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Overtime #2
Final Shot
Sometimes family is the light that leads you through the darkest parts of life.
Living the dream. That’s been Dan Arou-Kalinski’s life for the past ten years. That life hasn’t always been an easy one though. Dan has worked hard to get where he is and has faced some major obstacles on his road to success. It’s not always been a rose garden being married to Victor, but his love for his sometimes thorny husband has no bounds. His career has given him years of great success, memories, and championship rings. Yes, fate has been kind to Dan Arou-Kalinski for quite a long time. Looks like destiny is about to start calling in some markers.
The paybacks come due when a recurring health issue turns into a life or death situation and threatens to take him out of the game he loves permanently. Then there’s Victor’s son Jack, a proud and out nonbinary preteen who is living a daily nightmare in a small southern town. Juggling two major life issues is taking its toll on him, and just when he thinks he’s found the path out of the woods, Dan will face an unexpected and devastating loss that will require all three of the Kalinski men to pull together to help each other through the dark times.
Living the dream. That’s been Dan Arou-Kalinski’s life for the past ten years. That life hasn’t always been an easy one though. Dan has worked hard to get where he is and has faced some major obstacles on his road to success. It’s not always been a rose garden being married to Victor, but his love for his sometimes thorny husband has no bounds. His career has given him years of great success, memories, and championship rings. Yes, fate has been kind to Dan Arou-Kalinski for quite a long time. Looks like destiny is about to start calling in some markers.
The paybacks come due when a recurring health issue turns into a life or death situation and threatens to take him out of the game he loves permanently. Then there’s Victor’s son Jack, a proud and out nonbinary preteen who is living a daily nightmare in a small southern town. Juggling two major life issues is taking its toll on him, and just when he thinks he’s found the path out of the woods, Dan will face an unexpected and devastating loss that will require all three of the Kalinski men to pull together to help each other through the dark times.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2020
45 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
V.L. Locey
211 books727 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 41 reviews
May 6, 2020
4.5*
This book really ploughs through the emotions, both good and bad, as we continue the catch-up with the Arou-Kalinski families 10 years after we last saw them settled and happy.
Each time I come back to this pairing, I'm struck by just how real VL has made them as characters, I feel like I know them inside out.
I know how Vic will react to the disturbing news which comes from down South, where his son is off living with his mum and stepfather, I know he will be the solid rock his husband Dan needs as he comes to terms with another ice hockey injury and some home truths about his own behaviour.
This book is a hard emotional one, but it's not without humour and I almost snorted my drink at the Shameless reference to Mickey Milkovich's partner preferences :)
There are good times as well as the bad, there're hard truths to face, there's a plot line which, when I think about it was likely to come in some form or another to move the series onwards, it felt inevitable.
But over all, there is love, so much love, and I can't wait to see what happens in book three as Jackie Blue Kalinski grows up ❤
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
This book really ploughs through the emotions, both good and bad, as we continue the catch-up with the Arou-Kalinski families 10 years after we last saw them settled and happy.
Each time I come back to this pairing, I'm struck by just how real VL has made them as characters, I feel like I know them inside out.
I know how Vic will react to the disturbing news which comes from down South, where his son is off living with his mum and stepfather, I know he will be the solid rock his husband Dan needs as he comes to terms with another ice hockey injury and some home truths about his own behaviour.
This book is a hard emotional one, but it's not without humour and I almost snorted my drink at the Shameless reference to Mickey Milkovich's partner preferences :)
There are good times as well as the bad, there're hard truths to face, there's a plot line which, when I think about it was likely to come in some form or another to move the series onwards, it felt inevitable.
But over all, there is love, so much love, and I can't wait to see what happens in book three as Jackie Blue Kalinski grows up ❤
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
May 26, 2020
This is another segment into the lives of Dan and Victor. The tables are turned in more ways than one in this story told from Dan’s point of view. It also focuses more on Dan and the issues he is now facing, but as before, the family unit is also a bit part of the story.
So, Dan is in the hotseat this time around. His injuries (new and old) are taking their toll and Dan is faced with an addiction to pain killers. Luckily, he has Vic by his side to keep him in line and push him in the right direction getting the help he needs. Dan fights that help for a bit, but it doesn’t take long for him to come to grips. Getting over the embarrassment/shame of it is a big part of his problem as well. To further complicate things for Dan, he must now consider that his life as a pro hockey player is at an end which is a big thing to accept as well.
In this reversal of roles, Vic is the solid one with his act basically together. He has made a new life for himself in Boston after moving to be there with Dan. He never gave up hope of having his son, Jack, come live with them, and although the circumstances are not the best, this finally comes to fruition.
I loved seeing Dan and Vic together. They are still happily married, but they sound more like an every-day couple than most we read about. They nit-pick each other and have small spats, but at the end of the day, they are there for each other and work together to make things work. I thought Dan sounded as though he had reverted back to a teenager in the way he now spoke which I think may have been done to paint the picture of him using. I loved seeing Vic hasn’t changed with the lesbian neighbors and you can clearly see he actually likes them underneath his attempts to prove otherwise.
This was a solid addition to the series. While it felt like one negative event too many, I definitely enjoyed it better than the previous book, and it looks like the next story will focus on Jack, so that could be interesting as well. Not sure if it is veering away from the hockey aspect since both men aren’t as involved, but I guess we will have to wait and see.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
May 19, 2020
This installment of the Arou-Kalinski saga is told from Dan's POV. I liked getting to know Dan better, though I sometimes missed Vic's acerbic black humor and rough edges in the narrative. Ten years after the life changes in Rebound, Dan is looking at what might be his last season on the ice, and his body has been thoroughly battered. Their son Jack is struggling in his mother and stepfather's Southern home town, where his love of fashion and flamboyant style don't go down well.
Vic and Dan are still in love, still in the home they made together, but Dan's not doing as well as he'd like to believe. After years of helping his husband face his demons, it may be time for Dan to need a little help. And Jack's problems with bullies aren't going away any time soon. The solid life they've built for themselves in Boston is about to be shaken up again.
I really enjoyed some parts of this story - Dan's situation and how he and Vic dealt with it worked, and had a certain poignant symmetry. I did feel that one crisis later in the story was just one too many, and too reminiscent of how authors in M/M sometimes clear the board to make life simpler for their gay MCs.
Still, Dan and Victor are one of my all-time favorite couples. It's always a joy to spend time with them. The next book in the series is Jack's, and I'll be onboard to see where our Jackie Blue goes with his life (and what his doting dads think about it.)
Vic and Dan are still in love, still in the home they made together, but Dan's not doing as well as he'd like to believe. After years of helping his husband face his demons, it may be time for Dan to need a little help. And Jack's problems with bullies aren't going away any time soon. The solid life they've built for themselves in Boston is about to be shaken up again.
I really enjoyed some parts of this story - Dan's situation and how he and Vic dealt with it worked, and had a certain poignant symmetry. I did feel that one crisis later in the story was just one too many, and too reminiscent of how authors in M/M sometimes clear the board to make life simpler for their gay MCs.
Still, Dan and Victor are one of my all-time favorite couples. It's always a joy to spend time with them. The next book in the series is Jack's, and I'll be onboard to see where our Jackie Blue goes with his life (and what his doting dads think about it.)
March 24, 2022
All the stars for this fantastic addition to the Arou-Kalinski saga. Full of feels, happy and sad tears, and told from Dan's POV for a change. Yes, I'd realised that there was something he desperately needed to get off his chest, and fully understand the terror involved with blood clots. Dan and Vic are just amazing, and acquiring new 'family' members daily it seems.
LOVE the way Jackie Blue's life is going, and absolutely stoked that his story Draw is up next in September. Yes, I was sad for both him and BJ [hehe], but they'll both be better off living in a gay-friendly city rather than with those backwoods bigots in the south.
Hope these three stories won't be the last we'll see of Vic, Dan and the clan....PRETTY PLEASE!!
May 8, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
Whilst this may be the second in a newly numbered series, I would definitely recommend that you consider looking at the Cayuga Cougars first and ideally the Point Shot books too - so much goodness awaits you! This is the second of many, but is also a duet with book 1, Rebound, which you really need to have read first. I was lucky enough to read them back to back and it was a lovely treat.
We rejoin the Arou-Kalinski household ten years after the events of Rebound. Vic's son, Jackie Blue is still many miles away with his Mum, step-Dad and sister - but he is finding life difficult with bigoted behaviour at every school he attends. Finally things come to a point where it is best he move to Boston, even if the wrench from his darling sister and family will be hard.
As this plot is unfolding, Dan is also struggling with injury in the playoffs, and whereas in Rebound we get to hear Vic''s side of the story, now we benefit from Dan's. And poor Dan is struggling with pain, and only prescription drugs are keeping him playing. It is harrowing to watch, and so much more so when we know what Vic went through, and how strong Dan was for him. Oh be ready for some very tough times, and for, as Vic would describe him, perfect Dan, falling horribly low.
This is a really tough read, but also a very beautiful and important one. It is frightening how many innocently fall prey to the need caused by these potent drugs, and it takes a very strong person to acknowledge it.
V.L. Locey never shies away from the difficult, or the messy, but it is always so worthwhile, for we get to see the real side of life, and love.
Whilst this may be the second in a newly numbered series, I would definitely recommend that you consider looking at the Cayuga Cougars first and ideally the Point Shot books too - so much goodness awaits you! This is the second of many, but is also a duet with book 1, Rebound, which you really need to have read first. I was lucky enough to read them back to back and it was a lovely treat.
We rejoin the Arou-Kalinski household ten years after the events of Rebound. Vic's son, Jackie Blue is still many miles away with his Mum, step-Dad and sister - but he is finding life difficult with bigoted behaviour at every school he attends. Finally things come to a point where it is best he move to Boston, even if the wrench from his darling sister and family will be hard.
As this plot is unfolding, Dan is also struggling with injury in the playoffs, and whereas in Rebound we get to hear Vic''s side of the story, now we benefit from Dan's. And poor Dan is struggling with pain, and only prescription drugs are keeping him playing. It is harrowing to watch, and so much more so when we know what Vic went through, and how strong Dan was for him. Oh be ready for some very tough times, and for, as Vic would describe him, perfect Dan, falling horribly low.
This is a really tough read, but also a very beautiful and important one. It is frightening how many innocently fall prey to the need caused by these potent drugs, and it takes a very strong person to acknowledge it.
V.L. Locey never shies away from the difficult, or the messy, but it is always so worthwhile, for we get to see the real side of life, and love.
May 14, 2020
This one just about broke me.
Final Shot is book two of the Overtime series which is about Victor and Dan who were first introduced in V.L. Locey's Point Shot Trilogy. The couple also appeared in Coach's Challenge, book three of the Cayuga Cougars series. Having said all of that I think you can read this without reading the Point Shot Trilogy or Coach's Challenge but you do need to read Rebound before you read Final Shot.
While it's not specifically stated in the book, I think this story takes place several years after the end of Rebound. Vic and Dan have been in Boston for quite a while now and things have been going great but that will soon change in this story.
Rebound was told from Victor's point of view and now Final Shot is told from his husband Dan's. Wow, this book really brought out all of the feels. The blurb lets you know that the couple are in for some really tough times but I still wasn't really prepared for everything that there was in Final Shot. It's angsty and snarky and so sad in places but V.L. Locey didn't let me down; there was a really good HEA for Dan and Victor.
There really isn't much more to say without giving away too much of the story. If you have read the previous books about Dan and Vic you absolutely don't want to miss this one. There's a fantastic teaser at the back for the next book which will be about Vic and Dan's son Jack and takes another jump in time of several years. I really can't wait to read a story that's devoted to a character as special as Jack has been in the previous books.
A 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***
Final Shot is book two of the Overtime series which is about Victor and Dan who were first introduced in V.L. Locey's Point Shot Trilogy. The couple also appeared in Coach's Challenge, book three of the Cayuga Cougars series. Having said all of that I think you can read this without reading the Point Shot Trilogy or Coach's Challenge but you do need to read Rebound before you read Final Shot.
While it's not specifically stated in the book, I think this story takes place several years after the end of Rebound. Vic and Dan have been in Boston for quite a while now and things have been going great but that will soon change in this story.
Rebound was told from Victor's point of view and now Final Shot is told from his husband Dan's. Wow, this book really brought out all of the feels. The blurb lets you know that the couple are in for some really tough times but I still wasn't really prepared for everything that there was in Final Shot. It's angsty and snarky and so sad in places but V.L. Locey didn't let me down; there was a really good HEA for Dan and Victor.
There really isn't much more to say without giving away too much of the story. If you have read the previous books about Dan and Vic you absolutely don't want to miss this one. There's a fantastic teaser at the back for the next book which will be about Vic and Dan's son Jack and takes another jump in time of several years. I really can't wait to read a story that's devoted to a character as special as Jack has been in the previous books.
A 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***
May 5, 2020
This book takes us on an emotional ride with Victor and Dan Arou-Kalinski, and their family. I have been attached to Vic and Dan from their first appearance on the page. Any and all times they are in a story, I am so happy and want more time with them. All of the previous books starring this unforgettable couple have been in Victor's POV and Final Shot gives us a real treat by looking through Dan's eyes. I cannot tell you how much I have been looking forward to knowing more about Dan's perspective. He has always been the calming force for Vic's volatile personality and seeing him lean on Victor was a circle that I needed to see completed. My total investment in these two characters made reading this book somewhat of a sweet, yet heart-rending experience. However, I will not give away any spoilers. Seeing their struggle gave me all the feels and watching how strong Victor's love is for Dan and Jack was written expertly in a believable way. I loved every moment of it, but it is not a mushy, light tale. I did smile and chuckle out loud, because ..... Victor. And loved their interaction with their neighbors Morgan and Naomi. But I also had watery eyes and hair-raising moments. There is a lot of grit in this installment and if you have been following along with the journey of Victor and Dan's love story, you will not want to miss this one!
May 13, 2020
In Final Shot, VL Locey delights in the second book in her Overtime series.
Do you love Dan, Vic, and Jack as much as I do? If so, you need to read this book NOW! These guys are so damn addicting; I wish I could read about their lives everyday.
In this book, Dan's currently dealing with an injury, and Jack is the victim of a hate crime. And, as she's done in the past, the author tells a story of addiction. Not only do we see more of the effects from Vic's issues with alcohol, but now Dan is dealing with pain killers and the easy way in which they bring someone into the haunted world of addiction.
I love these guys. They are real yet lovable, they are flawed yet intriguing, and they are inspirational in their continued support of their son Jack. Most of all, I admire them for the way they have Jack's best interests at heart. Always.
The ending of Final Shot is wonderful, and the changes for these men are impressively done. I love this VL Locey series, which is a continuation of men from Point Shot Trilogy and Coach's Challenge.
Do you love Dan, Vic, and Jack as much as I do? If so, you need to read this book NOW! These guys are so damn addicting; I wish I could read about their lives everyday.
In this book, Dan's currently dealing with an injury, and Jack is the victim of a hate crime. And, as she's done in the past, the author tells a story of addiction. Not only do we see more of the effects from Vic's issues with alcohol, but now Dan is dealing with pain killers and the easy way in which they bring someone into the haunted world of addiction.
I love these guys. They are real yet lovable, they are flawed yet intriguing, and they are inspirational in their continued support of their son Jack. Most of all, I admire them for the way they have Jack's best interests at heart. Always.
The ending of Final Shot is wonderful, and the changes for these men are impressively done. I love this VL Locey series, which is a continuation of men from Point Shot Trilogy and Coach's Challenge.
May 6, 2020
So much going is on with our guys Vic and Dan. We met them years ago. Watched them fall in love. Watched Dan help Vic with his addiction to alcohol, the birth of his son and watched them marry.
Throughout their journey they have had to deal with quite a few things. People coming back into their lives, adjustments, moves, issues to be faced.
This one was the hardest for me. Watching them going through what they do in this book. Seeing Jackie - Blue find his way, difficulties for not just Dan and Vic but others. I couldn't put this book down. I HAD to know things. I laughed, cried, got angry, fanned myself cause come on..it's Vic and Dan. I was so proud of them, which sounds weird since they are characters in a book .But for those of us who are as invested in them as we are , we need them to be ok.
A fantastic story. A must read again.
Highly recommend. CANNOT wait for Jack's love story to be told.
Throughout their journey they have had to deal with quite a few things. People coming back into their lives, adjustments, moves, issues to be faced.
This one was the hardest for me. Watching them going through what they do in this book. Seeing Jackie - Blue find his way, difficulties for not just Dan and Vic but others. I couldn't put this book down. I HAD to know things. I laughed, cried, got angry, fanned myself cause come on..it's Vic and Dan. I was so proud of them, which sounds weird since they are characters in a book .But for those of us who are as invested in them as we are , we need them to be ok.
A fantastic story. A must read again.
Highly recommend. CANNOT wait for Jack's love story to be told.
May 3, 2020
Yet another amazing book from Vicki Locey, she is definitely one of my go to authors, as she never lets me down in the reading stakes. It was great to meet Vic and Dan again, but boy does she put them through it in this story! It's an intense read.
This story was full, and I mean full, of all sorts of different emotions that pulled at my heart strings endlessly. This is more than a romance, I experienced a freight load of angst and feelings. There's also a lot of twists and turns, which I had no idea were coming, some quite a shock to the system.
Still, another great story that I couldn't put down, I loved it from the first page, and loved all the feels that I got from reading it. Highly recommended as part of a series, beginning with the Point Shot books, where you'll meet Vic and Dan from the get go.
This story was full, and I mean full, of all sorts of different emotions that pulled at my heart strings endlessly. This is more than a romance, I experienced a freight load of angst and feelings. There's also a lot of twists and turns, which I had no idea were coming, some quite a shock to the system.
Still, another great story that I couldn't put down, I loved it from the first page, and loved all the feels that I got from reading it. Highly recommended as part of a series, beginning with the Point Shot books, where you'll meet Vic and Dan from the get go.
May 5, 2020
Great 2nd book in this series! It was great to continue the saga of Vic and Dan - this story pulls a roller coaster of emotions
This book is from Dan's POV which is a nice switch as you usually read through Vic's POV. Love that you get the perspective of Dan leaning on Vic for a change instead of Dan always being the calm one in the relationship. Their struggle gives you all ranges of emotions and seeing the love between Vic and Dan is very well written.
This book can be exhausting on the emotions but is very well worth the read. Can't wait for the next installment in this series.
~~ Arc kindly provided by author for honest review ~~~
This book is from Dan's POV which is a nice switch as you usually read through Vic's POV. Love that you get the perspective of Dan leaning on Vic for a change instead of Dan always being the calm one in the relationship. Their struggle gives you all ranges of emotions and seeing the love between Vic and Dan is very well written.
This book can be exhausting on the emotions but is very well worth the read. Can't wait for the next installment in this series.
~~ Arc kindly provided by author for honest review ~~~
May 9, 2020
I always look forward to reading more about Vic and Dan. Vic and Dan haven’t had an easy road to their HEA, and this book is no exception. Dan was already struggling when tragedy strikes, affecting not just the couple, but their son, Jack, and Jack’s half-sister. Final Shot is filled with unexpected events that pull at the heartstrings. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that is well worth the ride.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy**
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy**
May 5, 2020
This is such an emotional and so amazing story. I love seeing Vic and Dan again. Their story had my emotions all over the place. V.L. Locey has put these two through it. I couldn't stop reading. There are feelings with twist and turns that made this such an amzing read.
March 24, 2022
Seven years later.... have your tissues ready. This time it's in Dan's POV.
Dan is fighting injuries and pain, Vic is coaching the LGBTQ hockey league, Jake is being bullied down south, and things are out of control.
Vic is still brash, snarky and he loves hard. Dan, 35 now, is injured and finds himself addicted to Oxycontin,
while Jackie is taking heat for his gender-bending ways and free spirit.
Vic is one strong man looking out for everyone.
Back to back issues have them all shifting and coping. Dan's pain issues are escalating, when a call comes from Louisiana that Jake is in the hospital...OMG !
We get realistic responses, brutal truth, deep care, therapy and healing. We have gut wrenching sorrow and heartwarming tenderness, too.
It's a rollercoaster for awhile and then another tragedy that rocks them all. They do what they do best, regroup, rally, stick together, and move forward to a new plan.
We learn a lot from these characters on how to be strong, face the trouble head-on and overcome.
These folks deserve some good now, it's been a drama filled past and it's time for each person to have peace and contentment, excitement for new ventures and deep loving in this family od dynamic souls.
I've loved these characters and enjoyed each story, and have watched the growth and hard core love.
Thank you V. L. Locey for the beautifully written tales from the heart.
I'll be thinking of these stories going forward.
Now, I'll be reading Jake's story, his love and success in DRAW, Overtime #3 plus BLACK TIE, Overtime #3.5, his wedding.
ENJOY !
TRIGGERS: addiction, hate crime.
=====
Dan is fighting injuries and pain, Vic is coaching the LGBTQ hockey league, Jake is being bullied down south, and things are out of control.
Vic is still brash, snarky and he loves hard. Dan, 35 now, is injured and finds himself addicted to Oxycontin,
while Jackie is taking heat for his gender-bending ways and free spirit.
Vic is one strong man looking out for everyone.
Back to back issues have them all shifting and coping. Dan's pain issues are escalating, when a call comes from Louisiana that Jake is in the hospital...OMG !
We get realistic responses, brutal truth, deep care, therapy and healing. We have gut wrenching sorrow and heartwarming tenderness, too.
It's a rollercoaster for awhile and then another tragedy that rocks them all. They do what they do best, regroup, rally, stick together, and move forward to a new plan.
We learn a lot from these characters on how to be strong, face the trouble head-on and overcome.
These folks deserve some good now, it's been a drama filled past and it's time for each person to have peace and contentment, excitement for new ventures and deep loving in this family od dynamic souls.
I've loved these characters and enjoyed each story, and have watched the growth and hard core love.
Thank you V. L. Locey for the beautifully written tales from the heart.
I'll be thinking of these stories going forward.
Now, I'll be reading Jake's story, his love and success in DRAW, Overtime #3 plus BLACK TIE, Overtime #3.5, his wedding.
ENJOY !
TRIGGERS: addiction, hate crime.
=====
October 7, 2020
3.5 stars
Liked it but book 1 was lightyears better than it. It's not the writing or the plot or the characters, it's simply Vic's pov was way more entertaining than Dan's.
Liked it but book 1 was lightyears better than it. It's not the writing or the plot or the characters, it's simply Vic's pov was way more entertaining than Dan's.
May 10, 2020
Final Shot, the second book in V.L Locey's Overtime series is, in a word, wonderful.
I have so much love for these amazing characters, Vic and Dan, that I'm going to have to make sure that I try to contain this review! Vic and Dan's story starts back in the Point Shot trilogy, which was incidentally my first experience of V.L Locey and made me catch the MM Hockey Romance bug. (So much love, too much love? I don't know.)
Diving straight into Final Shot if you're not already familiar with these characters is impossible. Victor Kalinski and Dan Arou-Kaliniski have a very rich and deep background, which a first time reader starting one the fifth book of their story is going to completely miss. For one thing, Vic has mellowed a lot since he first met Dan. He's had his fair share of issues from day dot, but Dan has helped given him an even keel. I remember my first reaction to Vic in the Point Shot trilogy was amazement. Here is a character that on the surface seems thoroughly unlikable - the type you would love to hate. But no. Instead, much like Dan, I found myself falling in love with the man dubbed the Venomous Pole.
While Dan has also changed a lot, his characters changes and depths are much more subtle. That being said, Final Shot is more so Dan's story and his time to struggle - both his inner demons and the every day struggles of the little family and the life that he and Vic have together. In fact, it's really nice to see the shoe on the other foot, where Dan is now very much human and flawed, but now it is Vic, using the lessons that he has learnt in the past, helping Dan.
I love seeing the depth of the relationship and the team work displayed when not only does Dan go through a health scare, but they also need to deal with the emotional needs of their son after a number of horrible events rock the pre-teen's life (Vic's son biologically, see book 2 of the Point Shot trilogy, Game Misconduct).
I'm going to leave it there, because spoilers and I could go on forever how much I love these guys. This is totally and wonderfully relatable story of a well-established and well-loved MM hockey romance. I can't wait for the next instalment in this trilogy!
I have so much love for these amazing characters, Vic and Dan, that I'm going to have to make sure that I try to contain this review! Vic and Dan's story starts back in the Point Shot trilogy, which was incidentally my first experience of V.L Locey and made me catch the MM Hockey Romance bug. (So much love, too much love? I don't know.)
Diving straight into Final Shot if you're not already familiar with these characters is impossible. Victor Kalinski and Dan Arou-Kaliniski have a very rich and deep background, which a first time reader starting one the fifth book of their story is going to completely miss. For one thing, Vic has mellowed a lot since he first met Dan. He's had his fair share of issues from day dot, but Dan has helped given him an even keel. I remember my first reaction to Vic in the Point Shot trilogy was amazement. Here is a character that on the surface seems thoroughly unlikable - the type you would love to hate. But no. Instead, much like Dan, I found myself falling in love with the man dubbed the Venomous Pole.
While Dan has also changed a lot, his characters changes and depths are much more subtle. That being said, Final Shot is more so Dan's story and his time to struggle - both his inner demons and the every day struggles of the little family and the life that he and Vic have together. In fact, it's really nice to see the shoe on the other foot, where Dan is now very much human and flawed, but now it is Vic, using the lessons that he has learnt in the past, helping Dan.
I love seeing the depth of the relationship and the team work displayed when not only does Dan go through a health scare, but they also need to deal with the emotional needs of their son after a number of horrible events rock the pre-teen's life (Vic's son biologically, see book 2 of the Point Shot trilogy, Game Misconduct).
I'm going to leave it there, because spoilers and I could go on forever how much I love these guys. This is totally and wonderfully relatable story of a well-established and well-loved MM hockey romance. I can't wait for the next instalment in this trilogy!
May 12, 2020
VL Locey is one of my auto-buy authors. So usually all anyone hears around my house is how much I love her writing, her characters, her collaborations, her way with snarky dialogue.
So, at 2 am when I was talking about writing a strongly worded email to Ms. Locey, loudly, my sleepy spouse turned over and said, “she had (wrong character name) do what?”. I realized I’d fully embraced the roller coaster that was this book.
She grabbed me by my feels and twisted and squeezed them all. She had something happen that I strongly disagreed with but made it turn out ok, only to make something else unforgivable happen.
Through it all, Vic was his delightful snarky self. I mean, he’s a guy you miss when he’s not around. And his love for Dan is epic. Which this book more than proved.
I cannot wait for Overtime #3, Jackie Blue’s story. But it may take me until it’s release to finish processing all the amazing content of Final Shot.
So, at 2 am when I was talking about writing a strongly worded email to Ms. Locey, loudly, my sleepy spouse turned over and said, “she had (wrong character name) do what?”. I realized I’d fully embraced the roller coaster that was this book.
She grabbed me by my feels and twisted and squeezed them all. She had something happen that I strongly disagreed with but made it turn out ok, only to make something else unforgivable happen.
Through it all, Vic was his delightful snarky self. I mean, he’s a guy you miss when he’s not around. And his love for Dan is epic. Which this book more than proved.
I cannot wait for Overtime #3, Jackie Blue’s story. But it may take me until it’s release to finish processing all the amazing content of Final Shot.
Read
November 2, 2021An Amazing, Remarkable Love Story and Series
Rating:4.75🌈
Two of the most complicated men and one of V.L.Locey’s most deeply complex couples is that of the Arou-Kalinski hockey romance. It’s now spanned two , maybe more series, as these characters are too large, too dynamic to be contained within just one series.
They also required their own short series to see their family together facing emotional battles and physical struggles. Rebound was Victor’s book. Final Shot is Dan’s story.
While it seems that the issues stems from Dan’s injuries, his growing dependency on opioids, and his addiction, the strength of the story much like that of the couple’s relationship comes from the fact that it’s still very much a Dan and Vic love story.
They don’t work without each other. Whether it’s facing the enormity of addiction, the battles of withdrawal, the fears of admitting that you’re an addict to yourself, family, friends and organization, that your grounding, your support is always there is evidenced here by this couple in every way.
It was with Vic’s alcohol abuse, and now with Dan’s opioid addiction. The struggles with their injuries and daily pain is portrayed realistically and heartfelt.
The other heart rendered elements, that of their son Jackie Blue, a genderqueer teen who went to live with his mother and her new husband, is painfully on point for these times.
That it’s layered on top of issues already needing to be dealt with seems about right as well. Things have a way of doing that. Complications always seem to pile up, not the other way around. No matter how much we wish it would.
Locey has written an amazing story of addiction, bullying, loss, recovery, family, and love.
It’s really remarkable. As is the Arou-Kalinski family at its heart.
You don’t need to have read the other series to appreciate this one, though it helps.
Read the Overtime series in the order it’s written. You’re going to love each and every book.
Rating:4.75🌈
Two of the most complicated men and one of V.L.Locey’s most deeply complex couples is that of the Arou-Kalinski hockey romance. It’s now spanned two , maybe more series, as these characters are too large, too dynamic to be contained within just one series.
They also required their own short series to see their family together facing emotional battles and physical struggles. Rebound was Victor’s book. Final Shot is Dan’s story.
While it seems that the issues stems from Dan’s injuries, his growing dependency on opioids, and his addiction, the strength of the story much like that of the couple’s relationship comes from the fact that it’s still very much a Dan and Vic love story.
They don’t work without each other. Whether it’s facing the enormity of addiction, the battles of withdrawal, the fears of admitting that you’re an addict to yourself, family, friends and organization, that your grounding, your support is always there is evidenced here by this couple in every way.
It was with Vic’s alcohol abuse, and now with Dan’s opioid addiction. The struggles with their injuries and daily pain is portrayed realistically and heartfelt.
The other heart rendered elements, that of their son Jackie Blue, a genderqueer teen who went to live with his mother and her new husband, is painfully on point for these times.
That it’s layered on top of issues already needing to be dealt with seems about right as well. Things have a way of doing that. Complications always seem to pile up, not the other way around. No matter how much we wish it would.
Locey has written an amazing story of addiction, bullying, loss, recovery, family, and love.
It’s really remarkable. As is the Arou-Kalinski family at its heart.
You don’t need to have read the other series to appreciate this one, though it helps.
Read the Overtime series in the order it’s written. You’re going to love each and every book.
September 1, 2024
I expected nothing that happened in this book. First, getting Dan’s POV in the final book of a series we spent following Vic was a surprise, but I really liked it. Through Vic’s eyes, we saw Dan as this sweet angelic amazing man with a temper sometimes, which he is, but reading Dan’s side showed us more. This is set 8 years after the events of Rebound, and Dan is struggling with painkillers addiction but he is i denial. This and all the years we have skipped shows us a different man. I like the whole discussion of him having thought for years he was stronger than Vic because he had never had to fight addiction, and that was humbling, I felt like they needed this. I love him and Vic so so much. Then, there were some stuff I didn’t love, namely the way the kids were handled in this. Jack, their genderqueer son, is moving with them after suffering serious and violent bullying in Louisiana. This sets off a chain of events who ends up with… Heather and Brooks (Jack’s mom and stepdad) DYING IN A FREAK ACCIDENT?? This was so odd and felt like a way to give Vic and Dan their son back easily plus a kid who does love hockey. It feels like it was more about reaching a happy ending for them than anything else and it pissed me off lol.
Still rating this a 3 because this series was an odd one, I didn’t love any of the books but I am insanely attached to Vic and Dan. I read that next book is about Jack’s romance with a hockey players 25 years older than him, and as an age gap hater, I don’t want anything to do with it, but as a mentally insane girlie, I might just give it a try…
Still rating this a 3 because this series was an odd one, I didn’t love any of the books but I am insanely attached to Vic and Dan. I read that next book is about Jack’s romance with a hockey players 25 years older than him, and as an age gap hater, I don’t want anything to do with it, but as a mentally insane girlie, I might just give it a try…
May 9, 2020
OMG FINALLY!!!
I have long wondered what kind of a man would fall in love with the Acidic Rough Pole from hell!!
VLL normally writes in 1st POV, so it can be limiting to get the full scope on a relationship. Do Not Mistake Me...being in Vic's head is a complete gigglefest. Dan has been Vic's nice to see him and how he feels about things.
Dan's addiction was well done. You felt like it could happen to anyone, especially pro athletes. The rest (Jackie, Heather..) was a very nasty shock that had no lead up. Thats ok because VLL handles it and gave me the sniffles during.
VLL touches on current issues: gender equality, southern attitudes towards same, southern attitudes in general, hate crimes, and rights of the non conformity.
Great book..Draw-Jackies May/Dec relationship- is next & Im a little squimish about it...
I have long wondered what kind of a man would fall in love with the Acidic Rough Pole from hell!!
VLL normally writes in 1st POV, so it can be limiting to get the full scope on a relationship. Do Not Mistake Me...being in Vic's head is a complete gigglefest. Dan has been Vic's nice to see him and how he feels about things.
Dan's addiction was well done. You felt like it could happen to anyone, especially pro athletes. The rest (Jackie, Heather..) was a very nasty shock that had no lead up. Thats ok because VLL handles it and gave me the sniffles during.
VLL touches on current issues: gender equality, southern attitudes towards same, southern attitudes in general, hate crimes, and rights of the non conformity.
Great book..Draw-Jackies May/Dec relationship- is next & Im a little squimish about it...
September 16, 2020
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
Another book for Dan and Vic, I think this makes three and I'm not mad at this fact. I am actually the opposite this time, but it's for a different reason. Most authors that have the MCs in several books it's more than likely a back and forth drama of break up and make up, with Dan and Vic it has always been about their life changes, Vic having to leave hockey, the guys moving to Boston, those types of things. We get Dan's POV for this story, and we get to see where the guys are now in their life, the ups and the downs and just how awesome as a couple they still are.
This blurb gives us nothing, just lets us know that something is about to happen. We get some really good drama, nice naughty bits, and a few heart melting moments; I give this 4 stars.
(4 stars)
Another book for Dan and Vic, I think this makes three and I'm not mad at this fact. I am actually the opposite this time, but it's for a different reason. Most authors that have the MCs in several books it's more than likely a back and forth drama of break up and make up, with Dan and Vic it has always been about their life changes, Vic having to leave hockey, the guys moving to Boston, those types of things. We get Dan's POV for this story, and we get to see where the guys are now in their life, the ups and the downs and just how awesome as a couple they still are.
This blurb gives us nothing, just lets us know that something is about to happen. We get some really good drama, nice naughty bits, and a few heart melting moments; I give this 4 stars.
May 10, 2020
Dan and Vic have been together for several years. Their relationship better be strong because life is getting ready kick the hockey puck out of them.
This is an emotional, heavy story, but...with Dan and Vic even the pathos has light moments. It deals with very serious issues but didn’t bog down. I loved it from first word to last. There is no world in which Dan Arou and Victor Kalinsky wouldn’t be welcome. Hockey really takes second place to family in this book.
And I can’t forget Jackie Blue. Him and Brandy-Jo are perfect. Jack asks, “What’s wrong with being light and gender bendery?” Absolutely nothing!
This is an emotional, heavy story, but...with Dan and Vic even the pathos has light moments. It deals with very serious issues but didn’t bog down. I loved it from first word to last. There is no world in which Dan Arou and Victor Kalinsky wouldn’t be welcome. Hockey really takes second place to family in this book.
And I can’t forget Jackie Blue. Him and Brandy-Jo are perfect. Jack asks, “What’s wrong with being light and gender bendery?” Absolutely nothing!
May 19, 2020
Welcome update tacking difficult issues
I love the continuation of Dan & Victor's story where there is more about Jack and now his little sister. Their story isn't perfect, it's real, and the problems Dan faces in his career are sadly commonplace but only just rising to the public awareness. I never saw the twist coming and shed many a tear for the unexpected loss. I am fascinated by Jack, nevertheless anyone like him, and so many times want to tell him how amazing and beautiful he is. I'm thrilled his story is next although he'll be grown up then and that's almost a shame (and life). Kudos on another great book.
I love the continuation of Dan & Victor's story where there is more about Jack and now his little sister. Their story isn't perfect, it's real, and the problems Dan faces in his career are sadly commonplace but only just rising to the public awareness. I never saw the twist coming and shed many a tear for the unexpected loss. I am fascinated by Jack, nevertheless anyone like him, and so many times want to tell him how amazing and beautiful he is. I'm thrilled his story is next although he'll be grown up then and that's almost a shame (and life). Kudos on another great book.
December 8, 2024
Love is pain but secrets k!ll
After we met Victor Kalinski we fell in love with his harsh abrasive side. We also met Dan Arou his number one in his life his husband. But we never got to know who Dan was behind Vic. He came off as sweet, kind and able to keep Vic in line. But we find out in his book (finally) the secrets he has kept and how it almost destroyed him. We soon find that instead of Dan keeping Vic afloat it is Vic that steps in to keep Dan afloat and we see that just like Vic, Dan had his own demons to fight. Final Shot shows just how great Vic and Dan are as a couple and that even when the hits keep coming they find ways to manage it all.
After we met Victor Kalinski we fell in love with his harsh abrasive side. We also met Dan Arou his number one in his life his husband. But we never got to know who Dan was behind Vic. He came off as sweet, kind and able to keep Vic in line. But we find out in his book (finally) the secrets he has kept and how it almost destroyed him. We soon find that instead of Dan keeping Vic afloat it is Vic that steps in to keep Dan afloat and we see that just like Vic, Dan had his own demons to fight. Final Shot shows just how great Vic and Dan are as a couple and that even when the hits keep coming they find ways to manage it all.
May 7, 2020
What an emotional roller coaster Final Shot is! I laughed, ugly cried (more than once), happy cried, got mad and so much more! Life has certainly not been a bed of roses for Vic and Dan. Through it all the one constant is their love for each other and family. They will need this to see them through some dark and difficult times. I loved seeing the growth and evolution of this couple. They are each other's anchor in life and never give up on each other. Having Jackie Blue come to live with them completes this family in the best way possible. This is a must read!
December 20, 2020
Seven long years have passed since Rebound.
Told through the eyes of Dan Arou-Kalinski, you could say this is Dan's story, or maybe its Dan and Victor's story, or the story of the three Arou-Kalinski men, Dan, Victor and their 12 year old son, Rickie Blue.
Dealing with tough issues as addiction, bullying, assault, death and loss. This is also a story about, redemption, love, forgiveness and acceptance.
Well written and beautifully put together, a stirring manifesto of the human condition.
Told through the eyes of Dan Arou-Kalinski, you could say this is Dan's story, or maybe its Dan and Victor's story, or the story of the three Arou-Kalinski men, Dan, Victor and their 12 year old son, Rickie Blue.
Dealing with tough issues as addiction, bullying, assault, death and loss. This is also a story about, redemption, love, forgiveness and acceptance.
Well written and beautifully put together, a stirring manifesto of the human condition.
May 11, 2020
Dan and Victor book is very emotional, a lot of angst, and they are dealing with a lot of issues that we see from Dan's point of view. They are dealing with Dan's addictions, their son problems and having him coming to live with them, and other family members not accepting their relationship. There will be a lot of support from their team and each other. It's another great book from Vl Locey.
May 13, 2020
A beautiful book! It's the first one narrated by Dan, which was an interesting change, and gave a deeper understanding of him. I liked it a lot, even if I missed Vic's voice. And the plot! It's the kind of book you can hardly put down, because the characters face one event after another, to the point in which you cannot leave it be. I loved it. I can't wait to read the next book coming!
June 15, 2020
I love Vic and Dan and knew this would be great, but didn't expect such an emotional impact. I should have, based on my reactions to the other books with these guys.
I would have liked to see another book before this one - even a novella - touching on Dan's prior injuries, Vic's job, and time spent with Jack. Anything to spend more time with these guys, but more background would have been nice.
I would have liked to see another book before this one - even a novella - touching on Dan's prior injuries, Vic's job, and time spent with Jack. Anything to spend more time with these guys, but more background would have been nice.
May 6, 2020
Holy Moly! I have no words for this story. Victor and Dan have been through so much together and the things they encounter here are heartbreaking.. Will their marriage be strong enough to weather these storms?
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