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Hockey Bros #1
Ethan
There’s nothing Ethan Barnes has wanted more than to play hockey with his brothers. Avery, Charlie and Ethan have been dreaming about uniting the Barnes brothers on one team since they were barely old enough to hold a hockey stick.
Starting his rookie season on the New York Bandits, Ethan’s finally going to get the chance to play with his brother Charlie. But while Charlie’s great—a fantastic roommate, a better teammate, and a damn good forward—it turns out the guy Ethan’s really interested in doesn’t have a last name of Barnes.
Hank Tucker’s been working his ass off for two years to make the Bandits opening roster as one of their starting defensemen. What he needs is determination, hard work and focus.
What he doesn’t need is a rookie forward with a famous last name, who, since the first time they met at development camp last year, has permanently moved into his thoughts with his rumpled curls and magnetic smiles and killer body. No matter how grumpy Hank is or how determined he is to shake him, Ethan’s sunshine ends up buried deep under Hank’s skin.
Hank’s always been sure he was straight. But Ethan tempts him and entices him and ultimately, makes himself so irresistible Hank’s got no shot at holding back.
Especially when it turns out that Ethan’s not just been working hard to make a spot on the Bandits’ roster but in Hank’s bed, too.
Starting his rookie season on the New York Bandits, Ethan’s finally going to get the chance to play with his brother Charlie. But while Charlie’s great—a fantastic roommate, a better teammate, and a damn good forward—it turns out the guy Ethan’s really interested in doesn’t have a last name of Barnes.
Hank Tucker’s been working his ass off for two years to make the Bandits opening roster as one of their starting defensemen. What he needs is determination, hard work and focus.
What he doesn’t need is a rookie forward with a famous last name, who, since the first time they met at development camp last year, has permanently moved into his thoughts with his rumpled curls and magnetic smiles and killer body. No matter how grumpy Hank is or how determined he is to shake him, Ethan’s sunshine ends up buried deep under Hank’s skin.
Hank’s always been sure he was straight. But Ethan tempts him and entices him and ultimately, makes himself so irresistible Hank’s got no shot at holding back.
Especially when it turns out that Ethan’s not just been working hard to make a spot on the Bandits’ roster but in Hank’s bed, too.
Audible Audio
Published August 18, 2026
About the author
Beth Bolden
83 books755 followersA lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
August 17, 2026
Is it me or are the newest hockey books just all very boring? This one was incredibly repetitive. And so slow 🐌🐌🐌 Not slow burn, just slow in pacing the story. It starts with the three brothers as kids and that first anecdote already takes forever.
And then already in the first chapter the whole book is predicted. Ethan and Hank will hit it off. Avery will join them at some point. He clicks with no one on the ice but probably will gel with Hank, the other d-man in the book.And Charlie and Max will be together at some point. (Not in this book though, because…SLOW!)
I really don’t understand why Charlie and Max’s story is not the first book. Charlie already is out. He’s the older brother. 90% of Ethan’s book is about Charlie and his talent that apparently is its own personality.
Also weird: They’re called Barnes. Avery, the eldest, is nicknamed V. Charley is Barney. Since he’s the most important guy of the series. And then Ethan is just Eth. They try little Barney or mini-Barney in the beginning but Ethan is the tallest so that’s not a good name.
Weird choices by the author that could have been avoided.
Also Ethan is in college at the beginning, but wants to play. He’s been drafted, he goes to college, he does join for the training camp, and then one year he goes back, and the next he joins them. He is in some Frozen fours (at least, and then at some point, while he is 19, Charlie decides he can join (or something like that, that was a bit fuzzy). So he just drops out of college? And what age did he start college if he already did at least two years?
So many details and written out thoughts we didn’t need, and a lot of missing details that make the story something that doesn’t add up in the real world…
Since about every detail of Charlie’s life has been touched on already I don’t think we need a book about him anymore. Or maybe I should put this series on the list of books I don’t need in my life.
Don’t recommend and definitely won’t reread.
And then already in the first chapter the whole book is predicted. Ethan and Hank will hit it off. Avery will join them at some point. He clicks with no one on the ice but probably will gel with Hank, the other d-man in the book.And Charlie and Max will be together at some point. (Not in this book though, because…SLOW!)
I really don’t understand why Charlie and Max’s story is not the first book. Charlie already is out. He’s the older brother. 90% of Ethan’s book is about Charlie and his talent that apparently is its own personality.
Also weird: They’re called Barnes. Avery, the eldest, is nicknamed V. Charley is Barney. Since he’s the most important guy of the series. And then Ethan is just Eth. They try little Barney or mini-Barney in the beginning but Ethan is the tallest so that’s not a good name.
Weird choices by the author that could have been avoided.
Also Ethan is in college at the beginning, but wants to play. He’s been drafted, he goes to college, he does join for the training camp, and then one year he goes back, and the next he joins them. He is in some Frozen fours (at least, and then at some point, while he is 19, Charlie decides he can join (or something like that, that was a bit fuzzy). So he just drops out of college? And what age did he start college if he already did at least two years?
So many details and written out thoughts we didn’t need, and a lot of missing details that make the story something that doesn’t add up in the real world…
Since about every detail of Charlie’s life has been touched on already I don’t think we need a book about him anymore. Or maybe I should put this series on the list of books I don’t need in my life.
Don’t recommend and definitely won’t reread.
Did Not Finish
September 16, 2026B+ /4.5 stars for the narration, but I noped out at 55% (for reasons given in my review), so am not giving an overall rating.
Ethan is the first book in Beth Bolden’s new Hockey Bros. romance trilogy, which features three hockey-playing brothers (duh!), Avery, Charlie and Ethan Barnes. I generally do Beth Bolden’s books in audio because I like Darcy Stark as a narrator, but I really struggled with this one – the first half is incredibly slow and just didn’t capture my interest; the story and characterisation are bland, there’s zero chemistry between the two leads and so much of the narrative is taken up with setting up the stories for the other two brothers that I couldn’t help but wonder what there would be left to tell in their own books!
The romance here is a double bi-awakening story between Ethan, the youngest Barnes, and Hank, a defenceman he meets at pre-season development camp for the team they were both drafted to, the New York Bandits (where Charlie Barnes also plays). Ethan and Hank are opposites in many ways – Ethan is sociable and lively where Hank is quieter and more introspective – but they’re drawn to each other and are both sorry when camp comes to an end, not just because they haven’t made the team for this season, but because it means they won’t see each other for a while. Ethan goes back to university and his team there, and Hank back to the Bandits' farm team in the AHL.
Over the next year, they communicate by text and the odd phone call/facetime; Ethan has realised he’s interested in more than friendship with Hank but recognises Hank isn’t there yet, and they’re apart for almost the entire first half of the book without ever talking about their mutual attraction or how things might work once they see each other again. Well, of course they do eventually reunite when they’re both called up to play for the Bandits, but just as it seems they might actually be getting somewhere, they’re separated again when management decides to send Hank back to the AHL. The pair finally get some action (passionate kissing and dry humping!) on the night before Hank is due to leave – but before they can talk about anything, Charlie appears bearing take-out and the much-needed conversation doesn’t happen.
There’s slow-burn and then there’s no-burn, and Ethan, unfortunately, falls into the latter category. Apart from the fact that it sometimes felt like Ethan and Hank are being sidelined in their own book, they’re apart for over half of it, which makes for a lot of repetitive internal monologuing, and there are so many unnecessary details and written out thoughts that just slow everything down. Having your central couple apart for over half the story and not actually communicating about much beyond a surface level isn't exactly conducive to romantic development.
In the end, I made it to 55% of the audiobook and decided to throw in the towel. I very rarely DNF books, especially when I’ve been given a review copy, but I just couldn’t get invested in the characters or their love story to the extent I kept zoning out and having to rewind. That it took me TWO WEEKS to get that far is a measure of how much I struggled with it; I normally listen to a couple of audiobooks a week (okay, those are usually what I term ‘normal’ length, 8-10 hours) so that it took me that long to listen to only half of this one should tell you something. (Maybe the second half is better and actually gets the romance going - which then begs the question of why the events of the first half couldn't have been compressed and more tightly focused in order to bring the reader/listener to that point sooner. And surely, it’s just… bad planning? To make your readers wait for so long and risk them getting bored and abandoning the book/series?)
Darcy Stark’s narration is excellent – his vocal characterisations for the three brothers are distinct and identifiable by ear, and the same goes for his portrayal of Hank, who comes across as something of a gentle giant, quietly spoken and considered. I found his pacing a little on the slow side this time, but I’m not sure if that was really the case or just because I was bored by the story and was eager to get to a point where something interesting happened!
A tangential note. I read mostly m/m romance these days, the vast majority of which is self published, and something I’ve noticed over the past few years is that a lot of contemporary romances are getting longer and longer, so that a 500+ page one is now not unusual. For a story that contains no other elements – such as fantasy or suspense – that’s a lot of pages unless you’re exploring some complex issues or situations, and the books I’m thinking of don’t do that; in fact, they’re fairly low-angst with little conflict. I get that in the world of KU, authors are paid by the page, and that sucks. But it seems to me that many romances are losing the tight focus on the central relationship that should be at their core and which is what makes them work – and we’re getting stories with lots of secondary characters that meander and ramble and drag things out for no real reason. The audiobook of Ethan clocks in at just under FIFTEEN hours (Amazon gives the print length as 399 pages) – and there’s probably enough story to fill about half of that time. As I said, I do understand the real world mechanics – but sometimes less really is more, and I don’t think I’m going to continue with this series after such a disappointing opener.
Ethan is the first book in Beth Bolden’s new Hockey Bros. romance trilogy, which features three hockey-playing brothers (duh!), Avery, Charlie and Ethan Barnes. I generally do Beth Bolden’s books in audio because I like Darcy Stark as a narrator, but I really struggled with this one – the first half is incredibly slow and just didn’t capture my interest; the story and characterisation are bland, there’s zero chemistry between the two leads and so much of the narrative is taken up with setting up the stories for the other two brothers that I couldn’t help but wonder what there would be left to tell in their own books!
The romance here is a double bi-awakening story between Ethan, the youngest Barnes, and Hank, a defenceman he meets at pre-season development camp for the team they were both drafted to, the New York Bandits (where Charlie Barnes also plays). Ethan and Hank are opposites in many ways – Ethan is sociable and lively where Hank is quieter and more introspective – but they’re drawn to each other and are both sorry when camp comes to an end, not just because they haven’t made the team for this season, but because it means they won’t see each other for a while. Ethan goes back to university and his team there, and Hank back to the Bandits' farm team in the AHL.
Over the next year, they communicate by text and the odd phone call/facetime; Ethan has realised he’s interested in more than friendship with Hank but recognises Hank isn’t there yet, and they’re apart for almost the entire first half of the book without ever talking about their mutual attraction or how things might work once they see each other again. Well, of course they do eventually reunite when they’re both called up to play for the Bandits, but just as it seems they might actually be getting somewhere, they’re separated again when management decides to send Hank back to the AHL. The pair finally get some action (passionate kissing and dry humping!) on the night before Hank is due to leave – but before they can talk about anything, Charlie appears bearing take-out and the much-needed conversation doesn’t happen.
There’s slow-burn and then there’s no-burn, and Ethan, unfortunately, falls into the latter category. Apart from the fact that it sometimes felt like Ethan and Hank are being sidelined in their own book, they’re apart for over half of it, which makes for a lot of repetitive internal monologuing, and there are so many unnecessary details and written out thoughts that just slow everything down. Having your central couple apart for over half the story and not actually communicating about much beyond a surface level isn't exactly conducive to romantic development.
In the end, I made it to 55% of the audiobook and decided to throw in the towel. I very rarely DNF books, especially when I’ve been given a review copy, but I just couldn’t get invested in the characters or their love story to the extent I kept zoning out and having to rewind. That it took me TWO WEEKS to get that far is a measure of how much I struggled with it; I normally listen to a couple of audiobooks a week (okay, those are usually what I term ‘normal’ length, 8-10 hours) so that it took me that long to listen to only half of this one should tell you something. (Maybe the second half is better and actually gets the romance going - which then begs the question of why the events of the first half couldn't have been compressed and more tightly focused in order to bring the reader/listener to that point sooner. And surely, it’s just… bad planning? To make your readers wait for so long and risk them getting bored and abandoning the book/series?)
Darcy Stark’s narration is excellent – his vocal characterisations for the three brothers are distinct and identifiable by ear, and the same goes for his portrayal of Hank, who comes across as something of a gentle giant, quietly spoken and considered. I found his pacing a little on the slow side this time, but I’m not sure if that was really the case or just because I was bored by the story and was eager to get to a point where something interesting happened!
A tangential note. I read mostly m/m romance these days, the vast majority of which is self published, and something I’ve noticed over the past few years is that a lot of contemporary romances are getting longer and longer, so that a 500+ page one is now not unusual. For a story that contains no other elements – such as fantasy or suspense – that’s a lot of pages unless you’re exploring some complex issues or situations, and the books I’m thinking of don’t do that; in fact, they’re fairly low-angst with little conflict. I get that in the world of KU, authors are paid by the page, and that sucks. But it seems to me that many romances are losing the tight focus on the central relationship that should be at their core and which is what makes them work – and we’re getting stories with lots of secondary characters that meander and ramble and drag things out for no real reason. The audiobook of Ethan clocks in at just under FIFTEEN hours (Amazon gives the print length as 399 pages) – and there’s probably enough story to fill about half of that time. As I said, I do understand the real world mechanics – but sometimes less really is more, and I don’t think I’m going to continue with this series after such a disappointing opener.
September 9, 2026
Ethan is bold, sunshine to Hank's quiet, grumbly determination. With how their interest had grown, I'd wondered why this audiobook is so long... BUT OMG. The frustration is real with, as E puts it, being 'Geographically challenge'!!
That had led to them blooming a sweet friendship, having a solid foundation as they got their queer awakening. We didn't get any confirmation on their sexualities tho, (as they'd both liked girls 1st), but they're hella serious for eachother 🥰.
Seeing E horny & desperate is fun, but when H finally loses control for E? Gosh, it's satisfying! The spice happens late, fyi.
As it's a Beth book, there's plenty of hockey games. It's a series about brothers, so there's plenty of sibling shenanigans & future set-ups I'm excited for!
Narrator did good at the accents. E's voice felt smoother & H's rougher, helped me differentiating them. But VA did pause after each word, in a way it felt like he emphasized an action, so much that it got on my nerves 😤😭. But he showed emotions well.
Story Ratings:
POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Frustrating but good! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😏😁🤭😩😍😅🤗🥳🤔😳🥹🥰😤🫣😬😘😭🥵
4) Steamy scenes: 2/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst/Slowburn: 2.5/5
Dark: 0.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Love & Hockey) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5
That had led to them blooming a sweet friendship, having a solid foundation as they got their queer awakening. We didn't get any confirmation on their sexualities tho, (as they'd both liked girls 1st), but they're hella serious for eachother 🥰.
Seeing E horny & desperate is fun, but when H finally loses control for E? Gosh, it's satisfying! The spice happens late, fyi.
As it's a Beth book, there's plenty of hockey games. It's a series about brothers, so there's plenty of sibling shenanigans & future set-ups I'm excited for!
Narrator did good at the accents. E's voice felt smoother & H's rougher, helped me differentiating them. But VA did pause after each word, in a way it felt like he emphasized an action, so much that it got on my nerves 😤😭. But he showed emotions well.
Story Ratings:
POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Frustrating but good! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😏😁🤭😩😍😅🤗🥳🤔😳🥹🥰😤🫣😬😘😭🥵
4) Steamy scenes: 2/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst/Slowburn: 2.5/5
Dark: 0.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Love & Hockey) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5
August 14, 2026
DNF @ 61%
Because teased and taunted and dragged out is not my thing. They haven't seen each other in months and they kiss but goody two shoes Hank (not my favorite names for an mc) denies a good fourth kiss because of practice
The thing is, when you're passionate it has to be full on. There was no passion from Hank, he had his brain on the whole time. Ethan was the fireball and kept getting water in the face.
I have so many notes but it doesn't matter. This got boring and disappointing for me.
Victorian chastity and noble gestures dragged out.
*Four stars because it is a good , well written book, just not for me.
Because teased and taunted and dragged out is not my thing. They haven't seen each other in months and they kiss but goody two shoes Hank (not my favorite names for an mc) denies a good fourth kiss because of practice
The thing is, when you're passionate it has to be full on. There was no passion from Hank, he had his brain on the whole time. Ethan was the fireball and kept getting water in the face.
I have so many notes but it doesn't matter. This got boring and disappointing for me.
Victorian chastity and noble gestures dragged out.
*Four stars because it is a good , well written book, just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2026
I love starting a new series from Beth Bolden! After some time in the football arena (lol), we are back in hockey land, yay (though I love all sports in romances).
Ethan has got to be one of my fave new MCs from Beth Bolden - from the first page, he captured my attention with his love of Sid Crosby. We get a great sense of all 3 brothers - Ethan the youngest, Charlie in the middle, and Avery as the oldest - at the beginning of the book and get to know them all better throughout the story. I'm already excited for Charlie's story and know that Avery will also capture my heart in his book.
Ethan is just adorable with a sunny personality and sparkling blue eyes. I love how determined he is to make his mark in the hockey world as himself and not just as "one of the Barnes boys." He meets Hank Tucker during a one time callup from the AHL and they form a fast friendship. This book is definitely a very slow burn because it takes many, many, many months -years, really - for the embers to become flame. But during all this time, there is SO much pining and yearning and need even before Hank at least realizes that his straight self is not so straight after all....It is delicious!
All of this emotion is brought to life by audiobook narrator Darcy Stark, who is a regular narrator for Beth's books! I enjoyed getting to listen to this book after I had read it - audio just always makes books more intense for me and I love it!
Ethan has got to be one of my fave new MCs from Beth Bolden - from the first page, he captured my attention with his love of Sid Crosby. We get a great sense of all 3 brothers - Ethan the youngest, Charlie in the middle, and Avery as the oldest - at the beginning of the book and get to know them all better throughout the story. I'm already excited for Charlie's story and know that Avery will also capture my heart in his book.
Ethan is just adorable with a sunny personality and sparkling blue eyes. I love how determined he is to make his mark in the hockey world as himself and not just as "one of the Barnes boys." He meets Hank Tucker during a one time callup from the AHL and they form a fast friendship. This book is definitely a very slow burn because it takes many, many, many months -years, really - for the embers to become flame. But during all this time, there is SO much pining and yearning and need even before Hank at least realizes that his straight self is not so straight after all....It is delicious!
All of this emotion is brought to life by audiobook narrator Darcy Stark, who is a regular narrator for Beth's books! I enjoyed getting to listen to this book after I had read it - audio just always makes books more intense for me and I love it!
Read
August 12, 2026Ethan is sunny and adorable! Hank is grumpy and sweet! This book is the perfect introduction to the Barnes Brothers series, blending a slowly building text to romance relationship with an introduction to the Barnes family dynamic... This romance feels carefully crafted and well paced. It's got a queer awakening, friends to lovers and a dash of opposites attract mixed with Beth Bolden's dash of sports romance charm... lots of great secondary characters and a secondary storyline that makes you want to jump into book 2 right away!
September 7, 2026
I love starting a new series from Beth Bolden! After some time in the football arena (lol), we are back in hockey land, yay (though I love all sports in romances).
Ethan has got to be one of my fave new MCs from Beth Bolden - from the first page, he captured my attention with his love of Sid Crosby. We get a great sense of all 3 brothers - Ethan the youngest, Charlie in the middle, and Avery as the oldest - at the beginning of the book and get to know them all better throughout the story. I'm already excited for Charlie's story and know that Avery will also capture my heart in his book.
Ethan is just adorable with a sunny personality and sparkling blue eyes. I love how determined he is to make his mark in the hockey world as himself and not just as "one of the Barnes boys." He meets Hank Tucker during a one time callup from the AHL and they form a fast friendship. This book is definitely a very slow burn because it takes many, many, many months -years, really - for the embers to become flame. But during all this time, there is SO much pining and yearning and need even before Hank at least realizes that his straight self is not so straight after all....It is delicious!
Ethan has got to be one of my fave new MCs from Beth Bolden - from the first page, he captured my attention with his love of Sid Crosby. We get a great sense of all 3 brothers - Ethan the youngest, Charlie in the middle, and Avery as the oldest - at the beginning of the book and get to know them all better throughout the story. I'm already excited for Charlie's story and know that Avery will also capture my heart in his book.
Ethan is just adorable with a sunny personality and sparkling blue eyes. I love how determined he is to make his mark in the hockey world as himself and not just as "one of the Barnes boys." He meets Hank Tucker during a one time callup from the AHL and they form a fast friendship. This book is definitely a very slow burn because it takes many, many, many months -years, really - for the embers to become flame. But during all this time, there is SO much pining and yearning and need even before Hank at least realizes that his straight self is not so straight after all....It is delicious!
Read
August 12, 2026The first 25% of this was a bit slow with the distance between the MCs but as it went on I came to appreciate the slow burn of their relationship through long distance friendship to something else. It works well as a romance on its own, Ethan and Hank are very cute together (I too find Hank's somewhat old-fashioned ideas charming) but also sets up the series really well. The dynamic between all three Barnes brothers is fascinating and I'm really intrigued to continue to explore it in the later books!
August 25, 2026
4-4.25⭐
I really loved Ethan and Hank 🥹💙 Very cute and sweet 🥰
And the fact that there was almost no spice? Perfect, honestly. 🙌🙌🙌
I really loved Ethan and Hank 🥹💙 Very cute and sweet 🥰
And the fact that there was almost no spice? Perfect, honestly. 🙌🙌🙌
August 29, 2026
Not bad, but definitely unfocused
There’s some things I liked in this, especially the first half of the story. My favorite part was actually the prologue. I kinda wish we’d spent more time with them growing up before the first big time jumps. The second half is messier, a bit repetitive, and the focus of the narrative feels off. Hank becomes such a side character to the Barnes(es) + Max that I really believe this story would’ve worked better as a single POV focused on Ethan. Swapping to Hank rarely adds anything, and often serves to just repeat something we’ve already seen from Ethan. And why why why were there so many identical references to Max and Charlie being “weird” about each other. I could’ve done without about 70% of those and still gotten the point. Bury that dead horse please, this is inhumane. Now that the major set up for the trilogy is seemingly set, I hope the subsequent entries are a bit tighter
There’s some things I liked in this, especially the first half of the story. My favorite part was actually the prologue. I kinda wish we’d spent more time with them growing up before the first big time jumps. The second half is messier, a bit repetitive, and the focus of the narrative feels off. Hank becomes such a side character to the Barnes(es) + Max that I really believe this story would’ve worked better as a single POV focused on Ethan. Swapping to Hank rarely adds anything, and often serves to just repeat something we’ve already seen from Ethan. And why why why were there so many identical references to Max and Charlie being “weird” about each other. I could’ve done without about 70% of those and still gotten the point. Bury that dead horse please, this is inhumane. Now that the major set up for the trilogy is seemingly set, I hope the subsequent entries are a bit tighter
August 28, 2026
3.5ish. I’ll def read the next one when it comes out this fall. I felt like I could have rated this higher but it seemed like there was a lot of setting up for books 2&3. We shall see.
Worth noting I’ve been in a massive reading slump and this was the only book I could get myself to trudge through.
ETA that I cannot stop cracking up that this is (very) loosely based off the Hughes brothers lol. Go off queen, I love it.
Worth noting I’ve been in a massive reading slump and this was the only book I could get myself to trudge through.
ETA that I cannot stop cracking up that this is (very) loosely based off the Hughes brothers lol. Go off queen, I love it.
September 5, 2026
4 stars
What a way to kick off a new series! Ethan was such a sweet start to the Hockey Bros series, and I especially loved how much time was given to developing Ethan and Hank's emotional connection.
There's an attraction between them almost immediately, but rather than jumping straight into a relationship, circumstances keep them apart and they spend a significant amount of time getting to know each other through texts. I loved the slow progression from friendship to flirting and eventually something more, particularly because it meant their friendship felt well established before they were ever really given the opportunity to explore the physical side of it.
I also really enjoyed the wider hockey and family dynamics throughout the book. Ethan's relationships with his siblings was a highlight, and there were plenty of familiar faces from Beth Bolden's other hockey books sprinkled throughout. I particularly loved seeing the pieces being put into place for the other Barnes brothers' romances, and I'm already so keen for both of them!
Overall, this was a really sweet, relatively low-angst romance with two characters that were all too easy to root for. Hank going absolutely feral when someone messed with Ethan on tyhe ice was also greatly appreciated 😂 I'm so excited to see where the rest of the series goes!
In summary:
What a way to kick off a new series! Ethan was such a sweet start to the Hockey Bros series, and I especially loved how much time was given to developing Ethan and Hank's emotional connection.
There's an attraction between them almost immediately, but rather than jumping straight into a relationship, circumstances keep them apart and they spend a significant amount of time getting to know each other through texts. I loved the slow progression from friendship to flirting and eventually something more, particularly because it meant their friendship felt well established before they were ever really given the opportunity to explore the physical side of it.
I also really enjoyed the wider hockey and family dynamics throughout the book. Ethan's relationships with his siblings was a highlight, and there were plenty of familiar faces from Beth Bolden's other hockey books sprinkled throughout. I particularly loved seeing the pieces being put into place for the other Barnes brothers' romances, and I'm already so keen for both of them!
Overall, this was a really sweet, relatively low-angst romance with two characters that were all too easy to root for. Hank going absolutely feral when someone messed with Ethan on tyhe ice was also greatly appreciated 😂 I'm so excited to see where the rest of the series goes!
In summary:
August 12, 2026
Loved this! Was so beautifully written and I was so immersed in the story. I even got emotional and cried a bit and I do not regret it at all! I loved Ethan and Hank a lot. They were a great pair and I loved how they were friendly before anything changed. I loved how they developed a friendship first and foremost. I loved all of the longing, but also how steadfast they both were. Thousands and then hundreds of miles separated them, but the miles couldn't stop their connection from getting deeper. They were both so sure of this thing between them, and that was really sweet. Both of their feelings went so deep and when they were finally in the same city they could let it all out. It was great to see them be together and be able to have their little talks, stay close and touch. I loved Ethan's sunshine vibe and personality and I also really enjoyed Hank's grumpy more measured vibes.
I really enjoyed the Barnes siblings and their conversations. The banter and little digs were fun, but they also showed a picture of a tight knit family where they try to nudge each other in the right direction.
I'm very excited to get to spend more time with the Barneses and see everyone be happy and thrive.
Pick this up if you enjoy pining, grumpy/sunshine and love to read about hockey players.
I really enjoyed the Barnes siblings and their conversations. The banter and little digs were fun, but they also showed a picture of a tight knit family where they try to nudge each other in the right direction.
I'm very excited to get to spend more time with the Barneses and see everyone be happy and thrive.
Pick this up if you enjoy pining, grumpy/sunshine and love to read about hockey players.
September 2, 2026
5 star narration, 3.5 star story.
After my last Beth listen was SO GOOD, I had my hopes up for this one, but I should know by now that unfortunately for me, Beth’s “book 1’s” in new series are just not my favorites.
*I received an ALC of this book, all opinions are my own*
IMO, this book, similarly to Perfect Storm, acts as more of a “new world & cast of characters” introduction and thus we spend sooooo much time interacting with side characters (who obviously are going to get their own books) and the romance plot between our two supposed main characters is completely lost.
It’s such a bummer because the opening prologue & first few chapters were really engaging between Hank & Ethan. And the scenes where it’s just the two of them actually together are great. But there’s just way too much other filler stuff, it’s like listening to a hockey news report at times versus reading a romance book.
In this book, instead of Mo being the spectre following our main characters around, we get Charlie. It really felt like this book should’ve just been about Charlie & Max, as that’s clearly who Beth wants to write about.
After my last Beth listen was SO GOOD, I had my hopes up for this one, but I should know by now that unfortunately for me, Beth’s “book 1’s” in new series are just not my favorites.
*I received an ALC of this book, all opinions are my own*
IMO, this book, similarly to Perfect Storm, acts as more of a “new world & cast of characters” introduction and thus we spend sooooo much time interacting with side characters (who obviously are going to get their own books) and the romance plot between our two supposed main characters is completely lost.
It’s such a bummer because the opening prologue & first few chapters were really engaging between Hank & Ethan. And the scenes where it’s just the two of them actually together are great. But there’s just way too much other filler stuff, it’s like listening to a hockey news report at times versus reading a romance book.
In this book, instead of Mo being the spectre following our main characters around, we get Charlie. It really felt like this book should’ve just been about Charlie & Max, as that’s clearly who Beth wants to write about.
September 4, 2026
Well, I just love this book. I had the opportunity to also listen to this audio version, and it was great. Darcy Stark is a solid narrator and is familiar to me from some other Beth books. (Specifically Breakaway Goals with Morgan & Hayes, which is also a 5 star read by the way! https://www.instagram.com/p/DNWWTmIyS... )
I love falling in love with a book and then loving it even more after the audio. I noticed someone wrote a review that there is too much wanting and not enough sexy time. BUT for me, it's the YEARNING! I love the yearning. Plenty of pining, yearning, and sweetness in this story! And, dont worry you get the sexy time too.
This story also does a really good job of setting up a world between brothers, and that dynamic. I can't wait for Charlie's story AND also I just learned that DANNY (from Breakaway Goals) is going to get his due!!! 🎉
I love falling in love with a book and then loving it even more after the audio. I noticed someone wrote a review that there is too much wanting and not enough sexy time. BUT for me, it's the YEARNING! I love the yearning. Plenty of pining, yearning, and sweetness in this story! And, dont worry you get the sexy time too.
This story also does a really good job of setting up a world between brothers, and that dynamic. I can't wait for Charlie's story AND also I just learned that DANNY (from Breakaway Goals) is going to get his due!!! 🎉
August 14, 2026
Beth Bolden just makes me happy, you know? This was amazing. The tension, the characters, the story... I fell absolutely in love with the Barnes siblings, I can't even choose my favorite. I also adore that you can always count on Beth to give an accurate sports experience in her books (I love when it's not just the background for the story, but a big part of it). I need the Charlie's book like NOW. I feel like I'm gonna die once I get my hands on it 🩷🩷
August 15, 2026
I started off really loving this, but it got really boring for me when there was basically no romance and soooo much side character interaction. And to top it off, there was no epilogue just an abrupt ending
August 20, 2026
I think this had the makings of an immediate five star book, if only the pieces were put together a little differently. I'll start with the highlight of I LOVE Ethan and Hank together, the way that they worked to be each other's scaffolding even while they were struggling themselves was great. It could've collapsed like a house of cards, but the fools pulled it off. I also love with Hank's story that Beth wasn't afraid of giving him actual career pushback, so often in these books, once the pieces start to come together both the MCs and the team are for the most part on an upward trajectory, if they have a setback then it's usually like a final hurdle at 75% type deal. I liked how realistic Hank's path was, getting sent back to the AHL multiple times, being buffeted around by trade rumors that had nothing to do with him but still affected what kind of spot the team could give him, that was great.
But there was just so much about this that missed the mark for me. Starting with Hank's path, as realistic as it was, it meant the boys didn't really get together until like 60%, and that's just too long for a text based situationship to carry on, because so little else can happen while they're still geographically apart. Much like some of the characters in the book, I had to keep reminding myself that these two fools had a heavy flirtation including a hookup for A YEAR AND A HALF before they started living in the same building, it's actually one of the SLOWEST romances I've ever read on KU, and yet it felt so fast because they were only allowed to be in the same city for less than half of the book. Next up, involving Avery's trade, obviously a move that needed to happen for the sake of the trilogy, and I get why they pulled the trigger in this book, turning it into a piece of finding Hank's role within the team. But in my opinion, moving Avery to the team without the ability to be in Charlie's head is a big miss. Ethan and Hank just don't have the turmoil about it, so it ended up being a lot of telling us there was turmoil without showing it. Which leads to my biggest problem: FUCKING CHARLIE. I don't think I'm meant to hate him. I think I'm meant to recognize how complicated his brain gets around Max and around hockey and his brothers, but it felt like a lot of showing us the problems, and then telling us it was all good because of the love there. I don't think there's a single point in the book where we saw a genuinely healthy version of a sibling conversation. Not one. They were constantly trading barbs and dancing around each other, and it just got fucking exhausting. Like the whole tension around Ethan playing as a winger instead of a center, that whole thing just needed one chill conversation, and not a single person was willing to have it. In a way it makes me excited for the last book in the trilogy, when they're all more slightly healed and infinitely more content versions of each other.
In general, I see the vision but holy hell was this a slog of depression and fighting slkjgfd
But there was just so much about this that missed the mark for me. Starting with Hank's path, as realistic as it was, it meant the boys didn't really get together until like 60%, and that's just too long for a text based situationship to carry on, because so little else can happen while they're still geographically apart. Much like some of the characters in the book, I had to keep reminding myself that these two fools had a heavy flirtation including a hookup for A YEAR AND A HALF before they started living in the same building, it's actually one of the SLOWEST romances I've ever read on KU, and yet it felt so fast because they were only allowed to be in the same city for less than half of the book. Next up, involving Avery's trade, obviously a move that needed to happen for the sake of the trilogy, and I get why they pulled the trigger in this book, turning it into a piece of finding Hank's role within the team. But in my opinion, moving Avery to the team without the ability to be in Charlie's head is a big miss. Ethan and Hank just don't have the turmoil about it, so it ended up being a lot of telling us there was turmoil without showing it. Which leads to my biggest problem: FUCKING CHARLIE. I don't think I'm meant to hate him. I think I'm meant to recognize how complicated his brain gets around Max and around hockey and his brothers, but it felt like a lot of showing us the problems, and then telling us it was all good because of the love there. I don't think there's a single point in the book where we saw a genuinely healthy version of a sibling conversation. Not one. They were constantly trading barbs and dancing around each other, and it just got fucking exhausting. Like the whole tension around Ethan playing as a winger instead of a center, that whole thing just needed one chill conversation, and not a single person was willing to have it. In a way it makes me excited for the last book in the trilogy, when they're all more slightly healed and infinitely more content versions of each other.
In general, I see the vision but holy hell was this a slog of depression and fighting slkjgfd
September 3, 2026
Low angst and low drama. A pleasure to read!
I adored these two boys. They are young, impetuous, quite easy-going hockey players. Neither of them has ever been with a man (or has ever been interested in men, for that matter), but they find themselves immediately drawn to each other, as soon as they meet. As friendship turns into something more, they have to navigate long distance and family dynamics, but they do it with a seemingly endless well of optimism and resilience.
I adored these two boys. They are young, impetuous, quite easy-going hockey players. Neither of them has ever been with a man (or has ever been interested in men, for that matter), but they find themselves immediately drawn to each other, as soon as they meet. As friendship turns into something more, they have to navigate long distance and family dynamics, but they do it with a seemingly endless well of optimism and resilience.
August 25, 2026
3.5/5 STARS! This is a good intro to the series. It’s extremely slow burn & takes a minute for the romance between Hank & Ethan to get started. The audiobook narration is good. I liked this & thought it was extremely cute. It’s got family drama, & more hockey focused. Fun read!
August 17, 2026
I enjoyed this first book in Beth’s new hockey trilogy about the Barnes brothers, hockey phenoms and a dynasty in themselves. Avery is the oldest, playing for the Mavericks for the last three years, under a lot of pressure to lead his team to the Cup, but he can’t do it himself. Charlie is the middle brother, a phenomenal player in his own right on the Bandit’s roster, totally focused on hockey, feeling responsible if they don’t win their games, and besties with Max, the captain, the one person who can calm him down and keep him on track. The youngest brother is Ethan, contracted with the Bandits but still in college, itching to get called up and join Charlie on the roster. When Ethan goes to development camp before his sophomore year, he wants to shine enough to get to stay instead of going back to school. Unfortunately, he isn’t ready yet and is sent back, but the highlight of camp is meeting Hank Tucker, another player at camp, one who is back and forth between the AHL and the Bandits, hoping to get a spot on the roster this time. Even though Ethan doesn’t realize it at the time, Hank will have the biggest influence on his life, even more than hockey.
When Ethan and Hank meet for the first time, there is an instant attraction between them, one that is unsettling because neither has been attracted to a man before. The attraction only extends to each other. Thus begins a year and a half of a long distance texting and FaceTime-ing relationship as Ethan returns to school and Hank to his AHL team, then together again for the next camp and part of the season. They may not see each other in person often over most of this time, nor even have much off-ice physical contact, but the feelings continue to grow. This is the longest slow burn relationship I have ever read, but you can just feel the connection between them, the growing feelings, and eventually the physical connection when both are in the same place on the same team, the chance to be together as much as possible. Hank is the cautious one, Ethan less so, but he adapts to what Hank needs as the relationship moves more into the boyfriend realm. Hank was confident when Ethan met him, but as he has continued to go back and forth from NHL to AHL, Hank has started doubting himself. In Ethan, he has someone to champion him, to bolster him up and keep him on track, much the way Max does Charlie. Ethan’s brother and his boyfriend seem to have much in common.
Alongside the developing relationship with Ethan and Hank is the drama of hockey, the push to be better, to make a difference, to rise up the ranks of the lines. Ethan is a center, but there is pressure to have him play as a winger from Charlie and Max because as a rookie, Ethan is pushed around a lot and Max could give him protection. Things get more complicated when Avery is traded to the Bandits and the brothers are together on the same team, a dream since childhood. But the d-man that Avery plays with isn’t doing as well, and things change for Hank, too. As the story ends, we have the three brothers on the same team, Charlie has his Max and Ethan has his Hank, and all five are focused on doing the best they can for the team and each other.
Next up will be Charlie and Max’s story. Will the two ever move beyond friends who stick together like glue and move their relationship to the next level of intimacy between them? It should be an interesting journey as both are focused on hockey and the team being number one—but maybe their priorities might expand a little to allow their feelings for each other to take a more prominent role. Looking forward to how this might happen. I received an ARC of the book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
When Ethan and Hank meet for the first time, there is an instant attraction between them, one that is unsettling because neither has been attracted to a man before. The attraction only extends to each other. Thus begins a year and a half of a long distance texting and FaceTime-ing relationship as Ethan returns to school and Hank to his AHL team, then together again for the next camp and part of the season. They may not see each other in person often over most of this time, nor even have much off-ice physical contact, but the feelings continue to grow. This is the longest slow burn relationship I have ever read, but you can just feel the connection between them, the growing feelings, and eventually the physical connection when both are in the same place on the same team, the chance to be together as much as possible. Hank is the cautious one, Ethan less so, but he adapts to what Hank needs as the relationship moves more into the boyfriend realm. Hank was confident when Ethan met him, but as he has continued to go back and forth from NHL to AHL, Hank has started doubting himself. In Ethan, he has someone to champion him, to bolster him up and keep him on track, much the way Max does Charlie. Ethan’s brother and his boyfriend seem to have much in common.
Alongside the developing relationship with Ethan and Hank is the drama of hockey, the push to be better, to make a difference, to rise up the ranks of the lines. Ethan is a center, but there is pressure to have him play as a winger from Charlie and Max because as a rookie, Ethan is pushed around a lot and Max could give him protection. Things get more complicated when Avery is traded to the Bandits and the brothers are together on the same team, a dream since childhood. But the d-man that Avery plays with isn’t doing as well, and things change for Hank, too. As the story ends, we have the three brothers on the same team, Charlie has his Max and Ethan has his Hank, and all five are focused on doing the best they can for the team and each other.
Next up will be Charlie and Max’s story. Will the two ever move beyond friends who stick together like glue and move their relationship to the next level of intimacy between them? It should be an interesting journey as both are focused on hockey and the team being number one—but maybe their priorities might expand a little to allow their feelings for each other to take a more prominent role. Looking forward to how this might happen. I received an ARC of the book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel like I say this for every Beth book recently, but this is my favourite!! I know I've been a huge Ramsey fan for the longest time, but I'm sorry to say that Ethan just knocked him off the top spot. I could not put this book down until I finished it and I definitely outsourced the making dinner part of the evening so I didn't have to leave these guys 😂
I absolutely adored Ethan!! His entire personality was just so fun and I wanted to keep reading more of him. The dynamics of the Barnes siblings was really interesting too, especially as I have the same age gaps with my siblings, and Ethan was such a typical baby of the family with his cheekiness and the way he's so laid back. I really liked Avery even though we didn't get all too much of him for most of the book, but he seems like the steadiest of the brothers - I'm very excited for his book and I have a character I absolutely want to see him paired with because I think it would bring a lot of fireworks 😂 Charlie though... Oh my god 😂😂😂 The way he is with Max is both adorable but baffling! I'm really looking forward to their book next, but I have that ominous Jaws music in my head and I'm scared they're going to hurt each other!!! Livvy was so funny as the voice of reason though, and I loved the bonus scene for her, but again, I wanted more!!
The way Ethan and Hank are like magnets from the minute they meet was just so fun to read. The slow burn was SOOOOO good too and I loved the way they really took the time to get to know each other before they were finally in the same location at the same time, and their relationship then became a physical one also. There was a lot of turmoil for both of them in the beginning, especially as neither had ever been attracted to a guy before, but Hank was determined to stay focused on his goal of making the NHL team permanently, and Ethan was on the other side of the country still at college - even though he was obsessed with Hank, he had no clue if Hank really felt the same about him. So, there was a lot of dancing around the fact they were into each other, but it was honestly just so good! Their friendship is so solid before they ever even kiss and it really felt like they were a forever couple in the making.
I laughed a lot throughout the book, and pretty much had a smile on my face the entire time, but I also cried when they hit yet another stumbling block! I was so sad for them both!! Hank is such a romantic though and when they FINALLY got the chance to be together for real, the way they both grabbed it with both hands was amazing.
Honestly never wanted this book to end!!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
I absolutely adored Ethan!! His entire personality was just so fun and I wanted to keep reading more of him. The dynamics of the Barnes siblings was really interesting too, especially as I have the same age gaps with my siblings, and Ethan was such a typical baby of the family with his cheekiness and the way he's so laid back. I really liked Avery even though we didn't get all too much of him for most of the book, but he seems like the steadiest of the brothers - I'm very excited for his book and I have a character I absolutely want to see him paired with because I think it would bring a lot of fireworks 😂 Charlie though... Oh my god 😂😂😂 The way he is with Max is both adorable but baffling! I'm really looking forward to their book next, but I have that ominous Jaws music in my head and I'm scared they're going to hurt each other!!! Livvy was so funny as the voice of reason though, and I loved the bonus scene for her, but again, I wanted more!!
The way Ethan and Hank are like magnets from the minute they meet was just so fun to read. The slow burn was SOOOOO good too and I loved the way they really took the time to get to know each other before they were finally in the same location at the same time, and their relationship then became a physical one also. There was a lot of turmoil for both of them in the beginning, especially as neither had ever been attracted to a guy before, but Hank was determined to stay focused on his goal of making the NHL team permanently, and Ethan was on the other side of the country still at college - even though he was obsessed with Hank, he had no clue if Hank really felt the same about him. So, there was a lot of dancing around the fact they were into each other, but it was honestly just so good! Their friendship is so solid before they ever even kiss and it really felt like they were a forever couple in the making.
I laughed a lot throughout the book, and pretty much had a smile on my face the entire time, but I also cried when they hit yet another stumbling block! I was so sad for them both!! Hank is such a romantic though and when they FINALLY got the chance to be together for real, the way they both grabbed it with both hands was amazing.
Honestly never wanted this book to end!!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Ethan is the youngest of the three Barnes brothers and one sister. All play hockey. Ethan was drafted by the New York Bandits of the NHL to join his middle brother Charlie. His eldest brother, Avery, plays for the Mavericks in LA. In the prologue, they discussed a fantasy of all three of them playing on the same team. However, he is in college in Seattle and is frustrated that the team has left him there rather than bringing him up onto the roster. Before going back to Seattle, he meets Hank who plays defense for the Bandit’s AHL farm team in Syracuse. Ethan had messaged Hank a few times with no response until a while later after Ethan scores a beautiful goal. After that they chat almost daily. The meet a year later, after Ethan has been called up though Hank has not. They were supposed to go on a date, but before Hank goes to pick up Ethan, he receives a call from the Bandit’s GM telling him that unfortunately, he’ll have to return to Syracuse to start the season, evidently to protect him from a trade. He eventually does get called up. Ethan has been living with his brother Charlie. While Hank is staying with the “object” of Charlie’s affection and team captain, Max, 5 floors up in the same building. They eventually go on that date.
I have to admit that I still can’t see the purpose of the Prologue. Other than establish that they all play hockey, there doesn’t seem to be a relation with the rest of the story. That said, the rest of the book was very interesting. It shows the fascinating dynamics among the three brothers, very much love-hate, though clearly more love than the other. The two main characters are made for each other, and certainly not in the same strange league as that between Charlie and Max. They aren’t always on the same page when it comes to the physical part of their partnership, with Ethan seeming keener than Hank. The story is told in the third person; the first time I’ve encountered this in a while. They receive support on and off the ice from a large number of teammates from all three places (NYC, Seattle and Syracuse). The story has a sort of split plotline: the relationship between the two MCs, the odd relationship between Charlie and Max, and the trade deal concerning Avery. I also liked the fact that, with the exception of the teams for which the brothers played, the rest of the NHL kept it’s real names.
With the exception of the Prologue, I really enjoyed the book.
Ethan is the youngest of the three Barnes brothers and one sister. All play hockey. Ethan was drafted by the New York Bandits of the NHL to join his middle brother Charlie. His eldest brother, Avery, plays for the Mavericks in LA. In the prologue, they discussed a fantasy of all three of them playing on the same team. However, he is in college in Seattle and is frustrated that the team has left him there rather than bringing him up onto the roster. Before going back to Seattle, he meets Hank who plays defense for the Bandit’s AHL farm team in Syracuse. Ethan had messaged Hank a few times with no response until a while later after Ethan scores a beautiful goal. After that they chat almost daily. The meet a year later, after Ethan has been called up though Hank has not. They were supposed to go on a date, but before Hank goes to pick up Ethan, he receives a call from the Bandit’s GM telling him that unfortunately, he’ll have to return to Syracuse to start the season, evidently to protect him from a trade. He eventually does get called up. Ethan has been living with his brother Charlie. While Hank is staying with the “object” of Charlie’s affection and team captain, Max, 5 floors up in the same building. They eventually go on that date.
I have to admit that I still can’t see the purpose of the Prologue. Other than establish that they all play hockey, there doesn’t seem to be a relation with the rest of the story. That said, the rest of the book was very interesting. It shows the fascinating dynamics among the three brothers, very much love-hate, though clearly more love than the other. The two main characters are made for each other, and certainly not in the same strange league as that between Charlie and Max. They aren’t always on the same page when it comes to the physical part of their partnership, with Ethan seeming keener than Hank. The story is told in the third person; the first time I’ve encountered this in a while. They receive support on and off the ice from a large number of teammates from all three places (NYC, Seattle and Syracuse). The story has a sort of split plotline: the relationship between the two MCs, the odd relationship between Charlie and Max, and the trade deal concerning Avery. I also liked the fact that, with the exception of the teams for which the brothers played, the rest of the NHL kept it’s real names.
With the exception of the Prologue, I really enjoyed the book.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
4.5 stars
Ethan is the baby Barnes’s brother. He’s always looked up to and admired his brothers, even if they sometimes drive him crazy and he hates being treated like the little brother. But now, he’s finally coming into his own going to elite camps and getting ready to join the New York NHL team with his superstar brother Charlie. Ethan’s a young phenom in his own right and has great potential. And he’s more easy-going and laid-back than his very intense older brother. He is magnetic, confident, straightforward, and sunshine.
Hank Tucker is a D-man floating between the New York NHL and Syracuse AHL team and just hoping to get to permanently stay in the NHL. He is sharp, focused, not usually social, and an overthinker.
Hank and Ethan meet during a development camp for the first time and had an immediate connection, but then they both had to go off in other directions for their continued development, waiting for their permanent NHL gigs
But they are each other's bi-awakening and begin this slow-burn, long-distance friendship to flirting to real feelings. I liked that there was not a lot of relationship angst or miscommunication or fighting. They mostly dealt with external forces, distance, and had opportunities for their own personal awareness and growth and relationship/team building. The build-up is as hard for the reader as it is for the characters, as they have to wait, want, and pine.And there are disappointments as well as good times. I really liked how confident Ethan and Hank were in each other even if they were not always perfectly confident in other areas. They were really sweet, mature, and had great chemistry together,
There is also more complex dynamics going on with the other Barnes brothers, Charlie and Avery as well. I am looking forward to Charlie and Max's book. They are so oblivious. And Avery is trying to adjust to changes as well.
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Ethan is the baby Barnes’s brother. He’s always looked up to and admired his brothers, even if they sometimes drive him crazy and he hates being treated like the little brother. But now, he’s finally coming into his own going to elite camps and getting ready to join the New York NHL team with his superstar brother Charlie. Ethan’s a young phenom in his own right and has great potential. And he’s more easy-going and laid-back than his very intense older brother. He is magnetic, confident, straightforward, and sunshine.
Hank Tucker is a D-man floating between the New York NHL and Syracuse AHL team and just hoping to get to permanently stay in the NHL. He is sharp, focused, not usually social, and an overthinker.
Hank and Ethan meet during a development camp for the first time and had an immediate connection, but then they both had to go off in other directions for their continued development, waiting for their permanent NHL gigs
But they are each other's bi-awakening and begin this slow-burn, long-distance friendship to flirting to real feelings. I liked that there was not a lot of relationship angst or miscommunication or fighting. They mostly dealt with external forces, distance, and had opportunities for their own personal awareness and growth and relationship/team building. The build-up is as hard for the reader as it is for the characters, as they have to wait, want, and pine.And there are disappointments as well as good times. I really liked how confident Ethan and Hank were in each other even if they were not always perfectly confident in other areas. They were really sweet, mature, and had great chemistry together,
There is also more complex dynamics going on with the other Barnes brothers, Charlie and Avery as well. I am looking forward to Charlie and Max's book. They are so oblivious. And Avery is trying to adjust to changes as well.
August 13, 2026
I loved everything about this book! But I love everything about all of Beth’s books. The way she writes MM sports romances is pure perfection. Whether it’s football or hockey, the sport itself plays an integral role in the story. Ethan is a great example of this. The romance between Ethan and Hank was just as important as what was going on with the other players and the team in general. I also loved the slow burn in this book. With a double bi-awakening, I felt like Beth handled it in a way that made sense for the two characters as they realized their admiration and friendship was actually more. The yearning between the two main MMCs was sweet torture. I might have screamed at the two of them a few times while I was reading because they just couldn’t seem to get out of their own way when it came to admitting they wanted more than just a friend to chat with after their games. The way Ethan and Hank brought out the best in each other—both personally and professionally—was so amazing to read. Hank had his work cut out for him when it came to the Barnes brothers, and he did a great job handling the stress of dating the baby while under the constant scrutiny of the older two siblings—and with his own struggle of learning to believe in himself as a hockey player.
I also loved the other Barnes siblings. Livvy, Avery, and Charlie were fun to get to know during this book. Livvy is a complete badass and so obviously the oldest (and oldest daughter) and the way she managed all three of her younger brothers was hilarious! We didn’t get to know Avery as much during this book, but I’m sure his personality will start to come through in Charlie’s book. I had a feeling when Danny mentioned he could possibly be into guys and then made such a fuss about Avery joining the team, Beth was going to make him Avery’s love interest in the last book. Charlie was by far the most frustrating of all the Barnes siblings. I just wanted to reach into the book and shake him and Max until they both finally admitted they were in love with each other. This is a prime example of idiots to lovers!
It was also nice to get a glimpse into the Evergreen U world and see a few familiar faces. I love how all of Beth’s book interconnect, starting all the way back to The Rainbow Clause. I didn’t have a doubt in my mind that I would love Ethan, and now I’m anxiously awaiting the next two books in the series before we head back to Toronto to finish up the Thunder series!
I also loved the other Barnes siblings. Livvy, Avery, and Charlie were fun to get to know during this book. Livvy is a complete badass and so obviously the oldest (and oldest daughter) and the way she managed all three of her younger brothers was hilarious! We didn’t get to know Avery as much during this book, but I’m sure his personality will start to come through in Charlie’s book. I had a feeling when Danny mentioned he could possibly be into guys and then made such a fuss about Avery joining the team, Beth was going to make him Avery’s love interest in the last book. Charlie was by far the most frustrating of all the Barnes siblings. I just wanted to reach into the book and shake him and Max until they both finally admitted they were in love with each other. This is a prime example of idiots to lovers!
It was also nice to get a glimpse into the Evergreen U world and see a few familiar faces. I love how all of Beth’s book interconnect, starting all the way back to The Rainbow Clause. I didn’t have a doubt in my mind that I would love Ethan, and now I’m anxiously awaiting the next two books in the series before we head back to Toronto to finish up the Thunder series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So far I've loved every series Beth's released and I already know I'm gonna love this one just as much if not more. We get to meet the Barnes family and Ethan is up first.
Ever since they were young boys Ethan and his brothers Avery and Charlie dreamt of playing hockey on the same team. Part of it comes true when Ethan is drafted to Charlie's team The New York Bandits. He hasn't got a permanent spot yet as he needs to return to Portland U to finish his studies. But before he goes back he meets Hank who's playing for the Bandit's AHL team. While Ethan is the sunshiny character, Hank is the total opposite: quiet and grumpy. But from the moment they meet Ethan is determined to win Hank's friendship and is surprised to find out that he wouldn't even be aversed to having him as more than a friend.
Hank has only ever wanted to be on the permanent roster for the Bandits, it's been his life goal to get there and is frustrated when he needs to return to their AHL team in Syracuse. Meeting Ethan however lightens his disappointment, and while Ethan is all happy bubbles and laid back Hank really starts looking forward to talking and/or texting with him. Bit by bit and all.so.slowly their feelings grow. This was a really slow burn but pining and sweetness between them makes up for it. I loved how their relationship developped, and even though Hank was always the quiet one, when someone was out to hurt Ethan he turned super protective. Yummie!
We meet a lot of new characters in this first book, Ethan's family is a family of hockey players. Both his parents as well as his brothers and sister. Avery, the oldest, is playing for the Mavericks. He's the quiet one, the serious one and is going through a hard time with his team at the moment. There's Livvy who a coach and than there's Charlie, nervous, carries the world on his shoulders and feels he always needs to perform his best. Luckily he's got Max who knows how to calm him down.
I'm super curious for Charlie and Max's story. It's obvious they're into each other but neither is giving in so I'm super glad their book will be next.
*ARC kindly received from the author via Neon Rainbow Reviews. I'm leaving a voluntary honest review.**
Ever since they were young boys Ethan and his brothers Avery and Charlie dreamt of playing hockey on the same team. Part of it comes true when Ethan is drafted to Charlie's team The New York Bandits. He hasn't got a permanent spot yet as he needs to return to Portland U to finish his studies. But before he goes back he meets Hank who's playing for the Bandit's AHL team. While Ethan is the sunshiny character, Hank is the total opposite: quiet and grumpy. But from the moment they meet Ethan is determined to win Hank's friendship and is surprised to find out that he wouldn't even be aversed to having him as more than a friend.
Hank has only ever wanted to be on the permanent roster for the Bandits, it's been his life goal to get there and is frustrated when he needs to return to their AHL team in Syracuse. Meeting Ethan however lightens his disappointment, and while Ethan is all happy bubbles and laid back Hank really starts looking forward to talking and/or texting with him. Bit by bit and all.so.slowly their feelings grow. This was a really slow burn but pining and sweetness between them makes up for it. I loved how their relationship developped, and even though Hank was always the quiet one, when someone was out to hurt Ethan he turned super protective. Yummie!
We meet a lot of new characters in this first book, Ethan's family is a family of hockey players. Both his parents as well as his brothers and sister. Avery, the oldest, is playing for the Mavericks. He's the quiet one, the serious one and is going through a hard time with his team at the moment. There's Livvy who a coach and than there's Charlie, nervous, carries the world on his shoulders and feels he always needs to perform his best. Luckily he's got Max who knows how to calm him down.
I'm super curious for Charlie and Max's story. It's obvious they're into each other but neither is giving in so I'm super glad their book will be next.
*ARC kindly received from the author via Neon Rainbow Reviews. I'm leaving a voluntary honest review.**
Review of advance copy
Pretty sure it's a me thing but I'd expected more from this one than what I got.
Not that what I got was bad by any stretch of the imagination, this is an incredibly well told romance between two engaging characters with Beth's usual excellent sports knowledge giving great backup to the main story threads.
But, for me, I was missing some tension I think. There's not really much going on outside of Hank's up and down into the AHL and the back to the NFL and the sort of long distance-y parts of their growing relationship.
I don't think that the level of pressure from playing alongside his older brother, and the possible complications from that and the rumours of their eldest brother heading to play for the same team too, worked enough to help with the pacing.
Now, again, that's not to say that what's on paper isn't strong, not by any stretch. Beth's great at showing the conflicted feelings Ethan has about playing on the same team as his middle brother Charlie.
But there's also an awful lot of page time given over to wondering about what's going on with Charlie and team captain Max. Obviously that's building up for Charlie's book next for sure and it makes sense to include it.
However, I could have done with a bit less, as repeatedly telling the reader there's something weird about how co-dependant they are even though they're not in a relationship that eventually dulls down the interest in finding out why (for me anyway).
I was more interested in why Danny's got a hate on for Avery (the eldest Banks brother) before he's even been mentioned as a potential future player, which comes up only a couple of times in passing!
What this is, though, is an excellent dual bisexual awakening with two people who just clicked on first meeting and who instantly recognised there was something special about the other and how they made them feel when they were in the same space.
Ethan's also a really funny guy, his smart mouth had me laughing lots, and I loved Hank's solid strength and supportive quietness.
Overall a great read, if not necessarily the book I was expecting.
#ARC kindly received from the author via NeonRainbow, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Not that what I got was bad by any stretch of the imagination, this is an incredibly well told romance between two engaging characters with Beth's usual excellent sports knowledge giving great backup to the main story threads.
But, for me, I was missing some tension I think. There's not really much going on outside of Hank's up and down into the AHL and the back to the NFL and the sort of long distance-y parts of their growing relationship.
I don't think that the level of pressure from playing alongside his older brother, and the possible complications from that and the rumours of their eldest brother heading to play for the same team too, worked enough to help with the pacing.
Now, again, that's not to say that what's on paper isn't strong, not by any stretch. Beth's great at showing the conflicted feelings Ethan has about playing on the same team as his middle brother Charlie.
But there's also an awful lot of page time given over to wondering about what's going on with Charlie and team captain Max. Obviously that's building up for Charlie's book next for sure and it makes sense to include it.
However, I could have done with a bit less, as repeatedly telling the reader there's something weird about how co-dependant they are even though they're not in a relationship that eventually dulls down the interest in finding out why (for me anyway).
I was more interested in why Danny's got a hate on for Avery (the eldest Banks brother) before he's even been mentioned as a potential future player, which comes up only a couple of times in passing!
What this is, though, is an excellent dual bisexual awakening with two people who just clicked on first meeting and who instantly recognised there was something special about the other and how they made them feel when they were in the same space.
Ethan's also a really funny guy, his smart mouth had me laughing lots, and I loved Hank's solid strength and supportive quietness.
Overall a great read, if not necessarily the book I was expecting.
#ARC kindly received from the author via NeonRainbow, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've been curious about the Barnes brothers since the Portland Evergreens series, and I couldn't be more excited after finishing up Ethan's book! His and Hank's romance was a sweet slow-burn and fantastic introduction to the Bandits team. First and foremost, this was a book about hockey, and it showed in the satisfying amount of practice and in-game scenes. The Bandits were a team still trying to figure themselves out, and I really enjoyed getting in the headspace of line switches and hockey strategy throughout the season. Another huge element of the story was the brotherly bonds between Ethan, Charlie, and Avery. I can't say enough good things about the way Beth Bolden built the narrative around letting us get to know them better. Both Charlie and Avery suffered from hero syndrome, and it's no wonder with the way their teams built things around them as anchors. Ethan presented himself as the go with the flow brother, but he too had a ton of pressure from being part of the family legacy. I found it really rewarding to watch both Ethan and Hank find their place on the team, even when it didn't quite match their pre-existing expectations. In terms of the romance, I'd say that Ethan and Hank's was one of the more low key relationships Beth Bolden has written recently, and I adored the quiet intimacy that built between them over the months. Hank was the kind of guy who held himself to an extremely high standard, and that translated into his relationship by wanting everything to be perfect for him and Ethan. Ethan's down to earth nature complemented him well, and by the end of the book they felt like a solid, unbreakable unit. As satisfied as I was with the way Hank and Ethan's relationship left off, I'm itching to read more about the other Barnes bros and see how the rest of the Bandits season fares. Sign me up for book 2 as soon as it's ready!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 26, 2026
I was provided with an ALC by the author in exchange for an honest review. These are my real sentiments about the story and everything written here is respectful, without meaning to harm anyone, but to offer my opinion as constructive criticism/compliments. Thank you, Beth, for the opportunity!
⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5
🔥🔥 / 5
Couple: Ethan and Hank.
Structure: 3rd person. Past tense. Dual POV.
This was a really sweet story. An extremely slow burn, but it doesn't get tiring. The way Ethan and Hank build their friendship that turns into love is so beautiful to follow. They are both adorable characters, so human and complementary to each other, you can't help but root for them.
This was my first book from Beth, and I'm in awe of her writing. It's so fluid and gives you all the imagery needed. I'm a very visual person, so descriptions in general are important for me. Beth does it in a way that puts the exact scene in your head.
One of my favorite things was the brotherly love. Ethan's family is complex and loving. Each character is interesting in their own way, they each have their own voice and I could just picture so perfectly how their stories may go. I fell particularly in love with Avery, but I also cannot wait for the next book, which will be Charlie's. I'm a sucker for friends-to-lovers and his relationship with Max definitely left me wanting to see more.
I confess I wasn't a fan of the narrator. He punctuated each syllable so slowly, I felt like a 5yo listening to a story 🫣 I hate increasing the speed of the audio, but this one I read on 1.5 and it felt like a normal speed. The story was what kept me going, because I really liked it. For the others, I think I'm gonna invest in eyeballing.
If you want a light slow-burn, a hockey romance that actually conveys about hockey, and amazing side-characters that will make you yearn for more in the series, definitely pick this one 🥰
⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5
🔥🔥 / 5
Couple: Ethan and Hank.
Structure: 3rd person. Past tense. Dual POV.
This was a really sweet story. An extremely slow burn, but it doesn't get tiring. The way Ethan and Hank build their friendship that turns into love is so beautiful to follow. They are both adorable characters, so human and complementary to each other, you can't help but root for them.
This was my first book from Beth, and I'm in awe of her writing. It's so fluid and gives you all the imagery needed. I'm a very visual person, so descriptions in general are important for me. Beth does it in a way that puts the exact scene in your head.
One of my favorite things was the brotherly love. Ethan's family is complex and loving. Each character is interesting in their own way, they each have their own voice and I could just picture so perfectly how their stories may go. I fell particularly in love with Avery, but I also cannot wait for the next book, which will be Charlie's. I'm a sucker for friends-to-lovers and his relationship with Max definitely left me wanting to see more.
I confess I wasn't a fan of the narrator. He punctuated each syllable so slowly, I felt like a 5yo listening to a story 🫣 I hate increasing the speed of the audio, but this one I read on 1.5 and it felt like a normal speed. The story was what kept me going, because I really liked it. For the others, I think I'm gonna invest in eyeballing.
If you want a light slow-burn, a hockey romance that actually conveys about hockey, and amazing side-characters that will make you yearn for more in the series, definitely pick this one 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I have yet to read a Beth Bolden book that I didn’t love and of course, this one was no different! The writing always pulls me in and leaves a lasting impression long after I finish the book. Ethan & Hank have quickly became one of my favorite couples I’ve ever read.
Ethan and Hank are drawn to each other the moment they meet, even though neither of them have ever been attracted to a man before. I LOVED the way their relationship developed. I’m not usually a fan of a slow burn, but it worked so well in this instance. They really got to know one another and build a strong friendship before they really even spent any time together. Once they were reunited it person, they communicated so openly and honestly that is was refreshing to see. Especially Ethan. He was confident in what he wanted and never hesitated to make it known to Hank. And they both accepted that they were attracted to each other so easily. I love the world Beth has created where these queer characters are free to be themselves openly and without any hate.
The dynamics between the brothers was really interesting and I can’t wait to see more it play out. Ethan being the youngest, you could see where they babied him at times or tried too hard to tell him what was best for him. Charlie has the weight of the world on his shoulders but you can see the cracks forming. We didn’t to see Avery as much in the beginning but can’t wait until we get to know him better. Charlie and Max obviously being so into each other but not being together makes me nervous but excited for their book. I want to know what’s holding them back but I’m afraid it may be a painful journey for them. And I have a feeling we have met Avery’s match as well, a certain opinionated teammate maybe??
✨ Teammates
✨ Double Bi-awakening
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Grumpy Sunshine
✨ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
✨ Pining x Yearning
Ethan and Hank are drawn to each other the moment they meet, even though neither of them have ever been attracted to a man before. I LOVED the way their relationship developed. I’m not usually a fan of a slow burn, but it worked so well in this instance. They really got to know one another and build a strong friendship before they really even spent any time together. Once they were reunited it person, they communicated so openly and honestly that is was refreshing to see. Especially Ethan. He was confident in what he wanted and never hesitated to make it known to Hank. And they both accepted that they were attracted to each other so easily. I love the world Beth has created where these queer characters are free to be themselves openly and without any hate.
The dynamics between the brothers was really interesting and I can’t wait to see more it play out. Ethan being the youngest, you could see where they babied him at times or tried too hard to tell him what was best for him. Charlie has the weight of the world on his shoulders but you can see the cracks forming. We didn’t to see Avery as much in the beginning but can’t wait until we get to know him better. Charlie and Max obviously being so into each other but not being together makes me nervous but excited for their book. I want to know what’s holding them back but I’m afraid it may be a painful journey for them. And I have a feeling we have met Avery’s match as well, a certain opinionated teammate maybe??
✨ Teammates
✨ Double Bi-awakening
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Grumpy Sunshine
✨ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
✨ Pining x Yearning
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