Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
They say first loves never last. Jackie Blue Kalinski was about to show them—whoever they are—that the word never is not in his vocabulary.

From the time Jack Kalinski was a preschooler he had a good sense of who he was and where he wanted to go in life. His childhood was spent drawing beautiful dresses for pretty people, male and female alike. Growing up with two dads who played hockey wasn’t exactly conducive to late night talks about tulle or tailor’s chalk, but he never let that stop his dreams of becoming a fashion designer or expressing the genderqueer heart that beat in his chest. His family’s love and support helped him through some painful losses that shaped him into the strong, vivacious, and charismatic college student he is today. Life hasn’t been a smooth ride, but Jack has persevered and is about to take the fashion world by storm.

Little does he suspect that his tidy life is about to be scorched by a chance meeting with one of the men playing hockey on the gay team his father coaches. Martin McKittrick not only catches Jack’s eye, but the much older man wins his heart. The passionate affair with the captain of the Marine Unit of the BFD burns red hot until the new couple run into a few snags that might dampen the inferno: Jack’s ascent into the fashion world, Martin’s job and the inherent dangers that come with it, and the fact that the well-kept secret romance has just been exposed to the world in a rather big way.

242 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2020

51 people are currently reading
142 people want to read

About the author

V.L. Locey

213 books730 followers
V.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

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
91 (46%)
4 stars
64 (32%)
3 stars
31 (15%)
2 stars
6 (3%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,009 reviews442 followers
August 29, 2020
V.L. signs off the Kalinski saga with Jackie Blue, the absolutely fabulous genderqueer son of Vic and it's a beautiful ending.

It's got everything you'd expect, the fiery Polish ex-hockey star being an arse, explosive and outrageous reactions to the news Jackie is in love with a guy 25 years older than him, heart-warming emotions, inspiring LGBTQ+ representation, and hope for the future.

Vic and Dan are still strong, some 20 years after the first books were set. Jackie is studying fashion when he sets eyes on the new guy playing with his dad's gsy ice hockey team.

Martin was a delight, a Boston Marine firefighter chief, out and proud, with two kids older than Jackie, but he was smitten from the get go too.

What I really loved about this book is that it wasnt easy, everyone didn't just go with the flow.

There were doubts raised, arguments had, fears expressed and issues to overcome.

A sub-plot with a series of arson attacks worked well enough, it didn't overtake the narrative and gave impetus for some much needed humble pie being eaten by Vic.

The rest is just a really lovely romance between two people for whom the age gap is an irrelevance. They are perfect for each other.

As a bit of a cheeky aside, Martin has pear-green eyes, I know that because it's mentioned a whole lot 😉

I shall miss Vic, Dan, and the rest of the crew, the foul mouthed Pole is one of my most beloved assholes in fiction.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,249 reviews272 followers
September 18, 2022
Here we continue with this series, where Jackie Blue/Jake is in college now, seven years after the previous tale.
* Jackie, 19, reddish long hair, is our gender fluid sweet guy
(this is Harris Reed gender fluid model)
who is going to be a fashion designer. He has a degree and is going for his Masters. He goes to see his sis play hockey and locks eyes with the most beautiful man he'd ever seen.

* Martin, 45, is tall, big, strong, scarred, with
dark/silver hair and green eyes, plays hockey, is a fireman with the Marine Unit of Boston's Fire Dept., and can't take his eyes off of the red haired beauty.

Jackie is Vic's son, studies hard and is a happy soul who gets to be himself daily.
As expected, Vic, and Dan, hit the ceiling when they finds out who Jackie is dating, a man twice his age !

We see the hurt, arguing, and then see how strong our guys are for each other. Jackie makes a flub of his own, and must own up to it, but the men survive it.

We get lots of terrific characters, super hot lovin' and firsts for Jackie and also the success of his schooling, and more.



These are tense times as well, when an arsonist is wreaking havoc, and then it hits them personally. There is tension, scares, worried hearts and a thrilling, chaotic rescue.



These three Overtime stories are magnificent and worthwhile. I have loved these characters, and I'll miss them. I'll just have to read them once again.

I still have BLACK TIE to read, with Jackie and Martin's wedding. WOHOO !

Thank you V. L. Locey for the amazing books.

ENJOY everyone !

=====
Profile Image for BevS.
2,855 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2020
A tad disappointing for me, but 4 stars for this finale to what has been an outstanding series, and which has quite rightly gone onto my all-time fave series shelf.

I suppose I really shouldn't be too greedy and expect all/most of Vicki's stories to be about Vic and Dan and the rest of the Cayuga Cougars, but you can't have everything 😉. I loved them to bits, and was so proud of their stance on and constant support for Jackie Blue; with my parental hat on however, I have to say that I agreed with their very real and vocal concerns regarding the huge age gap between Jackie Blue and Martin. How would *I* react? Honestly...no idea, but they did finally come around thank goodness. I know nothing, repeat absolutely nothing whatsoever about fashion, patterns or dressmaking, but Jackie Blue certainly more than makes up for my ignorance 😊.
Profile Image for Amy Stauffer.
820 reviews39 followers
September 17, 2020
This was such a great read! I will admit that this is the first book I’ve read in the series. I did not feel lost or behind the eight ball. It gave me enough back story to stay on track. That said, I am DYING to get my hands on the previous books to get a more in-depth look! This book absolutely stands alone, though.

I’m a fan of the age gap, both on-page and off, and this one had a big one. We find one of our main characters in his mid-forties and the other being only 19. What I really appreciated about the 19-year-old, was that the author kept him true to his age, and Martin handled his immature moments very well, and with a lot of love. Martin was a really good man, and Jackie was a bright ball of energy with a big heart. I loved this couple, from start to finish.

The main characters weren’t the only likable ones. For those who have read at least the first two books in this series, you will see familiar faces. It’s always fun catching up with them. I loved the dynamics between Jackie Blue and his friends, Jazz and Cricket, as well as the dynamics with his family.

This was a very well-written story with excellent character development. I love how it didn’t just show us the sunshine and roses aspect to their relationship, and reactions from family. It felt realistic, which made it even more enjoyable.

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Profile Image for R.
2,121 reviews
September 5, 2020
Victor Kalinsky and Dan Arou’s son, Jackie Blue, is all grown up and in college. Working through his fashion classes keeps him busy. He designs his clothes to his own genderqueer specifications. Fabulous and proud of his life. Then he see a man playing hockey that sets his heart on fire along with his libido.

Martin is a big man, about the same age as Jack’s fathers. At first he fights the force of nature named Jack. But it’s impossible. Jack want him and that exactly what he means to have. Neither fathers, fires or anything else can separate them.

I’m glad we got Jackie Blue’s story. From the beginning he danced to his own drum and that never changed. All the characters stayed true to themselves throughout the series and Jack may be the strongest characters this author has written. I’m glad their story ended on such a sweet note.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,249 reviews272 followers
March 24, 2022
Here we continue with this series, where Jackie Blue/Jake is in college now, seven years after the previous tale.
* Jackie, 19, reddish long hair, is our gender fluid sweet guy
(this is Harris Reed gender fluid model)

who is going to be a fashion designer. He has a degree and is going for his Masters. He goes to see his sis play hockey and locks eyes with the most beautiful man he'd ever seen.
* Martin, 45, is tall, big, strong, scarred, with

dark/silver hair and green eyes, plays hockey, is a fireman with the Marine Unit of Boston's Fire Dept., and can't take his eyes off of the red haired beauty.



Jackie is Vic's son, studies hard and is a happy soul who gets to be himself daily.
As expected, Vic, and Dan, hit the ceiling when they finds out who Jackie is dating, a man twice his age !

We see the hurt, arguing, and then see how strong our guys are for each other. Jackie makes a flub of his own, and must own up to it, but the men survive it.

We get lots of terrific characters, super hot lovin' and firsts for Jackie and also the success of his schooling, and more.



These are tense times as well, when an arsonist is wreaking havoc, and then it hits them personally. There is tension, scares, worried hearts and a thrilling, chaotic rescue.



These three Overtime stories are magnificent and worthwhile. I have loved these characters, and I'll miss them. I'll just have to read them once again.

I still have BLACK TIE to read, with Jackie and Martin's wedding. WOHOO !

Thank you V. L. Locey for the amazing books.

ENJOY everyone !

=====
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
September 13, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the third book in this series, but it does tie in with the Cayuga hockey series - which I absolutely recommend to you! Anyone who is a fan will remember Jackie Blue as a child who was going to grow up being the very most interesting character, and Locey has definitely achieved that in this lovely story.

Jack always danced to a unique tune, accompanied by styles most individual, and this is a fabulous celebration of his strength of character, and insistence that the drum beat he hears is his own. What is amazing is that Martin, the man he falls for, is absolutely in love with him too and that they forge a path together. In many ways a truly unlikely one, but is that not the way of the world?

I refuse to say anymore, as you need to get a copy and enjoy it all for yourself - but I will say two more things; V.L.Locey manages to use the poetry of Shakespeare's plays to such fabulous effect in this book - I absolutely loved that connection that the men had ; ... and she also recognised that Juki make the absolute best sewing machines in the world (with which I completely agree) !

Read, love, repeat!


Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Stacey.
434 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2020
Draw is set several years after the previous book, Final Shot. Jackie Blue is now nineteen and in college. He meets Martin, a firefighter and hockey player his dad coaches, who is much older than him with two kids older than him. That doesn’t stop Jackie from going after what he wants though, and what he wants is Martin.

The road to love isn’t easy for these two, as they have to deal with disapproving family members and friends, the dangers of Martin’s job, and Jackie’s school stress. Jackie did come across a bit immature at times, but Martin handles him well.

Vic, as always, doesn’t hesitate to let his feelings known, but he only wants what’s best for Jackie, and he’s concerned about him. Dan, like he normally does, tries to keep him in line even though he himself doesn’t necessarily agree with Jackie’s choice.

This is the last book in the Kalinski saga, and I’m going to miss all of them! This book was a great way for them to go out though.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy from the author**
Profile Image for Terri.
1,667 reviews
September 19, 2020
This is a great age gap romance. Jackie Blue Kalinski might only be nineteen, but he knows what he wants. What's more, he won't let anyone slow him down or change his mind. Lucky for Jack, the much older fire captain he falls in love with is just as head over heels for him.
I love these two. Jack has his father Victor's temper and stubbornness, great talent at fashion design, and so much love for the people in his life. Martin saves lives as part of his daily life. He has children older than Jack, but he can't resist the younger man he adores. They are sweet together and have an unbreakable bond. I love how they never let anyone make them doubt the rightness of their love.
There are some serious moments here, as well as some downright scary bits, but overall there is a lightness that comes from the love these two share. This is a story well worth this reader's time. So good!
Profile Image for Kk.
1,893 reviews14 followers
June 2, 2021
I have sat on this book for quite a while (months)...I read the other books in the series but wasn't all that wild about the premise of this one.

I don't have any issues with May/Dec relationships..but this seemed a bit extreme. Jackie is 19 & Martin is 45..Again, no shame here.

Jackie is on college & trying to find his footing as a GQ individual. He throws a bit of a tantrum at his sisters hockey game where he spies Martin...
💓Love, True Love💓

There's lying or at least misrepresenting goings on. Vic being the giant bull in the china shop that he is...but then the boat exploding...BJ & then Martin.

All in All, its a sweet book..
Profile Image for Patti.
989 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2020
Age gap, gender fluid

Oh my, what a rollercoaster... loved every minute, every page. Age gap is one of my most favourite tropes..and this one was 25yrs.. loved Martin and Jackie Blue.. the storyline was awesome and Victor Kalinski did not disappoint with his Polish anger!
368 reviews13 followers
October 7, 2020
3.5 stars

I didn't enjoy it as much as I anticipated. Jack was beautfully genderqueer and his true self all over the book, but I the book missed a much needed flare.

Martin was a bland charachter, turning from broody to boring, I didn't feel like we got to know him at all.

Jack, as much as I hate to say it, was an actual child, they didn't just have a major age difference, but also a major maturity difference. Honestly I believe age difference relationship needs to have a balance maturity level, but at times I felt like Martin can truly be a father to Jack.

Also the fact that Jack is starting his career and Martin was ending his with a granddaughter in arm was just..idk, I think the major age difference pushed me out of my comfort zone level.
2,861 reviews3 followers
November 4, 2021
an intelligent, beautifully crafted book, full of heart

Jackie Blue Kalinski has been a strong favorite character of mine in this series and the Cayuga Cougars series since I met him.

Uniquely awesome, endearing, funny, and able to be the focal point of every scene, regardless of the nature, Jackie Blue grew up through these books and is now a 19 year old ready for his future.

In other stories a 19 year old seems young, but Jackie is in college, is sure of what he wants out of life and who he is personally. He’s a centered being with the full support of his family.

Then he meets Martin McKittrick, Marine fire chief , 45, divorced father of two adults,soon to be grandfather. Martin is also a player on the gay hockey team that Vic, Jackie’s dad, coaches.

It’s a moment of intense instantaneous connection between them, making any differences in age vanish. At least for them.

The main thread is the intense romance and immediate bond between Jackie Blue and Martin. It’s also how their families and friends respond to them as a couple, see that 25 age gap as a factor as a part of a realistic relationship, and if it’s possible to have real acceptance for such a May/December couple.

Having a 19 year old and a 45 year old as a couple and the heart of your story is a risk. Having it be successful really hinges on the writer being able to make each of those characters a completely fleshed out person who’s personality is set out in depth for the readers across the story’s pages so we believe each man’s passion for the other. Including the fact that age has both been factored in, discussed, and then discarded, because it’s about the inner connection here.

Locey also is aware that there are readers that are looking at this couple and that age gap with real misgivings. It’s a honest reaction and one of many that finds it’s way into the mouths and dialogue of Jackie Blue’s dads (yep, Vic went off the rails) or one of Martin’s adult children. The characters for whom acceptance was not an easy road stood in as a family Greek Chorus of questions and honest disapproval, voicing thoughts that I’m sure there were readers out there thinking.

And as both the couple weathers obstacles, Jackie and Martin continue to communicate with each other’s families and inner circles. The couple talks to them about their relationship, allowing those close to see into their dynamics, and slowly the disapproval and misunderstandings dissipate. Each point that had been a major misgiving had been dissected through honesty and open communication in scene after scene. Great job by the author.

There are other elements to this story as well. Jackie adjusting to life as a partner of a firefighter and the stress that comes with that. That felt very well done.

Also the joyous aspect of Jackie Blue pursuing his career as a clothier and designer. This section I could see so clearly. His drive , the love of the clothes as well as fashion. It was perfect.

Draw turned out to be just like Jackie Blue. Unusual, unanticipated, unconventional, wildly moving, as well as satisfying. Turns out just what Jackie Blue hoped for and what he got. In every way.

V.L.Locey wrote an intelligent, beautifully crafted book. It had a risky premise but in her hands it turned into a gorgeous love story.

One I’m recommending.

There’s one last novella in this series. That’s Jackie Blue and Martin’s wedding. How could you miss that?

Now on to Black Tie (Overtime #3.5)
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,807 reviews38 followers
September 16, 2020
A great book to end a great series!

I've wanted to read Jackie Blue's story ever since we first met him as a little boy. You will enjoy this book best, I think, if you've read at least the first two books in this series but I also think it stands alone pretty well. You may not appreciate the full extent of Vic's reaction to his son, Jackie, dating a much older man, but I don't think you will be lost either. People who have read about Victor and Dan going all the way back to the Point Shot Trilogy will really love Draw. OK, the book isn't about them, it's about their son, but they are featured pretty prominently. ❤ 😊

Read the blurb; it's great and gives you all of the details about the story. What the blurb can't really convey is how emotional this story gets in places. Jack has to fight hard for his love of Martin and he has some pretty awful fights with his dad. But V.L. Locey knows how to write a great angsty, snarky and emotional story and still give her guys the HEA they deserve. The book kept my attention throughout and caused me to shed more than one or two tears.

There is a rich cast of supporting characters that includes family members of both Jack and Martin, Jack's friends from school and one professor who turns out to not be as much of a witch as we (or Jackie) first think. V.L.'s creative mind shines brightly in this story as her writing gives rich descriptions of the clothes that Jackie creates and wears.

While I am sad to see the Vic and Dan (and Jackie) era come to an end, I'm comforted by the knowledge that Jackie got his HEA and that V.L. will be writing more fantastic books for her other series that I love. (Colors of Love, Bryant Park and of course, hockey stories co-written with RJ Scott.)

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***
Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,384 reviews39 followers
September 24, 2020
[image error]

Check out our full post for DRAW on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in this series, but it does tie in with the Cayuga Cougars hockey series – which I absolutely recommend to you! Anyone who is a fan will remember Jackie Blue as a child who was going to grow up being the very most interesting character, and Locey has definitely achieved that in this lovely story.

Jack always danced to a unique tune, accompanied by styles most individual, and this is a fabulous celebration of his strength of character and insistence that the drum beat he hears is his own. What is amazing is that Martin, the man he falls for, is absolutely in love with him too and that they forge a path together. In many ways a truly unlikely one, but is that not the way of the world?

I refuse to say anymore, as you need to get a copy and enjoy it all for yourself – but I will say two more things: V.L. Locey manages to use the poetry of Shakespeare's plays to such fabulous effect in this book (I absolutely loved that connection that the men had), and she also recognised that Juki make the absolute best sewing machines in the world (with which I completely agree)!

Read, love, repeat!

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews139 followers
October 13, 2020
Draw, the third book in VL Locey's Overtime series is awesome!

Omg - Jackie Blue!!! If you haven't met Jackie Blue, that is your loss. They are a fabulous character, who I fell in love with from their first appearance in Vic and Dan's world. What an amazing surprise to get Jackie's love story.

Jackie's now in college, in design school. This is the story of Jackie Blue falling for a man more than twice their age. Oh man, the chemistry between Jackie and Martin is amazing. They are hot together, as well as complementing one another wonderfully.

Jackie's a non-binary, femme college kid. And Martin's a big touch fireman. Ohhh...so good. And it's a May to December romance which just makes it even better! Jackie is unapologetically bold and beautiful, never wanting to tone down their clothes or behavior. I love everything about them.

This is a tale of family issues, as Dan and Vic struggle to accept Jackie with an older man. There's hockey, as Martin plays for a rec team and Jackie's sister BJ plays hockey. Of course, I adore the conflict between player and coach, with the added stress of dating the coach's child being fabulous.

Their family unit is close and spend a lot of time together. Seeing them struggle is heartbreaking. I have loved them throughout their books, and this was tough to read. This story mad me laugh, smile, and cry. I fell in love with Jackie a long time ago and continue to love this person with all my heart.

Draw is a must read for any fan of VL Locey. This contribution to the Overtime series will leave you delighted. Oh, omg, the end! Cue the happy tears! It couldn't have ended any better!
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,388 reviews156 followers
December 10, 2020

Unfortunately, this was my least favorite story of this series. This story had a few issues for me. Some that carried over and some new. Jackie is the genderfluid son of Vic and Dan, the hockey players we loved from the earlier books. Jackie is now grown up some, in college and pursuing his career in fashion design (something he has been doing since like 3 – related to one of my earlier issues). I’m not sure what I was really expecting from Jackie’s book, but falling for a guy the same age as his dads, wasn’t it.

I struggle with age gap stories of this magnitude. How could someone at the end of their career have enough in common with someone just starting out? I understand opposites attract, but these two just didn’t mesh for me. Martin was dry and boring while Jackie was colorful and full of life.

This book does contain support, understanding and acceptance in spades, so that was pretty uplifting. There are also some sweet moments thrown in, and it was nice to see the other guys again. I am most likely in the minority with my feelings on this, and as I enjoyed the other books, can definitely recommend giving this a go, especially if you are looking for a genderfluid character story with a positive outcome.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Profile Image for Elle Kay.
388 reviews
September 17, 2020
I honestly don’t know how to feel. I mean, on one hand, this was an amazing book that I enjoyed immensely. It was so good to catch up with the Kalinski-Arou clan. I fell even more in love with Jackie Blue. And with his sister Brandy too. But as I got closer to the end of the book, I found I was forcing myself to slow down. Knowing this is the end of the trilogy was breaking my heart, making it a bittersweet experience. I can only hope that Vic, in true Victor Kalinski fashion, puts a bug in Ms. Locey’s ear and demands a sequel. Or a sequel series. I’m not picky.

And, while age-gap isn’t typically my favourite trope, this romance was perfect for Jack. Both characters were developed beautifully, and the various conflicts in the lives of the MCs made for great reading. I especially appreciated the insight into Jackie’s fears associated with dating a fire fighter and how he found a way to get the support he needed.

So, while part of me is crying, “No! This can’t be the end!”, the more rational part is saying that if you have to leave beloved characters, this is the best way to do it. Besides, I can always re-read!
3,010 reviews46 followers
September 12, 2020
Vic and Dan's little boy, Jackie Blue, is all grown up and getting his own HEA! What a beautiful send off to this series. Jackie is in college and being his tremendously fabulous genderqueer self. With friends and family by his side he is living his dream of designing gorgeous clothes.
When he locks eyes with a member of his dads hockey team it is love at first sight. Martin certainly feels the same impact. While neither of these two are bothered by the 25 year age gap others certainly have opinions and don't hesitate to voice them.
I loved how strong Jack was in knowing what he wanted and what he deserved. He doesn't let other peoples expectations hold him back from the love he knows is there for him. Watching him butt heads with Vic is everything.
This story will grab hold of your heart and wont' let go. I stayed up until two am to finish, I couldn't stop turning the pages. I adore Martin and Jack!
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
819 reviews
February 26, 2023
I loved getting to see Jackie Blue spread his wings and find a man who not only gets him but loves him unconditionally.
A hot and sexy story with of course, obstacles to overcome and they do, in amazing fashion. 😉
Profile Image for Hellga.
267 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2021
Eh, immature maximalist twats are not exactly my forte… the book was too annoying. And what worked for Vic in terms of unapologetic assholery does not work for Jack at all, ugh. Someone is who demands to be treated like adult, while constantly acting like a spoiled child, bleh, not an attractive combination. Starting relationship based on major lies is not a way to go. That conflict got no resolution whatsoever, just some “hand waving” from the author along the lines of “oh, I cannot stop thinking about you”… What?

Having your way paid in life (tuition, dorms, etc.), while complaining how life is a struggle and how hard you have it… *sigh* another clear sign of spoiled immature person. And I know there are different kinds of struggle, but FFS tone down demands and declarations of independence, while you are still asking parent for “pocket money”, it is not attractive. Finally, unfortunately V.L. Locey failed to show anything in common between Jack and Martin. What has brought them together besides sexual attraction? There is literally nothing, but a desire to bang and a huge age gap, which is not breached in terms of maturity (Jack acts like a spoiled child, who keeps lying to get his way), background (high fashion and hockey-playing firefighter) or temperament (plain slice of bread vs. a firecracker). And insta-love on top of this mess? They luuurve each other and moved in together after a couple of weeks of “meeting for soup” even though the “intolerant and evil parents”are understandably uncomfortable… WTF? The suggested resolution to this mess was of course to introduce an outside force (an explosion on the ship) to sweep all the garbage under the carpet and pretend it never existed (ah, ah “we misjudged the situation, bla-bla-bla”) What a cop out, lifted straight out of cliche-ridden romance novels.

Author can, of course, hand wave and claim “my world - my way”, but that defeats the purpose of creating a believable narrative reader can sympathize with and relate to. Note to self: “in real world, if something looks to be too good to be true, it generally is” and being a “heroic firefighter or a police officer” in the line of duty does not preclude one from being abusive or manipulate in personal relationship. Being good at what you do does not equate being a good person, just read some articles out there… there is being naive and there is being plain stupid. Let’s just say this one falls on the side of the latter.

Am I unnecessarily harsh? Quite possibly. But excuse me for being grumpy, when one of my favorite tales comes to such a messy and sloppy end. This is the second time such thing happened to me and disappointment makes me grumpy. I would say for me the whole series ended at OT book 2 or maybe even at the original trilogy.
Moving on.
Profile Image for yazaleea.
720 reviews4 followers
Read
September 1, 2024
DNF @20% Ok I am not doing this, as an enby myself I was excited to have a gay romance starring a genderqueer main character, but Jack is insufferable. I miss when he was a cute 4 years old who didn’t lie about his age to appeal to a 45 year old guy. First, because I hate age gap and 19-48 icks me out, but also because lying about your age and having sex with someone is literally harmful, it’s about violating consent. Because Jack is the son of Martin’s hockey coach, and he lied about being 25… that could fuck things up on so many levels for Martin and I hate that Jack does it without a single second thought. I also don’t love the fact that Martin is attracted to a guy so young, literally the age of his kids, but i guess he was led to believe Jack was 25, so it might not have sounded as bad in his head as if he had known Jack was 19 from the start. He might not have acted on it then, but who knows with romance novels. Anyway, I wanted to be strong and stick with this series till the end, but nope. Even getting more Vic and Dan isn’t worth sitting through Jack’s dramatic and toxic POV. I have no idea if the book addresses the issues of Jack’s lies and the real impact it can have on his partner but they do end up together, so I guess not. Bye, I am so sad to leave this series with this terrible last impression
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,054 reviews66 followers
September 16, 2020
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)

Wow, Jackie Blue gets a book and it is just as special as he is. We have watched Jackie since he was in the womb. Watched as he became the GQ man that he is, with loving parents (all four of them) that didn't push, nag, or belittle; they supported him with every skirt, hairbow, or hockey equipment (although that stage didn't last long). Now in college, Jackie is determined to make his mark in the fashion world. When he goes to a hockey game to show support for the family, the last thing he ever thought he would find was someone that made his heart beat harder and time stand still. Jackie may feel like an old soul but he still makes mistakes that only comes with age, one of those mistakes costs Jackie his chance with Martin. When Martin shows up and is willing to forgive Jackie, the two attempt to get back together but will their families be willing to accept their relationship?

This was such a good story, I loved that we got Jackie's story especially since he was such a big part of Vic and Dan's story. We get drama, danger, overbearing parents, age gap, and some really nice naughty bits. I give this 4 stars.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,248 reviews23 followers
September 4, 2020
It took me a little while to get into this, but once I settled into it, I was a total goner. I love Ms Locey's writing and this didn't disappoint. I've read the stories of these guys from their beginnings, and this was a lovely ending to their stories all round.

Vic and Dan play a big part, and of course, Vic is true to form when he discovers Jackie Blue is dating a much older man. He never learns, his arseholeness was totally eye rolling and, to be honest, quite welcoming, it was great to see he hadn't lost his crustiness. I love Vic.

Jackie was his usual fabulous self, and despite the age gap, his paramour is perfect for him. Martin obviously loves his much younger beau, both cherishes and dotes on him, he was truly sighworthy.

I liked the counter plots, they kept the book interesting. However, the focus was totally on the romance. Vic, of course, comes round. It was nice to see him and Dan settled into middle aged bliss. A great ending all round, and a perfect finish to the Kalinski/Arou epic.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,832 reviews7 followers
September 5, 2020
The only warning on this I will give is big age gap and heart wrenching...

Jackie Blue has never followed the normal path. When he sees Marty as he is going on the ice to play a game, he is drawn to him like a moth to a flame. He is older, has kids older than him and he plays for his dad's team.. Yes, Dad, Victor, the Polish wrecking ball. When Victor finds out he is less then thrilled after all Marty is older than him and Jackie is only 19..

When Jackie needs his dad the most, will Victor be able to put his feelings aside and be there for his son?

We get to see some fun banter with Jack and his little sister, BJ.. She is one spunky teenager and hopefully we get more of her in future books.

This story is a journey of love, families fighting, families coming together and life.
Profile Image for Amy.
373 reviews24 followers
September 11, 2020
First I want to say I’m sad this is the last in the series of the Kalinskis, they are amazing men, Dan and Vic! Their son Jackie, a beautiful soul who is following his designing dream in college! When he sees Martin McKittrick it is fireworks and that feeling of meeting “the one”!! Martin plays hockey for his Dad, firefighter in Boston and also a little older, just 20+ years.

The chemistry between these two was off the charts, hot and sweet! Jackie knows Martin is the man he wants to be with forever but he has to get his Dad to understand, Pops on his side and to stand up for himself.

This story was amazing! Jackie and Martin with all their issues and family, a dangerous job and a new adventure, they find a way to make it work! It definitely is a must read as we have watched Jackie grow into the wonderful person he is today!

Definite 5 stars plus!
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
819 reviews
October 18, 2020
I absolutely loved being able to see how Jackie grew and how he made his way in life. I loved him from the minute he was born. His fierce independence, unique sense of style, easy acceptance that not everyone is one set gender and in fact can be, on different days, all together different . Such a wonderfully warm, caring person who knows what he wants and isn't willing to settle for second best.
When Martin comes into his line of sight and world all he ever wanted is now before him. He just needs to figure out how to go about it.
Yes there are issues, their difference in age being one, but that shouldn't be a big deal. Other things pop up but hey! What is life without it's little issues?
The author did a great job in bringing this all to life, like she always does.
I highly encourage everyone to read this amazing story.
Love you Jackie Blue!
2,009 reviews25 followers
September 20, 2020
May/December romance between Jackie and Martin. Martin is an older firefighter and a hockey player that plays for Jackie's dad team. Jackie is young, college student, very mature for age, but still pursues Martin despite his friends and family disapproval. The book is funny, romantic, some angst, some intense and emotional moments between the fathers and the son. The book really delves in the point of views from both sides and characters. Martin is very patient and sweet when it comes to Jackie and can see why Victor is acting the way he is, This is the last book in this series and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Cariad Dussan.
601 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2020
After reading both Rebound and Final Shot, I was really excited about reading the third (and to date) final entry in the Overtime series. I have to say I was let down. This is the weakest entry into the series and it saddens me as Jackie Blue was a magnificent ray of sunshine breaking through the storm clouds in the first two books. And were the first two books read more like a huge sweeping saga of the Arou-Kalinski family, this book reads more like a bodice-ripping romance, life-threatening plot devices and all.
It was great to see Dad and Pops and to get to know BJ better. And Vic's bon mots are to relish like fine wine and strong cheeses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.