Worth The Trade

Montreal Phantoms #1

by Riley Bauer

Montreal traded its future for Eero Mäkinen. Matty Soucy only offered him a spare room.

Eero arrives in Montreal with a championship ring, a firebird tattoo, and a seven-year contract everyone in the city has an opinion about. He plans to keep his head down, prove he was worth the price, and follow the rule that has protected him for years: never get involved with a teammate.

Then his new roommate starts cooking for two.

Matty is supposed to help Montreal’s high-profile acquisition settle in. He is not supposed to become obsessed with the deadpan Finn taking over his kitchen, or with the fact that Eero sees straight through every joke Matty uses to hide. For the first time, Matty wants a man. For the first time in a very long while, Eero wants something he can’t afford to lose.

Their solution is simple: keep it secret, and keep it feelings free.

It lasts about as long as any plan involving two hockey players, one spare bedroom, and a judgmental cat should.

Soon Eero is finding a place inside Matty’s family and Montreal’s locker room. Matty is learning every silence Eero owns. And the life they refuse to name is becoming the most real thing either of them has.

But when the pressure attached to Eero’s price tag begins to break him, Matty’s instinct to protect turns into the one thing Eero cannot accept: someone else deciding his future.

Worth the Trade is a steamy MM hockey romance featuring former rivals, forced proximity, roommates to lovers, teammates with benefits, grumpy/sunshine energy, a bisexual awakening, a secret relationship, found family, one judgmental cat, and a hard-won HEA. This is the first book in the Montreal Phantoms series.

Genres: M M Romance, M M Sports Romance, Sports, Romance, Hockey

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2026

Reviews

[Mea S · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wished more from this book because I've read the whole Firebirds series and loved it at first. And I was excited to see a Finnish MC again. Unfortunately the problems that this writer had in the later Firebirds books seem to continue, so I decided to DNF early. I feel quite dissappointed because I was invested and loved Mäki's character.

But the problems with writing style became too big for me. There are at lot of sentences that at first seem ok but when you look closer, they seem more and more nonsensical. Like what is the sound that an onion makes when it hits the pan that can be heard from the upper floor? How can you identify it's an onion just from the sound? Everything "commits" and "has opinions" all the time, living and inanimate things both. Sentences like "It is the most Finnish goodbye there is" sound really convincing, but do they actually mean anything? This author's character's often speak with this kind of great conviction. In one of the earlier books, a character that had been in Atlanta for two weeks and had never been there before said something like "Atlanta summer does what it always does". Sounds convincing, but he has no authority to say that, and the sentence doesn't actually contain any information.

Also, all the characters often speak exactly the same way. Like why do players with different nationalities and a dad that lives in Tampere, Finland have the same, very specific humor when they talk about the cats? There's no variation, and in the earlier books the characters seemed to randomly "borrow" each others personalities.

There are just so many little things that add up. During the last to Firebirds books I started to wonder, but now I'm really questioning why would an actual human form some of these sentences. I'm so dissappointed, because this author's books had their moments, they have been so funny and sometimes really touching and beautiful.

[Becks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest review:

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: MM Hockey Romance
POV: Dual 1st person
Tropes: Roommates to lovers, Teammates to lovers, Forced proximity, Hurt/comfort, Bi-awakening

When I first read that Riley had decided to write a book with Mäki being traded to Montreal, I was so shocked! It broke my heart to see my beloved Firebirds lose one of the original players. . .not to mention losing one of the kittens!! But then I realized that she was going to make his love interest Julien Soucy’s brother, Matthieu. . .you know, the one Mäki fought during the playoffs when Matty took out Lundy in his own crease?!? And then Jules offered up Matty’s spare room to Mäki and all of my reservations were gone immediately!

From the very first chapter, the awkwardness between these two is palpable. Neither of them know how to act around the other but there’s definitely the beginnings of an attraction for both of them. They’re so damn polite, too. If we played a drinking game and had to take a shot every time Mäki says thank you, we’d all end up drunk within the first chapter!

I’d also like to note that Jules isn’t the only one in that family with OCD tendencies. The dishwasher protocol is a little extreme, but my sister once had a roommate that put a reusable plastic container in the dishwasher with the lid still on it, so I can forgive Matty for having a few guidelines on how the machine should be loaded.

I loved the slow build-up between teammates to lovers. Even though they kissed fairly early in the book, it felt like more time had passed between them. Matty had some things to figure out and some realizations to contend with, but he handled them fairly well. And Mäki was definitely a consent king—which we all love.

I missed the book club from the Firebirds series, but the Court was hilarious, and the French soap opera watch parties had me cracking up! As much fun as it would have been for Mäki to bring the book club up north, it was nice to have something different to help us get to know the new team and how they bonded with Mäki.

Just like any Riley Bauer book, there are past traumas/hurts that follow our main characters into their new relationship and they have to put in the work to move past those issues so they can get their HEA. I love that every couple she writes deals with something different, whether it’s a former relationship, mental health struggles, or even just an event in their past they wish they’d handled differently. The conflict between them felt genuine and the resolution was satisfying. These two definitely won my heart, as well as the rest of the team. I can’t wait to see what other relationships we’ll get from the Phantoms!

[Shelle Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy from Riley! ******

I am not one who enjoys change. I didn't want to think about any other team than the Atlanta Firebirds. So I went into this like a toddler just knowing the brussels sprouts were going to be nasty. I had a frown on my face, my heart set, and then I read the first chapter. -sigh- No one told toddler me that the sprouts were covered in bacon, balsamic vinegar and honey!!! It was delicious!!

I should have known better. I know how Ms. Bauer writes. I've been on this ride for a while, so why did I go into this so negatively? IDK. But me and Matty had the same issue. Fear of the unknown, fear of the future, and fear of being open to something new.

It took me less time to be all in than Matty, but now I'm totally in love with this new group. The blok, the card games, the cat always judging, and a love story that was definitely worth the time..... both of Riley's time crafting a story we could fall in love with, and the time I didn't spend sleeping so I could dive into this book and not come up until the last word.

Kudos, Riley. You've done it again. :)

[Jessica · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Edit
I'm leaving my rating up for now, but this author does have books that are probably AI. So yeah I'm gonna take a break from KU and from romance books in October

3.75 rounded up

Fun fact, I visited Montréal this summer and hated it (sorry, not sorry), it made me feel so incredibly European (which I never realised before). Really enjoyed this one, there is a bit of bad French but I decided to ignore it (dear writers, though, so many French-speaking people on the internet, please get someone to check it for you). Both characters are lovely, they yearn, they angst a bit because they really don't know how to communicate but they manage in the end. Matty also has a lovely ex who is such a great friend and who is nothing but supportive, yay for women being written in a nice way in a MM romance book. I enjoyed the secondary characters too and cannot wait to meet more of them. But really, maybe I should start a business and offer my services to writers because I'm sure I would be great at checking their French.

Also this made me smile at the end of a really really bad day, so thank you for that (and this is why I'm rounding up)

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful, fantastic start to the new series.

Just a quick word of advice, though: read the Firebirds series first.
Once you’ve done that, you can simply sit back, grab a nice cup of tea, and dive right in.

The characters, the underlying tension, the dialogue, and the dynamics—not just between the main characters but the supporting ones too—ensure you’ll finish this book before you even realize it.

With this title, Riley has ensured the series gets off to a truly successful start.

💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖

[Becky Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

I have been a fan of Riley’s work since being selected to read Tape to Tape in April of this year. The Montreal Phantoms is an extension of The Atlanta Firebirds series of books but can be read independently as relevant background information is included.

We start Worth The Trade as Eero Mäkinen, a Finnish legacy hockey player joins the Montreal Phantoms after being traded from the Atlanta Firebirds where he spent his rookie year. Despite feeling upset at leaving his found family in Atlanta and being traded by the club he expected to spend a number of years at, Mäki remains stoic at the upheaval. On arriving in Montreal, he arrives at the home of Matthieu Soucy, older brother to Julien, one of his Atlanta teammates.

At the start of this book, I wasn’t sure quite how I felt. I know of Mäki and his quiet, understated and minimalist ways from having read the Firebirds books, where the person most likely to get anything from him was team captain, and fellow Finn, Avi Ikonen. But Matty also has efficient dialogue so when they are discussing matters, it comes across a bit clipped in places. I do love, however, la famille Soucy (no, not the Quebecois band 😉). Maman Soucy is a strong matriarch and such a welcoming force, papa Soucy shows his welcome differently but no less effective, and Étienne is just ace. Love his stats.

I enjoyed learning a bit more about Mäki beyond his father’s career and expectations, and this gave a different dimension to his character. I do think that Matty may have OCD or some similar compulsion based on some of the behaviours he presents. Although not classified as such, I’d consider this to be a slow burn, and I put this down to their personalities. When their relationship develops, however, we do get more of a freight train until it derails. I could empathise with Matty when his self doubt started to creep in but at the same time, I wanted to slap him and tell him to wake up. Communication is not a strong point with these two, so when Mäki finally said his piece, it was a relief.

This book was a good introduction to the other players on the Phantoms, and I’m looking forward to finding out more about them as the series progresses. I must admit, I’m intrigued by the whole ledger/council thing.

Overall, I would recommend this book. It’s a solid start to the series.

3.75 ⭐️ 3 🌶️

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Worth The Trade hooked me from the opening trade announcement and never let go.

This is the first book in her new Montreal Phantoms.

Eero Mäkinen arrives in Montreal carrying a championship ring, a massive contract, and the weight of an entire city’s expectations. His plan is simple…. keep his head down, prove he was worth the price, and never get involved with a teammate….. Then Matty Soucy offers him a spare room and starts cooking for two, and every carefully constructed boundary begins to crack.

Matty is pure warmth and deflection, the kind of guy who hides everything important behind jokes and easy hospitality. Watching him become quietly obsessed with Eero taking over his kitchen is pure delight. For the first time he wants a man, and for the first time in a long while Eero wants something he cannot afford to lose.

Their attempt to keep things secret and feelings free lasts about as long as any plan involving two hockey players, one spare bedroom, (and don’t forget the cat 😝) ever should.

The slow slide from roommates to something far more intimate is handled with the perfect mix of tension, humor, and aching restraint.

What makes the story is how the external pressure of Eero’s trade value starts to break him, and how Matty’s instinct to protect becomes the very thing Eero cannot accept. That conflict feels real and painful without ever turning melodramatic.

The author writes the locker room found family, the quiet domestic moments, and the sharp edged vulnerability of two men learning each other’s silences with real care.

The chemistry is strong, the banter lands, and the emotional payoff is earned.

By the end I was fully invested in both the relationship and the team around them.

If you love MM hockey romance with forced proximity, secret relationships, bi awakening energy, and the kind of found family that makes a locker room feel like home, this one delivers.

I finished it already, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the Montreal Phantoms series and already missing Eero, Matty, and that judgmental cat.

Highly recommended.

🦋

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy from Riley Bauer ****

When I first read that Mäkinen had been traded to Montreal, I was disappointed. It just felt wrong for Atlanta to lose even one of its players. But at the same time, what a great opportunity to start a new series with the player who saved the playoffs!

And yes—it was absolutely worth it. The story itself may not be anything completely new, but the team, the new language, and the dynamics between the characters make it a lot of fun. I especially loved that some members of the Atlanta team kept making appearances throughout the book.

The “Court” isn’t really my thing—I definitely prefer the book club. ;-)

All in all, though, this was a great start to the new series, and I’m already really looking forward to the books to come.

You don’t necessarily have to read the “Firebirds” books first to follow the story. I’d still recommend it, though, because you’ll already know some of the characters and their connections—and, of course, you’ll have a good feel for Riley’s stories and the world she has created.

-- Please excuse any grammar mistakes or awkward wording—English isn’t my first language.

[RabidReader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written and edited

There may have been a good premise of a book in here somewhere. However, it was lost in awkward sentences, references that were so …adjacent. It was hard to connect them, and possibly the use of technology to write the book. There’s so many so many, so many sentences and issues with the book that are either the worst writer ever or AI with an idea of what a book should be and then writing it without anybody even editing it afterward. There were sentences that made absolutely zero sense in the context. It would change where MC one is supposed to be in their voice, but it would change from paragraph to paragraph between the different voicing as if whoever was writing it forgot who’s point of view we were hearing from. And I really wanted to love this book, even if it was written by AI, but it was so poorly written, and just not even edited at all for basic flow that it took all my energy to be able to finish it just to say that I finished it but man it’s really bad and I think this is the worst review I’ve ever written for a book. This was written with voice to text so please ignore the sentence structure.

[Ray Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maki and Matty are not really what I expected. Matty does not seem to be affected by his bi-awakening and I love that it is a non-issue with his family. I know they are fine with Jules, but there is usually some sort of comment, it's wonderful. But Matty is six years older than Maki and yet he is the one doing stupid things. I love Maki for being brave and strong. I felt for him when he played Atlanta. I like that he still has a family there as he begins to find a new one in Montreal. It was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the book, but in a good way that keeps you engaged and invested in the characters and their outcomes. I also like the quirky aspects of the book, like the court and the team bonding over a 1970’s French soap opera!
This is a great spin off from the Firebirds series as you get cameos from familiar characters and now fresh blood! So good. I can't wait for the rest of the series

I received this free ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Avid Reader123 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read that Maki being traded for the start of the new series, I was intrigued. Love this stoic Fin! This was a great way to introduce the Phantoms…through two characters we’ve seen before. Their relationship develops along with a fair share of personal angst and sweet moments. As to the team…good team banter with texts, locker room, and the French tutorial film. Learning the team and their traits is slightly overwhelming at first, but that’s like real life. More character and team development rather than steamy romance. You don’t need to read the Atlanta series to understand this book, however, it would increase your enjoyment. I look forward to the next one. This is my honest review. ARC via Riley Bauer

[Andrea Smedley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the whole Firebirds series and to see Maki get traded to a new team - that was painful. But I still wanted to know where it went! And I devoured this first in the Phantoms series. It doesn't quite get me the same way as the Firebirds - yet. There are a couple of things I didn't get, like the constant Gilles references and the court stuff. Yes, I missed the 5 hole fiction. BUT - there's plenty of great quirky characters to follow, a couple of whom in particular I'm very intrigued by, there's lots of great hockey action, the Firebirds make appearances, as do the Soucy family, and of course there is Maki and Matty's romance. Which was pretty epic. So like Maki, I'm coming round to the idea of the trade! Read the Firebirds then move straight on to this!
I received an ARC

[Jennifer N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy from Riley Bauer of Worth the Trade. Ever since reading the Firebird series and Before the Trade I have anxiously awaited this book. I fell in love with Maki and all the Firebirds and felt his anguish at being traded from his beloved team. I also harbored a little grudge towards Matty for the hit and the fight, even though he apologized and was forgiven. So, with all those feelings swirling around I couldn't wait to read how Maki would be received by the Phantoms, and they did not disappoint. It's so fun to have a new series to be excited to read, especially when there are ties to a series you enjoyed so much. I became just as invested in this new team and all the characters and can't wait to see where the season takes us.

[Jessica Gaeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy from Riley Bauer

If you read the Atlanta Firebirds series buckle up for the next one and it starts off so good! Makinen gets traded to the Montreal Phantoms after winning the cup with his bros in Atlanta and moves in with Soucy’s brother Marty. Both men are stoic and serious in their own ways but they slowly build such a wonderful connection that blossoms beautifully. You get new group chats and a funny subplot with Makinen learning French. They learn how to communicate even with a few bumps in the road and more importantly they each learn to open up and be vulnerable with one another. Overall, highly recommend starting this new series by Bauer especially if you enjoy hockey with spice

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, smooth, spicy

Riley Bauer does not write bad books. Full stop.

Worth the trade flows nicely, a nice contrast to the angsty narratives of the ATL theater World Cup books (which were brilliant, but heavy reading if you aren’t into a more intellectually focused syntax).

The balance of perspective from both characters is nice and the plot is neither fairytale outlandish or boringly realistic. The “you don’t get to choose for me” theme is repeated here (it seems to be Bauer’s go-to) but it sits nicely, nestled among the conflict.

It’s a beautiful read, as is anything Riley Bauer crafts. A believable pairing with levity and light, good spice, and a teaser for more.

And I will definitely need more.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Read

If you have read the Firebird books, I suggest reading the Before the Trade novella before you read this first book of the Phantoms. Maki hoped to stay with the Firebirds but is traded to Montreal and rooming with an ex team mate's brother, Matty. Dealing with homesickness and a new team effects his game. His and Matty's relationship suffers from a lack of communication. The characters are so vivid and real. You can really feel everything the characters are experiencing. And for those of us going through Firebird withdrawals, some of them are involved in this book.

[Kelly Lynn · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Received an ARC copy from the author.

I adored the Firebirds series, and couldn't wait to jump into Riley Bauer's Montreal series. Mäki and Matty did not disappoint, and the rest of the team is pure entertainment.

Mäki arriving heartbroken (because romantic heartbreak isn't the only kind a person can suffer), and Matty of all people, with their history, being the soft landing? Loved it.

But this story is so much more than that. It's both growing, learning, being who they are supposed to be, and not sacrificing. I love how honest these characters are. And the hockey team setting makes it such a fun read.

And if you loved the Firebirds too, enjoy the cameos!!!

[Anja_DK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read all the books in Riley Bauer’s Firebird series, and Mäki has been one of my favorites from the very beginning, so I was really looking forward to his story.
Despite his trade away from the Firebirds, which I didn’t see coming, his and Matti’s story is by far my absolute favorite, and a must-read if you’re a fan of the Atlanta Firebirds.
Worth the Trade can be read as a standalone, but I would definitely recommend reading the Atlanta Firebirds series first.

Review of ARC received from author.

[Kyler Tolman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the Trade is an exciting launch into the Phantoms' world, seamlessly accepting the baton passed from the Firebirds series. The attraction is steamy and complements the emotional journey that Mäki and Matty undertake. As usual, Bauer brings to life a world full of illustrative metaphor, brutal honesty, and vibrant chosen family, and the pages are filled with lovable characters who care deeply for each other. Worth the Trade is certainly worth the read.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley Bauer’s writing style is so interesting to me. You really have to read between the lines and I like it. It makes you think more prolifically and existentially than I feel like other books in this genre do. I LOVED Eero in her Atlanta Firebirds series so I was so happy to see him get a book in this series. Loved both of these characters and their development especially in the way they communicated was chef’s kiss. Will def be reading the next

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the read and…

I really like this whole series (yes, I know this is the first book of a second series but they feel too intertwined to be separate right now). But I have a few notes for consideration: 1) the voice of all the players since Berger or Marchetti have sounded the same, and 2) I can now virtually plot the subterranean thematic struggle. Wishes for the next book: change the voice and change the core conflict. This set is wonderful, but it’s time to move on.

[Donna Cansdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Firebird world expands

The group of quirky hockey boys is expanding northward as Eero is traded to the Montreal Phantoms. Even a cup winning player can be traded for an offer too good to pass up. The transition won't be easy and the pressure of a multimillion dollar contract to live up to adds to his stress. A terrific addition to Bauer's hockey family.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Atlanta characters have become old friends. This introduces a new team we can look forward to knowing better. There is something very immediate about Bauer’s writing. It’s spare and quite stylized, which may not be to everyone’s taste but really works for me. A very fine addition to Bauer’s universe.

[Debby Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice series transition

As always, a good show by Riley Bauer. This one was a lot less cryptic that the past books, so i got lost a lot less! Nice love story, great baggage to be resolved, and the tattoo just adds to it. And the cat. Of course!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall liked this especially compared to the soccer ones. I like the team stuff but wish there was more time spent on character development. Feels like that’s the main benefit of first person and it’s a lost opportunity to get in their heads more.

[Di Hannel · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptional

Doesn’t matter what I’m reading, as soon as a Riley Bauer lands in my reader all else is forgotten until it’s consumed. Riley is the master of MM HEA and this book is no exception.

[badass unicorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great start to a series!!

I love the way Riley writes..she builds the characters, the relationship and not to much angst….and just the right amount of spice. These stories get you emotionally invested in the characters. Love a happy ending❤️.

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

The dialogue was very odd. Like robots communicating with each other. It wasn’t realistic. The best part was the last few chapters.

[sheila c. lowther · Rating 5 out of 5]

another wonderful read

This writer has given us another lovely addition to her ongoing hockey series. Likable characters and well written plots. Highly recommend.

[Christina Steinbauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always a solid book, I would prefer more feelings