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As the son of a hockey legend, I’ve spent my entire life under a microscope, my skills with a puck the only thing people care about. Now that I’m in the pros, every eye in the building is on me to deliver on the promise of my last name.

Then there’s Mikey Porter, a grinder called up from the AHL with absolutely nothing riding on him. The guy’s loud where I’m quiet, relaxed where I’m wound tight, and comfortable in his skin in a way I’ve never been.

The biggest shocker is that he’s good—way better than anyone’s giving him credit for. But his conditioning is a disaster, and unless something changes fast, he’s going to get cut. For the sake of the team, I offer to help.

That’s the excuse I go with, anyway.

What starts as extra ice time turns into shared dinners, then a shared address—and the first real friendship I’ve ever had. The closer we get, the harder it is to pretend what I feel for him isn’t more. Until one night makes pretending impossible.

When I’m asked to choose between him and the sport I’ve devoted my life to, it’s not even a question. If loving Mikey costs me everything, I’ll gladly pay the price a thousand times over.

But the bigger question is: will he? And would I even want him to?

Published October 14, 2026

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About the author

Rebecca Norinne

54 books461 followers
USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Norinne believes the best stories are the ones
that bring the heat and make you swoon. And if there’s a lot of angst? Even better!

She is best known for her Maine Marauders MM hockey romance series, though she's
been known to dabble in rugby and small-town romance as well.

When she's not writing, Rebecca can be found cheering on her favorite Irish rugby
team, playing strategy board games, trying out new recipes, or planning her next
global adventure.

For more information, please visit http://www.authorrebeccanorinne.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for queerromancereads ♡.
127 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
October 12, 2026
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ < me running to read this.

A new book in the Maine Marauders Series!? I haven’t been so excited for a release date since I was teenager.

(While this is part of a series and there are some minor recurring characters and tie-ins with the previous books, prior reading is not essential— it works as a standalone read too.)

What kind of time warping magic did this download come with? Cal and Mikey had me in an absolute chokehold with their yearning (and I was exactly where I wanted to be!)

I turned the first page and it was like time ceased to exist— I disappeared into my little reading bubble and I could have stayed there indefinitely tbh, kicking my feet and grinning while these two besties tiptoed around their feelings until my face hurt.

Don't even talk to me about Cal! I'm so obsessed with this character it's not even funny. I'll keep it brief, because I fear if I list all the ways I am embarrassingly fond of him I will get little else achieved today.

Cal, son of infamous NHL goaltender, despises his Nepo baby status, determined to prove his worth outside from his father's shadow he starts the story completely focused on hockey and pretty isolated. He struggles socially and he hasn't had the easiest time of it (to put it mildly).

His clear undiagnosed neurodivergence is painfully relatable. (There are some fantastic discussions about neurodivergence depicted here, too)

Enter Mikey equally as determined, he's charismatic and unusually perceptive. The chemistry is instantaneous.

Mikey meets Cal with understanding and patience. While they might tiptoe around declaring their feelings there isn't a huge amount of conflict about how they feel… Deep down, right from the jump, these characters seem absolutely sure about each other… That they're each others’ person. Cannot separate. Package deal. Would choose each other in every scenario. The simple depth of that feeling feels certain. The label less so.

There's something beautifully simple about that kind of love.

I wanted to bite this book (affectionately). It gave me so much joy and big feelings— I just want to sink my teeth into it, like a weird form of cute aggression.

Off you go, straight to the favourites shelf it goes!

What are you still doing here? Go read it.
Profile Image for Holly Deacon.
181 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 11, 2026
Some romances just hit you right in the feelings! Hunter "Cal" Callahan and Mikey Porter have the kind of story that makes me want to grab them both, squish them together and tell them they deserve all the happiness in the world. I’m such a sucker for two men who start out as friends who slowly become each other’s safe place and then find themselves facing feelings that could change absolutely everything. With Hunter carrying so much pressure on his shoulders, knowing what he stands to lose makes his journey towards love feel even more emotional.

Cal has spent his entire life trying to live up to the Callahan name. Being the son of a hockey legend means people are always watching, always judging, always expecting him to deliver. I felt for him because it’s not just about being a talented hockey player; it’s about living with the constant pressure of proving that he deserves to be where he is. When everyone seems to care about what you can do on the ice, I imagine it becomes difficult to know who you are when the skates come off. I wanted Cal to have something that was entirely his own and something that wasn't about his father, his reputation.

Then Mikey Porter comes along and turns his carefully controlled world upside down. Porter is loud where Cal is quiet, relaxed where Cal is tense, and comfortable being himself in a way Cal can only wish he could be. I loved that Cal sees something in Porter that other people overlook. Yes, Porter has things he needs to work on but his talent is undeniable and he deserves the chance to prove himself. Watching Cal step up to help him is the beginning of something neither of them could have anticipated.

What gets me is how naturally their relationship develops. Extra time on the ice becomes shared dinners, shared dinners become sharing a home, and somewhere between all those little moments, they become so much more than teammates.

Cal found someone he can relax around, someone who doesn't need him to be perfect, feels especially significant. With Porter he can finally start to let his guard down. Porter deserves that same kind of understanding. He's more than the player people are ready to underestimate, and having Cal believe in him must mean so much. There's something beautiful about them bringing out different sides of each other, with Cal offering Porter support and encouragement while Porter gives Cal the freedom to be someone beyond the hockey prodigy everyone expects him to be.

I love the thought of Cal discovering that he can be loved for who he is, not for the name on his back, and Porter finding someone who recognises his worth. Sometimes the person who changes your life isn't the one you expect, and sometimes the biggest risk is letting yourself believe you deserve that kind of love

First Shift has everything I love about an MM hockey romance... the pressure of professional sport, two very different men finding common ground, a friendship that grows into something deeper and feelings that become far too important to ignore. Cal and Porter’s story is about finding someone who sees past the expectations, believes in you when others don't, and makes you realise that there might be more to life than the thing you've spent years chasing.
Profile Image for Monzerrad.
233 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 13, 2026
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗰𝗮 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲

I absolutely loved Hunter and Mikey! 😭❤️‍🔥 The yearning, the chemistry, the feelings they were trying so hard to keep under control, and the way these two were already so close before everything started changing between them had me kicking my feet and stressing over them. I went into this one knowing I was getting an MM hockey romance, but I was not prepared for how much I would end up caring about these two and wanting them to figure out that they deserve to be happy together.

Hunter and Mikey are teammates, best friends, and so close that sometimes it feels like everyone else should be able to see what is right in front of them. But of course, feelings make everything complicated, especially when one person is struggling with his sexuality and the other is already carrying so much insecurity about whether he could ever be the kind of person someone would choose to love. Their friendship has so many little moments that made me smile, from their teasing and banter to the way they naturally look out for each other, and I loved seeing how those familiar moments started to mean something more.

The friends with benefits situation was definitely one of those decisions where you just KNOW feelings are going to get involved, even when the characters keep telling themselves they can handle it. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Because how are you supposed to keep things casual when you already know each other so well, spend so much time together, and have that kind of connection? These two were already in deep, and watching them try to put rules around something that was clearly becoming more than physical had me wanting to shake them a little. The tension and the yearning were SO GOOD, and I loved those moments when a small touch, a look, or simply being close to each other meant so much more than either of them wanted to admit.

One thing I really appreciated was the emotional side of Hunter's character. He struggles with anxiety, insecurity, and the belief that he is not someone people fall in love with, and those moments genuinely made me feel for him. It is one thing to want someone, but it is another thing to believe you are worthy of being loved by them, and I wanted Hunter to see himself the way Mikey sees him. His struggles added more depth to their relationship, and I loved that this story gave space to those feelings instead of making everything about the romance and the spice.

Mikey's journey was also something I enjoyed because figuring out your feelings and sexuality is not always a simple, easy process. Watching him navigate those emotions while trying to understand what was happening between him and Hunter made their relationship even more meaningful. There were moments when I wanted to tell these boys to PLEASE just talk to each other, but at the same time, I understood why they were scared of ruining the friendship they already had. When someone means that much to you, the thought of losing them can be terrifying, and that fear is a big part of what makes their story work.

And can we talk about the chemistry? Because these two had me STRESSED. 😭 The sweet moments had me smiling, the emotional moments had me wanting to give them both a hug, and then there were the spicy moments that had me reacting so loudly I startled my sister. I'M SORRY, BUT WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO?! 😂❤️‍🔥 Rebecca Norinne really knows how to balance the romance, the humor, the emotional vulnerability, and the heat, and I loved how all those pieces came together in Hunter and Mikey's story.

I also enjoyed that the hockey setting was part of their everyday lives without taking away from the relationship itself. These are two professional athletes who have to deal with their careers, their teammates, and the pressure that comes with their world, all while trying to figure out what they mean to each other. There is also the added pressure surrounding Hunter's famous hockey family, which gives him another layer to work through.

Overall, First Shift was a five-star read for me! I loved the friends-to-lovers feel, the bisexual awakening, the slow burn, the emotional vulnerability, the hurt/comfort, and the way Hunter and Mikey's relationship grew from a close friendship into something neither of them could keep pretending was casual. I was rooting for them, stressing over them, smiling at their sweet moments, and reacting to the spicy ones. These two really got to me, and I finished their story feeling so happy that I got to experience their journey.
Profile Image for Sofia Silva.
387 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 13, 2026
When two people have a lot to prove and a lot to lose, can they risk it all in the name of love?
The story of Cal and Mikey is about two different hockey players with completely opposite lives and experiences that somehow complete each other.
While Cal is wound tight, shy and socially awkward, Mikey is outgoing, funny and charismatic. Cal is under a lot of pressure to follow on his father’s footsteps and live up to the expectations and Mikey needs the money, the stability of having and NHL contract in order to help out his family.
The way these two protect and care for each other is what makes this book a must read.
They become each other’s safe place where there is no pressure, no expectations, only understanding and love.
A friendship that evolves naturally into a forever kind of love.
Rebecca Norinne writes about yearning, bi-awakenings, friendship, believing in yourself, trust and encouragement with the perfect amount of spice, angst and chemistry.
First Shift is a five-star read that will make you smile, blush and root for these two amazing characters.
Thank you for the ARC.
Profile Image for Tabitha Temple.
314 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2026
After reading the 1st two books in this series earlier this year I was eagerly awaiting the release of this one so it's no surprise I read it right away. The author described these two as "idiots to lovers" and they truly are, in the best way. I loved them. There is so much yearning and pining which I love. This is pretty insta-lovey with a pretty quick timeline of events from teammates to friends to roommates to lovers to maybe more to engaged to married all in a matter of months so I get why this might not work for some people. BUT, the speediness of the relationship is addressed at length in the book by multiple characters but the main characters are just like "yeah we don't care", and honestly I love that for them. I wish we got more from the epilogue, more of a resolution or conversation with Cally and his Dad at the end, and more from the team after the announcement. This was my fa/vorite of the series and was almost perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nifer  Waters.
642 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 13, 2026
4⭐3🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person
The Maine Marauders, book #3
Cally and Mikey
Said with love, these guys are the epitome of "you're so dumb, it's a good thing your cute". Really, they are so sweet, great together, and you just want to squish their faces.
I do wish we got to see some sort of convo between Cally and his dad near the end.

"Against all logic and reason, we'd looked at each other and said, "Him. That one. He's mine."

"For everyone who enjoys a good idiots-to-lovers story, these boys are for you.
They are SO DUMB for each other. I hope you love them as much as I do."
61 reviews
October 15, 2026
soooo worth the wait!!

These boys made meeee so happy!! I loved the confidence in Mikey and the love and support he gave Cal!! Cal is the most lovable guy!! His past held him back until Mikey showed and proved love could be everything and more! I loved this series and this was all and more!!seeing bell and Ethan again with Sebastian and Morrison!! It’s was perfect! I really enjoyed this love and how it was built on friendship and trust! The guys weren’t just sweet they were hot and the spice was flaming hot 🔥.
26 reviews
October 16, 2026
Sweet

I love these characters. I love seeing Bell and company again. I love the HEA. Great love scenes! I did not love the whiplash where a complex story got shoved into a tiny, pat box in the last 7% of the book. The ending deserved a longer fleshing out—for example (SPOILER warning): Boom! dad’s a good emotional guy?! My head was spinning. Unusual for this author are not infrequent clear editorial mistakes with clearly wrong words. If it were possible, I’d give 3.5 stars, but I love this author a book series too much to give a 3 star.
Profile Image for Aleksandra.
1,495 reviews14 followers
October 18, 2026
I absolutely loved Cal and Mikey! Their friendship-to-lovers journey gave me all the feelings, with two very different men becoming each other’s safe place. Cal’s struggle to escape his father’s shadow and Mikey’s fight to prove his worth made their connection even more meaningful. I loved how they supported, encouraged, and brought out the best in each other. Add beautiful yearning, emotional depth, hockey, and just the right amount of spice, and you have a perfect MM hockey romance. A definite five-star read!
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
4,484 reviews45 followers
October 14, 2026
First Shift is the third book in the Main Marauders series and can be read as a standalone, I loved the other two books so I recommend reading in order. This is a roommates, teammates, sexual awakening, best friends, opposites attract read about Calley(Hunter) and Mikey. Another great book in the series, I just loved this storyline and the wonderful characters. These two were fun to read about and I could not put the book down once I started. I can't wait for more from this team.
6 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2026
Loved these characters, but how can a book by a such a prominent author have so, so many typos, missing words, extra words, etc. Some were so glaring it was hard to figure out how no one caught them. Was there no editing? And the whole story wrapped up super fast in a fairly unsatisfying way. When I could forget that the whole book seemed very hastily written, I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Millie.
33 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2026
Really enjoyed this book !!! Ofc me being me I didn’t realise this was the third book in the series so I will definitely be going back and reading the two before! It’s long but it doesn’t feel like it’s dragging , great story , love the hockey aspects too !! And loveee a friends to lovers and bi awakening 🤭🤍
Profile Image for allmy_booklovers.
222 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 11, 2026
Thank you for this ARC! I loved the premise and beginning of this book. Cally so desperately attracted to Mikey. Mikey just clueless.

This was classic idiots to lovers. Teammates who became roommates, one the son of a legend and one who worked hard to get where he is! These boys are in their rookie year- they are on a losing team but they’ve found each other.

This was my favourite of the series!
🏒🏒🏒
2,562 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2026
4.5 Stars

What a great addition to this series. Loved Cal and Mikey, their connection and chemistry.
Profile Image for Jen Taylor.
158 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2026
Another page turner from Rebecca Norrine! A great book with all the emotion and spice you’ve come to expect.
Profile Image for Anjiya.
155 reviews
October 22, 2026
DNFed at 65%. Implied SA was not in the fucking trigger warnings. This book could have been so much better.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews