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Cayuga Cougars #3
Coach's Challenge
Victor Kalinski and his husband, Dan Arou, are living the dream. Married for over a year now, the couple have settled into life in Cayuga surrounded by friends, family, and a team that’s poised to make another championship run. Each man is enjoying professional success as well as personal bliss. Who knew life in the suburbs with a spouse and a child could be so darn satisfying? Not Vic. K, that’s for sure.
The happy times are about to turn rough, though. The Cougars have picked up a new player, Sander March, a brash young center whose sass, skill, and attitude can rival Victor’s. When it’s revealed that this new player and Dan have history, tensions begin to rise between the newlyweds. As Victor and Dan work on those issues, the one person Victor never thought he would meet arrives in the small New York hamlet and proceeds to flip everything in Vic’s life upside down.
Can Victor and Dan’s marriage withstand what life is about to drop on it, or will the challenges be too much for them to handle?
The happy times are about to turn rough, though. The Cougars have picked up a new player, Sander March, a brash young center whose sass, skill, and attitude can rival Victor’s. When it’s revealed that this new player and Dan have history, tensions begin to rise between the newlyweds. As Victor and Dan work on those issues, the one person Victor never thought he would meet arrives in the small New York hamlet and proceeds to flip everything in Vic’s life upside down.
Can Victor and Dan’s marriage withstand what life is about to drop on it, or will the challenges be too much for them to handle?
154 pages, ebook
First published January 8, 2018
27 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
V.L. Locey
212 books730 followersV.L. Locey loves worn jeans, Dr. Who, Torchwood, belly laughs, yoga, reading and writing lusty tales, walking, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.)
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 11, 2019
I love Victor Kalinski and I don't care that he's an offensive arse with occasionally Neanderthal ideas about life, he just makes me laugh with his brutal honesty and cry with his deep desire to be the best man he can.
Two years into his marriage to Dan and things are going swimmingly when two big spanners are thrown in the works and it's how Vic deals with them which forms the basis of this book.
What I love about Vicki Locey's hockey settings is that they feel real. The reactions of the team to changes, what happens out on the ice, the relationship between players and coaches all read true.
There's enough of the technical aspects to keep sports lovers happy and it sits perfectly alongside the romance and hot sex and this book might just have some of the hottest yet.
I also love how she writes her men and their relationships, they're not perfect, they get angry and sulky and make mistakes but they pick up, apologise, talk and move on.
The secondary theme in this gives us more insights into Vic's horrendous childhood and I loved the way it was handled, there's no easy cure or magic solution to get over trauma like that. The approach is firmly along the professional help route and I'm glad for it.
Hopefully we'll see more of how Vic is coping with the changes when we get Sander's book next year.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Two years into his marriage to Dan and things are going swimmingly when two big spanners are thrown in the works and it's how Vic deals with them which forms the basis of this book.
What I love about Vicki Locey's hockey settings is that they feel real. The reactions of the team to changes, what happens out on the ice, the relationship between players and coaches all read true.
There's enough of the technical aspects to keep sports lovers happy and it sits perfectly alongside the romance and hot sex and this book might just have some of the hottest yet.
I also love how she writes her men and their relationships, they're not perfect, they get angry and sulky and make mistakes but they pick up, apologise, talk and move on.
The secondary theme in this gives us more insights into Vic's horrendous childhood and I loved the way it was handled, there's no easy cure or magic solution to get over trauma like that. The approach is firmly along the professional help route and I'm glad for it.
Hopefully we'll see more of how Vic is coping with the changes when we get Sander's book next year.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
January 11, 2019
Victor’s growing up! Sort of...
V.L. Locey is rapidly moving up my favorites list, between the Harrisburg Railers with RJ Scott and the lovable jerkwad Victor Kalinski. He’s calmed down even more since marrying Dan but hasn’t lost a bit of his sarcastic, cutting humor. He also hasn’t lost enough of his insecurity when he finds out Dan’s ex-fiancé is joining the team and Dan hadn’t mentioned him before. Then the Old Man shows up, too.
Victor can still be pushed into anger and violence by certain triggers. His visits with the therapist still continue though and he’s as rude and inappropriate as ever. I did like seeing Heather schooling him on his misogynistic commentary, although he still thinks it. Very true to the character that the author created though. Softer edges but edges nonetheless. Loved, loved, loved this followup.
V.L. Locey is rapidly moving up my favorites list, between the Harrisburg Railers with RJ Scott and the lovable jerkwad Victor Kalinski. He’s calmed down even more since marrying Dan but hasn’t lost a bit of his sarcastic, cutting humor. He also hasn’t lost enough of his insecurity when he finds out Dan’s ex-fiancé is joining the team and Dan hadn’t mentioned him before. Then the Old Man shows up, too.
Victor can still be pushed into anger and violence by certain triggers. His visits with the therapist still continue though and he’s as rude and inappropriate as ever. I did like seeing Heather schooling him on his misogynistic commentary, although he still thinks it. Very true to the character that the author created though. Softer edges but edges nonetheless. Loved, loved, loved this followup.
January 14, 2018
Victor Kalinski remains my favorite character from both the previous Point Shot trilogy and this series. He's a man very much shaped by an abusive childhood, with a lot of issues about opening himself up to people and expecting abandonment. He hides it all deep under a very abrasive personality, and a tendency to attack first and drive people away with his uncontrolled mouthing off. He has matured and mellowed a lot in this book, compared to the days when he was dropped from the NHL to the minors at the beginning of Point Shot. But he still has a long way to go.
Dan Arou, now his husband for over a year, has been the biggest part of Victor's progress, providing unconditional love and a steady heart (and smoking-hot sex). I love that Victor goes to therapy - seeing him interact (abrasively and with resistance) with his therapist is part of the fun of this book. Victor has a two-year-old son now, and he's determined to be the kind of father he never had, as he and Dan get to care for Jack regularly. (I also love that he has a good relationship with Jack's mother, and they work things out between the three of them plus her boyfriend.)
But his newfound maturity is severely tested by the arrival of both a past lover of Dan's who joins the team, and by a ghost out of his own past who opens up new wounds. Vic's reactions feel spot-on, with moments of reversion to assholery, and efforts to find his new better self. Dan is steady and wonderful but not perfect. And I love that a significant injury doesn't heal completely, but has realistic lingering impact. My favorite story of the series so far.
Dan Arou, now his husband for over a year, has been the biggest part of Victor's progress, providing unconditional love and a steady heart (and smoking-hot sex). I love that Victor goes to therapy - seeing him interact (abrasively and with resistance) with his therapist is part of the fun of this book. Victor has a two-year-old son now, and he's determined to be the kind of father he never had, as he and Dan get to care for Jack regularly. (I also love that he has a good relationship with Jack's mother, and they work things out between the three of them plus her boyfriend.)
But his newfound maturity is severely tested by the arrival of both a past lover of Dan's who joins the team, and by a ghost out of his own past who opens up new wounds. Vic's reactions feel spot-on, with moments of reversion to assholery, and efforts to find his new better self. Dan is steady and wonderful but not perfect. And I love that a significant injury doesn't heal completely, but has realistic lingering impact. My favorite story of the series so far.
May 2, 2023
Still love Victor! Still patiently waiting to get to Dan's POV.
December 12, 2017
LOVE Victor and Dan!
I was so happy that we got another book with them. So much happening in this story. Some good, some bad, some fantastic, some down right hilarious..in the way Victor speaks to us when he is in his therapy sessions. Happily quite a bit of hotness happening as well. I will say only this, then let you, the lucky reader, discover what I am referring to, the changing room.
Everything that Victor has to deal with in this would test a saint and those of us who love Victor..ME! We know he is far from that. However, with the help of his amazing husband Dan, Victor works through quite a bit and I am extremely proud of him. Through ups and downs, these two men are fantastic together and I look forward to seeing them again. Their love, devotion, fathering skills and how they deal with the day to day things of marriage are true to form.
A MUST read in my opinion and I will, as always, be suggesting this to friends.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my honest review.
I was so happy that we got another book with them. So much happening in this story. Some good, some bad, some fantastic, some down right hilarious..in the way Victor speaks to us when he is in his therapy sessions. Happily quite a bit of hotness happening as well. I will say only this, then let you, the lucky reader, discover what I am referring to, the changing room.
Everything that Victor has to deal with in this would test a saint and those of us who love Victor..ME! We know he is far from that. However, with the help of his amazing husband Dan, Victor works through quite a bit and I am extremely proud of him. Through ups and downs, these two men are fantastic together and I look forward to seeing them again. Their love, devotion, fathering skills and how they deal with the day to day things of marriage are true to form.
A MUST read in my opinion and I will, as always, be suggesting this to friends.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my honest review.
January 16, 2018
I liked that the tables have turned and Vic is more insecure coz their new teammate is Dan’s ex-fiance. But still not close enuf for the rage I felt when he cheated and got ow preggy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2018
‘I swear ninety percent of marriage is yelling “What?!” from various rooms in your house.’
I adored this book. I fell in love with Victor and Dan in the Point Shot trilogy. On the one hand I was suuuper excited to catch up with these guys, but on the other hand I was slightly nervous it wouldn’t live up to Point Shot. Well. I needn’t have worried! It is just as awesome and hilarious!
Victor and Dan have been married over a year and they’ve settled in to life as married men and co parents to Jack. However, some unexpected people from their pasts step in to their lives and disrupt everything they’ve worked towards. Victor is still in therapy (ADORE his interactions with his therapist - so funny) and working on his demons from his abusive childhood.
‘Jack talked nonstop. Yet another Kalinski trait that would serve him well. Talk loudly and steadily for maximum impact and ultimate irritation.’
I loved reading about Jack and how he’s developing. The bond between Victor and Jack is just so special. Dan also has an excellent relationship with Jack and the three of them together are just adorable. I loved their different parenting styles and that they are encouraging Jack to be whoever he wants to be - even if that means Victor dressing up as a big rainbow bird for Halloween in order to stand by his sons side when he’s dressed as Moana. Love them.
‘He pressed a kiss to my mouth that made me think that maybe—just maybe—my kid would be okay after all. If for no other reason than the fact that Jack had Dan in his life, because this man was one divine being.’
The Cayuga Cougars also see a lot of development in this book. There’s Augie their awesome goaltender (from book 2) and our beloved Mario (book 1) has a bombshell to drop on Victor. And of course the newest member to the team who’s ruffling some feathers that I won’t spoil.
Secondary characters are of course excellent. Great to catch up with Jack’s mother and her partner Brookes, Dan’s family, the hockey guys and of course as I mentioned Victor’s fabulous therapist.
I still just love Victor and Dan. Victor is his usual hilariously blunt self in this book, but he has definitely matured (a teeny bit) and he’s trying to rein in his attitude and be a little more like Dan. Dan is his usual wonderfully supportive self and the two of them together are just awesome, they are so in tune with each other and their dynamic is brilliant.
I really hope we get more from these two in the future and really looking forward to book 4 and March’s book.
Reviewed by Lulu from Alpha Book Club 
January 23, 2018
This was a good installment to the series. I liked it better than book 2 but not as much as the first.
I think the author lost a little bit of her grasp on Victor and there wasn't enough of Dan in this one.
Victor is struggling for personal growth that is forced upon him and struggle, he does. Sometimes his reactions to the struggle were all too Victor, and other times, they were way out of character.
Bring on the next book.
I think the author lost a little bit of her grasp on Victor and there wasn't enough of Dan in this one.
Victor is struggling for personal growth that is forced upon him and struggle, he does. Sometimes his reactions to the struggle were all too Victor, and other times, they were way out of character.
Bring on the next book.
January 18, 2018
God I love Victor Kalinski, I'd held off reading this as I was loved where Vic & Dan were and didn't want to see that messed up (yup I'm a wuzz) and now I just want more!! LOVED IT!!
January 10, 2020
Vic and Dan...need I say more??
January 11, 2019
5 Stars
(And Victor deserves so much more than 5*)
I was really super nervous on seeing that Dan and Victor were getting a book and that there would be some angst and drama in their pretty solid-looking relationship. At the start of this book they're married already and have a family and son and seemed to be pretty well grounded. But, we do only get some small snippets of them in previous books so even though I hesitated a minute to read this one, I am so glad I did. They bumped their way up to first place on my favorites spot of this series, and that is mainly due to Victor and his ridiculously awesome personality.
Victor is hands down one of my new favorite characters for this year. I don't think I will be forgetting him any time soon. His personality and brand of crazy were immensely entertaining and I loved every second of both. He is definitely my kind of person. I really appreciate how ‘in your face’ and unapologetic he is in every word that spews from his mouth. Best. Character. Ever.
I liked getting a look into the guys’ lives and that everything wasn't really cut and dry as it seemed, looking at small parts in the past. I loved that they communicated as a couple and talked everything out. Victor and his therapist were hilarious and had some super funny conversations. Omg, and the first interaction we got between Victor and the old man made me laugh out loud. I really think that towards the end of the book Victor really did ‘become more’ as a person, when he was finally able to let some long-term emotionally damaging stuff go.
Dan. Well Dan is amazing in his own way. He really does put up with a lot and make a lot of allowances when it comes to Victor and his less than appreciated traits. Dan is an adorable saint. And I really love how much Dan loves Victor’s son too - he 100% treats him as his own. When Sander shows back up in the picture I was extremely worried at some of the words getting thrown around between Dan and Vic, only to realize that my worries were totally unfounded and they were in fact as solid as they seemed. Dan and Vic are pretty much the definition of "what you see is what you get" and I loved that about them. The only thing that could have made this better for me would be to have a look back on how Victor and Dan ended up together in the first place. I might have to do some digging and see if I maybe missed another book where that actually happened. I would love to read so much more about Victor. I'm probably repeating myself at this point but Victor is literally my favorite book husband and I want to binge on all things him right now.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a
requirement.***
(And Victor deserves so much more than 5*)
I was really super nervous on seeing that Dan and Victor were getting a book and that there would be some angst and drama in their pretty solid-looking relationship. At the start of this book they're married already and have a family and son and seemed to be pretty well grounded. But, we do only get some small snippets of them in previous books so even though I hesitated a minute to read this one, I am so glad I did. They bumped their way up to first place on my favorites spot of this series, and that is mainly due to Victor and his ridiculously awesome personality.
Victor is hands down one of my new favorite characters for this year. I don't think I will be forgetting him any time soon. His personality and brand of crazy were immensely entertaining and I loved every second of both. He is definitely my kind of person. I really appreciate how ‘in your face’ and unapologetic he is in every word that spews from his mouth. Best. Character. Ever.
I liked getting a look into the guys’ lives and that everything wasn't really cut and dry as it seemed, looking at small parts in the past. I loved that they communicated as a couple and talked everything out. Victor and his therapist were hilarious and had some super funny conversations. Omg, and the first interaction we got between Victor and the old man made me laugh out loud. I really think that towards the end of the book Victor really did ‘become more’ as a person, when he was finally able to let some long-term emotionally damaging stuff go.
Dan. Well Dan is amazing in his own way. He really does put up with a lot and make a lot of allowances when it comes to Victor and his less than appreciated traits. Dan is an adorable saint. And I really love how much Dan loves Victor’s son too - he 100% treats him as his own. When Sander shows back up in the picture I was extremely worried at some of the words getting thrown around between Dan and Vic, only to realize that my worries were totally unfounded and they were in fact as solid as they seemed. Dan and Vic are pretty much the definition of "what you see is what you get" and I loved that about them. The only thing that could have made this better for me would be to have a look back on how Victor and Dan ended up together in the first place. I might have to do some digging and see if I maybe missed another book where that actually happened. I would love to read so much more about Victor. I'm probably repeating myself at this point but Victor is literally my favorite book husband and I want to binge on all things him right now.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a
requirement.***
January 18, 2018
Where to start... I've just read this as a buddy read with a friend and fellow reviewer and I could honestly ramble for days about it and how good this book is. I recently read the Point Shot Trilogy by the author which made me pick us this one as I loved the author's writing and in particular how she wrote Victor Kalinski's character. In this book we see him newly married to Dan Arou, just retired from the game due to injury and now coaching the Cayuga Cougars. Just when he think's things are settling nicely, and he's getting his head around being a father, two major events come and smack him 'round the head. I'm not repeating the blurb or giving any spoilers but these events upturn his newly ordered world and cause him to question everything. How Vic handles this is written so sensitively and beautifully; while still wielding that trademark brash cockiness and whip-smart mouth we see the hurt little boy inside that was left by his Father. I don't honestly think I've felt so much emotion in a book as I did with this one, there were times where it really got me; Victors hurt, and the new family he's found closing in around him, being there for him and showing him what family looks like (the time-out scene in the bathroom had my eyes leaking), it was just expressed so profoundly. These heartbreaking moments were balanced out sublimely with Vic's moments with his team appointed psychiatrist, Dr. Lotnick and were hands down, some of the funniest and cleverly written exchanges I've ever read. I'm crazy about this book and I'm intrigued to read the next instalment about Sander March. It's got a lot to live up to though because this, for me, was an outstanding read and it'll take some beating.
January 21, 2019
•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´4.5 stars
Was their perfect marriage a bust?
Book three of the Cayuga Cougars started with perfection, Vic and Dan, proving their love for each other. The relationship Vic never thought he could have given his childhood, was proving to be fantastic. Despite the traumatic brain injury he had suffered during his hockey playing days leading him to becoming a suit with the team, he was determined to do the right thing.
Danger, Will Robinson!
Helping to raise Vic's son in their marriage seemed so right. Dan had his man, the family he craved and his game. Even though the men worked on opposite sides of the game, they found a way to make it work. Until the past walked into their life and all of Vic's insecurities came out to play.
Love, Marriage and family.
Drama seemed to be the name of the game. Join Dan and Vic as they settle into married life and all the drama that entails. Watch Vic grow as he relives the past and make a turn at forgiveness. Want to see how it all started with Vic and Dan, why not jump over and check out the Point Shot Triology. I read this series a while ago and I now need to go revisit it as I wait for the newest triology that the author hinted at coming soon.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
✮ (¸.•´4.5 stars
Was their perfect marriage a bust?
Book three of the Cayuga Cougars started with perfection, Vic and Dan, proving their love for each other. The relationship Vic never thought he could have given his childhood, was proving to be fantastic. Despite the traumatic brain injury he had suffered during his hockey playing days leading him to becoming a suit with the team, he was determined to do the right thing.
Danger, Will Robinson!
Helping to raise Vic's son in their marriage seemed so right. Dan had his man, the family he craved and his game. Even though the men worked on opposite sides of the game, they found a way to make it work. Until the past walked into their life and all of Vic's insecurities came out to play.
Love, Marriage and family.
Drama seemed to be the name of the game. Join Dan and Vic as they settle into married life and all the drama that entails. Watch Vic grow as he relives the past and make a turn at forgiveness. Want to see how it all started with Vic and Dan, why not jump over and check out the Point Shot Triology. I read this series a while ago and I now need to go revisit it as I wait for the newest triology that the author hinted at coming soon.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
May 9, 2021
4.5 von 5*
Für Victor und seinen Mann Dan könnte es nicht besser laufen. Sie sind glücklich verheiratet und während Dan noch immer für die Cayuga Cougars spielt, hat Victor nach dem Ende seiner Karriere bei dem Verein einen Trainerjob bekommen. Doch im Haushalt der Kalinski-Arou ist nicht immer alles Eitel-Sonnenschein. Als nun ein neuer Spieler zu den Cougars geholt wird, gerät die Beziehung der Männer aus der Balance.
Sander March, der neue Spieler, und Dan haben eine gemeinsame Vergangenheit, von der Victor jedoch nichts weiß. Und Sander und Victor sind sich auch vom ersten Blick an unsympathisch. Die Disharmonie ist für jeden greifbar und erlebbar. Das bringt nicht nur Unruhe in das Team, sondern hat eben auch Auswirkungen auf die Beziehung zwischen Dan und Victor.
Doch damit nicht genug - Victor wird auch noch mit seiner eigenen Vergangenheit konfrontiert. Denn plötzlich taucht ein Mann auf, der behauptet sein Vater zu sein. Nunja, aufgrund der Ähnlichkeit zwischen Vic und dem Fremden, bleiben auch nur wenig Zweifel. Victor reagiert natürlich ablehnend und kratzbürstig - wie immer. Doch sein Vater lässt nicht locker und dann geht ihm auch noch Daniel auf die Nerven, der dieser neuen Beziehung auf jeden Fall eine Chance einräumt.
Obwohl einem Victor als Leser schon ziemlich auf die Nerven gehen kann, so hat mir das Buch gefallen. Denn mit einer Ehe ist eine Beziehung ja nicht zementiert. Und Victor und Daniel erfahren, dass es wirklich viel Geduld und einen langen Atem braucht, um so eine Beziehung auch glücklich und erfolgreich zu halten. Geheimniskrämerei und aggressives Verhalten helfen hierbei natürlich nicht. Und wieder einmal landet Victor auf der Couch um mit seinem Seelenleben klar zu kommen.
Klare Leseempfehlung, auch wenn man als Leser doch gelegentlich in eine Tischkante beißen oder Victor gründlich durchschütteln möchte.
Für Victor und seinen Mann Dan könnte es nicht besser laufen. Sie sind glücklich verheiratet und während Dan noch immer für die Cayuga Cougars spielt, hat Victor nach dem Ende seiner Karriere bei dem Verein einen Trainerjob bekommen. Doch im Haushalt der Kalinski-Arou ist nicht immer alles Eitel-Sonnenschein. Als nun ein neuer Spieler zu den Cougars geholt wird, gerät die Beziehung der Männer aus der Balance.
Sander March, der neue Spieler, und Dan haben eine gemeinsame Vergangenheit, von der Victor jedoch nichts weiß. Und Sander und Victor sind sich auch vom ersten Blick an unsympathisch. Die Disharmonie ist für jeden greifbar und erlebbar. Das bringt nicht nur Unruhe in das Team, sondern hat eben auch Auswirkungen auf die Beziehung zwischen Dan und Victor.
Doch damit nicht genug - Victor wird auch noch mit seiner eigenen Vergangenheit konfrontiert. Denn plötzlich taucht ein Mann auf, der behauptet sein Vater zu sein. Nunja, aufgrund der Ähnlichkeit zwischen Vic und dem Fremden, bleiben auch nur wenig Zweifel. Victor reagiert natürlich ablehnend und kratzbürstig - wie immer. Doch sein Vater lässt nicht locker und dann geht ihm auch noch Daniel auf die Nerven, der dieser neuen Beziehung auf jeden Fall eine Chance einräumt.
Obwohl einem Victor als Leser schon ziemlich auf die Nerven gehen kann, so hat mir das Buch gefallen. Denn mit einer Ehe ist eine Beziehung ja nicht zementiert. Und Victor und Daniel erfahren, dass es wirklich viel Geduld und einen langen Atem braucht, um so eine Beziehung auch glücklich und erfolgreich zu halten. Geheimniskrämerei und aggressives Verhalten helfen hierbei natürlich nicht. Und wieder einmal landet Victor auf der Couch um mit seinem Seelenleben klar zu kommen.
Klare Leseempfehlung, auch wenn man als Leser doch gelegentlich in eine Tischkante beißen oder Victor gründlich durchschütteln möchte.
March 17, 2022
Lots of hockey here, with Coach Victor, who is young for a coach, but landed there after a brutal concussion benched his playing career.
Victor, tall and ginger, had a horrible childhood,
and is volatile and wild, who married defenseman, Dan, sixteen months ago, and are raising Vic's son, Jake, 2 yrs. old.
Dan is short, long dark hair, blue eyes, a defense man for the Cougars minor league hockey team.
Two men come into our MC's lives, and are upsetting the sweet life Vic and Dan have going on. Vic's absentee father shows up, who had left him with his alcoholic abusive mother in his childhood.
Also, along comes Sander, a new defenseman on the team, who used to be Dan's fiancé, and Vic's jealous streak is up in arms.
Victor's insecurities from childhood abandonment move upfront, and he's afraid he'll lose Dan. I'm glad therapy is used and those sessions are valuable and funny.
So we see the struggle, the happiness, and adorably cute Jake, and all of the characters are involved.
Deep loving, hot, sizzling sexy times and lots of conversations.
We get the friends advice, the hockey games, true love and understanding. Fixing Vic's anxiety took all of his might, patience and finally a sit down talk with Sander eases his hackles.
A terrific story of anchoring anxiety and resuming a wonderful life.
ENJOY !
======
Victor, tall and ginger, had a horrible childhood,
and is volatile and wild, who married defenseman, Dan, sixteen months ago, and are raising Vic's son, Jake, 2 yrs. old.
Dan is short, long dark hair, blue eyes, a defense man for the Cougars minor league hockey team.
Two men come into our MC's lives, and are upsetting the sweet life Vic and Dan have going on. Vic's absentee father shows up, who had left him with his alcoholic abusive mother in his childhood.
Also, along comes Sander, a new defenseman on the team, who used to be Dan's fiancé, and Vic's jealous streak is up in arms.
Victor's insecurities from childhood abandonment move upfront, and he's afraid he'll lose Dan. I'm glad therapy is used and those sessions are valuable and funny.
So we see the struggle, the happiness, and adorably cute Jake, and all of the characters are involved.
Deep loving, hot, sizzling sexy times and lots of conversations.
We get the friends advice, the hockey games, true love and understanding. Fixing Vic's anxiety took all of his might, patience and finally a sit down talk with Sander eases his hackles.
A terrific story of anchoring anxiety and resuming a wonderful life.
ENJOY !
======
January 9, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the third book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order, as although they all concentrate on a different romance, the story of the hockey team and its management is ongoing. Vic and Dan's background story can be read in the Point Shot trilogy (which is free at the time of writing) but actually it is a great read even without their background.
I love ice hockey romances, always. But there is something particularly special about this series, based in a lower league, where the men are not multimillionaires. They travel great distances by road not plane, and their expectations are lower. It is refreshing and makes for some great drama and passion, without the pressure of constant paparazzi attentions.
Vic has had a difficult past, but is now very happily married to Dan. Sadly a couple of unexpected events cause him to revisit questions about his childhood, and about Dan's past. Dan is such a strong and loving man that he gives Vic exactly the support that he needs. I loved how they worked together and (lets be honest) played together! Jack is going to grow up in a wonderful if unconventional family.
I am definitely invested in this group of men, their lives and loves. Looking forward to the next one already.
This is the third book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order, as although they all concentrate on a different romance, the story of the hockey team and its management is ongoing. Vic and Dan's background story can be read in the Point Shot trilogy (which is free at the time of writing) but actually it is a great read even without their background.
I love ice hockey romances, always. But there is something particularly special about this series, based in a lower league, where the men are not multimillionaires. They travel great distances by road not plane, and their expectations are lower. It is refreshing and makes for some great drama and passion, without the pressure of constant paparazzi attentions.
Vic has had a difficult past, but is now very happily married to Dan. Sadly a couple of unexpected events cause him to revisit questions about his childhood, and about Dan's past. Dan is such a strong and loving man that he gives Vic exactly the support that he needs. I loved how they worked together and (lets be honest) played together! Jack is going to grow up in a wonderful if unconventional family.
I am definitely invested in this group of men, their lives and loves. Looking forward to the next one already.
January 15, 2019
Now I've not read the series that deals with Vic and Dan getting together, I allowed reviews to dictate my opinions and I'm wondering if that was a wise choice. I mean I get where they're coming from, if this is new improved Vic then I dread to think what he is like in the first book. But for all of his rough edges and inappropriate comments Vic really managed to steal my heart here.
The arrival of Dan's ex might have caused a great deal of angst in another couple but at no point did I feel concerned about the relationship. Dan and Vic are pretty rock solid, despite all the insecurities whirling around in Dan's mind.
I guess I'll be giving their series a go now.
And having said there was no angst (I guess I should clarify, no relationship angst, Vic is a poster child for an adult forged by childhood abuse) I have to say the ending made me cry. Guess I'm just a big softy.
Recommended.
The arrival of Dan's ex might have caused a great deal of angst in another couple but at no point did I feel concerned about the relationship. Dan and Vic are pretty rock solid, despite all the insecurities whirling around in Dan's mind.
I guess I'll be giving their series a go now.
And having said there was no angst (I guess I should clarify, no relationship angst, Vic is a poster child for an adult forged by childhood abuse) I have to say the ending made me cry. Guess I'm just a big softy.
Recommended.
December 30, 2017
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Before you read Coach's Challenge you need to read Point Shot trilogy which is the story of how Vic and Dan got together.
In Coach's Challenge, Vic and Dan are happily married and Vic is working as a Coach for the Cougars, Dan is playing for the Cougars and they are part time Dads to Vic's toddler son Jack.
Dan's former boyfriend Sander joins the Cougars and Vic's long lost father shows up out of no where and it plays on Vic's insecurities. The smooth happy marriage the guys were enjoying starts to hit some turbulence.
Vic is easily one of the most loveable characters I've ever read. He is honest, brash, funny, passionate. He doesn't always do the right thing but he has a good heart. Dan comes from a strong family background and is perfect for Vic, helping him deal with his struggles and showing him that family can be loving and supportive.
Often with romance you only get story of how they got together then you get a quick peak at "they lived happily ever after" but you don't get to see what that looks like. Ms Locey did a great job showing us what life in the happily every after is for our couple. Things are good, sometimes they are not so good but you work together. It was an absolute pleasure reading Coach's Challenge and I hope this isn't the last we've seen of Vic and Dan.
Before you read Coach's Challenge you need to read Point Shot trilogy which is the story of how Vic and Dan got together.
In Coach's Challenge, Vic and Dan are happily married and Vic is working as a Coach for the Cougars, Dan is playing for the Cougars and they are part time Dads to Vic's toddler son Jack.
Dan's former boyfriend Sander joins the Cougars and Vic's long lost father shows up out of no where and it plays on Vic's insecurities. The smooth happy marriage the guys were enjoying starts to hit some turbulence.
Vic is easily one of the most loveable characters I've ever read. He is honest, brash, funny, passionate. He doesn't always do the right thing but he has a good heart. Dan comes from a strong family background and is perfect for Vic, helping him deal with his struggles and showing him that family can be loving and supportive.
Often with romance you only get story of how they got together then you get a quick peak at "they lived happily ever after" but you don't get to see what that looks like. Ms Locey did a great job showing us what life in the happily every after is for our couple. Things are good, sometimes they are not so good but you work together. It was an absolute pleasure reading Coach's Challenge and I hope this isn't the last we've seen of Vic and Dan.
January 6, 2018
Before you read this you do need to read the Point Shot Trilogy which is Dan and Victor's story.
Coach's Challenge brings us back to Vic and Dan after they've been happily married and fathers for nearly two years.
Everything is going great then Vic is thrown not one but two monkey wrenches into his life. one that shakes up his marriage the other he is brought face to face with the father that abandoned him. Hate isn't a strong enough word for how Vic feels about his father and if you've read any of Victor's stories you know how he deals with things and how he speaks his mind.
I am so glad we got another look into Vic and Dan's lives and to see more of little Jack. The story lines are good, the book was page-turning, I didn't want to put it down once I began. There is some serious scenes, hilarious ones and of course hot man-sex.
If you like hockey romance, the main character that is quite a butthead, cute kids and hot man-sex this is for you.
Coach's Challenge brings us back to Vic and Dan after they've been happily married and fathers for nearly two years.
Everything is going great then Vic is thrown not one but two monkey wrenches into his life. one that shakes up his marriage the other he is brought face to face with the father that abandoned him. Hate isn't a strong enough word for how Vic feels about his father and if you've read any of Victor's stories you know how he deals with things and how he speaks his mind.
I am so glad we got another look into Vic and Dan's lives and to see more of little Jack. The story lines are good, the book was page-turning, I didn't want to put it down once I began. There is some serious scenes, hilarious ones and of course hot man-sex.
If you like hockey romance, the main character that is quite a butthead, cute kids and hot man-sex this is for you.
January 19, 2018
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Signal Boost Promotions for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Coach's Challenge is Book 3 in the Cayuga Cougars series, and the couple in this book is from another series called Point Shot. I have not read either of these series and I strongly recommend that you do! I didn't like one of the MC's in this book, and maybe if I had read his backstory I would have felt differently.
This story really seemed to focus on Vic and his take on life after being married over a year now. Vic's a jerk. He's a misogynist and a jerk. He seemed to use his crappy childhood as a reason to treat people like crap, except for his kid. Vic had a lot to work through in this book with his father coming back into the picture and a new player being added to the team who turns out to be his husband's ex-fiancee. He seems to have surrounded himself with great friends who love and accept him as he is. He and Dan have a good relationship that Dan is able to decode Vic's behavior. Vic and Dan were good with Vic's son, and he seemed to make Vic be more aware of his actions.
There were some things that weren't my favorite. Like I said, maybe if I'd known this couple's backstory, I'd feel differently about them, though I will still have a problem with misogynistic behavior, or the whole: ewwww, vaginas are gross behavior. It's insulting. And there's a difference in, I'm not interested in women and vaginas are gross.
If you've read the Point Shot series, I can see that this is a book you're going to love. If you have not, don't bother reading this one until you do you do read it. There is a lot of history that you need to have to read this book.
Rating: 4 stars
Coach's Challenge is Book 3 in the Cayuga Cougars series, and the couple in this book is from another series called Point Shot. I have not read either of these series and I strongly recommend that you do! I didn't like one of the MC's in this book, and maybe if I had read his backstory I would have felt differently.
This story really seemed to focus on Vic and his take on life after being married over a year now. Vic's a jerk. He's a misogynist and a jerk. He seemed to use his crappy childhood as a reason to treat people like crap, except for his kid. Vic had a lot to work through in this book with his father coming back into the picture and a new player being added to the team who turns out to be his husband's ex-fiancee. He seems to have surrounded himself with great friends who love and accept him as he is. He and Dan have a good relationship that Dan is able to decode Vic's behavior. Vic and Dan were good with Vic's son, and he seemed to make Vic be more aware of his actions.
There were some things that weren't my favorite. Like I said, maybe if I'd known this couple's backstory, I'd feel differently about them, though I will still have a problem with misogynistic behavior, or the whole: ewwww, vaginas are gross behavior. It's insulting. And there's a difference in, I'm not interested in women and vaginas are gross.
If you've read the Point Shot series, I can see that this is a book you're going to love. If you have not, don't bother reading this one until you do you do read it. There is a lot of history that you need to have to read this book.
Rating: 4 stars
January 21, 2018
5 Hungover Stars!!!
Coach's Challenge is book 3 in the Cayuga Cougars series, but it can be read as a standalone. However, it features Dan and Victor who we met in the Point Shot trilogy, and really, you do need to read that one before reading this book. Victor is a bit of an acquired taste and they are awesome books, plus the box set is free on Amazon right now, so what are you waiting for? You can thank me later. 😉
I read the Point Shot Trilogy a few years ago and fell in love with Victor Kalinski. Yes, he's a mysogynistic jerk and he can be very difficult, however, once you look past the tough exterior, you find a man with deep abandonment issues that was abused by his mother and who despite that, can love his husband and his son deeply. My heart broke with this book I don't know how many times, I just felt so bad for Victor and all he was going through, meeting Dan's ex and having to see him on a daily basis and having to deal with the last person he ever expected to see again while working through his issues and battling his alcoholism. It was a lot and I found myself crying more than once, and now, even a few days after reading it, I was tearing up all over again while writing this review.
My favorite part of the book was definitely seeing Vic interacting with Dan and their son Jack. My heart just melted everytime that Vic showed his boy how loved he was, especially considering that he himself never had that with his own parents.
I love Dan and how perfect he is for Vic. He's kind and supportive and even while going through a rough patch, he was there for Victor.
Together, they were real and hot and sweet, they had problems, yes, but they worked through them in a believable fashion.
It was nice to see Vic in this new facet as a coach, it really suited him, and it was great seeing the rest of the team and Heather, Jack's mom, as well.
Overall, I absolutely adored this book, it was great catching up with characters I love so much and I hope we'll keep seeing glimpses of them in future books. And really, even if I cried with it, Coach's Challenge wasn't an angst-fest, it was also a fun, sweet and fantastic read that I highly recommend!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Coach's Challenge is book 3 in the Cayuga Cougars series, but it can be read as a standalone. However, it features Dan and Victor who we met in the Point Shot trilogy, and really, you do need to read that one before reading this book. Victor is a bit of an acquired taste and they are awesome books, plus the box set is free on Amazon right now, so what are you waiting for? You can thank me later. 😉
I read the Point Shot Trilogy a few years ago and fell in love with Victor Kalinski. Yes, he's a mysogynistic jerk and he can be very difficult, however, once you look past the tough exterior, you find a man with deep abandonment issues that was abused by his mother and who despite that, can love his husband and his son deeply. My heart broke with this book I don't know how many times, I just felt so bad for Victor and all he was going through, meeting Dan's ex and having to see him on a daily basis and having to deal with the last person he ever expected to see again while working through his issues and battling his alcoholism. It was a lot and I found myself crying more than once, and now, even a few days after reading it, I was tearing up all over again while writing this review.
My favorite part of the book was definitely seeing Vic interacting with Dan and their son Jack. My heart just melted everytime that Vic showed his boy how loved he was, especially considering that he himself never had that with his own parents.
I love Dan and how perfect he is for Vic. He's kind and supportive and even while going through a rough patch, he was there for Victor.
Together, they were real and hot and sweet, they had problems, yes, but they worked through them in a believable fashion.
It was nice to see Vic in this new facet as a coach, it really suited him, and it was great seeing the rest of the team and Heather, Jack's mom, as well.
Overall, I absolutely adored this book, it was great catching up with characters I love so much and I hope we'll keep seeing glimpses of them in future books. And really, even if I cried with it, Coach's Challenge wasn't an angst-fest, it was also a fun, sweet and fantastic read that I highly recommend!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 9, 2018
I have to say, Vic has grown so much since we first met him in Two Man Advantage. I will admit, I didn’t love him then. I thought he was a jerk most of the time. And sure, sometimes he still is. But now we get to see the sappy, protective, awesome Victor Kalinski and he’s lovely. He and Dan are married, he’s coaching the Cougars while Dan is a player, his baby mama is a good friend and of course his son, Jack, is the apple of his daddies eyes and life is just dandy. Except of course it doesn’t stay that way.
First we have the addition of Sander Marsh, a hot shot player and someone with whom Dan has a history. One that he’s never told Victor about. Dan says, at one point, “I love him crazy bad”. I was so disappointed with him at that point and yet, in a way, it was a good thing. Because Dan has always been the perfect character and this made him human. “Nope, there was no d on the end, no hint of past tense. You said, ‘I love him crazy bad.’” And then he is shocked that Vic is upset! Especially since now Victor has to coach Marsh.
As if that wasn’t enough for Victor to have to deal with, his father shows up unexpectedly and how in the world is he supposed to deal with that? The father that abandoned him to an abusive and alcoholic mother? Again, we see Dan reacting badly (I was so shocked!) at a time that Victor needed him. Dan is just human, sigh, who knew? Understandable, because Victor can make anyone crazy, but still.
I love that we get to see the other players I like, Mario and Lila, Augie and Sal. There are big life changes happening for both Mario and Augie. Hopefully, long term good things. Some of the best parts for me where Victor’s conversations with his therapist. He is so raw and rude and she just handles it like a pro, slapping back comments to make him see himself.
There’s a lot going on in this story and it worked perfectly. Redemption and forgiveness can come in many forms and even the rude, brute Victor Kalinski can do it. Even as he admits, “I’m a greedy, petty asshamster, I know.” He can make me laugh as he makes me crazy. This is such a great addition to their story and I loved it.
First we have the addition of Sander Marsh, a hot shot player and someone with whom Dan has a history. One that he’s never told Victor about. Dan says, at one point, “I love him crazy bad”. I was so disappointed with him at that point and yet, in a way, it was a good thing. Because Dan has always been the perfect character and this made him human. “Nope, there was no d on the end, no hint of past tense. You said, ‘I love him crazy bad.’” And then he is shocked that Vic is upset! Especially since now Victor has to coach Marsh.
As if that wasn’t enough for Victor to have to deal with, his father shows up unexpectedly and how in the world is he supposed to deal with that? The father that abandoned him to an abusive and alcoholic mother? Again, we see Dan reacting badly (I was so shocked!) at a time that Victor needed him. Dan is just human, sigh, who knew? Understandable, because Victor can make anyone crazy, but still.
I love that we get to see the other players I like, Mario and Lila, Augie and Sal. There are big life changes happening for both Mario and Augie. Hopefully, long term good things. Some of the best parts for me where Victor’s conversations with his therapist. He is so raw and rude and she just handles it like a pro, slapping back comments to make him see himself.
There’s a lot going on in this story and it worked perfectly. Redemption and forgiveness can come in many forms and even the rude, brute Victor Kalinski can do it. Even as he admits, “I’m a greedy, petty asshamster, I know.” He can make me laugh as he makes me crazy. This is such a great addition to their story and I loved it.
January 15, 2018
It was really great to go back and revisit Vic and Dan here in Coach’s Challenge. It’s told from Vic’s point of view, so you get a lot of his rough personality on every page—including his combative attitude towards his therapist, insecurities thanks to his crappy childhood, and just his overall alpha male-ness shining through from start to finish.
There’s an overload of angst in this one, and the majority of it can be traced back to Vic’s turbulent past. But what that means is this story gets to show the growth of Vic’s character, and how he learns to work through his issues. As a reader, you know that Dan and Vic love each other without reservation, and even though they’re presented with some crazy bumps in the road to deal with, it’s that unconditional love and the bond they share that Vic falls back on to pull him through all the craziness.
With the introduction of Sander’s character (one of those bumps in the road), there’s the promise of another interesting story in the series. Sander is just as headstrong and cocky as Vic, so you not only get that tension boiling over here in this story, but you know you’ve got some more of that cocky attitude to look forward to in another book. I’m also looking forward to more of Lancaster as well—even more so than Sander.
To get the most enjoyment out of this story, I would recommend reading the Point Shot Trilogy and the first two books of the Cayuga Cougars series so you get all the background on the other players and characters you’ll see in this story. But even if you read this without the others, you’ll still be able to follow along since enough additional information is given to do so. Fans of either or both series will enjoy Coach’s Challenge; it was a 3.5-star read for me. This book is for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
There’s an overload of angst in this one, and the majority of it can be traced back to Vic’s turbulent past. But what that means is this story gets to show the growth of Vic’s character, and how he learns to work through his issues. As a reader, you know that Dan and Vic love each other without reservation, and even though they’re presented with some crazy bumps in the road to deal with, it’s that unconditional love and the bond they share that Vic falls back on to pull him through all the craziness.
With the introduction of Sander’s character (one of those bumps in the road), there’s the promise of another interesting story in the series. Sander is just as headstrong and cocky as Vic, so you not only get that tension boiling over here in this story, but you know you’ve got some more of that cocky attitude to look forward to in another book. I’m also looking forward to more of Lancaster as well—even more so than Sander.
To get the most enjoyment out of this story, I would recommend reading the Point Shot Trilogy and the first two books of the Cayuga Cougars series so you get all the background on the other players and characters you’ll see in this story. But even if you read this without the others, you’ll still be able to follow along since enough additional information is given to do so. Fans of either or both series will enjoy Coach’s Challenge; it was a 3.5-star read for me. This book is for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
January 13, 2018
Smokin' Hot!
Wow, does this book ever start out with a bang (pun intended). We first met Dan and Victor in the Point Shot Trilogy boxed set. I haven't read that series yet and I still enjoyed this story a lot. If you've read the Point Shot books I know you won't want to miss this one.
This is a very hot story with lots of sexy time between Dan and Victor but there is also a nice amount of angst. Victor had a really rough childhood and that's impacting him big time in this book. His anxiety isn't helped any when two major events happen at nearly the same time. One is revealed in the blurb so I'm not giving anything away when I say that an old flame of Dan's joins the Cougars and Victor's jealousy gets out of control. The other event I won't disclose; you'll need to read the book. 😊
Like other books I've read by V. L. Locey this one had my emotions all over the place. Victor's situation is one that made my heart hurt for him. I love that Ms. Locey has made Victor a strong character and yet one who shows his emotions; albeit not always willingly. His therapist in the story is an angel to put up with all of the crappy personal digs he throws at her.
This story is a great addition to the Cayuga Cougars; it kept my attention throughout and engaged all of my emotions. The first two books in this series are also great and, while it's not absolutely necessary to read them to enjoy Coach's Challenge, I strongly recommend them because they are such great stories.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Wow, does this book ever start out with a bang (pun intended). We first met Dan and Victor in the Point Shot Trilogy boxed set. I haven't read that series yet and I still enjoyed this story a lot. If you've read the Point Shot books I know you won't want to miss this one.
This is a very hot story with lots of sexy time between Dan and Victor but there is also a nice amount of angst. Victor had a really rough childhood and that's impacting him big time in this book. His anxiety isn't helped any when two major events happen at nearly the same time. One is revealed in the blurb so I'm not giving anything away when I say that an old flame of Dan's joins the Cougars and Victor's jealousy gets out of control. The other event I won't disclose; you'll need to read the book. 😊
Like other books I've read by V. L. Locey this one had my emotions all over the place. Victor's situation is one that made my heart hurt for him. I love that Ms. Locey has made Victor a strong character and yet one who shows his emotions; albeit not always willingly. His therapist in the story is an angel to put up with all of the crappy personal digs he throws at her.
This story is a great addition to the Cayuga Cougars; it kept my attention throughout and engaged all of my emotions. The first two books in this series are also great and, while it's not absolutely necessary to read them to enjoy Coach's Challenge, I strongly recommend them because they are such great stories.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
August 28, 2024
3.5 stars, so I might he growing a little bit insane about Dan and Vic… their prequel series was OK, and i usually don’t looove established couples, but something about them is so addicting. I like how flawed and fucked up they are, Vic is a fucking mess but he is doing netter. I love his relationship with his husband Dan, with his baby son Jack and I was laughing so hard at his sessions with his therapist. I like that he is struggling to work through his many issues but he is still trying. He is never going to get perfect, he still has misogynistic and fat phobic comments and he is an asshole but IDK he is interesting to follow. Dan is lovely, I love his temper and I love how sweet he is too. I liked that one of the big plot points of this book was how his ex-fiancé was transferred to their team, even though there was no love triangle. But ngl, Dan’s « i love Sander crazy bad » comment never left my mind it was so impactful and i FELT for Vic and his insecurity. I usually don’t love this kind of trope, but the absence of any romantic interest from Dan or the ex made me enjoy this. It was really just a set up for Vic to look in and work on himself and I liked that.
I just really like them, they’re so domestic, now that they’re more established we get to see a lot of very tender and non sexual moments, interspersed with the spice and I LOVE non sexual intimacy so it’s a win for me!!! And seeing them being dads is jus <333 so yep, they might be a mes, but they’re my mess!
I just really like them, they’re so domestic, now that they’re more established we get to see a lot of very tender and non sexual moments, interspersed with the spice and I LOVE non sexual intimacy so it’s a win for me!!! And seeing them being dads is jus <333 so yep, they might be a mes, but they’re my mess!
January 24, 2018
4.5 of 5 Stars
COACH'S CHALLENGE is the third book in V. L. Locey’s Cayuga Cougars series and a spin-off from her Point Shot series. I have not read the first two books in the Cayuga Cougars series, but I have read all the books in the Point Shot series, which is about the main characters in this story. COACH'S CHALLENGE takes place following Point Shot. Victor Kalinski and Dan Arou have been married for a couple of years. Dan is still playing on the Cayuga Cougars hockey team, whereas Victor is coaching. Everything seems to be going great until Dan’s ex, Sander March, is traded to the team.
I love Victor. He has mellowed out a lot since becoming involved with Dan. He has become less cynical. It is understandable why he would be upset about never knowing about Sander. Dan really should have mentioned him at some point. Victor’s past still haunts him. He has a hard time believing people won’t leave him. The boys have some interesting obstacles to overcome in this story. COACH'S CHALLENGE was skillfully written and well executed. I’m interested in reading Sander March’s story, OVERTIME, the next book in the Cayuga Cougars series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
COACH'S CHALLENGE is the third book in V. L. Locey’s Cayuga Cougars series and a spin-off from her Point Shot series. I have not read the first two books in the Cayuga Cougars series, but I have read all the books in the Point Shot series, which is about the main characters in this story. COACH'S CHALLENGE takes place following Point Shot. Victor Kalinski and Dan Arou have been married for a couple of years. Dan is still playing on the Cayuga Cougars hockey team, whereas Victor is coaching. Everything seems to be going great until Dan’s ex, Sander March, is traded to the team.
I love Victor. He has mellowed out a lot since becoming involved with Dan. He has become less cynical. It is understandable why he would be upset about never knowing about Sander. Dan really should have mentioned him at some point. Victor’s past still haunts him. He has a hard time believing people won’t leave him. The boys have some interesting obstacles to overcome in this story. COACH'S CHALLENGE was skillfully written and well executed. I’m interested in reading Sander March’s story, OVERTIME, the next book in the Cayuga Cougars series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
January 3, 2020
If you've read VL Locey's Point Shot Trilogy, this is a must read. More Dan and Vic!!!
Dan and Vic are married, and this one beauty starts off with some more sex. Yay! There's some good tension as an ex is in town, leading to some jealousy and doubts. And they have to deal with all his family issues, as his dad shows up.
I continue to be impressed with how the author handles Heather and Jack. She is nothing like I expected, and Jack is the cutest and sweetest kid ever.
This book, heck the entire series, is everything I love about VL Locey. The characters are deep, snarky, and full of love for one another. And there's hockey player!
In this one, the lack of understanding about bisexuality is well handled, with humor, charm, and absolute directness. In fact, the things that come out of Vic's mouth about his sexuality is fantastic, as he doesn't hold back at all. What he's thinking is what he says.
Oh, and yes, Dan and Vic continue to be super steamy together.
The writing, in alternating 1st person pov, works superbly, allowing the reader to fully understand the men and their internal issues.
I can't recommend Coach's Challenge enough! VL Locey doesn't disappoint.
Dan and Vic are married, and this one beauty starts off with some more sex. Yay! There's some good tension as an ex is in town, leading to some jealousy and doubts. And they have to deal with all his family issues, as his dad shows up.
I continue to be impressed with how the author handles Heather and Jack. She is nothing like I expected, and Jack is the cutest and sweetest kid ever.
This book, heck the entire series, is everything I love about VL Locey. The characters are deep, snarky, and full of love for one another. And there's hockey player!
In this one, the lack of understanding about bisexuality is well handled, with humor, charm, and absolute directness. In fact, the things that come out of Vic's mouth about his sexuality is fantastic, as he doesn't hold back at all. What he's thinking is what he says.
Oh, and yes, Dan and Vic continue to be super steamy together.
The writing, in alternating 1st person pov, works superbly, allowing the reader to fully understand the men and their internal issues.
I can't recommend Coach's Challenge enough! VL Locey doesn't disappoint.
January 10, 2018
This is the first in this series I’ve read, and my understanding is there’s another series (Point Shot Trilogy) I should have read first. This story is a look at Vic and Dan’s relationship, now that they are married. I didn’t have any problems following the story, even when I could tell there was a reference to something in their past. Or understanding the relationships of everyone involved with the cast of secondary characters.
I wasn’t so sure about Vic. Did I like him or not? He comes across as a bit of a jerk, but with a hidden heart of gold. But he was actually a very fun character to read, as he dealt with things that haunted him from his and Dan’s past. Things like Vic’s baby momma, Dan’s old lover and the general mayhem that surrounds a hockey team. Dan was the element that kept Vic on an even keel, pulling him back when Vic started to get sidetracked by everything happening.
Well written, nicely paced story, with great characters. I will be going back to read the others in this series as well as the Point Shot Trilogy (Because can you ever get enough hockey stories? No!) And I will be looking forward to the next in this series as well.
I wasn’t so sure about Vic. Did I like him or not? He comes across as a bit of a jerk, but with a hidden heart of gold. But he was actually a very fun character to read, as he dealt with things that haunted him from his and Dan’s past. Things like Vic’s baby momma, Dan’s old lover and the general mayhem that surrounds a hockey team. Dan was the element that kept Vic on an even keel, pulling him back when Vic started to get sidetracked by everything happening.
Well written, nicely paced story, with great characters. I will be going back to read the others in this series as well as the Point Shot Trilogy (Because can you ever get enough hockey stories? No!) And I will be looking forward to the next in this series as well.
January 11, 2019
Review by: Jennifer
(3 stars)
I wasn't aware that this couple has a trilogy about their story until I was already reading. I probably would have liked the characters a lot better than I did if I had read that first. Vic and Dan are married, one a coach, one a player. After having what seems a rough beginning, the two are now in sync and even have an amazing co-parent situation going on with Vic's baby mama. When both men have their pasts just sort of pop up out of nowhere, they have to work hard to make sure that their relationship, along with Jack are first and foremost... but that is easier said than done. Will the two end up going separate ways to get through the drama that is surrounding them?
I really liked the plot of this story, the pop up guests from the past and the married couple trying to work their way through the drama. For me, this fell flat and started to just bother me, the fact that Jack, a two year old, was talking and understanding things like a five year old, not sure why that bothered me so badly, it just did. This does have some steamy naughty bits, violence, drama, the whole shebang. I give this 3 stars.
(3 stars)
I wasn't aware that this couple has a trilogy about their story until I was already reading. I probably would have liked the characters a lot better than I did if I had read that first. Vic and Dan are married, one a coach, one a player. After having what seems a rough beginning, the two are now in sync and even have an amazing co-parent situation going on with Vic's baby mama. When both men have their pasts just sort of pop up out of nowhere, they have to work hard to make sure that their relationship, along with Jack are first and foremost... but that is easier said than done. Will the two end up going separate ways to get through the drama that is surrounding them?
I really liked the plot of this story, the pop up guests from the past and the married couple trying to work their way through the drama. For me, this fell flat and started to just bother me, the fact that Jack, a two year old, was talking and understanding things like a five year old, not sure why that bothered me so badly, it just did. This does have some steamy naughty bits, violence, drama, the whole shebang. I give this 3 stars.
January 28, 2018
5 Stars
I love Vic and Dan and I’m always in the mood for more of their story and Ms. Locey doesn’t disappoint. This was a well-written and emotional continuation to their story. These are definitely two of my favorite guys, and while I know Vic is an acquired taste, I absolutely love him. My heart broke for him watching him deal with his insecurities and doubts, but I love that Dan is there with him and for him. Dan knows when to back off, when to show him love and comfort and when to tell him where to go.
The chemistry between them is recaptured nicely in this installment and the sex was plentiful and smoking hot! I loved getting to see Dan and Vic with Vic’s son, Jack, who is absolutely adorable. All in all, I absolutely loved this portion of Vic and Dan’s story and I’m hoping it won’t be their last book. I’m also looking forward to Sander’s story next. This was an enjoyable sexy, sad, but also funny addition to the series that I’d definitely recommend!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
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