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Stick Side #related
The Play of His Life
The last person Christian wants to run into on a visit home to spend time with his mom over the holidays is his former best friend-turned-lover-turned-ex. But there Riley is, in all his tall, chiseled, blondness. The same guy who walked out on him six years ago, breaking his heart in the process. Who knew he's still in love with the jerk?
Two years ago, Riley was injured out of the NHL, but he's got his own bakery now and a quiet life selling quiches and cupcakes to his customers. Then Christian unexpectedly walks back into his life, forcing Riley to question his choices. Especially that one choice he made six years ago that walked him out of Christian's life. Now if only he had the courage to tell a boy how he really feels about him...
The Play of His Life was originally published in 2017. This updated version has a brand new cover, but very little new content aside from grammar and typo updates and the addition of the bonus epilogue that was originally available via subscription to Amy's newsletter.
Two years ago, Riley was injured out of the NHL, but he's got his own bakery now and a quiet life selling quiches and cupcakes to his customers. Then Christian unexpectedly walks back into his life, forcing Riley to question his choices. Especially that one choice he made six years ago that walked him out of Christian's life. Now if only he had the courage to tell a boy how he really feels about him...
The Play of His Life was originally published in 2017. This updated version has a brand new cover, but very little new content aside from grammar and typo updates and the addition of the bonus epilogue that was originally available via subscription to Amy's newsletter.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2017
83 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Amy Aislin
38 books917 followersAmy's lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she's read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she's been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn't at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada's largest environmental non-profit.
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
November 25, 2025
Re-read 11/2025.
My first holiday read of the season.
This year I started with one of my most loved comfort reads, one of my trusted happy places, Christian and Riley's second chance romance.
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Re-read 03/2025 because it seems these days every new book is disappointing, so I'm sticking to rereads of my favourites for a bit.
What can I say?
I just love Christian and Riley so, so much. This is a simple yet heartwarming story, there's no angst or drama, just adults figuring out that they still love each other.
The perfect second chance novella, really.
I seems my secret kink is adults behaving like adults. And hugging. Yeah that one definitely, too
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Re-read 12/2024.
Love this heart warming comfort - holiday - read so much.
Their hug at the start of the book is maybe my favourite part. Awesome.
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Re-read 02/2024
I needed a short comfort read and this was perfect.
Love Riley and Christian, how much they care for each other, how strong their connection is.
The novella is maybe not perfect, but it's making me smile. I love it.
ps I appreciate when MCs are "allowed" to cry when they are sad. Usually authors have the strange conviction that nobody should see grown men cry, that they have to keep their tears to themselves until they are alone. And that's just dumb.
Christian was sad and cried, and the story just continued. Awesome.
4,5 stars.
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Read 12/2023
5 stars, because this was the perfect book for me and my current reading mood.
The story started in an awesome way: the first time Christian meets Ryan, his former best friend-turned-lover-turned-ex after 6 years, they... HUG.
No ugly words or petty behavior, but mutual comfort-seeking.
And the story continued as lovely and I enjoyed every moment of it.
I didn't care who was to blame for their breakup years ago, because they both didn't hold grudges as they reconnected.
I felt how much they still loved each other and cared for each other.
This novella isn't for everyone because there is no drama, no angst. Just two adults figuring out how to stay together.
There's some lack of communication but the author's writing skills made the storyline feel smooth and real.
My first holiday read of the season.
This year I started with one of my most loved comfort reads, one of my trusted happy places, Christian and Riley's second chance romance.
----------------
Re-read 03/2025 because it seems these days every new book is disappointing, so I'm sticking to rereads of my favourites for a bit.
What can I say?
I just love Christian and Riley so, so much. This is a simple yet heartwarming story, there's no angst or drama, just adults figuring out that they still love each other.
The perfect second chance novella, really.
I seems my secret kink is adults behaving like adults. And hugging. Yeah that one definitely, too
---------------------
Re-read 12/2024.
Love this heart warming comfort - holiday - read so much.
Their hug at the start of the book is maybe my favourite part. Awesome.
-----------
Re-read 02/2024
I needed a short comfort read and this was perfect.
Love Riley and Christian, how much they care for each other, how strong their connection is.
The novella is maybe not perfect, but it's making me smile. I love it.
ps I appreciate when MCs are "allowed" to cry when they are sad. Usually authors have the strange conviction that nobody should see grown men cry, that they have to keep their tears to themselves until they are alone. And that's just dumb.
Christian was sad and cried, and the story just continued. Awesome.
4,5 stars.
-----------------
Read 12/2023
5 stars, because this was the perfect book for me and my current reading mood.
The story started in an awesome way: the first time Christian meets Ryan, his former best friend-turned-lover-turned-ex after 6 years, they... HUG.
No ugly words or petty behavior, but mutual comfort-seeking.
And the story continued as lovely and I enjoyed every moment of it.
I didn't care who was to blame for their breakup years ago, because they both didn't hold grudges as they reconnected.
I felt how much they still loved each other and cared for each other.
This novella isn't for everyone because there is no drama, no angst. Just two adults figuring out how to stay together.
There's some lack of communication but the author's writing skills made the storyline feel smooth and real.
October 23, 2021
Riley had always meant home and belonging and safety.
this novella was just pure soulmate energy and was the perfect lazy read for today🥰
despite them being apart for six years:
✨Christian bought Christmas and birthday presents for Riley every year, wrapped them, and kept them all hidden away in his house.
✨Christian made a scrapbook of Riley’s entire hockey career and went to all of his games even though Riley didn’t know.
✨Christian got Riley’s jersey number tattooed on his wrist.
✨Riley wore a necklace that’s Christian’s nickname with his name engraved on the back the whole time they weren’t together.
✨Riley bought Christian a matching necklace all those years ago and kept it until he could finally give it to Christian.
Christian held his face in his hands, swiping his thumbs against Riley’s cheeks. Riley’s hands clenched on Christian’s waist, holding him tighter. Neither of them wanting to let go.
April 14, 2020
*3.5 stars*
An agreeable, sexy and low-angst “second-chance” MM Romance : a nice read that brought me some comfort.
Riley and Christian, as kids, were neighbors and friends and then lovers. But eventually, they went apart...miscommunication, insecurities with the burden of long-distance relationships won over their love.
Several years after, Christian and Riley meet again : they are both at another stage of their life and career, but the bond between them hasn’t faltered a bit. A lot for them to process and to deal with during Christmas.
Riley and Christian are touching characters, they have some fun moments, some tender moments, some sexy moments, some frustrating “not saying how I feel” moments. The pace of their “second-chance" to an HEA and a Canadian flavor were to my liking.
A pleasant, down-to-earth romance just like I enjoy when I’m in the mood for that.
ARC of “The Play of His Life” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
An agreeable, sexy and low-angst “second-chance” MM Romance : a nice read that brought me some comfort.
Riley and Christian, as kids, were neighbors and friends and then lovers. But eventually, they went apart...miscommunication, insecurities with the burden of long-distance relationships won over their love.
Several years after, Christian and Riley meet again : they are both at another stage of their life and career, but the bond between them hasn’t faltered a bit. A lot for them to process and to deal with during Christmas.
Riley and Christian are touching characters, they have some fun moments, some tender moments, some sexy moments, some frustrating “not saying how I feel” moments. The pace of their “second-chance" to an HEA and a Canadian flavor were to my liking.
A pleasant, down-to-earth romance just like I enjoy when I’m in the mood for that.
ARC of “The Play of His Life” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2021
4.5 fluff and feelings stars
AWWW 🥺
It was so sweet, I can't- I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. It was low-angst, with endearing characters and a lot of emotional moments.
Riley and Christian were so cute together. The inner dialogues made me fall in love with them. There was so much hope about getting their relationship rolling again, but hurt feelings and insecurities were inevitable. I loved the fact we knew for the very beginning they were still in love with each other. It made every instant of their rekindling story so much more meaningful!
And all these incredibly sweet revelations 💕 The story didn't seem extraordinarily special at first, but with those, it reached another level. It broke my heart and mended it back again everytime. They showed us how much Riley and Christian meant to each other, even after they separated. Talk about soulmates!
Around 80%, I got scared - for real! Amy Aislin knows how to play with my feelings. I directly fell into the trap. That's how much I got invested in our couple's story 🤣
AWWW 🥺
It was so sweet, I can't- I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. It was low-angst, with endearing characters and a lot of emotional moments.
Riley and Christian were so cute together. The inner dialogues made me fall in love with them. There was so much hope about getting their relationship rolling again, but hurt feelings and insecurities were inevitable. I loved the fact we knew for the very beginning they were still in love with each other. It made every instant of their rekindling story so much more meaningful!
And all these incredibly sweet revelations 💕 The story didn't seem extraordinarily special at first, but with those, it reached another level. It broke my heart and mended it back again everytime. They showed us how much Riley and Christian meant to each other, even after they separated. Talk about soulmates!
Around 80%, I got scared - for real! Amy Aislin knows how to play with my feelings. I directly fell into the trap. That's how much I got invested in our couple's story 🤣
April 20, 2020
4,5 stars Riley and Christian
Ahhh these guys, so much hurt and regret and so much love. Kind, warm-hearted men who deserved everything!
They were best friends from when they were seven, growing up they became lovers and even though there was a strong loving bond, circumstances broke their relationship.
Six years later they stand face to face. Somehow their strong bond never faded, read yourself how wonderful this all is about.
A heartwarming story, full of lovely moments, adoration. There are questions without answers, unexplained actions, there is the pain of past time.
So many little gestures showed that love never faded, that there was always space for the other, even with six years and many miles between them, very emotional!
There is a funny thing running through this story which pops up now and then, so lovely!
Very engaging characters with a strong physical attraction, both with a positive vibe, clear and honest.
This was a kindly written story, the look we get of their minds and past was enlightening.
Ahhh these guys, so much hurt and regret and so much love. Kind, warm-hearted men who deserved everything!
They were best friends from when they were seven, growing up they became lovers and even though there was a strong loving bond, circumstances broke their relationship.
Six years later they stand face to face. Somehow their strong bond never faded, read yourself how wonderful this all is about.
A heartwarming story, full of lovely moments, adoration. There are questions without answers, unexplained actions, there is the pain of past time.
So many little gestures showed that love never faded, that there was always space for the other, even with six years and many miles between them, very emotional!
There is a funny thing running through this story which pops up now and then, so lovely!
Very engaging characters with a strong physical attraction, both with a positive vibe, clear and honest.
This was a kindly written story, the look we get of their minds and past was enlightening.
December 9, 2021
A lovely little snippet of Riley and Christian's reunion
3.5*
I really enjoyed this shorter novella in the Stick Side series from Amy.
It also made me chuckle as it's one of those stories which would have been over in the first chapter IF they'd just had a conversation 😂
Of course, the fact they didn't is what drives the mild angsting and the super sweet and sexy narrative of them finding their way back together.
Loved seeing Alex and Mitch again, loved the setting and small town vibes, loved the emotion of the two men refinding their way together.
3.5*
I really enjoyed this shorter novella in the Stick Side series from Amy.
It also made me chuckle as it's one of those stories which would have been over in the first chapter IF they'd just had a conversation 😂
Of course, the fact they didn't is what drives the mild angsting and the super sweet and sexy narrative of them finding their way back together.
Loved seeing Alex and Mitch again, loved the setting and small town vibes, loved the emotion of the two men refinding their way together.
January 17, 2022
Beautiful.
April 28, 2017
El trope de antiguos amantes que han roto y se reencuentran me encanta, no es un secreto, sin embargo, siento decir que esta novela no ha cumplido ni una sola de mis expectativas (que no eran altas, ojo, novelas así son mi equivalente a regalarme un caramelo). La narración me ha resultado incómoda, los pov se mezclan de vez en cuando, no se si es un autor novel o no, pero hay cosas que se solucionan con un buen beteo. Por último, y hago "spoiler" : la premisa del libro se basa en que Christian, que visita a su madre por Navidad es enviado por ésta a una panadería que no conoce, cuyo dueño es su ex, que le ha abandonado seis años antes después de echarle un polvo la noche del entierro de su padre para luego largarse. Porqué una madre haría de mariliendres para un tío así se me escapa, pero lo peor es que al final del libro, en una escena, Riley repasa con otra metomentodo el libro de recortes que Christian le ha hecho a lo largo de los años y se habla de que incluso hay un recorte de periódico en el que se trata de la apertura de la panadería, semejante error de continuidad en una novela de 152 páginas es, en mi opinión, inexcusable. Lo siento, no me gusta ser tan dura, pero Wtf. Acabo con dos palabras: para olvidar:'(
August 16, 2021
I’m glad I Picked This One
The angst was low, the MC’s sweet, the internal dialogue hilarious…. Honestly, what more can you ask for in a romance?
I don’t usually read second-chance romances but I love, when I do, when they’re as satisfying as this one was. Christian and Riley had their issues to work through, and, even though lack of communication broke them up the first time, they don’t let it get them again. They complemented each other so well.
Also, Christian’s hangup about ghosts was hilarious but at the same time pretty relatable. I’d recommend this one. Especially if you’ve read this author before. She’s becoming a new favorite for drama-free, sweet romances.
The angst was low, the MC’s sweet, the internal dialogue hilarious…. Honestly, what more can you ask for in a romance?
I don’t usually read second-chance romances but I love, when I do, when they’re as satisfying as this one was. Christian and Riley had their issues to work through, and, even though lack of communication broke them up the first time, they don’t let it get them again. They complemented each other so well.
Also, Christian’s hangup about ghosts was hilarious but at the same time pretty relatable. I’d recommend this one. Especially if you’ve read this author before. She’s becoming a new favorite for drama-free, sweet romances.
March 5, 2025
in my second chance romance reading era and this one had me awwww-ing so bad. Riley and Christian were so adorable and hot and oh so adorable
May 1, 2020
4.5 stars. So many emotions for Riley and Christian. I love hockey. I love books set in Canada (I’m Canadian). I love second chance romances. This was near perfect.
Such a beautiful love story, it had me nearly in tears. They met when they were 7, became best friends, fell in love in high school, and then embarked on a long distance relationship in college while Riley followed his hockey dream. They broke up, and heartbreak and misunderstandings led to six years without seeing each other. My heart broke with theirs. Young love really gets me. When they reconnect, it’s clear they still care deeply for each other, and they fall back into it over Christmas break. But Christian still lives in Vancouver and Riley lives in Ontario and they already broke each other’s hearts years ago...
I loved the ending. Loved the sex scenes. Loved the intense emotions they still had for each other after all those years. The only reason this isn’t 5 stars for me is that not much actually happens during the book other than them getting back together. It’s all about the love story, and that’s fine.
Such a beautiful love story, it had me nearly in tears. They met when they were 7, became best friends, fell in love in high school, and then embarked on a long distance relationship in college while Riley followed his hockey dream. They broke up, and heartbreak and misunderstandings led to six years without seeing each other. My heart broke with theirs. Young love really gets me. When they reconnect, it’s clear they still care deeply for each other, and they fall back into it over Christmas break. But Christian still lives in Vancouver and Riley lives in Ontario and they already broke each other’s hearts years ago...
I loved the ending. Loved the sex scenes. Loved the intense emotions they still had for each other after all those years. The only reason this isn’t 5 stars for me is that not much actually happens during the book other than them getting back together. It’s all about the love story, and that’s fine.
April 28, 2019
This book was just delightfully sweet, and I totally enjoyed it. I love second chance stories, and this one hit all my buttons. Riley and Christian just fit, and apparently they have since they were kids. I also found the story just really swoon worthy, the kind of story that just tugs on all my romance heartstrings. Highly recommended for people who love just a good romance with little to no angst.
January 5, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This was a short, sweet, low angst story, and I enjoyed it. Christian and Riley are cute, and they made me smile. Their chemistry was obvious, and they fit well together. I particularly liked Riley. In fact, even though there wasn’t much time for too much character development, Riley was pretty well fleshed out…just a little more than Christian. The boys made me laugh more than once, and I appreciated that. Also, they were very sexy together. Since they’d been lovers before, they were able to fall back into their sexual relationship nicely, and that sexual relationship is hot! The sex scenes were full of fun and laughter (as all good sex should be), but there was no doubt, Christian and Riley were really into each other.
Throughout the story, we get glimpses of what went on to cause their break up. Riley went away for hockey camp in Colorado, and he got the opportunity to get some intensive training, so he just stayed. They tried the long distance thing, but Christian couldn’t handle it, and he didn’t want to get in the way of Riley’s career. The whole thing was sad, and I felt bad for them. Still, The Play of His Life was relatively low angst, and I felt that fit a book that takes place during the Christmas season.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This was a short, sweet, low angst story, and I enjoyed it. Christian and Riley are cute, and they made me smile. Their chemistry was obvious, and they fit well together. I particularly liked Riley. In fact, even though there wasn’t much time for too much character development, Riley was pretty well fleshed out…just a little more than Christian. The boys made me laugh more than once, and I appreciated that. Also, they were very sexy together. Since they’d been lovers before, they were able to fall back into their sexual relationship nicely, and that sexual relationship is hot! The sex scenes were full of fun and laughter (as all good sex should be), but there was no doubt, Christian and Riley were really into each other.
Throughout the story, we get glimpses of what went on to cause their break up. Riley went away for hockey camp in Colorado, and he got the opportunity to get some intensive training, so he just stayed. They tried the long distance thing, but Christian couldn’t handle it, and he didn’t want to get in the way of Riley’s career. The whole thing was sad, and I felt bad for them. Still, The Play of His Life was relatively low angst, and I felt that fit a book that takes place during the Christmas season.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
nope
April 30, 2017The blurb was very interesting, therefore I put it on my wish list. I was on the verge of preordering it, when I saw the possibility of reading a sample on amazon. So, downloaded and just now I tried it and have to say: thanks, amazon, for saving me some $. The writing style got on my nerves during the first few pages and it was already clear that this would have been a DNF.
Sadly there was only one other review so far and in Spanish - I am curious what was mentioned there.
Sadly there was only one other review so far and in Spanish - I am curious what was mentioned there.
April 11, 2020
[I received a digital copy for an honest review]
The Play of His Life by Amy Aislin is being re-released with a new cover and the inclusion of a bonus episode not in the original.
This is a second chance romance between two best friends, Riley and Christian. They were each others first in everything from first kisses and first dates to so much more. Their inability to communicate caused their break up and both of them refusing to speak directly resulted in them not seeing each other for six years. Home for Christmas, Christian finds himself in front of Riley and discovers that neither of them ever stopped caring. As they reunite and reacquaint themselves with each other body, mind and heart, history might repeat itself if they can't speak their minds.
"The friendship they'd left behind. Behind, but never forgotten and always treasured."
Amy Aislin gives us two charming characters whose emotional connection is intense. Riley and Christian are so sweet and love so deeply but OH MY GOD they are both kings of assuming and I wanted to smack them both up side the head. Miscommunication for the win lol In all honesty though they were precious together and their intimacy scenes were hot hot hot.
"I never meant for you to feel like that," Riley whispered ." Like you weren't important to me. You were. You are. You've always been the most important person in my life. Always."
If you're looking for a sweet MM romance than The Play of His Life is the book for you.
The Play of His Life by Amy Aislin is being re-released with a new cover and the inclusion of a bonus episode not in the original.
This is a second chance romance between two best friends, Riley and Christian. They were each others first in everything from first kisses and first dates to so much more. Their inability to communicate caused their break up and both of them refusing to speak directly resulted in them not seeing each other for six years. Home for Christmas, Christian finds himself in front of Riley and discovers that neither of them ever stopped caring. As they reunite and reacquaint themselves with each other body, mind and heart, history might repeat itself if they can't speak their minds.
"The friendship they'd left behind. Behind, but never forgotten and always treasured."
Amy Aislin gives us two charming characters whose emotional connection is intense. Riley and Christian are so sweet and love so deeply but OH MY GOD they are both kings of assuming and I wanted to smack them both up side the head. Miscommunication for the win lol In all honesty though they were precious together and their intimacy scenes were hot hot hot.
"I never meant for you to feel like that," Riley whispered ." Like you weren't important to me. You were. You are. You've always been the most important person in my life. Always."
If you're looking for a sweet MM romance than The Play of His Life is the book for you.
September 22, 2021
3.5 rounded down
Overall I enjoyed this one, though I felt the pacing and emotional reactions weren't always on point for me. Riley did a pretty shitty thing to Christian, essentially breaking his heart six years ago, and yet, when they see each other for the first time they immediately start hugging and flirting. Christian was a lot quicker to just ignore the past than felt believable, and the weight of their past and their reactions/feelings about it felt really inconsistent--at several points Riley seems to realize how badly he was at fault and feel guilty about it, but then they'd go right back to being fine, and it just really didn't feel deep or consistent enough for me to totally buy it. I also have to admit, I didn't totally see what Christian was getting out of the relationship--he consistently went above and beyond to support Riley and Riley didn't really seem to be putting out the same level of devotion and it felt a bit lopsided. It was also super clear that this is a spin-off book in the same universe of another one of her series based on the way certain characters were introduced, and I did find it a bit distracting/annoying, though I might have felt otherwise had I been familiar with them.
In the end, I *did* enjoy this one more than I was annoyed, but I found the pacing issues and emotional nuances to be a bit lacking.
Overall I enjoyed this one, though I felt the pacing and emotional reactions weren't always on point for me. Riley did a pretty shitty thing to Christian, essentially breaking his heart six years ago, and yet, when they see each other for the first time they immediately start hugging and flirting. Christian was a lot quicker to just ignore the past than felt believable, and the weight of their past and their reactions/feelings about it felt really inconsistent--at several points Riley seems to realize how badly he was at fault and feel guilty about it, but then they'd go right back to being fine, and it just really didn't feel deep or consistent enough for me to totally buy it. I also have to admit, I didn't totally see what Christian was getting out of the relationship--he consistently went above and beyond to support Riley and Riley didn't really seem to be putting out the same level of devotion and it felt a bit lopsided. It was also super clear that this is a spin-off book in the same universe of another one of her series based on the way certain characters were introduced, and I did find it a bit distracting/annoying, though I might have felt otherwise had I been familiar with them.
In the end, I *did* enjoy this one more than I was annoyed, but I found the pacing issues and emotional nuances to be a bit lacking.
November 9, 2017
~ 3.5 Stars ~
I’ve recently become a fan of Amy Aislin and her swoony little novellas. First, As Big as the Sky, and now her release from this past spring, The Play of His Life. After reading As Big as the Sky, I went and checked out her back catalog, and immediately pounced on this sweet-sounding, friends-to-lovers story. Friends to loverssssss, y’all. My total weakness and happy place. The Play of His Life is not without faults, however. In fact, it has two pretty major ones, in my opinion. O.O But, despite the story’s flaws, I still really dug these guys and this book.
Christian and Riley grew up together. Inseparable since second grade, and finally becoming more than just friends their sophomore year of high school, theirs was as strong as any friendship, or any romance, could be. Until Riley got a hockey scholarship to the University of Denver, and Christian moved west to go to college in British Columbia—thus beginning the dreaded long-distance relationship. They went from seeing each other every day for ten years, to only on occasion, when they could swing it, until eventually, Christian couldn’t take it anymore and broke things off between them.
Now, seven years later, Christian is home visiting his mom for Christmas when he runs into Riley—thanks to some meddling from his mother—at the new bakery in town. The bakery that Riley opened after a career-ending hockey injury found him moving back to their small hometown in Ontario. It’s the first time they’ve spoken or seen each other in six years, since hooking up after Christian’s dad’s funeral, and Riley’s middle-of-the-night disappearing act. The pull and attraction is brought right back to the surface, as they both realize that neither one of them is as ‘over’ the other as he thought he was. I loved these two lines:
“The familiarity made Riley’s heart ache for the lost years between them.”
And…
“Riley had always meant home and belonging and safety.
The book is full of super swoony, romantic goodness, as well as lots of great dialogue and funny moments. But, there were also lots of ‘JUST TALK ALREADY!’ moments, as well as two fairly significant plot points which were both left unresolved that had me wanting to pull my hair out. First, in the very beginning, when Christian first arrives at the bakery, a big deal is made of a Now serving alcohol! sign in the front window. The alcohol turns out to be Shimmer—a mysterious drink that smells like strawberries but tastes like something different every time you drink it, depending on what you mix it with, and has a different effect on the drinker, depending on the mixer as well. Shimmer is made out to be extremely mysterious, almost magical, really, so much so that I thought there was perhaps going to be some paranormal element to the story. Sadly, the plotline was never fully developed and was dropped just as quickly as it appeared.
Second, and this one reeeaaaally bothered me, Riley calls Christian ‘T’ but Christian has never known why. It was the nickname Riley gave him early in their friendship, and has stuck through the years, but Christian has no idea what it stands for, and Riley isn’t talking. Throughout the book, Christian asks Riley, and throws out guesses as to what it might mean, and in the end, it seems we’re finally going to find out…and then nothing. Not gonna lie…to not get the satisfaction of finding out the meaning behind the name was a pretty major letdown.
Head-scratching and/or frustrating moments aside, though, I truly did still enjoy the book. I found myself smiling and ‘awwwww’ing my way through the thing. This is the power of second-chance, friends-to-lovers stories! They can overcome some pretty serious issues, and still make you feel good. 😊 I’m pretty happy to have discovered this author. And, now I find out she has a Christmas novella coming out? Holiday stories are another Achilles heel for me, so go ahead and sign me up for that one, too.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
I’ve recently become a fan of Amy Aislin and her swoony little novellas. First, As Big as the Sky, and now her release from this past spring, The Play of His Life. After reading As Big as the Sky, I went and checked out her back catalog, and immediately pounced on this sweet-sounding, friends-to-lovers story. Friends to loverssssss, y’all. My total weakness and happy place. The Play of His Life is not without faults, however. In fact, it has two pretty major ones, in my opinion. O.O But, despite the story’s flaws, I still really dug these guys and this book.
Christian and Riley grew up together. Inseparable since second grade, and finally becoming more than just friends their sophomore year of high school, theirs was as strong as any friendship, or any romance, could be. Until Riley got a hockey scholarship to the University of Denver, and Christian moved west to go to college in British Columbia—thus beginning the dreaded long-distance relationship. They went from seeing each other every day for ten years, to only on occasion, when they could swing it, until eventually, Christian couldn’t take it anymore and broke things off between them.
Now, seven years later, Christian is home visiting his mom for Christmas when he runs into Riley—thanks to some meddling from his mother—at the new bakery in town. The bakery that Riley opened after a career-ending hockey injury found him moving back to their small hometown in Ontario. It’s the first time they’ve spoken or seen each other in six years, since hooking up after Christian’s dad’s funeral, and Riley’s middle-of-the-night disappearing act. The pull and attraction is brought right back to the surface, as they both realize that neither one of them is as ‘over’ the other as he thought he was. I loved these two lines:
“The familiarity made Riley’s heart ache for the lost years between them.”
And…
“Riley had always meant home and belonging and safety.
The book is full of super swoony, romantic goodness, as well as lots of great dialogue and funny moments. But, there were also lots of ‘JUST TALK ALREADY!’ moments, as well as two fairly significant plot points which were both left unresolved that had me wanting to pull my hair out. First, in the very beginning, when Christian first arrives at the bakery, a big deal is made of a Now serving alcohol! sign in the front window. The alcohol turns out to be Shimmer—a mysterious drink that smells like strawberries but tastes like something different every time you drink it, depending on what you mix it with, and has a different effect on the drinker, depending on the mixer as well. Shimmer is made out to be extremely mysterious, almost magical, really, so much so that I thought there was perhaps going to be some paranormal element to the story. Sadly, the plotline was never fully developed and was dropped just as quickly as it appeared.
Second, and this one reeeaaaally bothered me, Riley calls Christian ‘T’ but Christian has never known why. It was the nickname Riley gave him early in their friendship, and has stuck through the years, but Christian has no idea what it stands for, and Riley isn’t talking. Throughout the book, Christian asks Riley, and throws out guesses as to what it might mean, and in the end, it seems we’re finally going to find out…and then nothing. Not gonna lie…to not get the satisfaction of finding out the meaning behind the name was a pretty major letdown.
Head-scratching and/or frustrating moments aside, though, I truly did still enjoy the book. I found myself smiling and ‘awwwww’ing my way through the thing. This is the power of second-chance, friends-to-lovers stories! They can overcome some pretty serious issues, and still make you feel good. 😊 I’m pretty happy to have discovered this author. And, now I find out she has a Christmas novella coming out? Holiday stories are another Achilles heel for me, so go ahead and sign me up for that one, too.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
November 6, 2022
Uh huh. 😏
Now this...was great.
Solid 4⭐, because it's short.
There is substantially more spice here, also the transition between being friends and getting into a relationship is done much smoother than in the last two books.
Desie is actually Riley, a blonde hunk, the goalie who got injured in the last book; he moves back home, opens up a bakery and lives alone at his grandparent's house.
He's left behind his best friend and first and only love - Christian.
They were high school sweethearts and they were supposed to stay together and live together, but Riley at some point chose hockey over Christian and since Christian couldn't handle the long-distance (what was left of it), he broke it off 6 years ago.
Now, both in their almost 30's, they meet again, when Christian goes back home for the first time in forever and runs into - who else - but Riley.
The chemistry is still there, the love is still there and it doesn't take long for them to find their way to each other.
The question was, would they be able to actually stay together this time?
💙Yes.💙 They would. They most definitely stayed together, and it was PERFECT.
I really liked these two. The author took it a step further with the spice added and you could most definitely feel the passion Riley and Christian felt for each other.
I see a pattern here, I think the author is really good at shorter stories, I loved Calder & Lacroix, it was almost lyrical, it was great, and now this.
🌈We meet Alex and Mitch again, they've been married for what, 6 years already? And been together for almost 9, right? They're a really, really good couple and I'm glad they're involved in almost every book.
I can actually say at this point that I'm looking forward to other books in the series, I think there will most definitely be more. I have to check out social media to see if I'm right.
January 8, 2024
Voto - 4,5
.
Giusy - per RFS
.
Il titolo di questo romanzo così sentimentale già mi preannunciava cosa aspettarmi da questa storia: romanticismo. Non posso che confermare che è stato davvero così, con tanto di deliziose farfalle svolazzanti, occhi a cuoricino e tutto quello che potete immaginare di trovare nel racconto di un amore che sboccia tra due ragazzini colmando i loro cuori per sempre, senza però essere esageratamente sdolcinato. Quello a cui non ero preparata è l’incredibile dose di buonumore, sorrisi e vere e proprie risate che è riuscito a regalarmi. Merito tutto, o quasi, di Christian e del suo carattere brontolone ma adorabile che mi ha conquistata già alla prima pagina, con le sue esilaranti invettive contro il perfido inverno e la spregevole e infida neve che lo hanno accolto al suo arrivo a casa per le vacanze natalizie. Per completare la sua irritazione arriva anche una rovinosa caduta sul corpo, sempre troppo favoloso, del suo ex migliore amico, ex fidanzato, ex persona più importante della sua vita. L’ultima cosa non è del tutto vera, anzi per nulla, perché Riley sarà sempre la persona più importante per Christian, anche se sono passati anni da quando di sono lasciati.
Nessuno dei due sembra troppo infastidito dalla caduta, anzi fioccano sorrisi e sguardi ardenti. Riley è sempre troppo bello, troppo biondo e con gli occhi più belli dell’intero universo e Christian è sempre un pignolo brontolone irresistibile. Sono lì a guardarsi come se i sei anni che hanno trascorso lontani fossero spariti, come se non si fossero mai lasciati, come se Riley non fosse fuggito via senza una parola, senza una spiegazione.
“Riley aveva sempre significato casa, appartenenza e sicurezza. Quel sentimento non era cambiato e lasciava Christian a chiedersi perché mai si fossero lasciati.”
Si può ricominciare dopo uno strappo così doloroso? È possibile continuare ad amare la stessa persona dopo aver avuto il cuore a pezzi? Riley e Christian sono sempre stati l’uno l’universo dell’altro, si sono scelti come migliori amici quando avevano sette anni e poi sono stati tutto insieme, fino a sei anni prima. Basta uno sguardo per tornare a capirsi, un bacio per ricominciare ad ardere di desiderio e forse a sperare, anche se è pericoloso.
Tutta la magia di un inverno canadese, tra fiocchi di neve, sfide a hockey, cioccolata calda e baci ardenti rendono questo romanzo davvero incantevole. Se poi ci aggiungiamo la mamma di Christian, un cupido eccezionale, un sentimento che commuove e incanta per la sua dolcezza e dedizione e i momenti infuocati tra due persone che non hanno mai smesso di desiderarsi, volersi, amarsi, ecco a voi una storia di un romanticismo sublime, scritta in maniera brillante, ironica e travolgente.
“L’emozione che vide negli occhi di Christian lo spinse a ripensare a tutto ciò che credeva di sapere sull’amore, sulla passione e sul desiderio. Ripensare al suo futuro. Sapeva che Christian era il suo futuro. Una vita senza Christian sarebbe stata grigia e nebulosa.”
.
Giusy - per RFS
.
Il titolo di questo romanzo così sentimentale già mi preannunciava cosa aspettarmi da questa storia: romanticismo. Non posso che confermare che è stato davvero così, con tanto di deliziose farfalle svolazzanti, occhi a cuoricino e tutto quello che potete immaginare di trovare nel racconto di un amore che sboccia tra due ragazzini colmando i loro cuori per sempre, senza però essere esageratamente sdolcinato. Quello a cui non ero preparata è l’incredibile dose di buonumore, sorrisi e vere e proprie risate che è riuscito a regalarmi. Merito tutto, o quasi, di Christian e del suo carattere brontolone ma adorabile che mi ha conquistata già alla prima pagina, con le sue esilaranti invettive contro il perfido inverno e la spregevole e infida neve che lo hanno accolto al suo arrivo a casa per le vacanze natalizie. Per completare la sua irritazione arriva anche una rovinosa caduta sul corpo, sempre troppo favoloso, del suo ex migliore amico, ex fidanzato, ex persona più importante della sua vita. L’ultima cosa non è del tutto vera, anzi per nulla, perché Riley sarà sempre la persona più importante per Christian, anche se sono passati anni da quando di sono lasciati.
Nessuno dei due sembra troppo infastidito dalla caduta, anzi fioccano sorrisi e sguardi ardenti. Riley è sempre troppo bello, troppo biondo e con gli occhi più belli dell’intero universo e Christian è sempre un pignolo brontolone irresistibile. Sono lì a guardarsi come se i sei anni che hanno trascorso lontani fossero spariti, come se non si fossero mai lasciati, come se Riley non fosse fuggito via senza una parola, senza una spiegazione.
“Riley aveva sempre significato casa, appartenenza e sicurezza. Quel sentimento non era cambiato e lasciava Christian a chiedersi perché mai si fossero lasciati.”
Si può ricominciare dopo uno strappo così doloroso? È possibile continuare ad amare la stessa persona dopo aver avuto il cuore a pezzi? Riley e Christian sono sempre stati l’uno l’universo dell’altro, si sono scelti come migliori amici quando avevano sette anni e poi sono stati tutto insieme, fino a sei anni prima. Basta uno sguardo per tornare a capirsi, un bacio per ricominciare ad ardere di desiderio e forse a sperare, anche se è pericoloso.
Tutta la magia di un inverno canadese, tra fiocchi di neve, sfide a hockey, cioccolata calda e baci ardenti rendono questo romanzo davvero incantevole. Se poi ci aggiungiamo la mamma di Christian, un cupido eccezionale, un sentimento che commuove e incanta per la sua dolcezza e dedizione e i momenti infuocati tra due persone che non hanno mai smesso di desiderarsi, volersi, amarsi, ecco a voi una storia di un romanticismo sublime, scritta in maniera brillante, ironica e travolgente.
“L’emozione che vide negli occhi di Christian lo spinse a ripensare a tutto ciò che credeva di sapere sull’amore, sulla passione e sul desiderio. Ripensare al suo futuro. Sapeva che Christian era il suo futuro. Una vita senza Christian sarebbe stata grigia e nebulosa.”
February 2, 2023
The Play of His Life has been sitting on my Kindle waiting for me to finally open it up and read it for months…why did it take me so long?! This was the sweetest love story full of reconnection, accepting feelings and figuring out a way to be together.
Christian Dufresne is back in his hometown for the holidays, staying with his mom and planning to go back to Vancouver as soon as the holidays are over. He’s a little grumpy but has a huge heart, especially when it comes to his best friend/ex, Riley. Riley Deschamps was a professional hockey goalie but a career-ending injury left him back in his hometown and trying to figure out what to do with his life. He’s a people person and opened a bakery with his friend’s wife, happy to work the front of the shop and greet everyone that comes in, including Christian when he’s back for the holidays.
These two were best friends for years and then were each other’s first everything - first kiss, first boyfriend, first experience and first heartbreak. But when they’re together, their chemistry is undeniable. They have a lot of history, a lot of it happy and some of it painful, so they pick up where they left off, keeping up childhood traditions and talking like they haven’t been apart for the past six years. Even though they’re not sure what the future holds for them together, they go all in on being together for now, avoiding having conversations that could make them both feel less unsure. I loved Christian and Riley together - they brighten each other’s lives, push each other to do more with their lives, force each other to confront their feelings and love each other with all of their hearts. I didn’t want their story to end and could have read a full length novel about them!
Loved the appearances by Alex and Mitch (from On the Ice) - seeing them happy made me happy and also made me want to go back and start the Stick Side series again (one of these days haha). So much fun to see them again and for the quick tie-in to one of my favorite series, cementing the connection between Christian and Riley + Alex and Mitch!
Christian Dufresne is back in his hometown for the holidays, staying with his mom and planning to go back to Vancouver as soon as the holidays are over. He’s a little grumpy but has a huge heart, especially when it comes to his best friend/ex, Riley. Riley Deschamps was a professional hockey goalie but a career-ending injury left him back in his hometown and trying to figure out what to do with his life. He’s a people person and opened a bakery with his friend’s wife, happy to work the front of the shop and greet everyone that comes in, including Christian when he’s back for the holidays.
These two were best friends for years and then were each other’s first everything - first kiss, first boyfriend, first experience and first heartbreak. But when they’re together, their chemistry is undeniable. They have a lot of history, a lot of it happy and some of it painful, so they pick up where they left off, keeping up childhood traditions and talking like they haven’t been apart for the past six years. Even though they’re not sure what the future holds for them together, they go all in on being together for now, avoiding having conversations that could make them both feel less unsure. I loved Christian and Riley together - they brighten each other’s lives, push each other to do more with their lives, force each other to confront their feelings and love each other with all of their hearts. I didn’t want their story to end and could have read a full length novel about them!
Loved the appearances by Alex and Mitch (from On the Ice) - seeing them happy made me happy and also made me want to go back and start the Stick Side series again (one of these days haha). So much fun to see them again and for the quick tie-in to one of my favorite series, cementing the connection between Christian and Riley + Alex and Mitch!
April 20, 2020
I love bestfriends to lovers and this one is second chance romance novel. Riley and Christian are two pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfect. Always have and always will be.
I adored them. This book is sweet, sexy and mildly angsty. If you're looking for a comfort read, this book is it. It gave me warm fuzzies.
Their love is honestly swoon worthy. I would think 'How much more can Christian love him?' and then he'd go and do something that would make me swoooooon! And also they are the kings of miscommunication!! Highly recommend this one!
Because Christian was…Christian was everything. Was still everything, as it turned out.
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
I adored them. This book is sweet, sexy and mildly angsty. If you're looking for a comfort read, this book is it. It gave me warm fuzzies.
Their love is honestly swoon worthy. I would think 'How much more can Christian love him?' and then he'd go and do something that would make me swoooooon! And also they are the kings of miscommunication!! Highly recommend this one!
Because Christian was…Christian was everything. Was still everything, as it turned out.
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
April 22, 2022
Okay, while I think Christian and Riley make sense together, and they are sweet to each other, and all those things they still do behind the other's back (
... I still wish that there's MORE tension in the beginning. Second chance romance can be very good, and I will always love that trope with all my heart. But it also needs proper tension for me. I know that this is a novella length, buy boy Christian and Riley make their move on each other a bit too fast for my liking, especially if there's still hurt in Christian's part.
Oh well, and the search for better second chance romance for my next read continues...
... I still wish that there's MORE tension in the beginning. Second chance romance can be very good, and I will always love that trope with all my heart. But it also needs proper tension for me. I know that this is a novella length, buy boy Christian and Riley make their move on each other a bit too fast for my liking, especially if there's still hurt in Christian's part.
Oh well, and the search for better second chance romance for my next read continues...
April 15, 2020
4.5 Stars
I love second chances and The Play of His Life was a great one. I absolutely loved Riley and Christian and I loved how easy it was for them to come back together.
The story was well-written, pretty low angst and easy to read. It was fun, sweet, sexy and Christian and Riley had amazing chemistry and were super hot together. This was an enjoyable read, but it’s left me wanting more of Christian and Riley, in a good way. Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. **
January 12, 2020
This was sweet read about second chances and two MCs in love but don't communicate. I liked it but I was a little put off that I had sign up for the author's newsletter to get the epilogue. One of the MCs called the other one T and would never tell him why and I thought it would come out in the epilogue--nope. And there was the thing with the "magic" alcohol called Shimmer that was never explained. Anyway, I may try another Amy Aislin book when I need something sweet (I am just making the assumption that all her books are sweet.)
May 20, 2020
DNF @ 13%.
The last person Christian wants to run into on a visit home to spend time with his mom over the holidays is his former best friend-turned-lover-turned-ex.
Really? Could have fooled me with the inner monologue going on about how much he still loves Riley, hugging it out, sniffing his neck, extending your trip, agreeing to go skating with him and drop by for lunch the next day.
Also, didn't like the writing.
The last person Christian wants to run into on a visit home to spend time with his mom over the holidays is his former best friend-turned-lover-turned-ex.
Really? Could have fooled me with the inner monologue going on about how much he still loves Riley, hugging it out, sniffing his neck, extending your trip, agreeing to go skating with him and drop by for lunch the next day.
Also, didn't like the writing.
March 2, 2024
second chance, disabled mc after an accident during a game
pining, yearning, and hurting
i liked it a lot !!
pining, yearning, and hurting
i liked it a lot !!
April 21, 2020
This was a lovely second chance romance.
Christian and Riley were best friends turned lovers growing up, but the stress of a long distance romance, and Riley’s NHL dreams tore them apart.
Fast forward 6 years and ChristIan’s meddlesome mother has had enough. She wants her son to move home, and isn’t above putting these boys in situations to heal their friendship and possibly rekindle their relationship.
I really enjoyed seeing them rediscover each other and fall back in love.
*I had an ARC
Christian and Riley were best friends turned lovers growing up, but the stress of a long distance romance, and Riley’s NHL dreams tore them apart.
Fast forward 6 years and ChristIan’s meddlesome mother has had enough. She wants her son to move home, and isn’t above putting these boys in situations to heal their friendship and possibly rekindle their relationship.
I really enjoyed seeing them rediscover each other and fall back in love.
*I had an ARC
January 4, 2023
2.5 stars rounded down
Broke up years ago.
Still in love. Reconnect. Fuck.
Lots. Happy ending!
Broke up years ago.
Still in love. Reconnect. Fuck.
Lots. Happy ending!
April 23, 2020
Second chance, best friends to lovers, this is a really great book to curl up with!
French Canadian characters, hockey and true love, this story keeps you captivated from page one.
Recommended.
French Canadian characters, hockey and true love, this story keeps you captivated from page one.
Recommended.
May 11, 2017
The Play of His Life is part of the MLR Shimmer series, where the stories are loosely tied together by the name of the place that serves Shimmer, Warm Glow (here, it is a bakery) and the booze itself, Shimmer. Shimmer causes different reactions in people depending on what they use to mix it. This is a story of two men with a history who just maybe have a second chance.
Christian’s mother is a little sneaky, sending her boy to the bakery when she knows he is going to run into Riley, his ex-best friend and former lover. I have to be honest, I didn’t love Riley. I ended up being okay with Christian wanting Riley (you know, as if he needed my permission) but Riley himself pulled a really nasty move at a bad time, even worse when you realize that he had been Christian’s best friend, so wasn’t there when Christian needed him most.
The fact that Christian takes blame for things, “I’m sorry for not being strong enough to hold on to you” made my heart hurt for him. The first time they break up was so understandable and so sad for them. I don’t want to say they have misunderstandings, because it seems deeper than that. “Is this why you won’t come home? Because you think I don’t…I don’t want you here?” Riley thought he could have it all – hockey and Christian.
Riley had been a pro hockey player and remained friends with many of the players, so he brings Christian to a party where he gets to meet famous players. Christian proceeds to act like a total swooning fanboy and it’s adorable. “I scared him away, didn’t I?” Whatever, he didn’t even care. “My life is made. I can die happy now.” Cutest thing ever.
There are so many clues that these two never stopped thinking of each other and I liked that. From the T to the scrapbook to the hospital visit to the gifts in the closet, they wanted to be there for each other but just didn’t make it work. There were a few times I wanted to shake them and tell them, “One of you SAY SOMETHING!” But, particularly in the case of Christian, I got why they didn’t. Why they were a little afraid. I ended up pulling for them and hoping things would work. There’s hockey in the story but it’s more of a backdrop than an active character and that worked.
Christian’s mother is a little sneaky, sending her boy to the bakery when she knows he is going to run into Riley, his ex-best friend and former lover. I have to be honest, I didn’t love Riley. I ended up being okay with Christian wanting Riley (you know, as if he needed my permission) but Riley himself pulled a really nasty move at a bad time, even worse when you realize that he had been Christian’s best friend, so wasn’t there when Christian needed him most.
The fact that Christian takes blame for things, “I’m sorry for not being strong enough to hold on to you” made my heart hurt for him. The first time they break up was so understandable and so sad for them. I don’t want to say they have misunderstandings, because it seems deeper than that. “Is this why you won’t come home? Because you think I don’t…I don’t want you here?” Riley thought he could have it all – hockey and Christian.
Riley had been a pro hockey player and remained friends with many of the players, so he brings Christian to a party where he gets to meet famous players. Christian proceeds to act like a total swooning fanboy and it’s adorable. “I scared him away, didn’t I?” Whatever, he didn’t even care. “My life is made. I can die happy now.” Cutest thing ever.
There are so many clues that these two never stopped thinking of each other and I liked that. From the T to the scrapbook to the hospital visit to the gifts in the closet, they wanted to be there for each other but just didn’t make it work. There were a few times I wanted to shake them and tell them, “One of you SAY SOMETHING!” But, particularly in the case of Christian, I got why they didn’t. Why they were a little afraid. I ended up pulling for them and hoping things would work. There’s hockey in the story but it’s more of a backdrop than an active character and that worked.
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