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Scoring Chances #5
Coach's Challenge
It’s been decades since blackmail forced Troy Callahan to retire from playing professional hockey, and he’s built a successful career behind the bench. When he’s offered the opportunity to coach the Asheville Ravens—the most hated team in the ECHL—he’s convinced that his no-nonsense attitude is just what the team needs to put their focus back on hockey. But Troy is disheartened when he finds out the Ravens have signed Shane North, a player known for his aggression—especially when Shane’s rough good looks have Troy thinking inappropriate thoughts about a player, even if he’s set to retire at the end of the season.
Shane’s career in the majors never quite took off. Wanting to quit on his own terms, Shane agrees to a one-year contract with the Ravens and finds himself playing for a coach who thinks he’s an aging goon, and with a team that doesn’t trust him, Troy, or each other. Despite his determination not to get involved, Shane unwillingly becomes part of the team… and is just as unwillingly drawn to the gruff, out-and-proud coach. As the Ravens struggle to build a new identity, Shane and Troy succumb to the passion that might cost them everything.
Shane’s career in the majors never quite took off. Wanting to quit on his own terms, Shane agrees to a one-year contract with the Ravens and finds himself playing for a coach who thinks he’s an aging goon, and with a team that doesn’t trust him, Troy, or each other. Despite his determination not to get involved, Shane unwillingly becomes part of the team… and is just as unwillingly drawn to the gruff, out-and-proud coach. As the Ravens struggle to build a new identity, Shane and Troy succumb to the passion that might cost them everything.
200 pages, ebook
First published August 26, 2017
140 people are currently reading
1636 people want to read
About the author
Avon Gale
27 books1,347 followersAvon Gale lives in a liberal Midwestern college town, where she spends her days getting heavily invested in everything from craft projects to video games. She likes road trips by car, rock concerts, thunderstorms, IPAs, Kentucky bourbon and tattoos. As a queer author, Avon is committed to providing happy endings for all and loves to tell stories that focus on found families, strong and open communication, and friendship. She loves writing about quirky people who might not be perfect, but always find a place where they belong. In her former life, Avon wrote fanfiction at her desk while ostensibly doing work in non-profit fundraising for public radio and women’s liberal arts education, and worked on her books in between haircuts and highlights as a stylist. Now she’s a full-time writer, delighted to be able to tell stories for a living.
Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Enjoy fantasy with a bit of a kinky, darker edge? Check out Avon's fantasy books, co-written with author Fae Loxley, under the pen name Iris Foxglove!
Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Enjoy fantasy with a bit of a kinky, darker edge? Check out Avon's fantasy books, co-written with author Fae Loxley, under the pen name Iris Foxglove!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 460 reviews
June 1, 2017
I am a devoted fan of the Scoring Chances series and really enjoyed this sexy, low angst story. But I didn't LOVE it like I loved books 3 (Misha and Max made me swoon) and 4 (Isaac and Laurent slayed me).
Shane and Troy are pretty fucking awesome, but they are all sex and jibes, aggression and dirty talk. This story lacked the tenderness, the sweetness, the ROMANCE.
BUT HOCKEY.
Troy, out and proud, is the new coach of the much despised Ravens. Shane is a good but not amazing player who accepted a position with the Ravens to leave hockey on his own terms. Shane always had "potential" but never quite made it.
Troy thinks Shane is a punk and isn't too eager to have him on the team. It doesn't help that Shane shows up late to his first day of practice and Troy comes down hard on his ass. *ahem*
My favorite things about this book:
- BANTER (Avon Gale is so damn good at writing humorous, realistic dialogue.)
- SCORCHING XXX chemistry (Troy and Shane go at it on every available surface, including Troy’s desk in his office with no door.)
- Cool secondary characters, including:
→ MCs from last two books (Isaac gets a bit of page time, and he's as cocky as ever.)
→ Troy's friend Gabe, who also happens to be the Ravens' general manager
→ New set of hawt hockey players who come alive once they have a coach who actually lets them talk in the locker room
→ Cute twink bartender RIVER (He has a boyfriend, but I'm not giving up on River quite yet.)
→ Team captain Xavier Matthews, our Southern gent who is surely getting his own book next
- Very nice HEA (The ending isn't all hearts and roses, but Shane and Troy aren't hearts and roses kind of guys. I have no doubt these two belong together, arguments and all, and will make it work.)
- Shane's "brawl" with Hux, Isaac's friend from the fourth book—Isaac is such an instigator.
All in all, Coach’s Challenge is a pretty great addition to this infuckingcredible series.
P.S. This book won't work well as a standalone. Read at least book 4 (I suggest books 3 & 4) first.
Shane and Troy are pretty fucking awesome, but they are all sex and jibes, aggression and dirty talk. This story lacked the tenderness, the sweetness, the ROMANCE.
BUT HOCKEY.
Troy, out and proud, is the new coach of the much despised Ravens. Shane is a good but not amazing player who accepted a position with the Ravens to leave hockey on his own terms. Shane always had "potential" but never quite made it.
Troy thinks Shane is a punk and isn't too eager to have him on the team. It doesn't help that Shane shows up late to his first day of practice and Troy comes down hard on his ass. *ahem*
My favorite things about this book:
- BANTER (Avon Gale is so damn good at writing humorous, realistic dialogue.)
- SCORCHING XXX chemistry (Troy and Shane go at it on every available surface, including Troy’s desk in his office with no door.)
- Cool secondary characters, including:
→ MCs from last two books (Isaac gets a bit of page time, and he's as cocky as ever.)
→ Troy's friend Gabe, who also happens to be the Ravens' general manager
→ New set of hawt hockey players who come alive once they have a coach who actually lets them talk in the locker room
→ Cute twink bartender RIVER (He has a boyfriend, but I'm not giving up on River quite yet.)
→ Team captain Xavier Matthews, our Southern gent who is surely getting his own book next
- Very nice HEA (The ending isn't all hearts and roses, but Shane and Troy aren't hearts and roses kind of guys. I have no doubt these two belong together, arguments and all, and will make it work.)
- Shane's "brawl" with Hux, Isaac's friend from the fourth book—Isaac is such an instigator.
All in all, Coach’s Challenge is a pretty great addition to this infuckingcredible series.
P.S. This book won't work well as a standalone. Read at least book 4 (I suggest books 3 & 4) first.
June 24, 2017
4.5 Stars.Dirty talk...Dirty talk...
Hot,and deliciously dirty.Bring on the sexy times with two of the hottest Alpha Males I've read about.
Well....pass me a fan.It might not be romantic in the conventional sense but this Author gets the chemistry between her characters spot on.I'm an absolute push over for grumpy,sarky,sexy characters who aren't afraid of getting dirty when the opportunity presents itself....it turns out these two aren't afraid of the possibility of being watched.
I'm not a massive fan of Sport themed books but there is just enough description of the Sport here for me to get it without it overpowering the story.
Troy Callahan is the newly appointed coach of the Asheville Ravens,a team badly in need of direction.The team needs a massive overhaul on and of the ice.With a pretty useless assistant coach he knows he's got a huge job to do.
Shane North is nearing the end of his playing career and has joined the Ravens for his last season.If he thought he was going to end his career quietly he hadn't bargained on meeting Troy.
Sparks fly between them immediately.This had kind of a love/hate vibe going on....but I'm definitely not complaining....it makes it so much more desperate and passionate.And when they get down and dirty I was practically swooning..this is totally my thing!!
If there's dirty talk involved I'm always sold,and this is some of the best I've read.
Recommended read.
I received an Arc of Coach's Challenge from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Hot,and deliciously dirty.Bring on the sexy times with two of the hottest Alpha Males I've read about.
Well....pass me a fan.It might not be romantic in the conventional sense but this Author gets the chemistry between her characters spot on.I'm an absolute push over for grumpy,sarky,sexy characters who aren't afraid of getting dirty when the opportunity presents itself....it turns out these two aren't afraid of the possibility of being watched.
I'm not a massive fan of Sport themed books but there is just enough description of the Sport here for me to get it without it overpowering the story.
Troy Callahan is the newly appointed coach of the Asheville Ravens,a team badly in need of direction.The team needs a massive overhaul on and of the ice.With a pretty useless assistant coach he knows he's got a huge job to do.
Shane North is nearing the end of his playing career and has joined the Ravens for his last season.If he thought he was going to end his career quietly he hadn't bargained on meeting Troy.
Sparks fly between them immediately.This had kind of a love/hate vibe going on....but I'm definitely not complaining....it makes it so much more desperate and passionate.And when they get down and dirty I was practically swooning..this is totally my thing!!
If there's dirty talk involved I'm always sold,and this is some of the best I've read.
"You gonna make good on your sexy jigsaw-puzzle talk and fuck me over your desk?"
"Hey,Mr.I Could Have Been a Dirty-Talk Coach for Porn Stars(...)"
Recommended read.
I received an Arc of Coach's Challenge from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2018
I've LOVED the entire Scoring Chances series, and Coach's Challenge was no different! Hot, sarcastic, bossy, mature MEN (not boys!) who took their relationship from flirting to sexual to more, and a great audiobook narration to boot.
I've had a bad streak with Avon Gale's work recently, so I was actually nervous about starting Coach's Challenge. However, it didn't let me down at all, and I was thrilled that the audio reading was as good as I had remembered. I didn't want to stop listening, which is the best feeling, let me tell you.
Okay, if I'm being honest, this isn't the most romantic of the series. There isn't a lot of affection and lovey-dovey feelings. However, I really liked the easy, comfortable relationship between the two MCs. Their interactions were... fun. Easy. Other than a little twist thrown in at the end, it's a low drama book with the focus on the characters themselves, which is how I like it.
Scott R. Smith again did a great job with the narration. I can always tell his voices apart, and though his peppy, high energy narration and pauses take a little getting used to, I adore him narrating this series.
If you've enjoyed the other books in the Scoring Chances series, this one will be a no-brainer. It's snarky banter and sex in semi-public places and two men that know who they are and what they want. It's a good one.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
June 12, 2017
I am a huge fan of this series and this author. So I was very excited to start this one. What I like most about these books is that even though they are in the same series, they are so different from one another. I found book 1 a bit quirky, book 2 sexy, book 3 romantic, book 4 very emotional and this one...well this one was really fun to read !!
I loved the banter between these two men !! This was definitely my kind of book. Now that being said...book 4 is still my favorite, because the MC's in that one just ripped my heart to shreds out and put i back in piece by piece.
Anyone who has read the previous book (which I recommend you read before this one), knows about the shitstorm that happend with the "Ravens" team. Their former coach, St. Savoy (Laurent's dad) really messed the team up and now that he has been kicked out, they have a new coach to clean up their act.
Troy has some personal reasons to coach the "Ravens". He himself hates St. Savoy for blackmailing him with being gay, when he was younger. Coaching this team to succes is his way of revenge and giving St. Savoy the middle finger.
Shane is a veteran player, who never really lived up to his potential. This is gonna be his last season playing and he has decided to go out the way he wants to....by accepting a position for "The Ravens". Shane is also gay, but after all these years he is still in the closet about it.
From the moment these two meet, when Shane shows up late for practice, they clash....
Problem is, they are both immediately attracted to each other as well, and fighting and arguing with each other gets them hot :P
Like I said, the banter between them was hilarious and what followed was delicious. We've got another controling dirty talker right here !!
You got me too worked up. You like that ? Like knowing how fucking bad I wanted my cock in your mouth, wanted to fuck your throat ?
Of course what they are doing isn't really smart. Troy is after all still Shane's coach. But the body wants, what it wants and in this case, after some time...the heart wants what the heart wants....
Now these two may not have a romantic bone in their body, but don't think there wasn't any love. They were definitely in love, they just weren't very sappy about it. I don't need a lot of sap in my books though....give me a funny guy over a sappy one any day !!
"You up for round two, old man? Maybe over that table with your stupid puzzle on it?" It's a jigsaw puzzle, Shane. Not a jizzsaw puzzle."
See...funny guys ;) Which is also why I love Max, Misha and Drake so much, who I am happy to say, have some little scenes in this one as well ;)
Can't wait for the next book (but I will), which I really hope will be about Xavier...he was awesome !!
June 25, 2020
Audio book - 4 stars
4.25 stars
4.25 stars
June 19, 2017
***4.5 Stars***
Low on angst + top-notch sexy = another hit in this series
'A new broom sweeps clean' as the saying goes and in this case there is not just one but two needed to clean up the mess the former coach of the Asheville Ravens left behind by making said team the probably most hated in the whole league.
For Troy Callahan, new head coach of the Ravens, whose career as an active hockey player found an abrupt end not long after it began by being outed as gay by the man whose position he acquires now, it is personal satisfaction to succeed where Denis St. Savoy failed in order to get the team back at the top of its game.
His reputation as a control freak, him being tough as nails but also fair, and his changes to the atmosphere, soon earn him the respect of his players. But of course, the players have to earn his respect, too.
Well, that is where the other 'broom' comes into play...
Shane North, almost at the end of his career, a Player talent which never quite lived up to expectations and whose reputation as a goon being more benched than actually active on the ice, is not quite the addition Troy wants on his team, especially when Shane seems to prove him right on his first day with his supposedly lax attitude.
When both men first meet, they are finding themselves on a collision course of strong will and a personality to match, but they also feel an immediate mutual attraction, neither of them can deny.
And now... Let the sexy times begin! And sexy, not to say steamy and hot, is what you get here, and even though both men are pretty aware of the fact what consequences her relationship could entail...
... they cannot keep their hands of each other and are very...umm, inventive when it comes down to exploiting every chance they get, even in defiance of any risk.
Although it was another hit, I have to admit that Coach's Challenge was not a direct hit for me. My favorites in this series are still Power Play and Empty Net, maybe because in both books more emotions are involved. Don't get me wrong, I absolute loved the banter between both men and the dirty talk was hot as hell,...
... but both suddenly speaking of having developed deeper feelings came a bit out of thin air for me. Blame it on me being a romantic at heart, but I would have wished for one or two at least a bit tender moments between Troy and Shane beforehand, so I could reenact it better.
That doesn't mean you don't get any emotions here at all, though. There was at least one scene in the locker room, that actually made me tear up, but it related to a certain Team captain who really stole my heart in this book.
Everything else I love about this series was there, though. Avon Gale's love for this sport is once again palpable and I'm really not exaggerating here when I say that she made me craving for every sene that is happening on and off the ice.
And aside from the smartass replies from both characters...
... there was humor galore that made me wheezing with laughter.
Add some great side characters to the mix, like the GM of the team and Troy's best friend, Gabe, but also Shane's friend Alani (I promise you, she simply rocks!) and a whole bunch of adorable hockey players...
... and you get an all-around carefree package of an enjoyable read. So now, dear Avon, you just have to tell me that Xavier's story will be next and I am a very happy little girl. Yes? Pretty please?
Highly recommended!
Low on angst + top-notch sexy = another hit in this series
'A new broom sweeps clean' as the saying goes and in this case there is not just one but two needed to clean up the mess the former coach of the Asheville Ravens left behind by making said team the probably most hated in the whole league.
For Troy Callahan, new head coach of the Ravens, whose career as an active hockey player found an abrupt end not long after it began by being outed as gay by the man whose position he acquires now, it is personal satisfaction to succeed where Denis St. Savoy failed in order to get the team back at the top of its game.
His reputation as a control freak, him being tough as nails but also fair, and his changes to the atmosphere, soon earn him the respect of his players. But of course, the players have to earn his respect, too.
Well, that is where the other 'broom' comes into play...
Shane North, almost at the end of his career, a Player talent which never quite lived up to expectations and whose reputation as a goon being more benched than actually active on the ice, is not quite the addition Troy wants on his team, especially when Shane seems to prove him right on his first day with his supposedly lax attitude.
When both men first meet, they are finding themselves on a collision course of strong will and a personality to match, but they also feel an immediate mutual attraction, neither of them can deny.
"You're an asshole, but other than that, you're a pretty stand-up guy." Shane glanced pointedly down at Troy's crotch and then back up again.
And now... Let the sexy times begin! And sexy, not to say steamy and hot, is what you get here, and even though both men are pretty aware of the fact what consequences her relationship could entail...
He was surprised when, a few seconds later, Troy pushed the curtain aside and got in with him. Shane blinked at him through the water. "Let's just go ahead and make the most out of this mistake." With that, Troy grabbed him by the back of the neck to pull him in and kiss him." For once Shane didn't even want to argue.
... they cannot keep their hands of each other and are very...umm, inventive when it comes down to exploiting every chance they get, even in defiance of any risk.
Although it was another hit, I have to admit that Coach's Challenge was not a direct hit for me. My favorites in this series are still Power Play and Empty Net, maybe because in both books more emotions are involved. Don't get me wrong, I absolute loved the banter between both men and the dirty talk was hot as hell,...
"I already figured you'd be a loudmouth control freak in bed, like you are on the ice, so no surprise there."
... but both suddenly speaking of having developed deeper feelings came a bit out of thin air for me. Blame it on me being a romantic at heart, but I would have wished for one or two at least a bit tender moments between Troy and Shane beforehand, so I could reenact it better.
That doesn't mean you don't get any emotions here at all, though. There was at least one scene in the locker room, that actually made me tear up, but it related to a certain Team captain who really stole my heart in this book.
Everything else I love about this series was there, though. Avon Gale's love for this sport is once again palpable and I'm really not exaggerating here when I say that she made me craving for every sene that is happening on and off the ice.
And aside from the smartass replies from both characters...
"Could you get off my lap? I can't fucking think about the future with your dick pressing into my thigh." "That's my cell phone. Fucking amateur."
... there was humor galore that made me wheezing with laughter.
That was the thing about Troy. He just said something like it was fact and made it happen. Shane wouldn't be surprised if he scored goals back in his hockey-playing days just by looking at the puck and saying, "Get in the net, goddammit."
Add some great side characters to the mix, like the GM of the team and Troy's best friend, Gabe, but also Shane's friend Alani (I promise you, she simply rocks!) and a whole bunch of adorable hockey players...
... and you get an all-around carefree package of an enjoyable read. So now, dear Avon, you just have to tell me that Xavier's story will be next and I am a very happy little girl. Yes? Pretty please?
Highly recommended!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
June 4, 2017
-4.25 stars-
Man, Avon Gale ticks so many of my boxes! Scoring Chances is one of my favorite series ever, and Coach's Challenge was a worthy addition.
What I liked:
-The banter. Avon Gale is one of the few authors that can make me laugh out loud. The sarcastic/deadpan/give no fucks humour is my kind, and Troy rocked it.
-The chemistry. Off.the.charts. There were fireworks and explosions and dirty talk and sex in public places. They simultaneously made me hot and bothered and gave me an anxiety attack because "Idiots, you 're going to get caught!"
-The team. If you have read Empty Net, you know that Coach St. Savoy, the most disgusting coach there is, had beaten the spirit and passion out of his team. The way Troy (and Shane) took these players and turned them into a REAL team, was a thing of beauty to watch.
-The secondary cast. Xavier Matthews needs a story. River needs a story too (I don't care about the boyfriend, make him go). I know I'm not the only one who says that, it's public demand. It was great seeing Drake, Laurent, Misha and Sam. Their voices are so strong and distinct that only a few sentences from each of them were enough to make me relive their stories.
-The resolution to the conflict. I won't say much because I don't want to spoil. But nobody puts Troy in the corner, bitch.
What I didn't like:
Lets see...Nope. Can't think of anything. I really liked the book. I could have used a little more sweetness and sappiness instead of aggresiveness all the time, but in the end this is not who Shane and Troy are. They 're more like...
Special mention to:
Shane and Hux's "fight". The girl who 's never watched a hockey game and thinks that soccer is hardcore, was like..."WHOA! Is that a thing?"
Bottom line, Coach's Challenge was a great addition to the series. Recommended!
-Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.-
Man, Avon Gale ticks so many of my boxes! Scoring Chances is one of my favorite series ever, and Coach's Challenge was a worthy addition.
What I liked:
-The banter. Avon Gale is one of the few authors that can make me laugh out loud. The sarcastic/deadpan/give no fucks humour is my kind, and Troy rocked it.
"Just keep in mind that the Troy Callahan Sensitivity Training Seminar is a door hitting your ass on the way out and we’ll get along fine. Now that we got that clear, I’m gonna tell you kids a story about your former dickhead coach.”
-The chemistry. Off.the.charts. There were fireworks and explosions and dirty talk and sex in public places. They simultaneously made me hot and bothered and gave me an anxiety attack because "Idiots, you 're going to get caught!"
-The team. If you have read Empty Net, you know that Coach St. Savoy, the most disgusting coach there is, had beaten the spirit and passion out of his team. The way Troy (and Shane) took these players and turned them into a REAL team, was a thing of beauty to watch.
-The secondary cast. Xavier Matthews needs a story. River needs a story too (I don't care about the boyfriend, make him go). I know I'm not the only one who says that, it's public demand. It was great seeing Drake, Laurent, Misha and Sam. Their voices are so strong and distinct that only a few sentences from each of them were enough to make me relive their stories.
-The resolution to the conflict. I won't say much because I don't want to spoil. But nobody puts Troy in the corner, bitch.
What I didn't like:
Lets see...Nope. Can't think of anything. I really liked the book. I could have used a little more sweetness and sappiness instead of aggresiveness all the time, but in the end this is not who Shane and Troy are. They 're more like...
“I’m not just fucking you, idiot. I’m in love with you.”
“Of course the first time you said that to me, it’d be dramatic as possible. Of course it would be.”
“You do know me pretty well. Yeah.”
Special mention to:
Shane and Hux's "fight". The girl who 's never watched a hockey game and thinks that soccer is hardcore, was like..."WHOA! Is that a thing?"
Bottom line, Coach's Challenge was a great addition to the series. Recommended!
-Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.-
July 22, 2017
While this story had plenty of steam and some entertaining, snarky banter, I didn't really get that much romance out of it, so I missed seeing the feels sneaking up, then slowly taking hold the way that it did in the previous books.
Yes, both MC's were ridiculously competitive and contrary just for the sake of being affable dicks to one another, but if there were feelings developing, then I'd expect a good bit more dialogue as to their growing attachment, even if it was mostly limited to their own internal thoughts.
I did enjoy the story, but to me it mainly just felt like some things happened, two guys had a fair amount of kinky, sometimes public sex, some more things happened and they blurted out ILY's, The End.
So it was good, but I wouldn't consider this one in the great category and I'd rate it around 3.25 stars when compared to the previous books.
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January 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this latest installment of Avon Gale's Scoring Chances series. I don't watch hockey, but I might be picking up enough lingo to keep up with at least some of the hockey-speak. Regardless of my (lack of) fluency in hockey, though, I love this series. Coach's Challenge is a low angst, sexy read.
The Asheville Ravens are the most hated team in the ECHL league -- and with good reason. Their former coach was paying players to injure competitors and also blackmailing people to get his way. He was not a good example of a human being (understatement).
Troy Callahan knows what it is like to have a promising career cut short by Denis St. Savoy. Many years ago, he was playing on the same team as St. Savoy and he has first hand experience knowing what it is like to be at that man's (lack of) mercy, when St. Savoy blackmailed Troy into quitting the team, because Troy wasn't ready to come out as gay, yet. Now, Troy has been hired to take over as lead coach of the Ravens, after St. Savoy was fired in disgrace. Troy could have taken a more prestigious position as assistant coach of an NHL team, but because of his personal experience with St Savoy, taking over the team and transforming them is personal for him.
Shane North has just signed on with the Ravens for his last season, since his team on the west coast declined to sign him for one more year. He wants to play one more season and then retire on his own terms. Shane has a reputation for being a bit of a thug and the reoccurring theme in his career is that he never met his potential. It's given him a little bit of a complex, but he just wants to play hockey. Assuming, of course, he and Coach Callahan don't actually kill each other.
Shane and Troy, at first, don't really get along. They are each the other's type, though, and you don't have to like someone to want to have sex with them. And once they start? Well, let's just say -- yum!
What I liked:
~~ Coach's Challenge was a very sexy read...Troy and Shane were so delicious together.
~~ Public/semi-public sex -- though it isn't my thing, I admit it is hot. Also, Troy's bossiness in bed was quite the turn on.
~~ I liked both Troy and Shane, in and out of bed...or wherever they were having sex or a conversation.
~~ Getting to visit a bit with Isaac Drake from the Spitfires. I adore Drake, and was happy to see him and Laurent.
~~ River -- he was delightful! I was kind of disappointed that he had a boyfriend, though, because I wanted to pair him up with a hot hockey player.
What didn't work as well for me:
~~ The antagonist was pretty ineffectual. He was a weasel who never really mattered in the story. I do think his role could have been expanded a bit, though I would have changed his endgame. I didn't find the resolution of that plot point to be all that satisfying.
My hopes for the series:
~~ I really want Xavier Matthews to find his happy.
Overall, I enjoyed Coach's Challenge. Empty Net is still my favorite, of the series, but Coach's Challenge came in at a solid four stars.
-------------------
ARC of Coach's Challenge was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
The Asheville Ravens are the most hated team in the ECHL league -- and with good reason. Their former coach was paying players to injure competitors and also blackmailing people to get his way. He was not a good example of a human being (understatement).
Troy Callahan knows what it is like to have a promising career cut short by Denis St. Savoy. Many years ago, he was playing on the same team as St. Savoy and he has first hand experience knowing what it is like to be at that man's (lack of) mercy, when St. Savoy blackmailed Troy into quitting the team, because Troy wasn't ready to come out as gay, yet. Now, Troy has been hired to take over as lead coach of the Ravens, after St. Savoy was fired in disgrace. Troy could have taken a more prestigious position as assistant coach of an NHL team, but because of his personal experience with St Savoy, taking over the team and transforming them is personal for him.
Shane North has just signed on with the Ravens for his last season, since his team on the west coast declined to sign him for one more year. He wants to play one more season and then retire on his own terms. Shane has a reputation for being a bit of a thug and the reoccurring theme in his career is that he never met his potential. It's given him a little bit of a complex, but he just wants to play hockey. Assuming, of course, he and Coach Callahan don't actually kill each other.
Shane and Troy, at first, don't really get along. They are each the other's type, though, and you don't have to like someone to want to have sex with them. And once they start? Well, let's just say -- yum!
What I liked:
~~ Coach's Challenge was a very sexy read...Troy and Shane were so delicious together.
~~ Public/semi-public sex -- though it isn't my thing, I admit it is hot. Also, Troy's bossiness in bed was quite the turn on.
~~ I liked both Troy and Shane, in and out of bed...or wherever they were having sex or a conversation.
~~ Getting to visit a bit with Isaac Drake from the Spitfires. I adore Drake, and was happy to see him and Laurent.
~~ River -- he was delightful! I was kind of disappointed that he had a boyfriend, though, because I wanted to pair him up with a hot hockey player.
What didn't work as well for me:
~~ The antagonist was pretty ineffectual. He was a weasel who never really mattered in the story. I do think his role could have been expanded a bit, though I would have changed his endgame. I didn't find the resolution of that plot point to be all that satisfying.
My hopes for the series:
~~ I really want Xavier Matthews to find his happy.
Overall, I enjoyed Coach's Challenge. Empty Net is still my favorite, of the series, but Coach's Challenge came in at a solid four stars.
-------------------
ARC of Coach's Challenge was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2017
Scoring Chances is easily one of my favourite series currently being written. Gale's low-angst, feel-good stories are consistently filled with lovable characters, satisfyingly smexy times, scenes that make me smile, a general thread of acceptance - of self and of others - that warms my heart, romance, and of course, plenty of hockey.
Unfortunately, while Coach's Challenge definitely brought the heat in the bedroom with all of that extra dirty talk and public sex, it lacked the tenderness and romance that would have balanced those scenes out (and made me appreciate them even more). And, while Troy and Shane's banter was entertaining, without at least a few softer moments, I am not sure that I really believed the transition from scorching taboo sex between a coach and his player to the I love yous and self-sacrifice at the end. I mean, the dramatic declarations of love scene was there and it was good, but the characters never quite dropped their alpha male posturing for long enough to be truly vulnerable with each other - something I am always looking for in those scenes.
Still, it was a good book, and I can't wait for Xavier's story. That's coming, right? I mean, it's gotta. That poor boy needs someone to love him.
Unfortunately, while Coach's Challenge definitely brought the heat in the bedroom with all of that extra dirty talk and public sex, it lacked the tenderness and romance that would have balanced those scenes out (and made me appreciate them even more). And, while Troy and Shane's banter was entertaining, without at least a few softer moments, I am not sure that I really believed the transition from scorching taboo sex between a coach and his player to the I love yous and self-sacrifice at the end. I mean, the dramatic declarations of love scene was there and it was good, but the characters never quite dropped their alpha male posturing for long enough to be truly vulnerable with each other - something I am always looking for in those scenes.
Still, it was a good book, and I can't wait for Xavier's story. That's coming, right? I mean, it's gotta. That poor boy needs someone to love him.
July 13, 2017
Troy's personality was a bit overbearing. Especially when he first met someone. And then generally every moment after that.
COACH'S CHALLENGE was pure sporty, sexy, bantery, entertainment.
"You signed an aging goon to a team full of bullies? Are you secretly working for the forces of fucking evil, or what?"
Seriously. There was so much hockey in this book it made me so happy. You might be thinking, 'but don't most sports books have the required sport featured?', yes, you would think so! But it's not always the case. This is my first read by Gale but I follow her on twitter and I know she's a self-professed hockey fanatic. And it shows. Mad respect.
"This is like Kings-Ducks level of despising the other team."
"No one cares about your stupid California teams. This is Rangers-Devils shit."
But there was more to this story than just the hockey aspect that made me happy. We have some older characters, with an age gap, a bit of a taboo/forbidden element with the coach & player dynamic, and line after line of hilarious banter and zingers regarding age, music, Canada, NHL teams, puzzles.. I truly lost track with how much I laughed. This particular moment got me good :
"Uh. Isn't that Justin Bieber's 'Sorry'? Are we being tortured? I thought we were out of that era."
"Why does this song keep playing? Why won't it stop? Who's doing this to us? It is because of those dropped passes?"
Meanwhile, a secondary conversation is happening.
"Oh my god. There's a bird nailed up over the door to Coach's office. That's.. what does that even mean?"
"I'm more concerned about the bird [instead of the music]. Seriously. You guys see this, right?"
"I don't think it's real, which means it can't hear, so it's way better off than we are."
Being that I'm coming into this series five books in (I knowwww, I always say to myself I'll stop doing this), I don't know how much of the story of this team, most hated in the ECHL for some shady, blackmailing, bribing, bullying behaviour -- that was not only encouraged by enforced by their prior coach -- was brought up in the background of previous books. But seeing the focus on turning around the players, on being a team again, was actually really wonderful. Who doesn't love a comeback story.
Why couldn't he put his own players in the penalty box for making stupid decisions?
Troy, the out and proud coach brought in to turn the Ravens around, was a a ballbusting straight shooter who liked to spout off f-bombs but cared so fiercely about the game and his team. His matchup with Shane, the older-than-the-average-stud player who is known for never living up to his potential, who wants nothing more than to play one more year before he retires, and who isn't out, is basically Troy's kryptonite, much as he hates it. He talks back, challenges his coach, and yet finds himself just as dedicated to helping the younger players, to bringing them back from the tough few years they've endured.
It was as though someone had written Guaranteed Ways to Get Troy Callahan Hot For It and handed it to Shane with a goddamn bow on top of it.
The chemistry between these two was great. Snarky, sexy, and full of dirty talk (which I think was maaaybe a little over the top at some points). While this read didn't feel long and yet was more than a novella, I would've liked less talk of blowjobs and maybe a little more padding in the transition stages between just screwing and having feelings for each other. I mean, I did love those moments where you could see it happening, but a few more would've been nice, too. However the big confessionals at the end were not only so sweet but also fucking hilarious.
"You gonna make good on your sexy jigsaw-puzzle talk and fuck me over your desk?"
"Sexy jigsaw-puzzle talk? Really?"
I totally appreciated that the villain of the piece was a shitty villain. Mostly because it was so incharacter with the fact that he was, well, shitty at everything else. And I love love loved that there wasn't a big breakup angsty situation (maybe because it was shorter than a full length? or does Gale just not write them? I'm curious to find out!) and that even when there might have been a hiccup to their relationship.. there wasn't.
"Would you stop acting like I'm ancient? I've been gay longer than you, Shane. I've picked up a lot of knowledge over the years."
"Someone showed you Tumblr, huh."
There was laughter instead. That, I think, sums up why I loved this book so much. Yeah it wasn't perfect but the sheer entertainment and joy made up for any little bits I would've liked more, or less, of.
"Is that a first generation iPod? I thought those all stopped working when iPhones came out. I forget how old you are, North."
So, if you're looking for laughs, a bit of a sorta-hate-to-love (maybe more like a 'cranky-we-can't-do-this-also-you're-an-asshole-lust'?), older characters, age gap, hockey, and some pretty substantial steam without any angst, you'll want to read COACH'S CHALLENGE. And from what I've heard from longtime readers of this series, this one isn't even the best of the bunch. Which has me even more excited to backtrack than I already am.
The attempt at a battle cry got him nothing but a few awkwardly mutters "caws" in refrain, which sounded like a bunch of sick birds on their deathbeds. So fairly apt.
I had so many more quotes saved for this review but I've run out of things to say about the awesome of this book. Just go read it, will you?
4 "here comes that girl that sings 'You Oughta Know' every week, right on time / she oughta know she can't stay on tune" stars
COACH'S CHALLENGE was pure sporty, sexy, bantery, entertainment.
"You signed an aging goon to a team full of bullies? Are you secretly working for the forces of fucking evil, or what?"
Seriously. There was so much hockey in this book it made me so happy. You might be thinking, 'but don't most sports books have the required sport featured?', yes, you would think so! But it's not always the case. This is my first read by Gale but I follow her on twitter and I know she's a self-professed hockey fanatic. And it shows. Mad respect.
"This is like Kings-Ducks level of despising the other team."
"No one cares about your stupid California teams. This is Rangers-Devils shit."
But there was more to this story than just the hockey aspect that made me happy. We have some older characters, with an age gap, a bit of a taboo/forbidden element with the coach & player dynamic, and line after line of hilarious banter and zingers regarding age, music, Canada, NHL teams, puzzles.. I truly lost track with how much I laughed. This particular moment got me good :
"Uh. Isn't that Justin Bieber's 'Sorry'? Are we being tortured? I thought we were out of that era."
"Why does this song keep playing? Why won't it stop? Who's doing this to us? It is because of those dropped passes?"
Meanwhile, a secondary conversation is happening.
"Oh my god. There's a bird nailed up over the door to Coach's office. That's.. what does that even mean?"
"I'm more concerned about the bird [instead of the music]. Seriously. You guys see this, right?"
"I don't think it's real, which means it can't hear, so it's way better off than we are."
Being that I'm coming into this series five books in (I knowwww, I always say to myself I'll stop doing this), I don't know how much of the story of this team, most hated in the ECHL for some shady, blackmailing, bribing, bullying behaviour -- that was not only encouraged by enforced by their prior coach -- was brought up in the background of previous books. But seeing the focus on turning around the players, on being a team again, was actually really wonderful. Who doesn't love a comeback story.
Why couldn't he put his own players in the penalty box for making stupid decisions?
Troy, the out and proud coach brought in to turn the Ravens around, was a a ballbusting straight shooter who liked to spout off f-bombs but cared so fiercely about the game and his team. His matchup with Shane, the older-than-the-average-stud player who is known for never living up to his potential, who wants nothing more than to play one more year before he retires, and who isn't out, is basically Troy's kryptonite, much as he hates it. He talks back, challenges his coach, and yet finds himself just as dedicated to helping the younger players, to bringing them back from the tough few years they've endured.
It was as though someone had written Guaranteed Ways to Get Troy Callahan Hot For It and handed it to Shane with a goddamn bow on top of it.
The chemistry between these two was great. Snarky, sexy, and full of dirty talk (which I think was maaaybe a little over the top at some points). While this read didn't feel long and yet was more than a novella, I would've liked less talk of blowjobs and maybe a little more padding in the transition stages between just screwing and having feelings for each other. I mean, I did love those moments where you could see it happening, but a few more would've been nice, too. However the big confessionals at the end were not only so sweet but also fucking hilarious.
"You gonna make good on your sexy jigsaw-puzzle talk and fuck me over your desk?"
"Sexy jigsaw-puzzle talk? Really?"
I totally appreciated that the villain of the piece was a shitty villain. Mostly because it was so incharacter with the fact that he was, well, shitty at everything else. And I love love loved that there wasn't a big breakup angsty situation (maybe because it was shorter than a full length? or does Gale just not write them? I'm curious to find out!) and that even when there might have been a hiccup to their relationship.. there wasn't.
"Would you stop acting like I'm ancient? I've been gay longer than you, Shane. I've picked up a lot of knowledge over the years."
"Someone showed you Tumblr, huh."
There was laughter instead. That, I think, sums up why I loved this book so much. Yeah it wasn't perfect but the sheer entertainment and joy made up for any little bits I would've liked more, or less, of.
"Is that a first generation iPod? I thought those all stopped working when iPhones came out. I forget how old you are, North."
So, if you're looking for laughs, a bit of a sorta-hate-to-love (maybe more like a 'cranky-we-can't-do-this-also-you're-an-asshole-lust'?), older characters, age gap, hockey, and some pretty substantial steam without any angst, you'll want to read COACH'S CHALLENGE. And from what I've heard from longtime readers of this series, this one isn't even the best of the bunch. Which has me even more excited to backtrack than I already am.
The attempt at a battle cry got him nothing but a few awkwardly mutters "caws" in refrain, which sounded like a bunch of sick birds on their deathbeds. So fairly apt.
I had so many more quotes saved for this review but I've run out of things to say about the awesome of this book. Just go read it, will you?
4 "here comes that girl that sings 'You Oughta Know' every week, right on time / she oughta know she can't stay on tune" stars
October 5, 2017
I tried, I really tried because I like sport romances and there’s always very enthusiastic reviews about this series. And the promise of a read with mature MCs...even better for me.
But every time I read a book from this series, the same thing happens : it’s not working for me. Not that I don’t like the series at all, far from that, but I don’t engage. I know I read the book, but I don’t feel anything, neither bad nor good. It just seems that I don’t mesh with this author.
This one was no exception. So, I will stop with this series but not reading the fabulous reviews about it, because that’s the best part for me.
But every time I read a book from this series, the same thing happens : it’s not working for me. Not that I don’t like the series at all, far from that, but I don’t engage. I know I read the book, but I don’t feel anything, neither bad nor good. It just seems that I don’t mesh with this author.
This one was no exception. So, I will stop with this series but not reading the fabulous reviews about it, because that’s the best part for me.
March 8, 2019
4.5 stars!
I've loved this series, but this may be my favorite of all the books.
I have a total thing for romance stories featuring two tough, rough, snarky alphas who like to **** um, let's just say, who like each other. Cally and North brought it and then some. Fantastic story!
I've loved this series, but this may be my favorite of all the books.
I have a total thing for romance stories featuring two tough, rough, snarky alphas who like to **** um, let's just say, who like each other. Cally and North brought it and then some. Fantastic story!
July 21, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*The coach and the aging goon*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
There was something missing in this book. Much more than the previous book. Coach Troy Callahan (46?), aka ‘Hot Coach McDirty Texts’ according to Alani, and veteran player Shane North (36) were a cute couple, but the connection? I didn't see it all that much... The chemistry wasn't all there... Perhaps if the book had been longer, with a little more depth, it might have been better. For me, at least. Overall, the story was cool, fast forward, easy to read and cute. I didn't feel much towards the characters because I felt like we didn't got to know them on a deep, personal level. But still, it was a nice, enjoyable read, with funny banters.
“I already figured you'd be a loudmouth control freak in bed, like you are on the ice, so no surprise there.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (NA? A?) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book Five
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Troy Callahan.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows.
Rating - 3 stars.
July 2, 2017
Mi valoración está basada absolutamente en mis gustos personales a la hora de leer y parece claro que mis gustos y la forma de escribir de Avon Gale no se ponen de acuerdo. Dentro de esta serie el primero fui incapaz de terminarlo, el segundo no lo leí, el tercero it was ok y el cuarto me gustó. El quinto..., pues lo he terminado porque no lo he odiado, pero no ha despertado absolutamente nada en mi, alguna sonrisa perdida por alguna situación, pero poco más.
Me gusta el mundo alrededor del hockey que la autora ha creado, el deporte, los compañeros, el vestuario, pero cuando llegamos a la creación de la pareja, algo me falla. Es cierto que hay mucho banter, y en ocasiones es gracioso, pero es muy repetitivo, y al final me ha terminado aburriendo, ha habido ocasiones en las que he pensado que ya era demasiado, quería otro tipo de crecimiento de la relación, ser testigo de algo que hiciera pensar que están enamorados. La construcción de la relación entre los personajes principales me ha resultado muy superficial, he echado de menos más conversaciones, más emociones, más conexión, la declaración me ha parecido el horror... Eso sí, el sexo que no falte. Estoy totalmente a favor de las escenas de sexo en los libros, me encantan, ole, pero me encantan cuando me aportan algo sobre los personajes y su relación. Y si no me aportan nada, al menos que sean muy muy hot. En esta ocasión hay una sucesión de blowjobs (y venga blowjob, y otra, y otra, venga una pa ti, otra pa mi, ahora a quíen le toca?) y algunas otras escenas de sexo, y creo que me han aportado algo 2 entre las 98789678979 que hay. Estoy segura de que esto es una cuestión de gustos, por eso remarco que mi valoración está basada en mis gustos personales, y es seguro que a otros lectores les encante.
No lo he odiado, pero tampoco me ha gustado, me he quedado en un psé. Pero, soy muy fan de los sport romance, así que seguro que lo vuelvo a intentar, no me cierro a nada y nunca se sabe.
Me gusta el mundo alrededor del hockey que la autora ha creado, el deporte, los compañeros, el vestuario, pero cuando llegamos a la creación de la pareja, algo me falla. Es cierto que hay mucho banter, y en ocasiones es gracioso, pero es muy repetitivo, y al final me ha terminado aburriendo, ha habido ocasiones en las que he pensado que ya era demasiado, quería otro tipo de crecimiento de la relación, ser testigo de algo que hiciera pensar que están enamorados. La construcción de la relación entre los personajes principales me ha resultado muy superficial, he echado de menos más conversaciones, más emociones, más conexión, la declaración me ha parecido el horror... Eso sí, el sexo que no falte. Estoy totalmente a favor de las escenas de sexo en los libros, me encantan, ole, pero me encantan cuando me aportan algo sobre los personajes y su relación. Y si no me aportan nada, al menos que sean muy muy hot. En esta ocasión hay una sucesión de blowjobs (y venga blowjob, y otra, y otra, venga una pa ti, otra pa mi, ahora a quíen le toca?) y algunas otras escenas de sexo, y creo que me han aportado algo 2 entre las 98789678979 que hay. Estoy segura de que esto es una cuestión de gustos, por eso remarco que mi valoración está basada en mis gustos personales, y es seguro que a otros lectores les encante.
No lo he odiado, pero tampoco me ha gustado, me he quedado en un psé. Pero, soy muy fan de los sport romance, así que seguro que lo vuelvo a intentar, no me cierro a nada y nunca se sabe.
January 1, 2018
**Updated for Audio**
Once again Scott R. Smith does a good job with the narration. This whole series has simply been a pleasure to listen to.
**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**
3.5 Stars
When Troy Callahan accepts the head coach position for the Ravens he knows he's starting with a team that's been broken down by the previous bastard of a coach and has one of the worst reputations in the league. To top off trying to build his team's morale, he's not exactly ecstatic about being helped by an assistant coach who doesn't seem to know his ass from his elbow, and isn't really helping.
When veteran AHL player, Shane North, doesn't get picked up by his team for another year, he decides to spend his final year playing hockey in the ECHL.
Callahan and North strike sparks from the first moment they meet. They give as good as they get. This quickly turns into passion.
And, damn, does it make for some hot times. If you're into dirty talk with your sexy times be prepared to be happy!
One of the things I would have loved to have seen more of is Troy and Shane's romantic development. There's plenty of passion, but less so of the quieter, getting to know you type moments.
The story itself is a fun read with not many surprises, very little angst, a good amount of humor (which I've come to expect of Avon Gale's writing), and one of the best "it's not going down like this" moments I've read this year. I love it when the "bad" guy gets thwarted. Though I didn't get the comeuppance I really would have like to have seen on that front, I did enjoy Troy and Shane banding together to fix their problem in a no-nonsense, realistic way.
While I can't say the fifth story in the Scoring Chances hockey series is my favorite, it's a solid addition to the series with plenty of humor, very little angst, some great dirty talk, and a HFN ending.
I'm definitely on board with team #TRANE.
Advance Review Galley copy of Coach's Challenge (Scoring Chances #5) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Once again Scott R. Smith does a good job with the narration. This whole series has simply been a pleasure to listen to.
**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**
3.5 Stars
When Troy Callahan accepts the head coach position for the Ravens he knows he's starting with a team that's been broken down by the previous bastard of a coach and has one of the worst reputations in the league. To top off trying to build his team's morale, he's not exactly ecstatic about being helped by an assistant coach who doesn't seem to know his ass from his elbow, and isn't really helping.
He was affable enough, and if he was bothered by coaching with a gay guy, he never said anything about it. So far he hadn’t said much of anything, though Troy’s personality was a bit overbearing. Especially when he first met someone. And then generally every moment after that.
When veteran AHL player, Shane North, doesn't get picked up by his team for another year, he decides to spend his final year playing hockey in the ECHL.
Shane was in Asheville because of the Ravens’ GM, Gabriel Bow. Bow was his coach when Shane played for the Anaheim Ducks, and he contacted Shane about an open roster spot when Shane’s AHL team, the Gulls, put him on waivers. No other AHL team seemed interested in picking up a thirty-six-year-old player, so if Shane wanted to end his career on his own terms—which he did—he’d have to do it in Asheville.
Callahan and North strike sparks from the first moment they meet. They give as good as they get. This quickly turns into passion.
“You could argue while I suck you off, if you want. I know how much you like blowjobs and arguing. Consider it a Christmas present.”
Troy did indeed like both of those things. “And here I didn’t get you anything.”
Shane leaned in and mouthed at Troy’s erection through his boxers, his breath hot through the fabric. He leaned back and deftly pulled Troy’s cock out of his underwear. “Oh, I wouldn’t say that.”
And, damn, does it make for some hot times. If you're into dirty talk with your sexy times be prepared to be happy!
“I like you for more than your admittedly awesome dick and lack of a gag reflex,” said Shane. He patted Troy on the back. “Don’t worry.”
One of the things I would have loved to have seen more of is Troy and Shane's romantic development. There's plenty of passion, but less so of the quieter, getting to know you type moments.
Troy tipped his head back and stared up at the ceiling. “I can’t believe this happened.”
Shane wasn’t sure he bought that at all. “Really? You can’t believe two contrary people who thought they were just gonna have sex every now and then decided to have feelings?”
“When you put it that way, maybe it’s not such a surprise.”
The story itself is a fun read with not many surprises, very little angst, a good amount of humor (which I've come to expect of Avon Gale's writing), and one of the best "it's not going down like this" moments I've read this year. I love it when the "bad" guy gets thwarted. Though I didn't get the comeuppance I really would have like to have seen on that front, I did enjoy Troy and Shane banding together to fix their problem in a no-nonsense, realistic way.
While I can't say the fifth story in the Scoring Chances hockey series is my favorite, it's a solid addition to the series with plenty of humor, very little angst, some great dirty talk, and a HFN ending.
I'm definitely on board with team #TRANE.
Advance Review Galley copy of Coach's Challenge (Scoring Chances #5) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
June 19, 2017
I only read book 1 of this series but didn't continue and I am going to correct that immediately! What a fabulous and funny story this was. Not comedy, mind you, but brilliantly witty and filled with sharp dialogue. Troy Callahan is the new coach of the Asheville Ravens and Shane North, their newest player. Both characters are older men, which I appreciated immensely. They're both quite alpha, outspoken and blunt. They bicker and snark and then tear up the sheets! It's rough sex and dirty, dirty talk from Troy a.k.a. Hot Coach McDirty Texts.
Troy’s focus is pulling the team together and dealing with the apparently vapid and clueless assistant coach. Shane has more on his plate; it's his last year playing and he's never come out. He and Troy have to keep things on the DL but Troy has a thing for risky, semi-public sex. The dual POV’s gave wonderful insight and added depth to the dialogue. Secondary characters were essential to the narrative, especially Xavier, the out, gay team captain and happy-go-lucky Evan, who was a burrito shy of a combo plate. You'll also love meeting Alani, Shane’s Hawaiian surfer best friend. Appearances from characters in prior books connect the narratives but they fit in seamlessly to make the story easily stand alone.
Everything I know about hockey is from romance books, and because I lived near Boston, where you'd always see a Bruins game in any bar you frequented during the season. It wasn't necessary to know much, but the atmosphere of the game filled the pages. So whether you like sports or not but love a hot enemies to lovers story, mature men and well-timed humor, I can't see how you could go wrong with this one.
* An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Jessie G Books blog, for an honest review.
Troy’s focus is pulling the team together and dealing with the apparently vapid and clueless assistant coach. Shane has more on his plate; it's his last year playing and he's never come out. He and Troy have to keep things on the DL but Troy has a thing for risky, semi-public sex. The dual POV’s gave wonderful insight and added depth to the dialogue. Secondary characters were essential to the narrative, especially Xavier, the out, gay team captain and happy-go-lucky Evan, who was a burrito shy of a combo plate. You'll also love meeting Alani, Shane’s Hawaiian surfer best friend. Appearances from characters in prior books connect the narratives but they fit in seamlessly to make the story easily stand alone.
Everything I know about hockey is from romance books, and because I lived near Boston, where you'd always see a Bruins game in any bar you frequented during the season. It wasn't necessary to know much, but the atmosphere of the game filled the pages. So whether you like sports or not but love a hot enemies to lovers story, mature men and well-timed humor, I can't see how you could go wrong with this one.
* An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Jessie G Books blog, for an honest review.
June 26, 2017
Coach's Challenge is the fifth book in the Scoring Chances series by Avon Gale. Although characters from previous books do make crossover appearances in each others’ stories, you can definitely read the stories out of order.
Coach Troy is kind of a curmudgeon, well a hot curmudgeon, and Gale uses every opportunity to make the most of his character. Troy has these adorable idiosyncrasies: his puzzle passion, his penchant for PDA, and his incredibly filthy mouth.
I will say that this series is filled with some of the hottest dirty talk I’ve read, but Coach Troy outshines them all!
Shane is adorable. He’s at a crossroads in his life and just not really sure which direction he’ll go now that he’s approaching retirement age. It’s great to see him grow throughout the story and reach a self-fulfilling conclusion. As Troy tells Shane, “Maybe nothing went the way it was supposed to, but that doesn’t mean it went the wrong way.”
As I’ve found with the rest of this series, there’s just the right blend of humor, hockey plays, and hot sex in Coach’s Challenge.
The chemistry between Troy and Shane is electric and I love how open they are with each other.
They recognize their attraction straight away, and once they resolve their initial animosity, they go straight to the good stuff. With a bit of an age gap between these two, and the coach/player role play they get up to, it makes for some fun sexy time.
Maybe their self confidence is due to their *ahem* maturity (both men are over 30) and they know better than to waste time.
I was really pleased with the messages Avon Gale includes in this installment, especially the part about respecting and not objectifying women - well said! This may be a locker room filled with rough and tumble hockey players but they’ve got enough self-awareness to call each other out if something’s just not right.
This series has been a blast from the first and always has me laughing out loud!
The stories are clever and fun, with a great connection between the MCs, and just the right amount of sports to advance the plot. I highly recommend the particularly funny Coach’s Challenge. I absolutely love the banter between these two manly men as they tease and goad in the most creative of ways.
Coach Troy is kind of a curmudgeon, well a hot curmudgeon, and Gale uses every opportunity to make the most of his character. Troy has these adorable idiosyncrasies: his puzzle passion, his penchant for PDA, and his incredibly filthy mouth.
I will say that this series is filled with some of the hottest dirty talk I’ve read, but Coach Troy outshines them all!
Shane is adorable. He’s at a crossroads in his life and just not really sure which direction he’ll go now that he’s approaching retirement age. It’s great to see him grow throughout the story and reach a self-fulfilling conclusion. As Troy tells Shane, “Maybe nothing went the way it was supposed to, but that doesn’t mean it went the wrong way.”
As I’ve found with the rest of this series, there’s just the right blend of humor, hockey plays, and hot sex in Coach’s Challenge.
The chemistry between Troy and Shane is electric and I love how open they are with each other.
They recognize their attraction straight away, and once they resolve their initial animosity, they go straight to the good stuff. With a bit of an age gap between these two, and the coach/player role play they get up to, it makes for some fun sexy time.
Maybe their self confidence is due to their *ahem* maturity (both men are over 30) and they know better than to waste time.
I was really pleased with the messages Avon Gale includes in this installment, especially the part about respecting and not objectifying women - well said! This may be a locker room filled with rough and tumble hockey players but they’ve got enough self-awareness to call each other out if something’s just not right.
This series has been a blast from the first and always has me laughing out loud!
The stories are clever and fun, with a great connection between the MCs, and just the right amount of sports to advance the plot. I highly recommend the particularly funny Coach’s Challenge. I absolutely love the banter between these two manly men as they tease and goad in the most creative of ways.
June 29, 2017
This series has quickly become a favorite of mine. The characters are well-rounded, the romances are sweet, the sex is hot, and the hockey is entertaining.
‘Coach’s Challenge’ is no different. Though Troy at first comes off as perpetually cranky, and Shane as a bit irresponsible, the two MCs are immediately likeable. There’s clearly more to them beneath the surface.
The setup of their relationship hooked me in from the start. Shane and Troy get on each other’s nerves, but neither is willing to admit defeat. Their banter and small spats were hilarious.
The UST was killer!
Once Troy and Shane finally crack and give in, the sex was hot, hot, hot. The two are as argumentative in bed as they are out of it, but that doesn’t stop them from going at it as often as they can, and in creative places.
Aside from the undeniable sexual chemistry, Shane and Troy also click emotionally. Both had been alone for a long time. Shane was still in the closet, while Troy didn’t think love was for him. But the two find in each other someone that just gets the other.
This book isn’t particularly drama-filled. Troy and Shane’s relationship builds gradually, and the two don’t fight against what they clearly want - a future together. The romance is quite light-hearted, with emphasis on the good feels.
The storyline regarding the hockey team was entertaining. I liked finally seeing the Ravens in a good light!
A bit of drama comes at the end relating to the hockey team, but it’s solved pretty quickly. And by the end of it, Shane and Troy have a HEA perfect for them.
Overall, I really enjoyed the latest installment in the Scoring Chances series. I wouldn’t recommend reading this book without having read books 3 and 4, but they’re all great reads!
‘Coach’s Challenge’ is no different. Though Troy at first comes off as perpetually cranky, and Shane as a bit irresponsible, the two MCs are immediately likeable. There’s clearly more to them beneath the surface.
The setup of their relationship hooked me in from the start. Shane and Troy get on each other’s nerves, but neither is willing to admit defeat. Their banter and small spats were hilarious.
The UST was killer!
Once Troy and Shane finally crack and give in, the sex was hot, hot, hot. The two are as argumentative in bed as they are out of it, but that doesn’t stop them from going at it as often as they can, and in creative places.
Aside from the undeniable sexual chemistry, Shane and Troy also click emotionally. Both had been alone for a long time. Shane was still in the closet, while Troy didn’t think love was for him. But the two find in each other someone that just gets the other.
This book isn’t particularly drama-filled. Troy and Shane’s relationship builds gradually, and the two don’t fight against what they clearly want - a future together. The romance is quite light-hearted, with emphasis on the good feels.
The storyline regarding the hockey team was entertaining. I liked finally seeing the Ravens in a good light!
A bit of drama comes at the end relating to the hockey team, but it’s solved pretty quickly. And by the end of it, Shane and Troy have a HEA perfect for them.
Overall, I really enjoyed the latest installment in the Scoring Chances series. I wouldn’t recommend reading this book without having read books 3 and 4, but they’re all great reads!
September 24, 2017
This series has become one of my favorites. I know I should’ve started it in order but I’m in love with what I’ve read so far. Coache’s Challenge is a feel-good and low-angst story. It’s a nice change after Empty Net that was way deeper.
This one had more sex than the 3rd and 4th book. It was good, steamy, bossy and rough. The characters weren’t so complex, so the story was pretty light in comparison to Max and Misha or Isaac and Laurent stories. Troy and Shane had -what may be considered- ‘normal issues’.
Though, I got tired of so much sex and the dirty talk. I was thinking that I should’ve taken tequila shots every time they said ‘fuck me’. I assure you I’d have ended wasted at 45% of the book. Another thing I didn't like was the antagonist. He was a joke, seriously. I never worried about him and it was clear that whatever trouble he was gonna cause, it was going to be easily solved.
Overall, it was pretty good. I had a good time reading this book, the banter was awesome as always, I enjoyed pretty much the side characters (especially River) and it had some swoony moment that made all the ‘fuck me’ worthy.
Now, I hope that the next book in the series will be about Xavier. I’m dying to read more about him. Empty Net is still my favorite and I think it will always be.
This one had more sex than the 3rd and 4th book. It was good, steamy, bossy and rough. The characters weren’t so complex, so the story was pretty light in comparison to Max and Misha or Isaac and Laurent stories. Troy and Shane had -what may be considered- ‘normal issues’.
Though, I got tired of so much sex and the dirty talk. I was thinking that I should’ve taken tequila shots every time they said ‘fuck me’. I assure you I’d have ended wasted at 45% of the book. Another thing I didn't like was the antagonist. He was a joke, seriously. I never worried about him and it was clear that whatever trouble he was gonna cause, it was going to be easily solved.
Overall, it was pretty good. I had a good time reading this book, the banter was awesome as always, I enjoyed pretty much the side characters (especially River) and it had some swoony moment that made all the ‘fuck me’ worthy.
Now, I hope that the next book in the series will be about Xavier. I’m dying to read more about him. Empty Net is still my favorite and I think it will always be.
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March 13, 2021
✰ 4.5 stars ✰
This was intense af because both heroes were direct and blunt (especially Troy, but Shane was definitely on his level) so it was inevitable they would clash and I loved every moment of it. 😌 I honestly didn't mind much that . I'd highly recommend this if you're looking for a story with lots of sexual tension and banters between the main characters. <3
This was intense af because both heroes were direct and blunt (especially Troy, but Shane was definitely on his level) so it was inevitable they would clash and I loved every moment of it. 😌 I honestly didn't mind much that . I'd highly recommend this if you're looking for a story with lots of sexual tension and banters between the main characters. <3
September 11, 2022
Not my favourite couple in this series bit that's ok 👌
June 27, 2017
This entry in an excellent hockey romance series is lighter than the last couple, well-written and just fun. These two guys are coach and player, and they should keep their hands off each other, but each guy is something of a rebel, likely to do what they are specifically forbidden. The sparks fly from their first encounter, and with Coach Troy Callahan also having a bit of a public-sex kink, the fall is inevitable. Also hot and snarky and just entertaining to watch. The angst is low-key here, the guys are older and with less to lose, and their personalities are not introspective.
This could easily be read as a stand-alone, but reading through the series will give context to the situation, as Troy is taking over coaching of the Ravens, after the final comeuppance of their evil coach from the previous book. The demoralized team, and the glimpses of young players from past stories, will mean more if you know who they are and why.
I thoroughly enjoyed chuckling over these guys, being engaged but not bleeding for them. This series has a nice mix of characters, plots, and tones, and I look forward to each new book.
This could easily be read as a stand-alone, but reading through the series will give context to the situation, as Troy is taking over coaching of the Ravens, after the final comeuppance of their evil coach from the previous book. The demoralized team, and the glimpses of young players from past stories, will mean more if you know who they are and why.
I thoroughly enjoyed chuckling over these guys, being engaged but not bleeding for them. This series has a nice mix of characters, plots, and tones, and I look forward to each new book.
July 10, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
Look! Another hockey book from Avon Gale! I love this series so much, and Coach's Challenge was one of my most anticipated June 2017 releases. Well, I really, really liked it but I didn't love it as much as book #3 or #4.
First and foremost, I appreciated the "older" MCs in this book. Coach Troy Callahan is in his mid-forties while veteran player Shane North is in his mid-thirties. I need more characters in their forties lately, probably because it will make them more relevant to me. What can I say, I always love more mature characters (even when I was in my teens or twenties, I prefer reading characters in their thirties!). I find it difficult to connect with the young/new adult characters of the world *lol*
I also enjoyed the lack of angst -- despite the fact that Shane is in the closet while Troy is out and proud -- but both men enter the relationship with open eyes. There are not a lot of emo over Shane's closeted status, Troy doesn't throw tantrums and demands Shane to tell the world about their relationship ... it was very refreshing to read.
Plus I always enjoy Avon Gale's brand of banters and humor :). These two Alpha men are pretty hot together.
BUT because they're both pretty bad-ass, I also miss more tender, gentle moments between the two of them; moments that show their vulnerabilities. Because that will play better for me emotionally.
Other than that, this book is golden
Look! Another hockey book from Avon Gale! I love this series so much, and Coach's Challenge was one of my most anticipated June 2017 releases. Well, I really, really liked it but I didn't love it as much as book #3 or #4.
First and foremost, I appreciated the "older" MCs in this book. Coach Troy Callahan is in his mid-forties while veteran player Shane North is in his mid-thirties. I need more characters in their forties lately, probably because it will make them more relevant to me. What can I say, I always love more mature characters (even when I was in my teens or twenties, I prefer reading characters in their thirties!). I find it difficult to connect with the young/new adult characters of the world *lol*
I also enjoyed the lack of angst -- despite the fact that Shane is in the closet while Troy is out and proud -- but both men enter the relationship with open eyes. There are not a lot of emo over Shane's closeted status, Troy doesn't throw tantrums and demands Shane to tell the world about their relationship ... it was very refreshing to read.
Plus I always enjoy Avon Gale's brand of banters and humor :). These two Alpha men are pretty hot together.
BUT because they're both pretty bad-ass, I also miss more tender, gentle moments between the two of them; moments that show their vulnerabilities. Because that will play better for me emotionally.
Other than that, this book is golden
January 25, 2019
Revisited via audiobook but it didn’t live up to my original 5 star rating. I loved it but, I didn’t die for it. Great series, though !!! Why the hell doesn’t Scott R. Smith narrate more books? And why the hell isn’t another book coming? I want Xavier’s HEA!!
March 17, 2023
I’ve loved this series, and I’m sad that there isn’t another book to read. I really want Matty’s love story!
October 5, 2017
I don't know how she does it but this ice hockey series is not only consistently brilliant, it keeps producing partnerships that I fall head over heels for.
First I was surprised when Isaac and Laurent took over from Max and Misha as my favourite pair but now Troy and Shane have stormed to the top of the leaderboard with their fabulously non conformist relationship.
Oh lord, the snark as these two fell for each other was delicious, the humour was totally on point and the sex was dynamite. The way they spoke to each other was fuelled first by lust, then by passion and the declarations of love have to be some of the most original I've ever read.
I am a sucker for sport set narratives, I'm a sucker for partial redemption stories - in this case it's the team rather than an individual though - and I'm a sucker for righteous outcomes to those who tried to hurt the LGBT world and this book had it all.
Now Avon, please, please, please give Xavier his true love and a HEA. Pretty please.
First I was surprised when Isaac and Laurent took over from Max and Misha as my favourite pair but now Troy and Shane have stormed to the top of the leaderboard with their fabulously non conformist relationship.
Oh lord, the snark as these two fell for each other was delicious, the humour was totally on point and the sex was dynamite. The way they spoke to each other was fuelled first by lust, then by passion and the declarations of love have to be some of the most original I've ever read.
I am a sucker for sport set narratives, I'm a sucker for partial redemption stories - in this case it's the team rather than an individual though - and I'm a sucker for righteous outcomes to those who tried to hurt the LGBT world and this book had it all.
Now Avon, please, please, please give Xavier his true love and a HEA. Pretty please.
June 27, 2017
Very very low-angst-high-cozyness factor in this one. It was a nice edition to the 'Scoring Chances' series, and I liked that nothing crazy or over-the-top-drama took place.
February 19, 2018
I had been putting off reading this one for so long, so I'm glad I finally make the time. Troy and Shane might be one of the steamiest couple in the series albeit some readers claimed that all they did was fucking. Honestly, there are plenty of sex and they seems to have an affinity to do it in public places. I find them seriously hot and every encounter is far from lame. They both have such dirty mouth and they loves arguing and I live for their banter.
Troy is the new coach and such a hardass and Shane is a veteran player who loves pushing all of Troy's button. There is something illicit about coach/player dynamics. I always enjoyed some of their rare moments of honesty when they talk about their feelings albeit reluctantly. It was so cute to see Troy finally succumb to Shane's charm and wanting to fight for something more. I would say there is definitely some romance there between these two hard headed guys. I can't wait to read about Xavier. That poor guy is in need of his HEA asap.
Troy is the new coach and such a hardass and Shane is a veteran player who loves pushing all of Troy's button. There is something illicit about coach/player dynamics. I always enjoyed some of their rare moments of honesty when they talk about their feelings albeit reluctantly. It was so cute to see Troy finally succumb to Shane's charm and wanting to fight for something more. I would say there is definitely some romance there between these two hard headed guys. I can't wait to read about Xavier. That poor guy is in need of his HEA asap.
June 1, 2017
Review to follow but pretty much everything I could have asked for and more 😁
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