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Minor Penalties #3
Two for Charging
The right partner can end any scoring slump
Since the moment they met, San Francisco Sea Lions Defenseman Luca Mazetti has harbored a debilitating crush on his on-ice partner and roommate, Breezy. Breezy is loud, friendly, and mistakenly believes himself to be Italian even though he's from Montreal. In short, he's everything Luca never thought he'd want. When Breezy asks for help navigating love and sex, Luca is powerless to resist despite knowing he's only going to end up getting hurt.
Chris knows he's not the sharpest blade on the skate. He can't even figure out why none of his girlfriends stick around, he's definitely not a good fit for the newly vacant alternate captaincy everyone keeps trying to give him. All he wants is for the team to get along despite the changes and upheaval plaguing the roster. If he can keep Luca living in his apartment as well, even better. Chris knows his best friend is way too good for him and will move on eventually, but for reasons he doesn't fully understand, he's desperate to keep Luca's attention.
With dissent brewing among the Sea Lions, can Luca and Chris hold the team together? Or will the team disintegrate along with their friendship? And if it does, can they build something stronger from the rubble?
Since the moment they met, San Francisco Sea Lions Defenseman Luca Mazetti has harbored a debilitating crush on his on-ice partner and roommate, Breezy. Breezy is loud, friendly, and mistakenly believes himself to be Italian even though he's from Montreal. In short, he's everything Luca never thought he'd want. When Breezy asks for help navigating love and sex, Luca is powerless to resist despite knowing he's only going to end up getting hurt.
Chris knows he's not the sharpest blade on the skate. He can't even figure out why none of his girlfriends stick around, he's definitely not a good fit for the newly vacant alternate captaincy everyone keeps trying to give him. All he wants is for the team to get along despite the changes and upheaval plaguing the roster. If he can keep Luca living in his apartment as well, even better. Chris knows his best friend is way too good for him and will move on eventually, but for reasons he doesn't fully understand, he's desperate to keep Luca's attention.
With dissent brewing among the Sea Lions, can Luca and Chris hold the team together? Or will the team disintegrate along with their friendship? And if it does, can they build something stronger from the rubble?
370 pages, ebook
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
S.B. Barnes
5 books56 followersS. B. Barnes received a degree in literature and anthropology from a small liberal arts college in upstate New York. No murders took place during her studies.
She then moved to Germany, got a teaching degree, started teaching, and decided to write books as well because it just wasn’t stressful enough.
Now, she has written several series and keeps jotting down new ideas in between planning classes, editing her last projects, and telling the cats that they really did already have dinner and they can’t fool her no matter how hard they try.
She then moved to Germany, got a teaching degree, started teaching, and decided to write books as well because it just wasn’t stressful enough.
Now, she has written several series and keeps jotting down new ideas in between planning classes, editing her last projects, and telling the cats that they really did already have dinner and they can’t fool her no matter how hard they try.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 13, 2026
This was so good! You have to really read these books in order to get the full story because there is a lot about the team as well as the MC’s. But Breezy is the sweetest ever! Luca is so in love with him and it is so cute watching him be so hung up.
There is a lot of team dynamics in these books but they include past main characters and (hopefully) future ones. I enjoy the change up between the romance and the team politics.
I don’t know how anyone will not love Breezy and Luca was so much sweeter than I could ever imagine. He was pining hard for Breezy! I do with we had some resolution with Breezy’s parents and I am very interested in them finding out Chris is in love with a man.
I hope we get Howie’s story! He really was immature but the re has to be so much to unpack there. And the ending was great!
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
There is a lot of team dynamics in these books but they include past main characters and (hopefully) future ones. I enjoy the change up between the romance and the team politics.
I don’t know how anyone will not love Breezy and Luca was so much sweeter than I could ever imagine. He was pining hard for Breezy! I do with we had some resolution with Breezy’s parents and I am very interested in them finding out Chris is in love with a man.
I hope we get Howie’s story! He really was immature but the re has to be so much to unpack there. And the ending was great!
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
May 29, 2026
i just really loved chris and luca
Review of advance copy
ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*
3,5 ⭐, rounded up because I love Breezy 💗
I was super hyped for Breezy and Luca’s book ever since I read Two for Holding, because from the beginning, they felt like the most interesting pairing in the whole series.
I’m not saying the series is bad, because I’ve enjoyed parts of all the books, but honestly, the main couples from books 1 and 2 never fully grabbed me. Breezy and Luca were the ones who actually had my attention, so I came into this one with really high expectations and a lot of hope that their romance would finally get the full focus it deserved.
My issue with this series as a whole has always been that the author doesn’t stay focused enough on the central romance. There’s constantly so much other stuff happening around the love story that it has to compete for space in its own book, and it’s frustrating.
So, I was really hoping this book would break that pattern, and for a while, it actually did. In the first third, the focus feels much tighter, and the boys really are at the center of everything. We get meaningful time with Luca, and I loved digging into his background and the reasons behind his prickly, grumpy attitude. More than that, I liked seeing the emotional side of him and how he feels about Breezy.
My favorite part of the whole book, though, is how it gets deeper into Breezy’s character, how his anxiety completely fuels the way he moves through the world, how he interacts with people, and the way he sees himself. That made him feel painfully relatable to me at times. His insecurity affects so much of how he is with others, and I think the book is strongest whenever it focuses on that instead of rushing past it.
Their interactions are easily the highlight for me. Their chemistry is strong, and it never feels forced. I also really appreciate the depiction of Breezy’s demisexuality, which adds another layer to his character and to the relationship in a way that feels meaningful rather than just thrown in for the sake of it.
But then it starts to fall into the exact same pattern that bothered me in the previous ones. At a certain point, the focus shifts away from the boys and starts getting buried under a pile of side plots that don’t really add to the main story.
I get that the team dynamics are supposed to be part of the appeal of this series, and sometimes the background drama works, but here it starts to feel overcrowded. There were so many players, conflicts, and little side developments competing for attention that I actually started mixing some of the characters up.
And that’s where the book really lost me a bit. The jerk teammates are still jerks, except now they are trying to redeem themselves? One guy who was actually likable in the earlier books suddenly turns into a whiny, immature brat, and instead of the story dealing with the problem, he gets traded away and there’s zero accountability. I’m guessing that’s the setup for the next book, but in this one it just felt distracting and annoying.
I don’t care about the cheating-poly-whatever thing involving one of the jerk teammates, or all the updates on Tom/Jax and Ben/Phil, they already had their books. I wanted Luca and Breezy. That was the whole point. And the more the story drifted away from them, the more it lost me. I wanted more of Breezy’s situation with his parents or the team’s reaction to finding out about the relationship, those are the moments I wish the book had spent more time on.
That’s why this ended up being kind of a frustrating read, because I really do think Breezy and Luca have the best dynamic in the entire series. This one is still my favorite book out of the three because I really loved the characters. But the execution just didn’t fully deliver on what it could have been, and I came away feeling like the story gave me a glimpse of something so good without following through.
Also, I still don’t understand the point of the social media bits at the beginning of every chapter, it doesn't add anything to the plot, but that’s a rant for another day.
*mild spoilers ahead*
3,5 ⭐, rounded up because I love Breezy 💗
I was super hyped for Breezy and Luca’s book ever since I read Two for Holding, because from the beginning, they felt like the most interesting pairing in the whole series.
I’m not saying the series is bad, because I’ve enjoyed parts of all the books, but honestly, the main couples from books 1 and 2 never fully grabbed me. Breezy and Luca were the ones who actually had my attention, so I came into this one with really high expectations and a lot of hope that their romance would finally get the full focus it deserved.
My issue with this series as a whole has always been that the author doesn’t stay focused enough on the central romance. There’s constantly so much other stuff happening around the love story that it has to compete for space in its own book, and it’s frustrating.
So, I was really hoping this book would break that pattern, and for a while, it actually did. In the first third, the focus feels much tighter, and the boys really are at the center of everything. We get meaningful time with Luca, and I loved digging into his background and the reasons behind his prickly, grumpy attitude. More than that, I liked seeing the emotional side of him and how he feels about Breezy.
My favorite part of the whole book, though, is how it gets deeper into Breezy’s character, how his anxiety completely fuels the way he moves through the world, how he interacts with people, and the way he sees himself. That made him feel painfully relatable to me at times. His insecurity affects so much of how he is with others, and I think the book is strongest whenever it focuses on that instead of rushing past it.
Their interactions are easily the highlight for me. Their chemistry is strong, and it never feels forced. I also really appreciate the depiction of Breezy’s demisexuality, which adds another layer to his character and to the relationship in a way that feels meaningful rather than just thrown in for the sake of it.
But then it starts to fall into the exact same pattern that bothered me in the previous ones. At a certain point, the focus shifts away from the boys and starts getting buried under a pile of side plots that don’t really add to the main story.
I get that the team dynamics are supposed to be part of the appeal of this series, and sometimes the background drama works, but here it starts to feel overcrowded. There were so many players, conflicts, and little side developments competing for attention that I actually started mixing some of the characters up.
And that’s where the book really lost me a bit. The jerk teammates are still jerks, except now they are trying to redeem themselves? One guy who was actually likable in the earlier books suddenly turns into a whiny, immature brat, and instead of the story dealing with the problem, he gets traded away and there’s zero accountability. I’m guessing that’s the setup for the next book, but in this one it just felt distracting and annoying.
I don’t care about the cheating-poly-whatever thing involving one of the jerk teammates, or all the updates on Tom/Jax and Ben/Phil, they already had their books. I wanted Luca and Breezy. That was the whole point. And the more the story drifted away from them, the more it lost me. I wanted more of Breezy’s situation with his parents or the team’s reaction to finding out about the relationship, those are the moments I wish the book had spent more time on.
That’s why this ended up being kind of a frustrating read, because I really do think Breezy and Luca have the best dynamic in the entire series. This one is still my favorite book out of the three because I really loved the characters. But the execution just didn’t fully deliver on what it could have been, and I came away feeling like the story gave me a glimpse of something so good without following through.
Also, I still don’t understand the point of the social media bits at the beginning of every chapter, it doesn't add anything to the plot, but that’s a rant for another day.
Review of advance copy
This is what I've always assumed friends who try fucking and have it blow up in their faces would be like.
One thing that kept happening in this that I disliked - starting a narrative central to the plot ie the two MCs having the conversation of one coaching the other sexually, and then immediately ending the chapter and the next one starts days later, at a totally different location and a totally different conversation going on.
Like???? This is why we're here? Why would we be left out of the immediate reaction and response to such a conversation between the bi MC and the straight one?
I feel like that was a missed opportunity.
I really liked how well Chris' journey of self discovery was portrayed. I did skip book 2 of this series but I remember from book 1 how he was always the one trying to make light of every situation and his anxiety every time things seemed headed for conflict in this one just added to that. It makes his later discoveries in therapy so much more meaningful because as he talks about things, some things make sense to the reader and you start to connect the dots long before Chris does.
You can really see how he thinks he had an okay childhood, not much to complain about - because nothing BIG ever happened, but it's obvious how all the constant small things over the years have shaped his personality more than he realizes.
I liked this more than book 1 but a big part of that may be that I had so much goodwill towards these two going in.
I was curious about their friendship even then so that translated to this.
Unfortunately I still have some complaints with the overall story.
I'm still not a huge fan of the hockey articles/blogs/vlogs and comments from the fans that mark the start of every new chapter.
The hockey is still too much, though this is a personal preference so your mileage may vary.
The team is still mostly a clusterfuck. So many cliques and secrets, most of which only Chris knows about and has to hide from everyone, including Luca, which puts the poor guy in a very uncomfortable situation.
I actually don't know why there's a general belief that he's dumb. He seems to notice and pick up on a lot of things everyone else is oblivious to.
Don't get me wrong, Chris IS as oblivious as promised. But only in relation to himself. Not universally.
Luca thinks he's being obvious about his feelings but I don't agree. For someone like Chris, who already feels extremely lucky that Luca is even willing to be his friend and roommate, it's not an obvious leap to 'this man is in love with me'.
Especially as Chris was already dealing with his own feelings of inadequacy from his failed relationships.
But overall this gave me warm fuzzy feelings. I like that the miscommunication didn't even last a full 24 hours, and that even when they still had inaccurate understanding of the conversation, they both valued their friendship so much and wanted it to continue in spite of whichever hurt feelings they needed to nurse on their own.
An underexplored aspect in friends to lovers romances. Usually you have one or both fuck off into a rage that results in someone moving away for years, or prolonged silent treatment and /or a resentful environment that ends up fucking with team dynamics and performance.
So this was a refreshing change on that front.
One thing that kept happening in this that I disliked - starting a narrative central to the plot ie the two MCs having the conversation of one coaching the other sexually, and then immediately ending the chapter and the next one starts days later, at a totally different location and a totally different conversation going on.
Like???? This is why we're here? Why would we be left out of the immediate reaction and response to such a conversation between the bi MC and the straight one?
I feel like that was a missed opportunity.
I really liked how well Chris' journey of self discovery was portrayed. I did skip book 2 of this series but I remember from book 1 how he was always the one trying to make light of every situation and his anxiety every time things seemed headed for conflict in this one just added to that. It makes his later discoveries in therapy so much more meaningful because as he talks about things, some things make sense to the reader and you start to connect the dots long before Chris does.
You can really see how he thinks he had an okay childhood, not much to complain about - because nothing BIG ever happened, but it's obvious how all the constant small things over the years have shaped his personality more than he realizes.
I liked this more than book 1 but a big part of that may be that I had so much goodwill towards these two going in.
I was curious about their friendship even then so that translated to this.
Unfortunately I still have some complaints with the overall story.
I'm still not a huge fan of the hockey articles/blogs/vlogs and comments from the fans that mark the start of every new chapter.
The hockey is still too much, though this is a personal preference so your mileage may vary.
The team is still mostly a clusterfuck. So many cliques and secrets, most of which only Chris knows about and has to hide from everyone, including Luca, which puts the poor guy in a very uncomfortable situation.
I actually don't know why there's a general belief that he's dumb. He seems to notice and pick up on a lot of things everyone else is oblivious to.
Don't get me wrong, Chris IS as oblivious as promised. But only in relation to himself. Not universally.
Luca thinks he's being obvious about his feelings but I don't agree. For someone like Chris, who already feels extremely lucky that Luca is even willing to be his friend and roommate, it's not an obvious leap to 'this man is in love with me'.
Especially as Chris was already dealing with his own feelings of inadequacy from his failed relationships.
But overall this gave me warm fuzzy feelings. I like that the miscommunication didn't even last a full 24 hours, and that even when they still had inaccurate understanding of the conversation, they both valued their friendship so much and wanted it to continue in spite of whichever hurt feelings they needed to nurse on their own.
An underexplored aspect in friends to lovers romances. Usually you have one or both fuck off into a rage that results in someone moving away for years, or prolonged silent treatment and /or a resentful environment that ends up fucking with team dynamics and performance.
So this was a refreshing change on that front.
Review of advance copy
I really loved this book. I thought I would enjoy it, and looking at all the 4.5 and 5 stars I've given this author, I guess I should have anticipated giving this a five, but it still felt kind of surprising and refreshing?
I'm demisexual and have found that queer romance (particularly mm) is a place where I see those experiences portrayed. Of course, not all of them work for me and I do think we're getting a lot more than we used to (with varying results). However, this story really resonated with me. I've had friends who would dissect their relationships with me, despite me not having much experience, while I remained clueless about romance in my own life. It was difficult to recognize dating opportunities or people's potential attraction, while I still often lamented being single, so Breezy is very relatable to me.
In fact, Breezy had me crying at 4% in, because he is such a goodhearted golden retriever of a human, trying to keep the peace and getting shit from everyone, but shaking it off and soldiering on. That aspect of his personality and how it related to the unfolding of the plot/his personal growth was as compelling as the actual romance, honestly.
I had been looking forward to this book, but getting a glimpse inside Luca's head was so fascinating and not quite what I was expecting. He's unwillingly holding a torch for Breezy and starts out using it as a weapon. Seeing his internal struggle to keep a bit of distance but not hurt his best friend . . . ugghhhh it was beautiful torture. (And when he
The team continues to be a fascinating web that wraps around the individual love stories. It's a messy, constantly shifting group of characters, but I think they are deployed very well. We get some pretty intense drama from a number of the characters, and I liked that they provide a bit of external conflict to balance the internal yearning/confusion.
Getting some realistic but not drawn out miscommunication was nice, and there are some very capital R Romance exchanges when they do finally get together that had me clutching my heart.
I also appreciated that Breezy's
And we're left with the a bit of a reveal/set up for another book at the end of the epilogue, so looking forward to that book and any others from this author. Many thanks to GRR for the review copy!!
I'm demisexual and have found that queer romance (particularly mm) is a place where I see those experiences portrayed. Of course, not all of them work for me and I do think we're getting a lot more than we used to (with varying results). However, this story really resonated with me. I've had friends who would dissect their relationships with me, despite me not having much experience, while I remained clueless about romance in my own life. It was difficult to recognize dating opportunities or people's potential attraction, while I still often lamented being single, so Breezy is very relatable to me.
In fact, Breezy had me crying at 4% in, because he is such a goodhearted golden retriever of a human, trying to keep the peace and getting shit from everyone, but shaking it off and soldiering on. That aspect of his personality and how it related to the unfolding of the plot/his personal growth was as compelling as the actual romance, honestly.
I had been looking forward to this book, but getting a glimpse inside Luca's head was so fascinating and not quite what I was expecting. He's unwillingly holding a torch for Breezy and starts out using it as a weapon. Seeing his internal struggle to keep a bit of distance but not hurt his best friend . . . ugghhhh it was beautiful torture. (And when he
The team continues to be a fascinating web that wraps around the individual love stories. It's a messy, constantly shifting group of characters, but I think they are deployed very well. We get some pretty intense drama from a number of the characters, and I liked that they provide a bit of external conflict to balance the internal yearning/confusion.
Getting some realistic but not drawn out miscommunication was nice, and there are some very capital R Romance exchanges when they do finally get together that had me clutching my heart.
I also appreciated that Breezy's
And we're left with the a bit of a reveal/set up for another book at the end of the epilogue, so looking forward to that book and any others from this author. Many thanks to GRR for the review copy!!
Review of advance copy
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Eeeeee I loved Two for Charging soooo much!!! I honestly hope this series will continue forever, because Barnes is brilliant at romancing the soft, squishy heart-spaces of dudes who get paid to beast mode on the ice!
In Minor Penalties, Book 3's case, defense pairing, Luca and Breezy, did the love thing every kind of right, and together they made this installment another heartfelt, smushy darling, I could not get enough of!
Luca and Breezy were both friends and linemates, who inevitably fell in love. I loved that Luca and Breezy came to LOVE each other at not only different points in their friendship, but also from two unique perspectives on the sexuality spectrum.
Their chemistry fed the rhythm of their game,
and because they're both sooo very VERY good together,
and also the very BEST kind of good FOR each other,
They made me teary-eyed with each page,
and set my heart on fire,
made me ache until their HEA crossed my eyeballs,
and I could not love that more in an mm hockey romance if I tried!
Breezy was such a lovable pudding pop OMG! There was a ton of messy drama happening on the DL across the whole team pretty much, and I felt for Breezy when his anxiety ramped up in relation to all the secrets he'd been entrusted to keep. Throw in his soft heart, his kindness, his dedication to keeping his teammates vibing high, and his need to always keep the peace because of his uncool family dynamics, and he was simply the most precious d-man to ever lace up skates in an mm hockey series.
He broke my heart every time he was self-deprecating, and I was REALLY counting on Luca to lavish Breezy with all the love and tender affection he deserved, before the man himself could even think to see his bestie through the eyes of love.
AND LUCA THOROUGHLY DELIVERED!!
Ahhhh Luca was sooooo romantic, and he cherished Breezy with his whole heart, and I MELTED every single time they were together! I loved that Luca was a grumpy black cat WHO FELL FIRST eeeee I was screaming! And I loved that Breezy's golden retriever, sunshine characterization, was actually an insightful exploration of the tenuous layers of emotional material that those positive archetypes construct in order to cope with instability, toxicity, negativity, and unsafe environments overall.
S.B. Barnes continues to impress me with her narrative prowess, lovable characters, emotionally rich storytelling, and genre dexterity as a whole! Can't wait for everything still to come for this series, and though I'm a bit mad at Howie for being mad at Breezy, I have a good feeling about a Firecrackers x Sea Lions rivalry that will hopefully bring everyone back around in Book 4! Can't wait!
Eeeeee I loved Two for Charging soooo much!!! I honestly hope this series will continue forever, because Barnes is brilliant at romancing the soft, squishy heart-spaces of dudes who get paid to beast mode on the ice!
In Minor Penalties, Book 3's case, defense pairing, Luca and Breezy, did the love thing every kind of right, and together they made this installment another heartfelt, smushy darling, I could not get enough of!
Luca and Breezy were both friends and linemates, who inevitably fell in love. I loved that Luca and Breezy came to LOVE each other at not only different points in their friendship, but also from two unique perspectives on the sexuality spectrum.
Their chemistry fed the rhythm of their game,
and because they're both sooo very VERY good together,
and also the very BEST kind of good FOR each other,
They made me teary-eyed with each page,
and set my heart on fire,
made me ache until their HEA crossed my eyeballs,
and I could not love that more in an mm hockey romance if I tried!
Breezy was such a lovable pudding pop OMG! There was a ton of messy drama happening on the DL across the whole team pretty much, and I felt for Breezy when his anxiety ramped up in relation to all the secrets he'd been entrusted to keep. Throw in his soft heart, his kindness, his dedication to keeping his teammates vibing high, and his need to always keep the peace because of his uncool family dynamics, and he was simply the most precious d-man to ever lace up skates in an mm hockey series.
He broke my heart every time he was self-deprecating, and I was REALLY counting on Luca to lavish Breezy with all the love and tender affection he deserved, before the man himself could even think to see his bestie through the eyes of love.
AND LUCA THOROUGHLY DELIVERED!!
Ahhhh Luca was sooooo romantic, and he cherished Breezy with his whole heart, and I MELTED every single time they were together! I loved that Luca was a grumpy black cat WHO FELL FIRST eeeee I was screaming! And I loved that Breezy's golden retriever, sunshine characterization, was actually an insightful exploration of the tenuous layers of emotional material that those positive archetypes construct in order to cope with instability, toxicity, negativity, and unsafe environments overall.
S.B. Barnes continues to impress me with her narrative prowess, lovable characters, emotionally rich storytelling, and genre dexterity as a whole! Can't wait for everything still to come for this series, and though I'm a bit mad at Howie for being mad at Breezy, I have a good feeling about a Firecrackers x Sea Lions rivalry that will hopefully bring everyone back around in Book 4! Can't wait!
Review of advance copy
My queer hockey book club did the first book in the series one month and I didn't have the time so the next month I read Two for Holding, then I had to sign up for the ARC to read Two for Boarding and finally I just had to get my hands on Breezy and Luca's story.
Both Luca and Breezy grabbed my attention in the first book and I absolutely LOVED to see some of the previous scenes through their POVs usually its just a reference to the scene and their take on it, not a retelling of the scene because of the timelines.
I was maybe 30% in when my heart just couldn't take it anymore. I just wanted to roll Breezy up, give him hugs and hide him away from the world. He is soooo precious and definitely the character everyone will love. We saw Breezy from outside perspectives in other books which we learn is a bit of a mask. He feels and notices things that others don't and that gives him an edge on keeping peace on the team. Breezy is constantly worried about the team and how certain actions or even words could be catastrophic, whereas no one else seems to see it. The reader can see how this is something breezy struggles with and where it comes from but its basically at the end of the book when Breezy realizes and starts to heal. I do wish we got to see more of this Breezy and while we might not get his POV, I'm sure if the series continues we will see him come into himself and the he's fought all season to avoid.
Another thing I really liked (as an outsider to ace spec) was how we saw Breezys struggle with his romantic life. He kind of understood himself but he knew what society "accepted" and tried to make himself fit that mold. I liked that the author mentioned that he looked at asexuality but didn't think it fit but as we know asexuality is a spectrum and it takes a little help from the shelter for him to get on the right track.
Now for the feral grumpy cat named Luca. I love the growth Luca shows from the first book in the series until his own story. He keeps himself on the outside because of his experience with toxicity within the hockey environment but he opens up to Breezy and then eventually realizes he has friends. It's like a running joke, how everyone says he its standoffish, doesnt open up and isnt friendly and then Breezy interrupts and tells whoever it is that they're wrong because Luca is the kindest person he knows. He starts with Breezy, then opens up to a few more, and then he starts to feel like an actual member of the team.
There was some things I didn't expect to see each relating to 1 of 3 side characters but you will just have to read it to find out.
Both Luca and Breezy grabbed my attention in the first book and I absolutely LOVED to see some of the previous scenes through their POVs usually its just a reference to the scene and their take on it, not a retelling of the scene because of the timelines.
I was maybe 30% in when my heart just couldn't take it anymore. I just wanted to roll Breezy up, give him hugs and hide him away from the world. He is soooo precious and definitely the character everyone will love. We saw Breezy from outside perspectives in other books which we learn is a bit of a mask. He feels and notices things that others don't and that gives him an edge on keeping peace on the team. Breezy is constantly worried about the team and how certain actions or even words could be catastrophic, whereas no one else seems to see it. The reader can see how this is something breezy struggles with and where it comes from but its basically at the end of the book when Breezy realizes and starts to heal. I do wish we got to see more of this Breezy and while we might not get his POV, I'm sure if the series continues we will see him come into himself and the he's fought all season to avoid.
Another thing I really liked (as an outsider to ace spec) was how we saw Breezys struggle with his romantic life. He kind of understood himself but he knew what society "accepted" and tried to make himself fit that mold. I liked that the author mentioned that he looked at asexuality but didn't think it fit but as we know asexuality is a spectrum and it takes a little help from the shelter for him to get on the right track.
Now for the feral grumpy cat named Luca. I love the growth Luca shows from the first book in the series until his own story. He keeps himself on the outside because of his experience with toxicity within the hockey environment but he opens up to Breezy and then eventually realizes he has friends. It's like a running joke, how everyone says he its standoffish, doesnt open up and isnt friendly and then Breezy interrupts and tells whoever it is that they're wrong because Luca is the kindest person he knows. He starts with Breezy, then opens up to a few more, and then he starts to feel like an actual member of the team.
There was some things I didn't expect to see each relating to 1 of 3 side characters but you will just have to read it to find out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love an interconnected hockey series that hits all the best romance tropes – in this instalment of Minor Penalties we get Luca and Breezy’s idiots to lovers story. I felt this had less commentary on the politics of the NHL than Barnes’ previous books but there were enough pointed observations to keep me happy. Luca’s snark was particularly delightful, especially his comment about being able to hook up with women simply because he was more polite and interesting than other players. The real focus of this book though is the damage that the homophobic culture of hockey does to people’s capacity to understand and be themselves.
Through the earlier books in the series we have already met Luca and Breezy. They are best friends despite Luca’s instincts to the contrary – not do they have very different temperaments, but Luca finds Breezy’s claims to Italian heritage as someone who grew up in the diaspora to be cliché-ridden and incomprehensible. Worse than this though, Luca is attracted to this ridiculous man, and because of bad past experiences that lead him to conclude that if he wanted a career in hockey he would have to keep his bisexuality a secret, he strives to suppress his growing feelings for his friend and roommate.
His best-laid plans are of course thwarted by Breezy’s adorably dense charm and request that Luca help his understand where he is going wrong in his dating life. The two end up going on a series of delightful dates in the cities they visit for away games that only deepen Luca’s feelings, as does his offer to act as Breezy’s sex coach. We can all see where this is going right?
Overall, there is much to recommend book three in this series. As with the earlier two, this is a sweet and spicy romance with excellent character development, humour, charm, and a thoughtful exploration of the protagonist’s inner struggles and difficult context. I’m excited to find out whose story the next instalment tells – I really thought I had guessed but a late twist is making me question my pick.
Two for Charging will be released on 26 May. Make sure you get a copy!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Through the earlier books in the series we have already met Luca and Breezy. They are best friends despite Luca’s instincts to the contrary – not do they have very different temperaments, but Luca finds Breezy’s claims to Italian heritage as someone who grew up in the diaspora to be cliché-ridden and incomprehensible. Worse than this though, Luca is attracted to this ridiculous man, and because of bad past experiences that lead him to conclude that if he wanted a career in hockey he would have to keep his bisexuality a secret, he strives to suppress his growing feelings for his friend and roommate.
His best-laid plans are of course thwarted by Breezy’s adorably dense charm and request that Luca help his understand where he is going wrong in his dating life. The two end up going on a series of delightful dates in the cities they visit for away games that only deepen Luca’s feelings, as does his offer to act as Breezy’s sex coach. We can all see where this is going right?
Overall, there is much to recommend book three in this series. As with the earlier two, this is a sweet and spicy romance with excellent character development, humour, charm, and a thoughtful exploration of the protagonist’s inner struggles and difficult context. I’m excited to find out whose story the next instalment tells – I really thought I had guessed but a late twist is making me question my pick.
Two for Charging will be released on 26 May. Make sure you get a copy!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Breezy and Luca are EVERYTHING!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I've been talking about this series since the start and it genuinely is becoming one of my all-time favorites. I love this team, I love the found family, I love everything about them.
From meeting Breezy and Luca in book 1, I never caught on to Luca having feelings for Breezy, but seeing his POV and understanding how he behaves, it was all so clear. They've been a pair on the ice, currently live together, and are best friends, despite Luca's black cat demeanor downplaying that.
This is a true black cat x golden retriever, and I adore them both. They complement each other so well and it's truly just a beautiful friends (and roommates) to lovers story!
Despite Luca catching feelings for Breezy early on, he shuts it down and doesn't let anyone know. He isn't open about his bisexuality, and has negative experiences within the league with past teams around queerness in general.
When Breezy is concerned that he's the problem in his relationships, that maybe it's his views about sex, maybe he's not good at it, etc. Luca offers to coach him. Breezy takes him up on it, even though he's only ever seen himself as heterosexual, but happy that his friend is here to help him. And that he wants to spend time with him!
For both of them, the thought of moving out is the last thing they want.
Besides their beautiful friendship, two things stand out to me the most about this book: the found family and the dismantling of toxic hockey culture. We see the other characters in the series, get to check in on their relationships, learn more about them (while the characters are as well), and truly just get to be a part of the team. But it's not all smooth sailing, and we dive into that.
This is a hockey book that is critical of the hockey culture, which is something we really need in hockey romances!!
Highly, highly recommend. Maybe my favorite of the series, but the series is one of my all time faves so far regardless.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I've been talking about this series since the start and it genuinely is becoming one of my all-time favorites. I love this team, I love the found family, I love everything about them.
From meeting Breezy and Luca in book 1, I never caught on to Luca having feelings for Breezy, but seeing his POV and understanding how he behaves, it was all so clear. They've been a pair on the ice, currently live together, and are best friends, despite Luca's black cat demeanor downplaying that.
This is a true black cat x golden retriever, and I adore them both. They complement each other so well and it's truly just a beautiful friends (and roommates) to lovers story!
Despite Luca catching feelings for Breezy early on, he shuts it down and doesn't let anyone know. He isn't open about his bisexuality, and has negative experiences within the league with past teams around queerness in general.
When Breezy is concerned that he's the problem in his relationships, that maybe it's his views about sex, maybe he's not good at it, etc. Luca offers to coach him. Breezy takes him up on it, even though he's only ever seen himself as heterosexual, but happy that his friend is here to help him. And that he wants to spend time with him!
For both of them, the thought of moving out is the last thing they want.
Besides their beautiful friendship, two things stand out to me the most about this book: the found family and the dismantling of toxic hockey culture. We see the other characters in the series, get to check in on their relationships, learn more about them (while the characters are as well), and truly just get to be a part of the team. But it's not all smooth sailing, and we dive into that.
This is a hockey book that is critical of the hockey culture, which is something we really need in hockey romances!!
Highly, highly recommend. Maybe my favorite of the series, but the series is one of my all time faves so far regardless.
Review of advance copy
I preferred this one to book two. It has the comfort that book one had, without quite so much detachment from the main characters. Though it is still very team heavy and inserts lots of other people in between the couple, so we still find it quite hard to get to know them in depth.
Breezy is a fun character and both MCs are sweet. The fun, himbo style aspects add a lightness that book two (especially Ben) very much lacks, though the therapy and secrets drag it down again. This was a far heavier read than I was expecting, having met the characters in both previous books and getting a care free/easy view of both their personalities. They also became roommates so fast in the other stories, that I expected their communication to be hugely on point, so I was a little disappointed at all the miscommunication, though it was done quickly and didn't drag, which is something.
Unfortunately this author doesn't quench my thirst for knowing characters in depth. Though they do a much better job here with the therapy side offering that chance, it still involves exterior characters put between our couple and their sharing.
There are so many characters stuffed into these novels, that we will never get enough pages to explore our MCs emotions or have our MCs twined together without interruption in order for them to confide and grow with each other. I find these stories dissatisfying, because of how thinly they spread. It also leaves it glaringly open for the reader to realise how unrealistic it is to have a hockey team managed or behaving in the way they do. I need more love and growth from my reads, so I thank Gay Romance Reads for the ARC opportunity, but won't read on in this series.
Breezy is a fun character and both MCs are sweet. The fun, himbo style aspects add a lightness that book two (especially Ben) very much lacks, though the therapy and secrets drag it down again. This was a far heavier read than I was expecting, having met the characters in both previous books and getting a care free/easy view of both their personalities. They also became roommates so fast in the other stories, that I expected their communication to be hugely on point, so I was a little disappointed at all the miscommunication, though it was done quickly and didn't drag, which is something.
Unfortunately this author doesn't quench my thirst for knowing characters in depth. Though they do a much better job here with the therapy side offering that chance, it still involves exterior characters put between our couple and their sharing.
There are so many characters stuffed into these novels, that we will never get enough pages to explore our MCs emotions or have our MCs twined together without interruption in order for them to confide and grow with each other. I find these stories dissatisfying, because of how thinly they spread. It also leaves it glaringly open for the reader to realise how unrealistic it is to have a hockey team managed or behaving in the way they do. I need more love and growth from my reads, so I thank Gay Romance Reads for the ARC opportunity, but won't read on in this series.
Review of advance copy
4.5 stars
Is it my birthday? And you got me an ace himbo??? Oh em gee, you didn't have to... but I'm so glad you did.
This one brought it back around to the things I loved with the first book, and thank goodness it didn't try to make the plot happen on the same timeline as the first two books again. I really love the healthy relationships and relatively nuanced relationships between the side characters. I can see where we're going with this next book, since we're definitely set up with a cliffhanger, and when we eventually get book 4, you can bet I'll be reading it ASAP.
If you weren't already a Breezy stan, a) who hurt you, b) you're objectively incorrect, and c) you will be. What a wholesome man. Good lord. The back and forth with Luca is a bit trope-laden, but while I usually despise a miscommunication trope, it was pretty funny here and wasn't drawn out ad nauseam. Most of the miscommunication actually happens within the team at large, and is character driven and generally believable. The relationships between the other characters, including side characters, was a delight. And of course, any time a book manages to make me care about sports, I must bow to the writer.
Idiots to lovers-who-are-still-idiots remains a favorite. I enjoyed reading about these two noodleheads and remain salty that book 2 did Easton dirty, even if I kinda see what the author was trying to do.
I read this as an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews; in the future, I'll be preordering any sequels. I am but a simple little guy with simple little tastes and emotionally intelligent LGBTQIA+ rep is keeping me afloat in these dark times. <3
Is it my birthday? And you got me an ace himbo??? Oh em gee, you didn't have to... but I'm so glad you did.
This one brought it back around to the things I loved with the first book, and thank goodness it didn't try to make the plot happen on the same timeline as the first two books again. I really love the healthy relationships and relatively nuanced relationships between the side characters. I can see where we're going with this next book, since we're definitely set up with a cliffhanger, and when we eventually get book 4, you can bet I'll be reading it ASAP.
If you weren't already a Breezy stan, a) who hurt you, b) you're objectively incorrect, and c) you will be. What a wholesome man. Good lord. The back and forth with Luca is a bit trope-laden, but while I usually despise a miscommunication trope, it was pretty funny here and wasn't drawn out ad nauseam. Most of the miscommunication actually happens within the team at large, and is character driven and generally believable. The relationships between the other characters, including side characters, was a delight. And of course, any time a book manages to make me care about sports, I must bow to the writer.
Idiots to lovers-who-are-still-idiots remains a favorite. I enjoyed reading about these two noodleheads and remain salty that book 2 did Easton dirty, even if I kinda see what the author was trying to do.
I read this as an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews; in the future, I'll be preordering any sequels. I am but a simple little guy with simple little tastes and emotionally intelligent LGBTQIA+ rep is keeping me afloat in these dark times. <3
Review of advance copy
This was more to my liking than the before book, though there are still some of the same problems that are found in the other books of the series.
Luca and Breezy were the characters that I liked before, and it was so much that I was eager to obtain their story finally. Breezy is particularly such light fun. He possesses the carefree, somewhat disorderly quality which renders him quite pleasant to read. Luca balances out that pretty well, and they get on so well together.
I liked best the way their relationship evolved. It did not seem hurried or too dramatic. There have been some misunderstanding and tension, but it is resolved quite fast, which I liked. Sexuality was another aspect that I greatly enjoyed in the book. It was more considerate and candid, particularly with the discovery that transcends the anticipations in romance.
Nevertheless, I still had some issues with the congestion of the story. The side characters and team dynamics that constantly seek attention and make it more challenging to connect with Luca and Breezy on a deeper level are numerous. I desired that there were fewer distractions around with all four of them and that they could spend more time together with each other and have time to be themselves.
The tone was also at times heavier than I anticipated, particularly taking into account the manner in which these characters appeared in previous books. It is not bad, just it surprised me.
Generally, it was a well-crafted sequel featuring a sweet core couple, and some good themes, yet I still wished it had allowed more depth and attention to the romance.
ARC READ
Luca and Breezy were the characters that I liked before, and it was so much that I was eager to obtain their story finally. Breezy is particularly such light fun. He possesses the carefree, somewhat disorderly quality which renders him quite pleasant to read. Luca balances out that pretty well, and they get on so well together.
I liked best the way their relationship evolved. It did not seem hurried or too dramatic. There have been some misunderstanding and tension, but it is resolved quite fast, which I liked. Sexuality was another aspect that I greatly enjoyed in the book. It was more considerate and candid, particularly with the discovery that transcends the anticipations in romance.
Nevertheless, I still had some issues with the congestion of the story. The side characters and team dynamics that constantly seek attention and make it more challenging to connect with Luca and Breezy on a deeper level are numerous. I desired that there were fewer distractions around with all four of them and that they could spend more time together with each other and have time to be themselves.
The tone was also at times heavier than I anticipated, particularly taking into account the manner in which these characters appeared in previous books. It is not bad, just it surprised me.
Generally, it was a well-crafted sequel featuring a sweet core couple, and some good themes, yet I still wished it had allowed more depth and attention to the romance.
ARC READ
May 10, 2026
“You look like you’re mine.” Luca’s gaze was dark, heated, and serious. “I am.”
Two for Charging by SB Barnes is the third book in the Minor Penalties series. SB Barnes is a new author for me and I’m sure I’ll keep reading whatever she writes. When I got the ARC for this book I decided to go back and read the first two books so I’d know the characters before starting this one. I’m glad I did it.
Chris and Luca are my favourite characters in the series, though I also have a soft spot for Jax and Tom. What I liked about them was how much they just got each other. I like the grumpy-sunshine trope and friends to lovers is my favourite. They are friends before becoming lovers, they know each other deeply which makes their relationship so much stronger. One is the guy who’s spent his whole life building up walls and the other is the one person who has the patience to take them down brick by brick.
I loved how Chris’s identity as demisexual is portrayed. I related to him so much. His anxiety and insecurities are represented in a way that actually felt real. He’s such a golden retriever human, always trying to keep the peace even when people are giving him a hard time.
“He is the nicest man I’ve ever met. He doesn’t let anyone else’s bad temper or cruelty stop him from being kind even when it is to his own detriment.”
The relationship between these two was definitely the best part of the book. Luca was way sweeter than I expected, and watching him crave after Chris was just the cutest thing. Their chemistry felt natural and the way Chris is written as demi is spot on. If I have one complaint is that I wanted more of them. I wanted to see Chris and Luca deal with his parents and the team’s reaction to them being together.
The ending was great. I’m curious about Howie now. He’s a bit of a mess, but I feel like there’s a lot to unpack there. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next book has in store.
Thank you, SB Barnes for this free eARC. This is my honest review and recommendation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OH I LOVED THIS!
Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes and ESPECIALLY when we've got a Black cat and golden retriever, and there is truly no better way to explain Breezy and Luca.
Breezy is a character that my heart immediately connects with and loves. He is the glue of the team, keeping them smiling and laughing and keeping every one happy. But inside, he has so much internal monologue that hurt my soul. The way he didn't see his worth? Relatable and brutal and just made me want him to get a HEA so so bad.
And Luca comes off like he's all shielded and tough and inside? He's so so full of love. The way he YEARNS for Breezy?? I loved it so so much. From page 1 he's waxing poetic and even his most "platonic" dates show just how absolutely head over heels he is.
I love that we got to see how they were friends before we got to see them be more. They just clicked like puzzle pieces and it worked so well and I loved everything about their dynamic. One thing that really got me is Breezy's sexuality was not handwaved away as soon as they got together. I LOVED THAT. And that he didnt automatically accept it either, because that's not Breezy. He's always felt a little broken, that's not going to go away just because he's in love.
And one of the golden parts of this series is that there is a LOT of hockey and team dynamics and just so much that I adored. WE BETTER GET HOWIE PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes and ESPECIALLY when we've got a Black cat and golden retriever, and there is truly no better way to explain Breezy and Luca.
Breezy is a character that my heart immediately connects with and loves. He is the glue of the team, keeping them smiling and laughing and keeping every one happy. But inside, he has so much internal monologue that hurt my soul. The way he didn't see his worth? Relatable and brutal and just made me want him to get a HEA so so bad.
And Luca comes off like he's all shielded and tough and inside? He's so so full of love. The way he YEARNS for Breezy?? I loved it so so much. From page 1 he's waxing poetic and even his most "platonic" dates show just how absolutely head over heels he is.
I love that we got to see how they were friends before we got to see them be more. They just clicked like puzzle pieces and it worked so well and I loved everything about their dynamic. One thing that really got me is Breezy's sexuality was not handwaved away as soon as they got together. I LOVED THAT. And that he didnt automatically accept it either, because that's not Breezy. He's always felt a little broken, that's not going to go away just because he's in love.
And one of the golden parts of this series is that there is a LOT of hockey and team dynamics and just so much that I adored. WE BETTER GET HOWIE PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
May 28, 2026
I love this whole series and I adored this book so much. Luca has been so hopelessly in love with Chris since they met, and we finally get to see how much that is hurting him. The way he was so soft with only Chris was sweet, but it was the devotion layered under his acerbic wit that made Luca so real. And Chris - my sweet, sweet Breezy. I would die for that man. It broke my heart to see how others treated him and saw him, and how deeply he internalized all of it. His self-esteem is so low that he genuinely believes the worst things people imply about him. Worse, he believes that he's not good enough for Luca. Everything about every interaction he had broke my heart over and over again. Yeah, he's clueless sometimes, but he's not stupid, and the book does such a good job of showing the difference between the two.
Chris is my favorite Sea Lion and I would fight to the death for him.
Watching Chris learn and realize that he is worth love and respect and trust from the people around him was pretty emotional. I'm not gonna lie - I cried a few times. This book has it all - roommates to lovers, pining, team tension and friendship implosions, and I was hooked from the first page.
I'm also dying to know what is going on with Howie because what the heck?
Anyway. Read this book. Actually, read the first two if you haven't yet, then come read this one. You won't regret it.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
Chris is my favorite Sea Lion and I would fight to the death for him.
Watching Chris learn and realize that he is worth love and respect and trust from the people around him was pretty emotional. I'm not gonna lie - I cried a few times. This book has it all - roommates to lovers, pining, team tension and friendship implosions, and I was hooked from the first page.
I'm also dying to know what is going on with Howie because what the heck?
Anyway. Read this book. Actually, read the first two if you haven't yet, then come read this one. You won't regret it.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
May 29, 2026
A SWEET SEXUAL AWAKENING ROOMMATES TO LOVERS!💕🏒🥅
I absolutely loved Breezy in all the previous books and I am so glad he and Luca finally get their story as these two roommates/ soulmates were always meant to be!
“Charging—A minor penalty assigned when one player checks another player with excessive force by jumping, building too much momentum, or checking from their blind side.”
Yea Chris Calabrese definitely had a blind side which was Luca Mazetti - his Demi Sexual awakening…
Luca and Chris have been roommates for a year and Luca tried so hard to get over his crush by constant hookups in the summer but it did not work…
Chris has been under so much pressure- pressure from his parents to marry an Italian girl, pressure from his teammates to keep their secrets, pressure for always being the peace keeper, planner but most of all pressure for not satisfying his exes sexually and being satisfied … until Luca proposes a sex coaching deal…
“Why were people so obsessed when they got together? Totally wrapped up in each other and unable to see the rest of the world anymore?”
I loved their journey of discovery and “roommate” dates and how Cris showed personal growth and Luca his romantic, compassionate and non-sarcastic side!
The twist was surprising with an Easter egg regarding the next book…
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and the author for an honest non biased review.
I absolutely loved Breezy in all the previous books and I am so glad he and Luca finally get their story as these two roommates/ soulmates were always meant to be!
“Charging—A minor penalty assigned when one player checks another player with excessive force by jumping, building too much momentum, or checking from their blind side.”
Yea Chris Calabrese definitely had a blind side which was Luca Mazetti - his Demi Sexual awakening…
Luca and Chris have been roommates for a year and Luca tried so hard to get over his crush by constant hookups in the summer but it did not work…
Chris has been under so much pressure- pressure from his parents to marry an Italian girl, pressure from his teammates to keep their secrets, pressure for always being the peace keeper, planner but most of all pressure for not satisfying his exes sexually and being satisfied … until Luca proposes a sex coaching deal…
“Why were people so obsessed when they got together? Totally wrapped up in each other and unable to see the rest of the world anymore?”
I loved their journey of discovery and “roommate” dates and how Cris showed personal growth and Luca his romantic, compassionate and non-sarcastic side!
The twist was surprising with an Easter egg regarding the next book…
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and the author for an honest non biased review.
Review of advance copy received from Autor
This was probably the installment of the series that I was looking forward to the most. The premise sounded fun and right up my alley (a slight bonus was the demi rep, which anyone who's ever read my reviews must know I'm always on the hunt for).
Now, S.B. Barnes was a new-to-me author prior to my starting this series (which I felt motivated to do because the premise sounded fun overall). Three books in, I'm a fan.
Now for the tricky part, I have to say this was the book I struggled with the most. It took me a while to warm up to the characters (except, you know, the ones I already knew) and for the most part, I had difficulty actually caring about them. I don't know why that was. All in all, there were times that my enjoyment went more on the hockey side of things (which I felt overtook a bit more of the pages than I had the impression it did in the previous books).
I do have to say, the last, maybe, quarter of the book was the best part for me. I did enjoy the evolution of the relationship from that point on. I also appreciated the communication between the characters!
And, while I still understand nothing about hockey, I'm looking forward to the next instalment in the series (I have a hunch about who it might involve... but I could be wrong, so I'm open to being surprised!)
Now, S.B. Barnes was a new-to-me author prior to my starting this series (which I felt motivated to do because the premise sounded fun overall). Three books in, I'm a fan.
Now for the tricky part, I have to say this was the book I struggled with the most. It took me a while to warm up to the characters (except, you know, the ones I already knew) and for the most part, I had difficulty actually caring about them. I don't know why that was. All in all, there were times that my enjoyment went more on the hockey side of things (which I felt overtook a bit more of the pages than I had the impression it did in the previous books).
I do have to say, the last, maybe, quarter of the book was the best part for me. I did enjoy the evolution of the relationship from that point on. I also appreciated the communication between the characters!
And, while I still understand nothing about hockey, I'm looking forward to the next instalment in the series (I have a hunch about who it might involve... but I could be wrong, so I'm open to being surprised!)
Review of advance copy
The San Francisco Sea Lions hockey team is back for a third book in the Minor Penalties series by S.B. Barnes. Two for Charging give us the story of team nice guy Chris “Breezy” Calabrese and team newcomer Luca Mazetti. While this story is connected with the other two in the series, you could easily pick it up and read it on its own because events are explained, and there is time overlap.
Chris cannot seem to find his person or even the desire to want a person. He just wants to play hockey and keep his team happy. He is perfectly content hanging out with his best friend and roommate, Luca. When Luca joined the team, he knew he wasn’t easy to get along with and figured he was on borrowed time. He did not account for the cinnamon roll hockey player who would become his roommate and secretly capture his heart. Luca keeps his feelings for Chris buried so deep, he agrees to help Chris get more comfortable with dating. This soon backfires as Chris starts to realize, maybe he was looking for love in all the wrong places after all.
I have enjoyed every book in the series and was impatiently waiting for Chris and Luca to get a story. This book is definitely the best of the three. I like how Chris brings Luca into the Sea Lion family grumbling all the way. While this is a hockey romance, this is also a wonderful found family series.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Chris cannot seem to find his person or even the desire to want a person. He just wants to play hockey and keep his team happy. He is perfectly content hanging out with his best friend and roommate, Luca. When Luca joined the team, he knew he wasn’t easy to get along with and figured he was on borrowed time. He did not account for the cinnamon roll hockey player who would become his roommate and secretly capture his heart. Luca keeps his feelings for Chris buried so deep, he agrees to help Chris get more comfortable with dating. This soon backfires as Chris starts to realize, maybe he was looking for love in all the wrong places after all.
I have enjoyed every book in the series and was impatiently waiting for Chris and Luca to get a story. This book is definitely the best of the three. I like how Chris brings Luca into the Sea Lion family grumbling all the way. While this is a hockey romance, this is also a wonderful found family series.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
May 28, 2026
I will be honest that I read the first book in the series (and liked it!) but skipped the second as the sample didn't quite speak to me.
This one has been building since book 1, and I think for the most part it delivers. I think forcing Chris/Breezy to interrogate his own people pleasing tendencies worked great. I think tying that aspect of his personality into his sexuality made a lot of sense. And I thought Luca was consistent throughout, which sometimes falls short in the "grumpy x sunshine" dynamic.
All that said, I did not quite buy their chemistry here, despite really believing it even in book 1! Maybe I'm missing context from book 2 and that's on me. But I felt like it was sort of a disappointment in that regard.
And finally: I am no stickler for 100% accuracy in hockey romance. Life is short, who cares. But when you put an entire glossary of terms at the end, I tend to believe there is some level of knowledge there. So tell me why on MULTIPLE occasions in this book one of the characters scores a goal on the power play and then the second power play unit goes on ice??? I am a fairly recent hockey fan, but one of the first things I learned was when a team scores on the power play, it's over!!! Idk why this bugged me so much (perhaps that it happened twice), but it really did.
3.5 stars rounded up because I feel like it.
This one has been building since book 1, and I think for the most part it delivers. I think forcing Chris/Breezy to interrogate his own people pleasing tendencies worked great. I think tying that aspect of his personality into his sexuality made a lot of sense. And I thought Luca was consistent throughout, which sometimes falls short in the "grumpy x sunshine" dynamic.
All that said, I did not quite buy their chemistry here, despite really believing it even in book 1! Maybe I'm missing context from book 2 and that's on me. But I felt like it was sort of a disappointment in that regard.
And finally: I am no stickler for 100% accuracy in hockey romance. Life is short, who cares. But when you put an entire glossary of terms at the end, I tend to believe there is some level of knowledge there. So tell me why on MULTIPLE occasions in this book one of the characters scores a goal on the power play and then the second power play unit goes on ice??? I am a fairly recent hockey fan, but one of the first things I learned was when a team scores on the power play, it's over!!! Idk why this bugged me so much (perhaps that it happened twice), but it really did.
3.5 stars rounded up because I feel like it.
May 29, 2026
This book was such a satisfying friends-to-lovers hockey romance. Luca being completely gone for Breezy from the start while trying so hard not to ruin their friendship had me rooting for him immediately. The pining in this book was honestly top tier. Every little moment between them felt loaded with affection, frustration, and that desperate hope that maybe things could become something more.
Breezy completely stole my heart too. He’s chaotic, lovable, endlessly loyal, and somehow manages to be both oblivious and incredibly sweet at the same time. Watching him slowly figure out his feelings for Luca was honestly adorable. Their dynamic as roommates and defensive partners made the relationship development feel really natural, especially because they already knew each other so well.
I also really enjoyed all the team dynamics woven throughout the story. The locker room tension, leadership struggles, and ongoing friendships made the world feel very lived-in and connected. It definitely feels like a series that benefits from being read in order because the side characters and ongoing team storylines add so much depth.
Overall, this was emotional, funny, sweet, and full of excellent slow-burn tension. Luca and Breezy were impossible not to love, and by the end I was completely invested in both their relationship and the future of the team.
Breezy completely stole my heart too. He’s chaotic, lovable, endlessly loyal, and somehow manages to be both oblivious and incredibly sweet at the same time. Watching him slowly figure out his feelings for Luca was honestly adorable. Their dynamic as roommates and defensive partners made the relationship development feel really natural, especially because they already knew each other so well.
I also really enjoyed all the team dynamics woven throughout the story. The locker room tension, leadership struggles, and ongoing friendships made the world feel very lived-in and connected. It definitely feels like a series that benefits from being read in order because the side characters and ongoing team storylines add so much depth.
Overall, this was emotional, funny, sweet, and full of excellent slow-burn tension. Luca and Breezy were impossible not to love, and by the end I was completely invested in both their relationship and the future of the team.
Review of advance copy
Two for Charging is the third book in the Minor Penalties series by S.B. Barnes, and I feel like each return to the fictional San Francisco Sea Lions hockey world just keeps getting better. While it can be read as a standalone, it’s far more enjoyable when experienced as part of the series.
The main characters this time are teammates and roommates Luca and Chris (“Breezy”). Luca is a closeted bisexual, while Breezy is wary of being pushed into yet another failed relationship—especially by his mum. Secretly in love with him, Luca offers to act as Breezy’s “love coach.” I absolutely adored Luca; he has this snarky alley-cat vibe that makes you want to wrap him up and cuddle him. He’s only really nice to Breezy—and even that takes some time, after he realises there’s no point being horrible to someone who is so genuinely kind.
This book is really well done. It explores Breezy’s uncertainty around his past relationships, his evolving understanding of his sexuality, and his journey toward accepting who he is and what he truly feels. It’s a slow burn, with a strong focus on emotional development and the growing connection between the two characters. There’s also plenty happening within the team, which sets things up nicely for the next book in the series.
The main characters this time are teammates and roommates Luca and Chris (“Breezy”). Luca is a closeted bisexual, while Breezy is wary of being pushed into yet another failed relationship—especially by his mum. Secretly in love with him, Luca offers to act as Breezy’s “love coach.” I absolutely adored Luca; he has this snarky alley-cat vibe that makes you want to wrap him up and cuddle him. He’s only really nice to Breezy—and even that takes some time, after he realises there’s no point being horrible to someone who is so genuinely kind.
This book is really well done. It explores Breezy’s uncertainty around his past relationships, his evolving understanding of his sexuality, and his journey toward accepting who he is and what he truly feels. It’s a slow burn, with a strong focus on emotional development and the growing connection between the two characters. There’s also plenty happening within the team, which sets things up nicely for the next book in the series.
May 31, 2026
The best one of the series by far.
The worst part of the book is simply that Howie never spoke to Breezy again. I’m sure that it’s set up so that now the next book or book series will be about Howie and Denisov on Chicago, but after we learned about how Breezy was holding everyone’s secrets, how he consulted with the teens from the shelter to make sure that what he could definitely not do was out someone, it makes sense why he didn’t tell Howie. Sure, Howie went through his own sexuality crisis but he basically went from being homophobic to Luca to educating himself and going out to a gay club sleeping with a man, coming out to Breezy and then sleeping with Denisov in the matter of a few months. So, while I want to feel bad for him, having known Tom’s character who basically restricted himself from living, I simply cannot. Howie was entitled to his initial reaction but afterwards should’ve understood that it wasn’t Breezy’s choice. And considering how they were friends it’s a little unfortunate they didn’t speak for a month, from Halloween to December 1st, even though they saw each other all day every day.
I again believe this was left unresolved for the next book, so let’s hope their relationship is addressed even from miles away.
The worst part of the book is simply that Howie never spoke to Breezy again. I’m sure that it’s set up so that now the next book or book series will be about Howie and Denisov on Chicago, but after we learned about how Breezy was holding everyone’s secrets, how he consulted with the teens from the shelter to make sure that what he could definitely not do was out someone, it makes sense why he didn’t tell Howie. Sure, Howie went through his own sexuality crisis but he basically went from being homophobic to Luca to educating himself and going out to a gay club sleeping with a man, coming out to Breezy and then sleeping with Denisov in the matter of a few months. So, while I want to feel bad for him, having known Tom’s character who basically restricted himself from living, I simply cannot. Howie was entitled to his initial reaction but afterwards should’ve understood that it wasn’t Breezy’s choice. And considering how they were friends it’s a little unfortunate they didn’t speak for a month, from Halloween to December 1st, even though they saw each other all day every day.
I again believe this was left unresolved for the next book, so let’s hope their relationship is addressed even from miles away.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Longish, slow burn romance between hockey players Chris “Breezy” and Luca. When Luca first joins the Sea Lions, he moves in with Chris. He is attracted to Chris the moment he meets him, but Chris is straight and basically not interested in any romantic partners. Things change slowly as the book goes on. I absolutely love both these characters – especially Breezy – who is a really good guy but has a low opinion of himself.
This is book 3 in the Minor Penalties series and they just keep getting better. The SeaLions have been through a lot – an unqualified coach, bad coaches, management that was part of a betting scam (books 1 & 2) – and they are still working on becoming a team. There's plenty going on with characters we've met in the first 2 books, so while this COULD be read as a stand alone, it probably shouldn't be. There's plenty of arguing among teammates as they work toward becoming a unit.
Everything is not resolved by the end of the book – the team is doing ok, but has a long ways to go yet. Breezy & Luca do get their HEA, of course.
I'm absolutely looking forward to the continuation of this series.
This is book 3 in the Minor Penalties series and they just keep getting better. The SeaLions have been through a lot – an unqualified coach, bad coaches, management that was part of a betting scam (books 1 & 2) – and they are still working on becoming a team. There's plenty going on with characters we've met in the first 2 books, so while this COULD be read as a stand alone, it probably shouldn't be. There's plenty of arguing among teammates as they work toward becoming a unit.
Everything is not resolved by the end of the book – the team is doing ok, but has a long ways to go yet. Breezy & Luca do get their HEA, of course.
I'm absolutely looking forward to the continuation of this series.
May 30, 2026
Much better than books one and two
I struggled with Two for Holding and Two for Boarding but I knew I had to continue because this was Breezy's book. He was my favourite character, shining in comparison to the rest of his lackluster team mates, and I liked his grouchy roommate Luca too.
Chris Calabrese was a ray of sunshine but I hated how his teammates treated him. They took him for granted, except when they were putting him down. His awful parents had done a number on him his entire life and his brother was just an arse, but he loved them regardless. He didn't have any self-esteem and was insecure but that was entirely due to everyone else. He was kind, thoughtful, supportive, and extremely observant, despite everyone calling his clueless (pot, kettle definitely). Luca was the only one who truly saw him and understood him.
Luca was grumpy and stand-offish but had his reasons. His one weakness was Chris and for that alone, I loved him.
The story left a lot to be desired but I did believe in their romance, and Chris' new understanding of his sexuality was sensitively handled. The rest was just meh.
I struggled with Two for Holding and Two for Boarding but I knew I had to continue because this was Breezy's book. He was my favourite character, shining in comparison to the rest of his lackluster team mates, and I liked his grouchy roommate Luca too.
Chris Calabrese was a ray of sunshine but I hated how his teammates treated him. They took him for granted, except when they were putting him down. His awful parents had done a number on him his entire life and his brother was just an arse, but he loved them regardless. He didn't have any self-esteem and was insecure but that was entirely due to everyone else. He was kind, thoughtful, supportive, and extremely observant, despite everyone calling his clueless (pot, kettle definitely). Luca was the only one who truly saw him and understood him.
Luca was grumpy and stand-offish but had his reasons. His one weakness was Chris and for that alone, I loved him.
The story left a lot to be desired but I did believe in their romance, and Chris' new understanding of his sexuality was sensitively handled. The rest was just meh.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this one, mainly because Luca has a very similar personality to my own, and Chris is a gorgeous human being. He takes punch after punch in his quest to keep everyone happy, and then they turn on him, and he’s finally had enough.
He starts to stop and think for himself and what he wants. Who he is, and he goes on a journey of self-discovery, not only in his role in the team but also in his own private life, sexually and emotionally.
I’m still not a fan of the social media posts at the beginning of each chapter, but that’s a me thing.
I also feel like I could pick this straight back up and read about them both all over again. The rest of the side characters in the story, maybe not including Howie, I could give or take, but their story was pretty great. Luca was patient and kind despite his grumpy nature, and he loved Breezy so much it was adorable to read.
Overall, it was pretty cute, and I enjoyed Chris’ journey towards accepting his demisexuality.
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I got an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
I really enjoyed this one, mainly because Luca has a very similar personality to my own, and Chris is a gorgeous human being. He takes punch after punch in his quest to keep everyone happy, and then they turn on him, and he’s finally had enough.
He starts to stop and think for himself and what he wants. Who he is, and he goes on a journey of self-discovery, not only in his role in the team but also in his own private life, sexually and emotionally.
I’m still not a fan of the social media posts at the beginning of each chapter, but that’s a me thing.
I also feel like I could pick this straight back up and read about them both all over again. The rest of the side characters in the story, maybe not including Howie, I could give or take, but their story was pretty great. Luca was patient and kind despite his grumpy nature, and he loved Breezy so much it was adorable to read.
Overall, it was pretty cute, and I enjoyed Chris’ journey towards accepting his demisexuality.
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I got an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
May 30, 2026
I've enjoyed meeting all of the characters in this series. Chris has to be the most loveable guy anyone could meet. Pair him with grumpy Luca and there is no way it would work. Wrong. They actually are both attracted to one another but Chris has issues understanding his sexuality. Through being roommates with Luca and then friends, Chris is able to finally understand why things have never made sense. This is only the second story I've read with a chacter with Chris' sexual identity. I always enjoy learning and appreciate the journey the author took Chris on to make his relevation.
Chris goes out of his way to protect his family and teammates; often at the cost of his personal happiness. Luca has lingering trauma from past issues with teams. Eventually the two get to the heart of their issues and become the support system they each need.
*I am not happy with the Howie situation and hope to see him in another book.
Chris goes out of his way to protect his family and teammates; often at the cost of his personal happiness. Luca has lingering trauma from past issues with teams. Eventually the two get to the heart of their issues and become the support system they each need.
*I am not happy with the Howie situation and hope to see him in another book.
May 30, 2026
This is the third book in the Minor Penalties series and I don't believe it is a standalone read. This is the story of San Francisco Sea Lions defenseman Luca Mazetti and Chris “Breezy” Calabrese. Luca and Breezy play on the same line and are best friends who live together. As with the earlier books, there are a lot of team dynamics at play in this book. We met Luca and Breezy in the earlier books but this time the focus is on them. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed watching Luca and Breezy's relationship grow. I liked how they loved each other but were not confident enough to voice their love and wishes to each other. This is another good addition to this series. I look forward to more Sea Lion stories in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Okay, okay…Breezy, you got me. I’ve really been enjoying this series and have been so curious how Breezy and Luca work together. It’s as sweet and oblivious as Breezy himself.
Chris “Breezy” Calabrese and Luca Mazetti are roommates, teammates and linemates, spending so much time together on and off the ice even though they couldn’t be more different. While Luca’s harboring a secret crush on his “straight” best friend, Chris is constantly worried Luca’s going to find someone better or cooler to spend time with. They’re oil and water in so many ways, but jive in ways I never expected. Their roommate dates in all of their away game cities made me smile and seeing Breezy bring out a non-grumpy side of Luca full of compassion and feelings was incredibly sweet.
What really got me was Breezy’s personal growth - not only did he have a demisexual awakening after years of things just not feeling right, but he also grew personally, standing up for himself and speaking his mind to his family and his teammates about constantly being put in the middle. He realized his worth and allowed himself the time to think about what he truly wanted, not what others wanted for him, and that growth was fun to see progress.
Looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!
Chris “Breezy” Calabrese and Luca Mazetti are roommates, teammates and linemates, spending so much time together on and off the ice even though they couldn’t be more different. While Luca’s harboring a secret crush on his “straight” best friend, Chris is constantly worried Luca’s going to find someone better or cooler to spend time with. They’re oil and water in so many ways, but jive in ways I never expected. Their roommate dates in all of their away game cities made me smile and seeing Breezy bring out a non-grumpy side of Luca full of compassion and feelings was incredibly sweet.
What really got me was Breezy’s personal growth - not only did he have a demisexual awakening after years of things just not feeling right, but he also grew personally, standing up for himself and speaking his mind to his family and his teammates about constantly being put in the middle. He realized his worth and allowed himself the time to think about what he truly wanted, not what others wanted for him, and that growth was fun to see progress.
Looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!
May 26, 2026
3.5 ⭐ for a 100% guilty pleasure read. I downloaded this the second it was available on Kobo. Like the first book in the series, I loved the characters and their relationship development. It made me so happy.
I will say that the ending here veered a little too far into sappy: things seemed to resolve so easily it felt unsatisfying, and there were some extremely cheesy lines of dialogue in the last few chapters.
Also like the first book, I will say that beyond the romance, there's a lot of plot that doesn't make a ton of sense and just feels extraneous. And twice I noticed hockey plays that just didn't follow the basic rules of the NHL, which was relatively minor but really jumped out.
I will say that the ending here veered a little too far into sappy: things seemed to resolve so easily it felt unsatisfying, and there were some extremely cheesy lines of dialogue in the last few chapters.
Also like the first book, I will say that beyond the romance, there's a lot of plot that doesn't make a ton of sense and just feels extraneous. And twice I noticed hockey plays that just didn't follow the basic rules of the NHL, which was relatively minor but really jumped out.
May 30, 2026
The Sea Lions are an endless source of chaos and crazy for one couple after another in this series. But this team has also been able to band together to get some good things done. Chris and Luca are not only teammates, they are roommates. They are close, actually Luca has feelings for Chris that go beyond friendship and he has for a while. These two are ripe for a shift in their relationship. They also each need a hug and it was good when they finally go from friends to lovers and can depend on one another even more. These stories are always so much more than the love story at their center, kind of like life. And it was fun to visit this world again with all of the interesting guys in and around the Sea Lions yet again.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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