foxy, you've told me nothing" — well, I guess you'll just have to read the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
The story follows Ethan Tremblay, the closeted captain of the Minnesota Huskies, whose world is shaken up when his team drafts Jamie Carter, the first openly gay NHL prospect. When Jamie first arrives, Ethan is closed off and honestly, pretty terrible to Jamie because Ethan is so terrified of what Jamie being on the team could mean for him. I love how Jamie sticks up for himself and challenges Ethan’s assumptions of what it could be like to be queer in professional hockey.
As they are forced to work together on the ice, they begin to soften towards each other and they develop a friendship which evolves. While it is clear (to me!) feelings are there almost instantly it takes a while for the two of them to get their acts together.
I loved the side characters in this book, especially Alexei, Ethan’s best friend and the goalie of the team who was funny and also incredibly supportive of Ethan at all stages.
I loved Jamie and his relationship with his best friend Avery. It felt very real - not entirely smooth, and with some growing pains as they navigate how they choose to have an adult friendship.
Hockey is a character in this book, not just the setting. Ethan and Jamie’s development on the ice and bonding over their sport is integral to the development of their emotional relationship.
This is a strong debut romance novel from Maggie Holloway and I am excited to read more from her in the future! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves teammates-to-lovers, age-gap, beautiful coming out stories, and a well-earned HEA.
The story follows Ethan Tremblay, the closeted captain of the Minnesota Huskies, whose world is shaken up when his team drafts Jamie Carter, the first openly gay NHL prospect. When Jamie first arrives, Ethan is closed off and honestly, pretty terrible to Jamie because Ethan is so terrified of what Jamie being on the team could mean for him. I love how Jamie sticks up for himself and challenges Ethan’s assumptions of what it could be like to be queer in professional hockey.
As they are forced to work together on the ice, they begin to soften towards each other and they develop a friendship which evolves. While it is clear (to me!) feelings are there almost instantly it takes a while for the two of them to get their acts together.
I loved the side characters in this book, especially Alexei, Ethan’s best friend and the goalie of the team who was funny and also incredibly supportive of Ethan at all stages.
I loved Jamie and his relationship with his best friend Avery. It felt very real - not entirely smooth, and with some growing pains as they navigate how they choose to have an adult friendship.
Hockey is a character in this book, not just the setting. Ethan and Jamie’s development on the ice and bonding over their sport is integral to the development of their emotional relationship.
This is a strong debut romance novel from Maggie Holloway and I am excited to read more from her in the future! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves teammates-to-lovers, age-gap, beautiful coming out stories, and a well-earned HEA.
July 22, 2026
3.25⭐️ based on the book blurb, I anticipated more angst in the beginning and was a little shocked by Ethan’s actions at Jamie’s birthday party. Not disappointed at all! I felt like there was enough description of Jamie but really not one of Ethan besides “his dark hair” which made it a tad difficult to connect these characters as I am always trying to imagine them in my head while reading and so it just felt like Ethan’s persona always felt like something was missing. I also got so sick of reading “uh..” within dialogue, it was one thing in the beginning when there was a lot more unease and awkwardness but this happened throughout the entire book. Lastly, love the house in the epilogue but I was really hoping for more between the two of them by the epilogue. Overall, Jamie and Ethan were enjoyable as a couple but a lot of good plot points felt lacking, as soon as they were established as a couple it jumped to the end of the season with an epilogue that really didn’t have any updates on their relationship.
As a side note, I kept wondering if the author was trying to drop hints about Mac throughout the book?! He was always mentioned with a tad of mystery and confusion surrounding his relationship with Hailey. I wonder if he will get his own book? 👀
As a side note, I kept wondering if the author was trying to drop hints about Mac throughout the book?! He was always mentioned with a tad of mystery and confusion surrounding his relationship with Hailey. I wonder if he will get his own book? 👀
June 25, 2026
Such a cute read, I enjoyed every second.
Ethan and Jamie were everything together and I’m so glad they got their happy ending. I hated seeing how Ethan treated Jamie at the beginning but I do understand how it was because he was scared and how he grew up, I’m glad he regretted that for the rest of the book.
The books main theme was so important, especially with what you see in men’s sports currently and I’m glad we got to see that not everyone is toxic and a lot of people are accepting.
I really loved the found family and new friendships formed as well as old ones becoming better like with Ethan and Alexei, and Jamie and Avery.
I wish we got a little more, like with them telling the whole team and their reactions and also Avery meeting Ethan for the first time.
I hope to read more books in this world in the future.
Ethan and Jamie were everything together and I’m so glad they got their happy ending. I hated seeing how Ethan treated Jamie at the beginning but I do understand how it was because he was scared and how he grew up, I’m glad he regretted that for the rest of the book.
The books main theme was so important, especially with what you see in men’s sports currently and I’m glad we got to see that not everyone is toxic and a lot of people are accepting.
I really loved the found family and new friendships formed as well as old ones becoming better like with Ethan and Alexei, and Jamie and Avery.
I wish we got a little more, like with them telling the whole team and their reactions and also Avery meeting Ethan for the first time.
I hope to read more books in this world in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of Shift Change by Maggie Holloway, and here's my review!
I loved it!
I enjoyed the progression of the story, Ethan and Jamie's ups and downs, and most especially Alexei. LOVE him and his awesomeness at being team social director and most importantly creating a safe space for Ethan (and Jamie) to finally be his authentic self. Also, there was a perfect mix of the spicy romance, team/friendship stories, and hockey play.
Cute nods to other popular MM romances that Jamie and Ethan were reading! <3
One teensy complaint is the use of the term master bedroom, instead of primary bedroom, which is more commonly acceptedn these days since the old term is rooted in slavery.
I loved it!
I enjoyed the progression of the story, Ethan and Jamie's ups and downs, and most especially Alexei. LOVE him and his awesomeness at being team social director and most importantly creating a safe space for Ethan (and Jamie) to finally be his authentic self. Also, there was a perfect mix of the spicy romance, team/friendship stories, and hockey play.
Cute nods to other popular MM romances that Jamie and Ethan were reading! <3
One teensy complaint is the use of the term master bedroom, instead of primary bedroom, which is more commonly acceptedn these days since the old term is rooted in slavery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2026
Everything and More!!!
I was blessed enough to get go be a part of the ARC. I read this book in one day! Could not put it down. I love a good hockey romance. But, sometimes. They can all feel similar. This was NOT that. There was all the familiar moments of angst and lust. But it was different. In all the best ways. While I was able to fall in love with the 2 mains. I also fell in love with the supporting characters. And am literally on bated breath, trying not to stalk Maggie about more Minnesota Huskies books. If you LOVE a hockey romance as want something that’s a great story with strong characters and somehow still manages to feel unique and NEW. READ THIS BOOK!!!!
I was blessed enough to get go be a part of the ARC. I read this book in one day! Could not put it down. I love a good hockey romance. But, sometimes. They can all feel similar. This was NOT that. There was all the familiar moments of angst and lust. But it was different. In all the best ways. While I was able to fall in love with the 2 mains. I also fell in love with the supporting characters. And am literally on bated breath, trying not to stalk Maggie about more Minnesota Huskies books. If you LOVE a hockey romance as want something that’s a great story with strong characters and somehow still manages to feel unique and NEW. READ THIS BOOK!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m definitely still somewhat new to the MM romance genre, and I am SO glad that this book was my first experience as an advance reader. While you might initially worry that this is just another MM hockey romance, I guarantee you will be surprised at the original takes, twists, and turns that the author gives to her two very relatable and likable main characters, Ethan and Jamie. I literally gasped at points in this book and finished it in two days. You won’t be able put it down!
I think this author shows tremendous promise and I can’t wait to see what she does next!
I’m definitely still somewhat new to the MM romance genre, and I am SO glad that this book was my first experience as an advance reader. While you might initially worry that this is just another MM hockey romance, I guarantee you will be surprised at the original takes, twists, and turns that the author gives to her two very relatable and likable main characters, Ethan and Jamie. I literally gasped at points in this book and finished it in two days. You won’t be able put it down!
I think this author shows tremendous promise and I can’t wait to see what she does next!
July 20, 2026
Pro změnu bylo fajn (ikdyž neskutečně mě to sere, bo nesnáším homophobic lid) číst knihu, kde bohužel nežijeme ve světě přízraků a čar, kde je všechno ideální a neexistuje homofobie, což je u MM romcoms (navíc ve sportovním prostředí, v tomto případě hokej) většinou výjimka (thank god).
Akorát mně nepřišlo, že by mezi hlavníma postavama nebylo takový pouto (bylo dobrý, že to byl víc mature relantioship, ale vlastně se tam nic moc nestalo...ve třetině se hookupnou, pokračují v tom, potom kvůli nátlaku přestanou a v poslední ani ne třetině se daj do kupy a closedet older hockey player si řekne fuck it, urobim coming out a najednou je konec...takže idk, něco mně tam tak nějak chybělo)
Akorát mně nepřišlo, že by mezi hlavníma postavama nebylo takový pouto (bylo dobrý, že to byl víc mature relantioship, ale vlastně se tam nic moc nestalo...ve třetině se hookupnou, pokračují v tom, potom kvůli nátlaku přestanou a v poslední ani ne třetině se daj do kupy a closedet older hockey player si řekne fuck it, urobim coming out a najednou je konec...takže idk, něco mně tam tak nějak chybělo)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
July 16, 2026The beginning was fine. But then somewhere along the way, there was just too much repetition: E.g. a character would experience something, and then somehow the entire incident would be narrated to another--not once but at least a couple of times this happens (at least that's how I remember feeling). I suppose it needed a good editor. I really wanted to read it till the end, but just couldn't. Maybe in a few days I might try finishing it.
It seems like a debut novel, so if the author writes another in the series I'll give it a try. I do hope the next is a taut one though!
It seems like a debut novel, so if the author writes another in the series I'll give it a try. I do hope the next is a taut one though!
July 4, 2026
5 ⭐️
It was so good that I read it in one sitting. I love Ethan’s character so much and while I know the way he wanted to initially come out wasn’t the answer, I found it so romantic that he knew what he wanted and he was willing to let everything else go to hell. Such a great love story. Loved it so much.
It was so good that I read it in one sitting. I love Ethan’s character so much and while I know the way he wanted to initially come out wasn’t the answer, I found it so romantic that he knew what he wanted and he was willing to let everything else go to hell. Such a great love story. Loved it so much.
July 14, 2026
Ahhh I enjoyed this so much. Yes this may seem like your average MM hockey romance but this story had depth to it. Jamie + Ethan’s relationship evolution was everything ugh I adored these two. I loved this story and can’t wait to read more from this author!
Did Not Finish
June 25, 2026DNF @ 20% - I’ll come back to this if someone tells me Jamie ends up with a love interest who isn’t Ethan.
June 27, 2026
will def pick up the next in the series when it comes out
July 1, 2026
4.5⭐️ great characters. will definitely read more of her work
July 3, 2026
Nice, good read
July 28, 2026
wow
First of all, loved this story set in my home state. The storyline was fabulous. The cast of characters were amazing. I’m looking forward to getting more from this author.
First of all, loved this story set in my home state. The storyline was fabulous. The cast of characters were amazing. I’m looking forward to getting more from this author.
July 31, 2026
3.5 stars
Read
August 3, 2026This is a debut = Watch this author.
Strong out of the blocks. Very keen to see where these characters go in the future.
Strong out of the blocks. Very keen to see where these characters go in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the opportunity to read Shift Change as a beta reader and I absolutely devoured it (twice)! I love Ethan and Jamie. Each character has a unique voice on the page and is well-rounded with their own personality, hang ups, challenges and fire. Any time I thought I knew what was coming something unexpected happened; I gasped and laughed out loud multiple times and I didn’t want to put it down. The side characters are wonderful, adding humor, whimsy, shenanigans and, of course, support for Ethan and Jamie. I can’t wait to get more time with the Minnesota Huskies.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews