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Hockey Hearts
The Hockey Player's Heart (50)
Hometown hero. Hockey superstar. Perfect boyfriend? When hockey star Caleb Carter returns to his hometown to recover from an injury, the only thing he’s interested in is a little R & R. He never expects to run into his onetime crush at a grade school fund-raiser. Seeing Aaron Price hits him hard, like being checked into the boards. The attraction is still there, even after all these years, and Caleb decides to make a play for the schoolteacher. You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take, right? Aaron has been burned by love before and can’t imagine what a celebrity like Caleb could possibly see in a guy like him. Their differences are just too great. But as Aaron spends more time with Caleb, he begins to wonder if he might have what it takes to win the hockey player’s heart.
226 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 16, 2018
52 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Adams
45 books222 followersJeff Adams has written stories since he was in middle school and became a published author in 2009. He writes both gay romance and LGBTQ young adult fiction…and there’s usually a hockey player at the center of the story.
Jeff lives in northern California with his husband of more than twenty-five years, Will. They are creative collaborators, writing and podcasting together. For nine years they were the co-hosts of the Big Gay Fiction Podcast.
Jeff is also a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). He's an advocate for accessible web content and helps creative entrepreneurs understand how they can make sure their content is accessible by everyone.
Jeff lives in northern California with his husband of more than twenty-five years, Will. They are creative collaborators, writing and podcasting together. For nine years they were the co-hosts of the Big Gay Fiction Podcast.
Jeff is also a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). He's an advocate for accessible web content and helps creative entrepreneurs understand how they can make sure their content is accessible by everyone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 2, 2020
4.5 Hearts
This right here?? This was pretty darn close to contemporary no fuss no muss perfection!
Pro hockey player Caleb, has broken his foot and is back home to recover, as well as to visit friends and family since he’s had little time to do so due to his crazy superstar life. When Caleb reconnects with his teen crush Aaron (bff to his older sister), it’s like his feelings never diminished. As Caleb and Aaron get to know each other again, their slow burn and charming sweet interactions simply made me smile. Overall, these men were and acted, like the adults they are. They took their time reforming their friendship, capitalizing on their great chemistry and similar interests, and in their maturity, they appreciated what the other could offer as a potential partner and communicated such with overall ease. And how!
So, I obviously freaking loved that these two did not play any games, that though this is of the Dreamspun Desires line, there was no over the top melodrama, no big misunderstanding. Minus just one instance, this went down like the best brownie sundae ever! What made this even better was the fact that Caleb is an out and proud and well beloved hockey player. He even has a teammate who is also gay, and I suspect will be the star in the next book of this series!
I listened to this lovely story despite the fact that I don’t have the greatest track record with narrator Finn Sterling. I sampled before forging ahead, and though he is still far from my favorite, the many strong points definitely shined through regardless.
I’m also quite biased in having a soft spot for these two married authors, as they cohost a lovely podcast that features many a M/M author and related events. This was definitely a win despite the little angst involving Aaron’s past relationship baggage making him afraid to take a risk for love. Both these characters were very likeable, and I fell hard for Caleb - Aaron never had a chance at resisting for very long! So, high five for a great contemporary romance with equally some great sexy and nary a complaint! I look forward to this duo’s next endeavor!!
Thank you to the authors/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
This right here?? This was pretty darn close to contemporary no fuss no muss perfection!
Pro hockey player Caleb, has broken his foot and is back home to recover, as well as to visit friends and family since he’s had little time to do so due to his crazy superstar life. When Caleb reconnects with his teen crush Aaron (bff to his older sister), it’s like his feelings never diminished. As Caleb and Aaron get to know each other again, their slow burn and charming sweet interactions simply made me smile. Overall, these men were and acted, like the adults they are. They took their time reforming their friendship, capitalizing on their great chemistry and similar interests, and in their maturity, they appreciated what the other could offer as a potential partner and communicated such with overall ease. And how!
So, I obviously freaking loved that these two did not play any games, that though this is of the Dreamspun Desires line, there was no over the top melodrama, no big misunderstanding. Minus just one instance, this went down like the best brownie sundae ever! What made this even better was the fact that Caleb is an out and proud and well beloved hockey player. He even has a teammate who is also gay, and I suspect will be the star in the next book of this series!
I listened to this lovely story despite the fact that I don’t have the greatest track record with narrator Finn Sterling. I sampled before forging ahead, and though he is still far from my favorite, the many strong points definitely shined through regardless.
I’m also quite biased in having a soft spot for these two married authors, as they cohost a lovely podcast that features many a M/M author and related events. This was definitely a win despite the little angst involving Aaron’s past relationship baggage making him afraid to take a risk for love. Both these characters were very likeable, and I fell hard for Caleb - Aaron never had a chance at resisting for very long! So, high five for a great contemporary romance with equally some great sexy and nary a complaint! I look forward to this duo’s next endeavor!!
Thank you to the authors/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
June 30, 2021
Caleb had a crush on Aaron Price, his geometry tutor during high school, and years later they meet again back in their hometown of Foster Grove when professional hockey player Caleb is recovering from an injury suffered while playing with the New York Rangers. Aaron is a third-grade teacher at Foster Grove Elementary working with his best friend (and Caleb's sister) Pam. The two men reconnect, first as friends, but when their dynamic changes into something much more sexually charged, there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed
Caleb is out-and-proud and doesn't play games about his interest in Aaron while Aaron is gun-shy from a relationship with a closeted professional athlete when he lived out in California. Also Caleb lives and works in New York City, while Aaron is comfortably settled in Foster Grove, a three-hour drive away.
There are so many things I liked about this book. First although Aaron and Caleb knew each other in school, this isn't a tale of an angsty second-chance-at-love, but rather a definite spark of interest that slowly kindles into something more. Caleb thinks how "He hadn't been this comfortable around a man he was attracted to in longer than he cared to admit." Both men are adults and they each speak their minds with no huge misunderstanding or miscommunication (one of my pet peeves), although Aaron isn't completely exempt from stupid bone-headed decisions. "All of the reasons why a relationship wouldn't work had come from Aaron, while Caleb remained the optimist and actively shot them down." Caleb and Aaron work with a kid's hockey league team and the kids feel authentic and real, instead of perky little urchins brought into the story just as a subplot.
There's a sweetness along with the sizzling chemistry between Aaron and Caleb and their love story is definitely romantic. The ending is especially lovely with Aaron finally realizing that he just needs to follow his heart, which leads him right back to Caleb.
I've read and enjoyed several Jeff Adams books, but Jeff and his husband Will's collaborative effort The Hockey Player's Heart is a real winner and I think they will have a long successful career. I hope there are several more books in this series, starting with Dimitri's story next, please. 4.25 stars for The Hockey Player's Heart.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Caleb is out-and-proud and doesn't play games about his interest in Aaron while Aaron is gun-shy from a relationship with a closeted professional athlete when he lived out in California. Also Caleb lives and works in New York City, while Aaron is comfortably settled in Foster Grove, a three-hour drive away.
There are so many things I liked about this book. First although Aaron and Caleb knew each other in school, this isn't a tale of an angsty second-chance-at-love, but rather a definite spark of interest that slowly kindles into something more. Caleb thinks how "He hadn't been this comfortable around a man he was attracted to in longer than he cared to admit." Both men are adults and they each speak their minds with no huge misunderstanding or miscommunication (one of my pet peeves), although Aaron isn't completely exempt from stupid bone-headed decisions. "All of the reasons why a relationship wouldn't work had come from Aaron, while Caleb remained the optimist and actively shot them down." Caleb and Aaron work with a kid's hockey league team and the kids feel authentic and real, instead of perky little urchins brought into the story just as a subplot.
There's a sweetness along with the sizzling chemistry between Aaron and Caleb and their love story is definitely romantic. The ending is especially lovely with Aaron finally realizing that he just needs to follow his heart, which leads him right back to Caleb.
I've read and enjoyed several Jeff Adams books, but Jeff and his husband Will's collaborative effort The Hockey Player's Heart is a real winner and I think they will have a long successful career. I hope there are several more books in this series, starting with Dimitri's story next, please. 4.25 stars for The Hockey Player's Heart.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 18, 2018
Confieso que tengo la costumbre de usar la navidad para adentrarme un poco en nuevos fandoms, este año le ha tocado al rpf-hockey así que después de devorar todo cuanto he podido en Ao3,me decidí a leer esta novela, principalmente porque sé que en esta serie voy a encontrar cosas románticas sin mucho drama, la verdad es que ha estado bien, los personajes tienen la quimica suficiente y la historia es creible, pero aún siendo una lectura agradable, no hay nada que la haga memorable tampoco. De hecho, durante estos días he leido fics que me han mantenido al borde del asiento mientras me adentraba en un mundo totalmente desconocido.
3.25, agradable para una tarde tranquila si no buscas una historia con demasiado fondo.
3.25, agradable para una tarde tranquila si no buscas una historia con demasiado fondo.
April 25, 2022
Reread 2022-04-24
This is still one of the sweetest books. I love Aaron and Caleb. Love, love, love them.
This book was perfection. Really.
A light hearted feel good story about a school teacher and an out and proud athlete. Yes. You read it right. An out and proud athlete! I loved that. I’m so done with closted athletes.
Seriously This was exactly what I needed right now.
The last chapter and the epilouge was just swoon worthy.
This is still one of the sweetest books. I love Aaron and Caleb. Love, love, love them.
This book was perfection. Really.
A light hearted feel good story about a school teacher and an out and proud athlete. Yes. You read it right. An out and proud athlete! I loved that. I’m so done with closted athletes.
Seriously This was exactly what I needed right now.
The last chapter and the epilouge was just swoon worthy.
September 3, 2018
A sweet, sweet, sweet romance. I had to read it twice...
Okay, to be honest, I've read it three times now.
Okay, to be honest, I've read it three times now.
Read
February 8, 20184.5 Hearts
By now I think it’s pretty obvious that I am a fan of the Dreamspun Desire series and this book is a great example of why. There are some books in the Dreamspinner Press houseline that are super fluffy and they are some that are so damn sweet and meaningful, you need to hug it out with your Nook when you finish the book. This story is the latter.
From the prologue I was hooked as we get a young Caleb waiting to give a gift to his older sister’s best friend Aaron who is also Caleb’s crush and his geometry tutor after Aaron’s high school graduation. Caleb has been crushing pretty hard on Aaron for what seems like forever but he has no way to tell Aaron other than this. It’s a milestone moment for Caleb but it’s over quickly and then life happened and the two men haven’t seen one another in years.
Caleb has always loved the game of hockey and was lucky enough to turn it in to a career playing for the New York Rangers. But a foot injury has Caleb needing some time off the ice so he heads back to his home town of Foster Grove to recover. Once home, his sister Pam who is also the elementary school’s principal thinks it’s a great idea for Caleb to participate in the local school’s carnival and draw some fundraising money, Caleb comes face to face with his teenage crush.
I love that this was told from both Aaron and Caleb’s POV so we really got a chance to see that both men have had crushes on the other for some time. Aaron is nothing short of adorable as he tries to act like seeing a grown up and hot as heck professional hockey player that Caleb now is doesn’t affect him and Caleb momentarily turns 16 again when he sees Aaron but the men keep it platonic.
This story was so sweet and yet really meaningful. We get a lot of Aaron and Caleb building an adult friendship though a natural progression. The men hang out with one another and find out they have a lot in common with their likes and shared history. It’s easy to see how they could quickly find themselves in a relationship though it moves at a slower pace with them keeping respectable boundaries. The moments of Caleb showing Aaron’s third grade class how he uses geometry in Hockey and Aaron being mesmerized by Caleb teaching kids on the ice was lovely to experience. These two have such a healthy admiration for what the other does that it gives the reader a stable building block for their romantic relationship.
With Caleb being a hockey player, we do get a good amount of sport in this story. At least for a reader like myself who isn’t sporty. We get the ins and outs of how the sport works professionally for Caleb and his responsibilities with it. The “You Can Play Initiative” is front and center with Caleb and the story highlights it in an informative and supportive way. Just the memory of Caleb dealing with a young man wanting an autograph and what he does warms my heart. Caleb knows that his position as an out gay man in the world of professional hockey holds a level of responsibility and he doesn’t take that lightly. He gives back to his community and he gives back to kids remembering what it was like to be one.
Aaron broke my heart with his relationship issues and how he wants to trust Caleb but is scared. I think what I liked the most about this element is how he and Caleb were so honest with one another about their past, present and future. The communication is always there even if it’s a little stalled with insecurity but it doesn’t last long.
Once again, I find myself rambling because there are so many positives in this story. It’s a great unrequited/unknown/mutual high school crush/friends to lovers romance that warmed my heart. I truly loved watching Aaron and Caleb become friends and then more. They are sweet and also really hot together when they decide to get down and dirty and Aaron can get pretty dirty.
At the end of it all, this was lovely. I find myself thinking of the moments that made me smile and there are so many of them. I have a note on one highlight that says “Stop highlighting moments before you highlight the whole book” because there are that many.
The ending was super sweet and again, respectful and romantic. Yeah this was a good book.
Wait… I have one more thing to say. Since this is listed as a series, I really hope the next books is Dimitri because he needs someone to show him his hookup days are over.
By now I think it’s pretty obvious that I am a fan of the Dreamspun Desire series and this book is a great example of why. There are some books in the Dreamspinner Press houseline that are super fluffy and they are some that are so damn sweet and meaningful, you need to hug it out with your Nook when you finish the book. This story is the latter.
From the prologue I was hooked as we get a young Caleb waiting to give a gift to his older sister’s best friend Aaron who is also Caleb’s crush and his geometry tutor after Aaron’s high school graduation. Caleb has been crushing pretty hard on Aaron for what seems like forever but he has no way to tell Aaron other than this. It’s a milestone moment for Caleb but it’s over quickly and then life happened and the two men haven’t seen one another in years.
Caleb has always loved the game of hockey and was lucky enough to turn it in to a career playing for the New York Rangers. But a foot injury has Caleb needing some time off the ice so he heads back to his home town of Foster Grove to recover. Once home, his sister Pam who is also the elementary school’s principal thinks it’s a great idea for Caleb to participate in the local school’s carnival and draw some fundraising money, Caleb comes face to face with his teenage crush.
I love that this was told from both Aaron and Caleb’s POV so we really got a chance to see that both men have had crushes on the other for some time. Aaron is nothing short of adorable as he tries to act like seeing a grown up and hot as heck professional hockey player that Caleb now is doesn’t affect him and Caleb momentarily turns 16 again when he sees Aaron but the men keep it platonic.
This story was so sweet and yet really meaningful. We get a lot of Aaron and Caleb building an adult friendship though a natural progression. The men hang out with one another and find out they have a lot in common with their likes and shared history. It’s easy to see how they could quickly find themselves in a relationship though it moves at a slower pace with them keeping respectable boundaries. The moments of Caleb showing Aaron’s third grade class how he uses geometry in Hockey and Aaron being mesmerized by Caleb teaching kids on the ice was lovely to experience. These two have such a healthy admiration for what the other does that it gives the reader a stable building block for their romantic relationship.
With Caleb being a hockey player, we do get a good amount of sport in this story. At least for a reader like myself who isn’t sporty. We get the ins and outs of how the sport works professionally for Caleb and his responsibilities with it. The “You Can Play Initiative” is front and center with Caleb and the story highlights it in an informative and supportive way. Just the memory of Caleb dealing with a young man wanting an autograph and what he does warms my heart. Caleb knows that his position as an out gay man in the world of professional hockey holds a level of responsibility and he doesn’t take that lightly. He gives back to his community and he gives back to kids remembering what it was like to be one.
Aaron broke my heart with his relationship issues and how he wants to trust Caleb but is scared. I think what I liked the most about this element is how he and Caleb were so honest with one another about their past, present and future. The communication is always there even if it’s a little stalled with insecurity but it doesn’t last long.
Once again, I find myself rambling because there are so many positives in this story. It’s a great unrequited/unknown/mutual high school crush/friends to lovers romance that warmed my heart. I truly loved watching Aaron and Caleb become friends and then more. They are sweet and also really hot together when they decide to get down and dirty and Aaron can get pretty dirty.
At the end of it all, this was lovely. I find myself thinking of the moments that made me smile and there are so many of them. I have a note on one highlight that says “Stop highlighting moments before you highlight the whole book” because there are that many.
The ending was super sweet and again, respectful and romantic. Yeah this was a good book.
Wait… I have one more thing to say. Since this is listed as a series, I really hope the next books is Dimitri because he needs someone to show him his hookup days are over.
January 16, 2018
This was everything I hate in a romance novel, where the "obstacle" is all in somebody's head, which is endlessly dissected & churned over in a frustratingly drawn-out internal monologue. I've liked some of Jeff Adams' previous works, but this was hugely disappointing. For me, this formula has never worked, & I've read romances going back to the 70s & beyond, to the wonderful Georgette Heyer (Where the modern romance novel began). Romance authors of every sub-genre take note: If you want to use "an obstacle" to eventual happiness, then make it a real one. An original one. Not just somebody who eventually changes their mind so everybody can live happily ever after. That's not a plot. It's annoying.
May 19, 2022
Caleb is sincere, sweet, and down-to-earth. During a period of recovery from an injury he returns to his hometown where he reconnects with his sister's best friend. Their friendship grows and soon begins to turn into something else. Both guys were a bit unhappy before, but this developing "thing" between them seems to have alleviated their sense of loneliness. We all know that real life sometimes rears it's ugly head, and most everything has logistics. One looming problem is that Caleb doesn't live in Foster Grove...he lives in New York. He has a commitment to his hockey team and he travels for most of the season. I loved Aaron. He's a teacher who not only loves his job but is committed to his students. There's some angst as the guys try to figure out how they can make this can work. I loved the way it gets resolved. Overall it's a 'feel good' story. Parts of it were a bit "fluffy"...but hey, sometimes we can all use a bit of fluff in our lives.
January 16, 2018
I liked this story about an out hockey player who in his teens nursed a crush on his older sister's best friend who was also his geometry tutor. Who's now a teacher at the same school where his sister is the principal.
After an injury, hockey player Caleb Carter returns to his home town of Foster Grove to recuperate and hang out with his sister before going back to NYC to play for the Rangers. He doesn't realize that his one-time teenage crush Aaron Price now works as a teacher for his sister, but is shook when he finds out. That teenage crush he thought he was over - yeah, not so much. So Caleb pursues Aaron - inviting the slightly older man on a date and makes his interest clearly known.
Aaron is a bit gun-shy to date another athlete after one broke his heart back in California, but Caleb is persistent, and every argument Aaron brings up that a relationship between them wouldn't work, Caleb counters. And obviously, there's a spark for Aaron too.
The plot doesn't have any big misunderstandings nor any obvious miscommunications, and both men are open and honest about their interest, even if Aaron isn't convinced this thing between them will be anything more than a short-lived romance.
We get a glimpse into Aaron's life as a teacher, and Caleb's life with his hockey team (gotta love Dimitri, what a great friend), and also the school's hockey team. The kids were an added bonus, and I enjoyed watching Caleb and Aaron interact.
The drama in this story comes primarily from Aaron, shy, cautious Aaron, who doesn't think he fits in with Caleb's life as a star hockey player, so he finds excuse after stupid excuse to not fully give the relationship a real chance.
I liked Caleb a lot. He was so honest and straight-forward, and so open about how he felt and what he wanted, but also not pushy - he gave Aaron time to come around to his way of thinking. And really, three hours drive isn't a deal-breaker for most people, especially since there's an off-season to consider. Aaron is just gun-shy, which I could understand, but I also didn't think it was fair of him to think that all athletes are alike. Aaron had some self-esteem issues too - again, understandable, after being treated like so badly by the California jerk.
There is definitely chemistry between the two men, and we are treated to some steamy yet emotional scenes between them. This being a Dreamspun Desires title, I expected a grand gesture toward the end - and yeah, I got that. Lovely scene, that.
The entire story and relationship development takes place in just a few weeks' time, which might be too fast for some, but in this case, I believed the timeline from meet-cute to HEA, because the two men knew each other from high school, and both had a bit of a crush on each other - it was easy to see how that spark might be kindled to burst into flame.
This was my first read by this author team, even though I own the Hat Trick series by Jeff Adams in paperback, which obviously I need to read. Apparently, there will be another book which will be about Dimitri, Caleb's friend and teammate. And judging by how Dimitri feels about romance and long-term relationships in general, I cannot wait to read that one!
Give this a try. While there's a lot of hockey in the book, the romance and relationship take center stage.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
After an injury, hockey player Caleb Carter returns to his home town of Foster Grove to recuperate and hang out with his sister before going back to NYC to play for the Rangers. He doesn't realize that his one-time teenage crush Aaron Price now works as a teacher for his sister, but is shook when he finds out. That teenage crush he thought he was over - yeah, not so much. So Caleb pursues Aaron - inviting the slightly older man on a date and makes his interest clearly known.
Aaron is a bit gun-shy to date another athlete after one broke his heart back in California, but Caleb is persistent, and every argument Aaron brings up that a relationship between them wouldn't work, Caleb counters. And obviously, there's a spark for Aaron too.
The plot doesn't have any big misunderstandings nor any obvious miscommunications, and both men are open and honest about their interest, even if Aaron isn't convinced this thing between them will be anything more than a short-lived romance.
We get a glimpse into Aaron's life as a teacher, and Caleb's life with his hockey team (gotta love Dimitri, what a great friend), and also the school's hockey team. The kids were an added bonus, and I enjoyed watching Caleb and Aaron interact.
The drama in this story comes primarily from Aaron, shy, cautious Aaron, who doesn't think he fits in with Caleb's life as a star hockey player, so he finds excuse after stupid excuse to not fully give the relationship a real chance.
I liked Caleb a lot. He was so honest and straight-forward, and so open about how he felt and what he wanted, but also not pushy - he gave Aaron time to come around to his way of thinking. And really, three hours drive isn't a deal-breaker for most people, especially since there's an off-season to consider. Aaron is just gun-shy, which I could understand, but I also didn't think it was fair of him to think that all athletes are alike. Aaron had some self-esteem issues too - again, understandable, after being treated like so badly by the California jerk.
There is definitely chemistry between the two men, and we are treated to some steamy yet emotional scenes between them. This being a Dreamspun Desires title, I expected a grand gesture toward the end - and yeah, I got that. Lovely scene, that.
The entire story and relationship development takes place in just a few weeks' time, which might be too fast for some, but in this case, I believed the timeline from meet-cute to HEA, because the two men knew each other from high school, and both had a bit of a crush on each other - it was easy to see how that spark might be kindled to burst into flame.
This was my first read by this author team, even though I own the Hat Trick series by Jeff Adams in paperback, which obviously I need to read. Apparently, there will be another book which will be about Dimitri, Caleb's friend and teammate. And judging by how Dimitri feels about romance and long-term relationships in general, I cannot wait to read that one!
Give this a try. While there's a lot of hockey in the book, the romance and relationship take center stage.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
April 27, 2018
After breaking his foot, hockey player Caleb Carter returns to his small hometown to recover and when he runs into his high school crush, Aaron Price, his fall is fast and certain. Unfortunately, Aaron has some old ghosts haunting him that prevent him from truly opening his heart to Caleb.
I enjoyed Finn Sterling's narration. He paces the story well and injects just enough emotion at all the right points. I particularly enjoy Sterling's male character voices, which he does really well. I just wish he wouldn't use such high-pitched voices for the female characters.
Told from a dual POV, I was loving this right up until the third quarter (when it unraveled with miscommunication, as Aaron pushes Caleb away, which completely frustrated me) until it finally corrected itself at almost the very end.
It's a well written story, with likable characters, an interesting romantic plot, good narration, and a very sweet HEA ending. If it weren't for the late miscommunication I would be rating this much higher. I hate unnecessary miscommunication in a story, but that's a personal peeve of mine, so your mileage may vary.
3.5 Stars
Audio copy of The Hockey Player's Heart (Hockey Hearts #1) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
April 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this. I was looking for a light hearted sweet love story and certainly was one. I loved the fact the both Aaron and Caleb were out and proud. Being an out professional athlete or an elementary school teacher is not an easy thing, but times are changing.
January 22, 2018
I never watched Hockey in my entire life except from TV, also not a hockey fans, I'm more into diving and swimming. That's why I have a very little books with hockey on my reading list.
But somehow, this one worked just fine for me. This was fun, enjoyable, light and heartwarming.
Especially when an old love (crush) involved.
It was really fun witnessing two guys reconnecting, trying to adjust their life together, matching their two different worlds to make it work for them.
I really liked Caleb, he's the sweetest, most adorable jock in the history, while I didn't blame Aaron for his doubt if he can fit in Caleb's celebrity status.
That's where Caleb stole my heart easily. The guy is a dream come true!
This is a really enjoyable story, but you need to have a little extra patience with Aaron, he's having an insecurity issue, but worry not, Caleb has his own way to make Aaron realized how much Caleb loved him and how much Aaron meant to him.
And the ending was an aww...moment, you'll love it!
January 5, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Single male in the forefront of a "small town mainstreet" -looking background. Strong enough title, author font not as clear. The cover was not enough to grab my attention but the synopsis was.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third person
This was a "sibling's best friend" romance; a Jock/Nerd (Hockey Player and Elementary School Teacher) combination that was endearing.
Caleb and Aaron were mature and smart lead characters. The secondary cast was strong and supportive. The chemistry developed nicely, although there was a childhood crush element. Dialogue and Interactions felt natural and were believable. The story was well-written, flowed smoothly, and the plot was enjoyable without all of the unneeded drama or angst. Conflicts were met head-on and dealt with maturely and efficiently. Predictability was low. The conclusion was sweet and satisfying.
This was the first book I've ever read by Adams and Knauss but I can safely say it will NOT be the last.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.35 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Single male in the forefront of a "small town mainstreet" -looking background. Strong enough title, author font not as clear. The cover was not enough to grab my attention but the synopsis was.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third person
This was a "sibling's best friend" romance; a Jock/Nerd (Hockey Player and Elementary School Teacher) combination that was endearing.
Caleb and Aaron were mature and smart lead characters. The secondary cast was strong and supportive. The chemistry developed nicely, although there was a childhood crush element. Dialogue and Interactions felt natural and were believable. The story was well-written, flowed smoothly, and the plot was enjoyable without all of the unneeded drama or angst. Conflicts were met head-on and dealt with maturely and efficiently. Predictability was low. The conclusion was sweet and satisfying.
This was the first book I've ever read by Adams and Knauss but I can safely say it will NOT be the last.
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Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.35 ~ Stars: 4
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
January 21, 2018
Ok, I want an hallmarks one and I found it. Always a pleasure to meltdown in a sweet story, I had my sugar dose.
January 16, 2018
Right, so I am a *little* obsessed with hockey at the moment, so obviously I had to get this, even though I was a little sceptical about it. So far, I haven't read any good hockey romances apart from Avon Gale's Scoring Chances series, and I found the cover a bit too cheesy.
The book itself, however, was surprisingly good and really sweet. It's about Caleb, a pro hockey player, who returns to his hometown while recovering from an injury, where he reconnects with Aaron, his sister's best friend who used to tutor him in high school and to whom Caleb was attracted to even then. There's definitely something between the two, but Aaron is still haunted by something that happened in his past and doubts they could make a relationship work.
Now, parts of this are a bit uneven - for example, Aaron's big secret felt a bit "overblown" to me; it probably would have worked better if the reveal for the reader had come a bit earlier. I also wasn't impressed by the sex scene, and sometimes everything just moved a little too fast - scenes like the one with their first real kiss could have been a little longer - which was all the more noticeable because so many other things were done so well. I loved the way the practice with the kids was described, and the lessons, and the hockey games. And oh, I loved Caleb. Aaron, too, but Caleb was adorable. Again, a slightly slower build up might have made this even better.
One other thing is that it's set in a world where there are several out hockey players and it's not a big deal. On the one hand, I totally understand why it's like this- making it more realistic would lead to a whole other main conflict. On the other hand, that conflict is one I find interesting when reading sports romance, so. I will say a certain part at the end made it easier for me to be happy with that narrative choice.
As it is, this is a very enjoyable book even if you don't like hockey. I'm happy I gave it a chance, and I totally would read another book by them, especially if it's about more hockey players.
The book itself, however, was surprisingly good and really sweet. It's about Caleb, a pro hockey player, who returns to his hometown while recovering from an injury, where he reconnects with Aaron, his sister's best friend who used to tutor him in high school and to whom Caleb was attracted to even then. There's definitely something between the two, but Aaron is still haunted by something that happened in his past and doubts they could make a relationship work.
Now, parts of this are a bit uneven - for example, Aaron's big secret felt a bit "overblown" to me; it probably would have worked better if the reveal for the reader had come a bit earlier. I also wasn't impressed by the sex scene, and sometimes everything just moved a little too fast - scenes like the one with their first real kiss could have been a little longer - which was all the more noticeable because so many other things were done so well. I loved the way the practice with the kids was described, and the lessons, and the hockey games. And oh, I loved Caleb. Aaron, too, but Caleb was adorable. Again, a slightly slower build up might have made this even better.
One other thing is that it's set in a world where there are several out hockey players and it's not a big deal. On the one hand, I totally understand why it's like this- making it more realistic would lead to a whole other main conflict. On the other hand, that conflict is one I find interesting when reading sports romance, so. I will say a certain part at the end made it easier for me to be happy with that narrative choice.
As it is, this is a very enjoyable book even if you don't like hockey. I'm happy I gave it a chance, and I totally would read another book by them, especially if it's about more hockey players.
January 19, 2018
I fell a little bit in love with The Hockey Player’s Heart by Jeff Adams and Will Knauss last weekend; and it was mainly because I fell a LOT in love with Caleb. But, more about Caleb in a moment. First, I want to say how much I enjoyed this collaboration between Jeff and Will. The Hockey Player’s Heart (That’s Caleb’s heart, by the way. I’m just saying.) is a sweet romance about an NHL star who realizes he is missing his roots a little bit when he goes home to recover from a broken foot, and reconnects with his high school crush. I had one major annoyance—more on that in a moment, too—but, all in all, it was such a lovely and fun read.
Ok—I basically said it already, but I’m going to freely admit that Caleb was my absolute favorite thing about this story. I’ve said before that I love sports romances, and I seem to have a thing for hockey boys in particular, but Caleb was definitely one of the sweetest ever. He may be the starting center for the New York Rangers, and the team captain to boot, but he has not let fame or money go to his head. He’s close to his family, especially his sister, Pam, and would love nothing more than to make a permanent home for himself back in his hometown of Foster Grove. When he finds out his former geometry tutor and secret high school crush, Aaron Price, is also back in town, Caleb’s dream of returning to small town life feels just a little bit closer.
Caleb might have been the best thing about the story, but he wasn’t the only good thing. Don’t worry; there was plenty to love! I adored Caleb’s sister, and his personal assistant, Grant, was also fantastic. I loved all the hockey stuff: Caleb and Aaron working with the youth league in town, and, of course, seeing Caleb in action with the Rangers. I was completely enamored with Foster Grove also. Jeff and Will did a great job of providing the reader with tons of imagery, and bringing the town to life. I want to go eat at FG Plate! Or, FG Café! I’m not picky. 😀 The scene at the restaurant for Caleb and Aaron’s date was fantastic. I wanted to eat all the food. And, I loved, loved the ending. There was one thing that happened that was predictable, but I was still dying for it to happen, and Jeff and Will did not disappoint. I loved how it played out.
My leaving Aaron out of the things-I-loved portion of the review might have tipped you guys off that he perhaps had something to do with my aforementioned annoyance. Sadly, he did. Don’t get me wrong, I did love Aaron. I loved that he and Caleb shared a history, and that he was best friends with Pam. I loved him as a teacher; the scenes in the classroom and with the kids at the carnival were great. And, he was also a sweetheart. BUT, I had a very tough time with a few of his reactions and his reasoning for continuously pushing Caleb away. The authors hint early in the book at Aaron having had some fairly serious boyfriend drama. And, eventually, he tells the story to Caleb, of a guy he dated who was an MLB player. One issue I had was that he initially said they had dated for a few years, but then when he was telling the story, he said it was only a year. That wasn’t the main problem, though. The main problem I had with it was that Aaron’s behaviors and reservations about dating Caleb didn’t seem to mesh with the little bit he shared about it. I kept wanting to yell CALEB ISN’T TYSON! Given Aaron’s history with Caleb, and the fact that he was so clearly a wonderful man, it made no sense to me that he would be paralyzed with fear over being hurt by Caleb. I felt like we needed more background and clarification on his former relationship to make his behavior toward Caleb more plausible.
That issue aside, though, I really am so happy I picked this one up. It was a wonderful debut from this writing team, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout to see if they plan to write more together!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
Ok—I basically said it already, but I’m going to freely admit that Caleb was my absolute favorite thing about this story. I’ve said before that I love sports romances, and I seem to have a thing for hockey boys in particular, but Caleb was definitely one of the sweetest ever. He may be the starting center for the New York Rangers, and the team captain to boot, but he has not let fame or money go to his head. He’s close to his family, especially his sister, Pam, and would love nothing more than to make a permanent home for himself back in his hometown of Foster Grove. When he finds out his former geometry tutor and secret high school crush, Aaron Price, is also back in town, Caleb’s dream of returning to small town life feels just a little bit closer.
Caleb might have been the best thing about the story, but he wasn’t the only good thing. Don’t worry; there was plenty to love! I adored Caleb’s sister, and his personal assistant, Grant, was also fantastic. I loved all the hockey stuff: Caleb and Aaron working with the youth league in town, and, of course, seeing Caleb in action with the Rangers. I was completely enamored with Foster Grove also. Jeff and Will did a great job of providing the reader with tons of imagery, and bringing the town to life. I want to go eat at FG Plate! Or, FG Café! I’m not picky. 😀 The scene at the restaurant for Caleb and Aaron’s date was fantastic. I wanted to eat all the food. And, I loved, loved the ending. There was one thing that happened that was predictable, but I was still dying for it to happen, and Jeff and Will did not disappoint. I loved how it played out.
My leaving Aaron out of the things-I-loved portion of the review might have tipped you guys off that he perhaps had something to do with my aforementioned annoyance. Sadly, he did. Don’t get me wrong, I did love Aaron. I loved that he and Caleb shared a history, and that he was best friends with Pam. I loved him as a teacher; the scenes in the classroom and with the kids at the carnival were great. And, he was also a sweetheart. BUT, I had a very tough time with a few of his reactions and his reasoning for continuously pushing Caleb away. The authors hint early in the book at Aaron having had some fairly serious boyfriend drama. And, eventually, he tells the story to Caleb, of a guy he dated who was an MLB player. One issue I had was that he initially said they had dated for a few years, but then when he was telling the story, he said it was only a year. That wasn’t the main problem, though. The main problem I had with it was that Aaron’s behaviors and reservations about dating Caleb didn’t seem to mesh with the little bit he shared about it. I kept wanting to yell CALEB ISN’T TYSON! Given Aaron’s history with Caleb, and the fact that he was so clearly a wonderful man, it made no sense to me that he would be paralyzed with fear over being hurt by Caleb. I felt like we needed more background and clarification on his former relationship to make his behavior toward Caleb more plausible.
That issue aside, though, I really am so happy I picked this one up. It was a wonderful debut from this writing team, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout to see if they plan to write more together!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
May 18, 2020
This was a very sweet story. Both characters were wonderfully well done and very believable. For all his fame and fortune, Caleb was very down to earth. He’s affable and outgoing, connects with those around him, and politely deflects attention that is unwanted. I also like how good he is with kids, both in Aaron’s third grade class and the local hockey team. There’s also a very sweet scene near the end of the book between him and a teenage fan that almost brought tears to my eyes.
If I had any complaint about the story is that it was almost too easy for Caleb and Aaron to get together. There were barriers, yes, but they all were easily overcome and there was no real drama. I would have liked to explore the depths more, especially Aaron’s troubled past.
However, this book had wonderful relationships between characters. I loved the main relationship, but also the relationship between both men and Caleb’s sister, Pam. I thought it really brought the characters alive.
If I had any complaint about the story is that it was almost too easy for Caleb and Aaron to get together. There were barriers, yes, but they all were easily overcome and there was no real drama. I would have liked to explore the depths more, especially Aaron’s troubled past.
However, this book had wonderful relationships between characters. I loved the main relationship, but also the relationship between both men and Caleb’s sister, Pam. I thought it really brought the characters alive.
January 16, 2020
Old crushes, a hockey superstar and a teacher, get an opportunity to reconnect in this entertaining story set in their relatively small hometown. Aaron and Caleb have secretly carried a torch for each other ever since Aaron tutored Caleb in high school, but it has been ten years since they last saw each other, and neither man is sure that what they’re feeling is “real” enough to try for more. Between lack of self-confidence, past histories that have caused a scar or two, and very busy lifestyles, it certainly isn’t easy for the two men to see what’s what. Persistence and courage is what they need – and luckily, there seems to be no shortage of either.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 18, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I liked The Hockey Player’s Heart. It was what I like to refer to as a comfort read. These types of stories tend to follow a formula…meet cute, date, sex, slight conflict, happily ever after. And you know what? I love a good, formulaic read every now and then. They make me smile, and I always feel good afterward.
I liked both Caleb and Aaron. They were both nice guys with no real internal issues. Yes, Aaron had a bad relationship when he was in LA, but he wasn’t wallowing in misery. Caleb hadn’t been in an sort of relationship for about a year. Lonely? Yes, but not suffering. As I read, I could actually see their first meeting at the school carnival. I was able to imagine the looks on their faces, the hug, the conversation. The authors put me right in that elementary school gym. I could actually feel the sparks in the air between them. It was sweet (and slightly sexy), and I enjoyed that.
The pacing of the story was on point. There was no rush to get Caleb and Aaron into bed. There was a slow burn, but it didn’t feel torturous. The men spent time together and with their friends. They had known each other for a long time, but they were able to take their time getting reacquainted. When they finally did make love, it was a natural step for them.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I liked The Hockey Player’s Heart. It was what I like to refer to as a comfort read. These types of stories tend to follow a formula…meet cute, date, sex, slight conflict, happily ever after. And you know what? I love a good, formulaic read every now and then. They make me smile, and I always feel good afterward.
I liked both Caleb and Aaron. They were both nice guys with no real internal issues. Yes, Aaron had a bad relationship when he was in LA, but he wasn’t wallowing in misery. Caleb hadn’t been in an sort of relationship for about a year. Lonely? Yes, but not suffering. As I read, I could actually see their first meeting at the school carnival. I was able to imagine the looks on their faces, the hug, the conversation. The authors put me right in that elementary school gym. I could actually feel the sparks in the air between them. It was sweet (and slightly sexy), and I enjoyed that.
The pacing of the story was on point. There was no rush to get Caleb and Aaron into bed. There was a slow burn, but it didn’t feel torturous. The men spent time together and with their friends. They had known each other for a long time, but they were able to take their time getting reacquainted. When they finally did make love, it was a natural step for them.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
December 15, 2017
This was an extremely good read with a little bit of drama and anguish but also a lot of love and learning how to compromise. Jeff Adams did a good job with slow burn type of read. Or at least I think it was a slow burn type of read. It is also what I would call a sweet romance of two men that once had crushes on the other at a young age to back later on in life and still have that chemistry they was not yet ready for at a young age to find they was more gen ready once they was older. The problem was there was definite obstacles that had to be overcome, both physics obstacles and mental obstacles.
Caleb had the biggest crush on his sisters best friend and his tutor growing up but with only just coming to terms about his sexuality he was not ready to explore that aspect of himself. So when Caleb runs into Aaron again years later when he comes back to his hometown to recuperate from An injury he sustained in a hockey game, Caleb was definitely ready to see where things could lead them.
Aaron is shocked that when he meets Caleb again his crush from when he was younger comes back full force. The issue is one, Caleb is a famous athlete. Two, Aaron has already been hurt by an athlete in the past and is not sure he wants to go down that road once again. Three, they lead two very different lives. So Aaron sees no way that things could possibly work between them.
Caleb knows what Aaron's reservations are and he is taking them into account but he is no where willing to give up on the two of them because he knows what they have together is rare and special.
Can these two men that want each other but have so many obstacles standing between hem figure out a way to make things work or are they dooomed to only be a hook up gone wrong?
This was such a good read. It is a book about learning to trust your heart and learning to compromise in order to achieve the type of relationship you want. Jeff Adams did an incredible job on this book. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in this series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Caleb had the biggest crush on his sisters best friend and his tutor growing up but with only just coming to terms about his sexuality he was not ready to explore that aspect of himself. So when Caleb runs into Aaron again years later when he comes back to his hometown to recuperate from An injury he sustained in a hockey game, Caleb was definitely ready to see where things could lead them.
Aaron is shocked that when he meets Caleb again his crush from when he was younger comes back full force. The issue is one, Caleb is a famous athlete. Two, Aaron has already been hurt by an athlete in the past and is not sure he wants to go down that road once again. Three, they lead two very different lives. So Aaron sees no way that things could possibly work between them.
Caleb knows what Aaron's reservations are and he is taking them into account but he is no where willing to give up on the two of them because he knows what they have together is rare and special.
Can these two men that want each other but have so many obstacles standing between hem figure out a way to make things work or are they dooomed to only be a hook up gone wrong?
This was such a good read. It is a book about learning to trust your heart and learning to compromise in order to achieve the type of relationship you want. Jeff Adams did an incredible job on this book. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in this series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
August 5, 2024
I may lower the rating later, this was extremely over the top sweet and weird? Like these guys have not dated at all but Caleb just went and bought them a house??
February 4, 2018
Cute but the relationship seemed to be missing something. I also thought that Caleb did too much while Aaron didn't do enough for the relationship.
July 24, 2018
Caleb is the successful center of the Ranger hockey team. He’s out and proud. (Several professional athletes are in this world.) Unfortunately, due to an injury of his foot, he is also sidelined during the post season play. Wanting to get away from all of the hullabaloo in New York, he heads upstate to his home town to recuperate and rehab these final weeks before returning to play.
Caleb has known Aaron for a long time. Not only is Aaron Caleb’s sister Pam’s best friend, but Aaron was also the single person who helped Caleb pass geometry back in the day. And he is also the one person Caleb has been crushing on since high school or earlier. When he sees Aaron that first time after returning home, it brings up all those old feelings, and Caleb decides to take a chance and see if his feelings are reciprocated.
Aaron had been out on the West Coast the intervening time since high school, attending college and getting a job. Budget cuts took away his teaching job, but a lifeline from Pam, principal of the Foster Grove elementary school saves him. From unemployment and something else. It takes a little while to discover what that something else is in the story, but it definitely screws up Aaron’s perspective. His self-esteem suffers and impacts his belief in a future for himself.
I’ll admit that it took a while to warm up to Aaron. He was great when we got to see him involved with his students, but I wanted to shake him several times when his internal monologue slipped right into all the “false obstacles” he’d throw up to keep himself from grabbing happiness. He redeemed himself when he finally got a clue.
Luckily, Caleb saved the story and kept it from being a 3-star book for me. His kind, open, optimistic outlook on life and the possibilities of having a relationship with Aaron kept me invested in the story through those parts where Aaron angsted away. I loved Caleb’s interactions with kids, especially with the one after the Boston game, and I couldn’t help but want more professional athletes like him and his best friend for the LGBTQ kids out there.
But the best part of the story for me was Caleb’s big gesture at the end. The fact that he just went all in to convince Aaron about the two of them made me love him even more.
Caleb has known Aaron for a long time. Not only is Aaron Caleb’s sister Pam’s best friend, but Aaron was also the single person who helped Caleb pass geometry back in the day. And he is also the one person Caleb has been crushing on since high school or earlier. When he sees Aaron that first time after returning home, it brings up all those old feelings, and Caleb decides to take a chance and see if his feelings are reciprocated.
Aaron had been out on the West Coast the intervening time since high school, attending college and getting a job. Budget cuts took away his teaching job, but a lifeline from Pam, principal of the Foster Grove elementary school saves him. From unemployment and something else. It takes a little while to discover what that something else is in the story, but it definitely screws up Aaron’s perspective. His self-esteem suffers and impacts his belief in a future for himself.
I’ll admit that it took a while to warm up to Aaron. He was great when we got to see him involved with his students, but I wanted to shake him several times when his internal monologue slipped right into all the “false obstacles” he’d throw up to keep himself from grabbing happiness. He redeemed himself when he finally got a clue.
Luckily, Caleb saved the story and kept it from being a 3-star book for me. His kind, open, optimistic outlook on life and the possibilities of having a relationship with Aaron kept me invested in the story through those parts where Aaron angsted away. I loved Caleb’s interactions with kids, especially with the one after the Boston game, and I couldn’t help but want more professional athletes like him and his best friend for the LGBTQ kids out there.
But the best part of the story for me was Caleb’s big gesture at the end. The fact that he just went all in to convince Aaron about the two of them made me love him even more.
May 26, 2018
3.5 stars
This was a really sweet, low angst romance, between a professional hockey player, Caleb and his older sister's best friend, Aaron, who he had a crush on as a teen. It was just what I've come to expect from the Dreamspun Desires books: sweet sexy romance without a lot of drama. Though I was a little annoyed with Aaron there at the end, but it (of course) all worked out in the end.
I didn't love the narration though. The narrator, Finn Sterling, was ok with the MCs voices but he also had to do kid voices (not good) and Caleb's sister was a pretty significant character and his voice for her sounded like a squeaky, super excited teen girl, not a mature woman. His other narration was okay, perhaps a bit rushed and more like he was reading than feeling the story.
This was a really sweet, low angst romance, between a professional hockey player, Caleb and his older sister's best friend, Aaron, who he had a crush on as a teen. It was just what I've come to expect from the Dreamspun Desires books: sweet sexy romance without a lot of drama. Though I was a little annoyed with Aaron there at the end, but it (of course) all worked out in the end.
I didn't love the narration though. The narrator, Finn Sterling, was ok with the MCs voices but he also had to do kid voices (not good) and Caleb's sister was a pretty significant character and his voice for her sounded like a squeaky, super excited teen girl, not a mature woman. His other narration was okay, perhaps a bit rushed and more like he was reading than feeling the story.
February 16, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a proper romantic fantasy - a famous hockey player falls for a small town teacher.
As with all Dreamspun Desires stories, both Caleb and Aaron are perfect leading men - if a little bit too good to be true. The famous professional hockey player is humble enough to donate his time and money to an elementary school charity event. He cares for his sister and still holds a torch for his high school tutor. Aaron is a selfless, dedicated teacher who devotes himself to his students. They are both sweet and heroes in their own way.
These two are almost too perfect together. Between romantic dinners, coaching hockey together, and stolen kisses by a frozen pond, these two are fairytale sweet. Theirs is a pure sugar rush romance full of all sorts of good feels.
Because they fit so well as friends and lovers, the very minimal conflict in this story seems slightly contrived. Aaron doesn’t think the distance between Caleb’s New York team and his own job in rural New York is workable. He doesn’t think he fits in Caleb’s world and he is worried about Caleb’s travel schedule.
This is very much a Dreamspun Desires story. It’s a simple, very sweet, low heat romance. It’s supposed to be predictable and very low angst. I really enjoyed the characters in this story and it is beautifully written.
This is a proper romantic fantasy - a famous hockey player falls for a small town teacher.
As with all Dreamspun Desires stories, both Caleb and Aaron are perfect leading men - if a little bit too good to be true. The famous professional hockey player is humble enough to donate his time and money to an elementary school charity event. He cares for his sister and still holds a torch for his high school tutor. Aaron is a selfless, dedicated teacher who devotes himself to his students. They are both sweet and heroes in their own way.
These two are almost too perfect together. Between romantic dinners, coaching hockey together, and stolen kisses by a frozen pond, these two are fairytale sweet. Theirs is a pure sugar rush romance full of all sorts of good feels.
Because they fit so well as friends and lovers, the very minimal conflict in this story seems slightly contrived. Aaron doesn’t think the distance between Caleb’s New York team and his own job in rural New York is workable. He doesn’t think he fits in Caleb’s world and he is worried about Caleb’s travel schedule.
This is very much a Dreamspun Desires story. It’s a simple, very sweet, low heat romance. It’s supposed to be predictable and very low angst. I really enjoyed the characters in this story and it is beautifully written.
July 12, 2018
Caleb Carter, successful hockey player, returns to his hometown to recuperate for an injury hoping for nothing more than a relaxing time at home. But when he learns his sister's best friend, the Geometry tutor Caleb secretly lusted after in high school, is back in town, his goals for the visit change entirely. Aaron Price seems to have only become more attractive with age, and the intelligent, witty, and sexy man still has a hold on Caleb that he can't deny. The only problem for Caleb is that Aaron doesn't seem interested in being more than friends. And if they were to pursue something, what would happen when Caleb goes back on the road with the team and Aaron stays in their hometown, committed to his teaching job. Watching these two do their dance around their feelings and attraction, trying to balance everything they want and need against what they expect and anticipate makes for a heartwarming story on a number of levels.
February 8, 2020
Won over in the end
At first I was a bit disappointed with the similarities to other hockey romances. It has a severe case of "been there, done that." I kept reading because I respect Jeff and Will's work on BGF podcast. In the end, they won me over. I was wiping tears away one minute and then growling with frustration that Aaron couldn't seem to leave his past behind the next minute. The scene with the fan from Boston asking for Caleb's autograph was really heartwarming. I'm glad I stuck with the book.
At first I was a bit disappointed with the similarities to other hockey romances. It has a severe case of "been there, done that." I kept reading because I respect Jeff and Will's work on BGF podcast. In the end, they won me over. I was wiping tears away one minute and then growling with frustration that Aaron couldn't seem to leave his past behind the next minute. The scene with the fan from Boston asking for Caleb's autograph was really heartwarming. I'm glad I stuck with the book.
dnf
May 13, 2018I made it up to 30% but now I‘m done. The story didn‘t grab me, it meandered along without any ups and downs, perhaps it‘s the writing style. Anyway this book and I didn‘t work.
May 15, 2018
Well-written with likable MCs, but very little conflict and no real story arc. The characters are almost angelic, so I was never really engaged.
June 23, 2018
Great story
Loved the relationship between these two guys. It was meant to be. Heart warming. I love that it’s set in a world where gay hockey players is almost the norm.
Loved the relationship between these two guys. It was meant to be. Heart warming. I love that it’s set in a world where gay hockey players is almost the norm.
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