Risking the Shot

Stick Side #4

by Amy Aislin

Time for distractions? Hardly.

A chance at making the playoffs? It’s a dream for NHL forward Taylor Cunningham that just might come true. If he can keep his eyes on the ball—ahem, puck. And study for midterms. Dakota Cotton, eleven years his senior, isn’t just a distraction, though—he’s everything Tay’s ever wanted.

Dakota has no interest in introducing someone who might not stick around to his four-year-old son. Been there, done that, with the divorce to prove it. But there’s something about Tay that hits all of the right buttons and has him wanting to take a chance.

As things heat up between them, and the pressure to succeed hits an all-time high, will they risk a shot at happiness or choke?

Genres: Sports, Hockey, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Sports Romance, LGBT

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2020

About the author

Amy'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

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great addition to this loosely connected ice hockey series.

Here we have Taylor, a teammate of Grey and Dean from book one, who has been crushing on the 11 years older single dad who works for the club's fund raising arm.

From the off, I really liked Dakota, his son Andy is an adorable imp, who read like a four-year-old and not some child genius, and their relationship was loving and super sweet.

I also really liked Tay, his sense of insecurity outside of the ice came across well and his maturity didn't feel at all forced.

The main conflicts come from internal fears and they were used well to create tension without straying into the 'lack of communication' trope which I hate.

Lots of good secondary characters (loved Dakota's cousin Calder, he gets a free extra scene available via Amy's newsletter).

I also appreciated that Tay's sisters tried to make amends for how they'd basically ignored him when they were kids and didn't try to make excuses other than the large age gap (they're Dakota's age), something which had triggered most of his self isolating issues.

The sex is sweet and steamy and there's a good build up to things becoming more serious.

The other guys from the previous books are on hand to make guest appearances, which I love in a series, and overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I'm interested to see if Tay's best friend Stanton is going to be book five's MC along with Xappa.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[Florence . · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual review to come soon because i’m not sure about my thoughts on this book yet, I need to sleep on it.

I’m canadian so i’m always going to read any book about hockey and the blurb of this one really caught my eyes.

This one is a case of it’s not me it’s the book. Everything about this book was fine and would have worked for me on any other day, but i’ve been in a reading slump for months and while this is a book I would have loved normally, it sadly just didn’t work for me now.

I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the story and I like Amy Aislin’s writing. It just didn’t grip me and made me want to read more of it. But we can blame all of that on the reading slump and not the book.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Papie]

DNF at 25%
I’m bored out of my mind. And the 4yo is literally on every single page. I don’t mind kids in romances but I don’t enjoy them. I have three at home, tyvm.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This was a weird one for me. It was the first in the series where both were instantly confident they wanted their relationship, which was a nice change of pace, but something just felt missing.

I really liked the family angle with the single parent and the immediate acceptance of that, and I liked the couple together when the 'dramas' weren't being focused on.

There just seemed to be too many things left unresolved, which, yes, this has happened in all of the books, and they all nicely interlink and continue, but this one felt like it ended unbalanced, rather than at a natural stopping point.

The whole thing with the mum/ex was weird because it was left so vague - would have had a better resolution if she just signed away parental rights, but it just felt like a loose end to have her move away.

The back and forth over the Uni course just felt forced, it was abundantly clear from the offset Tay had no real interest and he should have pursued his art - I don't understand how none of his family, friends or even himself realised this at any point, so it felt a little unbelievable.

It just bothered me how both characters had conflicts that just didn't really work or even get resolved in their own story!

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tay and Dakota's story was a sweet addition to the series.

The single parent aspect was done in a rather realistic and believable way (which happens seldom enough in my opinion).

I liked both Tay and Dakota, they were perfect for each other.

That the age gap was never an issue (Tay 23, Dakota 34), was delightful (and very different from most mm romances about MCs aged early twenties and middle thirties).

Overall this was sweet, without drama or miscommunication (if not some between Tay and his sisters).

Low 4 stars.

[Athira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the Stick Side series! Tay and Dakota have chemistry oozing through the pages. That coat room and scotch!!! 🔥

✔ Hockey
✔ Age Gap
✔ Single Dad
✔ Cakes and Cookies

I loved Andy, Dakota's 4 year old son. He's absolutely adorable. I also really liked that there's no miscommunication used to create conflict. It's a welcome relief.

There's some amazing secondary characters, especially Calder, Dakota's cousin. (His story is a bonus via newsletter) Also cameos from the previous books. This book is written in dual POV and can be read as a standalone.

I really hope Stanton and Xappa get a story! Fingers crossed! Really recommend this series as a whole.

*ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a drama free, very mature hockey romance.
🏒 🏒 🏒 🏒 🏒 🏒
At first I thought maybe a little too smooth sailing for my drama loving heart BUT the author's writing and character building is on point and I enjoyed witnessing those two falling in love and building their relationship
🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
The 4 yrs old seemed a little wise beyond his four years but what do I know 🤷🏻‍♀️
🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
This being a fourth part in a series, there is a lot of name dropping and side characters appearing whom I can't remember but that's completely my fault (shouldn't have waited so long to read this part)

[✨Lucy IntheSky☄️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was all about the kid.
That's why I'm not sure about this one.
Also not a fan of the single dad thing, no.

I really liked Tay ever since the first book, where we meet him as Alex and Mitch's roommate.
I was really hoping for his book.




Tay was a great character, but the author should have made it more believable for a 23-year old hockey player to want to settle down with a single dad 11 years his senior. That single dad being Dakota, who's 34, divorced and lives with his son, Andy.
Tay has had a 2 year old long crush on the guy.

I didn't buy it, not only that, they went on one or two dates and there was already talk of a relationship, of actually very serious topics that had no place with two men just dating and seeing where this was going.

One thing I really disliked was basically the whole book revolved around Andy, Dakota's 4 year old son. Even Dakota asking Tay out was through him. I thought that was pretty childish for a 34 year old guy.

The book started out really good, the chemistry between Dakota and Tay was palpable, I was really invested in the story and I wanted more.
This is where that elusive SPICE should have come in.

[image error]

Well.
I guess if you're more into romance and not so much into passion and spice, you won't be disappointed, I still think the books would be much better with all that added.


💙Loved seeing Mitch and Alex again. They're so funny, solid and amazing. One of my fav couples in the series. I love reading about them. I was so disappointed with the lack of spice in their book that I maybe forgot to write in my review that their love story is just simply amazing.

💚KAS! We meet Kas again, he's getting married to Dakota's little brother, so that was definitely one of the highlights of the book. I was more invested in Kas & Owen than Tay & Dakota.

[Imanewreader ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

tw - mention of death and suicide

i don't know.. i just didn't like it like the previous 3. BUT it was still good nonetheless. i liked their romance and the fact that Dakota is a single dad, and both mc are bi.
i love seeing Mitch, Alex, Dan, and Ash again. i missed them.

20240207 edit
i bloody adored it ?????? is this how romance tastes change as we advance in age ? i could literally see myself in Dakota and Tay, in the way they value love and relationship with their significant other.

Andy.. you deserve the world and all the love in your lifetime.

MICTH AND ALEX. my children !!
ASH AND DAN, i have missed you..
(i wish i could have read about Ronan and Cody)
OMG, KAS AND OWEN !! can't wait to read their short story omg omg [THEIR STORY WAS ADORABLE I AM SCREAMING]

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stick Side #4

I think I'd need to reread this book when I'm not in constant pain because I really, honestly, think that it affected my overall enjoyment of what is a very sweet cinnamon roll romance story. I loved the kid, I loved the main characters, and loved their romance...the story is slow, sweet, and lovely.

[any · Rating 3 out of 5]

single dad *sighs*

[Mina]

I read this book a while ago and from what I remember this one was the worst of the series. The 2 MCs become a couple quite easily, and nothing interesting really happens, so it was quite boring.

[Bronwyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: The last book I read by Amy Aislin, Home for a Cowboy, really didn’t work for me and it made me wary about reading anything else she’s written. For some reason, this hockey series works. Initially there hadn’t been much hockey involved in these stories. That’s gotten a little better.

I really liked Taylor and Dakota. However, Dakota is a single father of a four-year-old little boy. If you don’t like children in your romances, I’d avoid this if I were you. Andy gets a lot of page time. It didn’t bother me because it helped show how dedicated Dakota was to being a father. A lot of books mention the child and then you don’t hear about it anymore. This wasn’t like that. I do wish we had been able to read about Andy’s time at Taylor’s hockey game. I was all geared up to read it and the story jumped to the after party with Taylor and his team. It was disappointing.

There is one particular thing that I have loved about this series. The author has consistently avoided that third act breakup that is so prevalent (and annoying) in romances. The men have doubts or misunderstandings, but they always seem to come together to discuss what’s going on and work through it. For me, it makes their relationship feel more believable. It gives me hope that maybe more authors will realize that the formulary “conflict and resolution” in books doesn’t have to equate to a breakup.

The ending wasn’t very good. I didn’t care for the epilogue at all. Including Taylor’s coming out interview felt like a public service announcement and a clunky one at that. I’m probably going to continue with the series in between other books I have on my tbr list, but I’m still apprehensive to venture into other books penned by this author.

**I could NOT, for the life of me, accept calling this man “Tay”. It felt cringy. 😬😬 So every time it said that, and it was almost every time his name was mentioned, I corrected it to Taylor in my head.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty low stakes/low angst romance which is was desperately needed with other things I've been reading recently.

This is the older brother of Cotton from Book 3 and set a few years later. Dakota works for the foundation for a NHL team and rarely gets to see the players. Imagine his surprise when he needs a few moments to himself at a foundation gala and ends up sharing a plate of cake with the hottest player on the team in the dark coat closet.

They hit it off instantly and the rest of the book is just waiting for the rest of their feelings to catch up. Tay is a player and a college student so he's burning the candle at both ends. Dakota is a few years older and has a five year old who adores Tay immediately.

Tay has really bad imposter syndrome, not for hockey, but for his medical degree based on some thoughtless conversations he's overheard from his family. He's so desperate to prove he can do everything that he's burning out. Dakota helps him to pump the brakes and his life is better for it.

I thought the interactions with Andy were super sweet but I have a six year old and honestly, they're not that introspective? This kid saw EVERYTHING.

[Eesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

I had mixed feelings about the third book in this series. I felt like I couldn't reconcile one of the main characters with the way he'd been in previous books. With this book, I was glad that that wouldn't be an issue because we've never met the MCs before. Still, the beginning wasn't the best.

Taylor and Dakota know each other via work. Taylor's an NHL player, while Dakota works for a non-profit that's associated with the team. Dakota is a decade older than Taylor and has a four-year-old son named Andy.

Taylor's had a crush on Dakota for two years, something that's mentioned twice but doesn't seem to have anything to do with them at all. Like, the crush thing could be removed, and they could simply have met at a Foundation party for the first time, and not a single thing would change. That's when they had their first real conversation anyway. And they moved from meet-cute to feelings pretty fast. That was something that didn't work for me because I didn't know or care about the characters enough at that point to be invested in the romance. So while they were moving forward, I felt like I was playing catch-up.

But after I caught up to where they were in their relationship, the book became a lot more fun. Taylor and Dakota have a fairly unproblematic relationship. The age difference is never a big deal because, despite being only twenty-three, Taylor is a mature guy. He and Dakota work very well together, they're sweet, and they want to make the relationship work. Andy is wonderful, and I loved him. And the book is, overall, light and heartwarming.

I also liked the conflict that the author introduced related to Taylor's college degree and his family, and I loved the way she handled it. The side-characters were also great. Though there may have been too many of them? At one point, I actually Googled whether we'd already met some of the couples and characters the author kept mentioning. I mean, I was familiar with some of them, but the author was throwing around so many names that I kept wondering if I was missing something.

That said, I enjoyed the book, and I'd recommend checking it out. It's well-written, fun and cute. And I loved meeting characters from the first and second books. I just think that a couple of things could've been better.


Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Risking the Shot by Amy Aislin is the 4th book in her Stick Side MM hockey romance series. This book follows NHL player Taylor Cunningham and single dad Dakota Cotton who have great chemistry but struggle to decide if they can make space in their busy lives for each other.

"For reasons Dakota could't name, Tay made him want to take a risk and let someone in."

Taylor and Dakota are two very likable main characters. Tay is fun, kind, and highly responsible for a 23-year-old. He juggles being a professional hockey player and a paramedic student and is still quick to help out a friend or family member. His restlessness could be felt on the pages and the stress that came with it. I enjoyed him overall because he was a good guy who fell hard for Dakota and not just physically but emotionally as well. Dakota was his calm in the storm of his life where his brain could rest, and he could be at peace.

"If he wasn't careful, he'd get so lost in Tay he wouldn't be able to find his way back. Part of him didn't want to."

Dakota is also balancing more than one responsibility, besides being a single parent he works for a non-profit and decorates cakes but still manages to be kind, a loving father, and have a great sense of humor. His son Andy always comes first, and he's constantly trying to make up for Andy's mothers absence. Andy was also a wonderful character. He was adorable with his love of 3d puzzles and his lack of filter was entertaining. The three of them together was precious and made my heart warm and fuzzy.

"He might've had a crush on Dakota, but if he wasn't careful, he'd end up falling for Andy too."

Dakota and Tay have known about each other for several years which prevented this story from being an insta-love scenario. The pacing was well done and you felt that their relationship developed organically as both Dakota and Tay expressed not wanting it to just be physical. The sexual chemistry between them was on point and the things they did with whiskey was sexy as hell.

Risking the Shot is a very low angst romance filled with a steamy connection and sweet family dynamic. I'm looking forward to more books in the series, fingers crossed the next book is about Stanton and Xappa.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

The first scene between Tay and Dakota showed the couple had great chemistry and it was steaming hot without there being even so much as a kiss. From there I expected this book to be one with lots of sexy scenes but that wasn’t really where the story went. The scenes where and Dokota get to know each other is hot and fun but it is also about two guys getting to know each other and learning about each other's lives and I quite like the normalcy of it..

This is a hockey romance and while that is part of Tay’s life and this story, it isn’t everything. It really is only one part of Tay’s life. This guy has so much on his plate. His career, he is studying to be paramedic, he is creating a comic, he has family commitments and now he has added romance with Dokota to his life. I really connected with Tay as he struggled with his completing priorities, probably because I experience similar issues in my life. I liked seeing Tay work out what was important and where his priorities really lie. Dakota is an essential part of that and not just because of their romance but because he helps Tay see things differently. Dakota is really good for Tay.

I really enjoyed Risking the Shot. It was easy to read and it combined fun light elements with the responsibilities of life to make a good story. A note - make sure you read all of the epilogue because the article at the end is fantastic and a unique way to finish the story.

[Apolishedreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy, low angst, sweet read. My fave in the series. I think I enjoy Aislin the more I read her. I find her story telling refreshing.
Dakota and Tay could write the book on open communication. There isn't much of relationship conflict in this book and what little of it that is there is short lived. Instead, there is some introspective growth from both characters and external "conflict" with other people in their lives and circumstances with their jobs and extracurriculars. There is no "easy" or quick fix to any of their problems, but things to fall into place in a pleasant way.
This is my favorite kind of easy read. No contrived conflict in the final quarter to suck the joy out of the story.
Plus, Andy is adorable and so easy going (he reminds me of my kid and makes me long for those days before I had a preteen lol).

If you have read the other books in the series, this is a solid addition. If you haven't read the others, this can be a stand alone - but some of the secondary/background characters have their own stories that precede this one so there may be spoilers (if you think knowing that the main characters from a book get together in a romance is a "spoiler").

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the fourth book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order, as they are all really good. You could however enjoy this as a standalone too.

Tay is 23, enjoying his success in the NHL, and studying a four year Para-medicine degree. He has a couple of much older sisters who are successful and feels obliged to do the studying, even though it is really not what he wants to do. He loves his family, but has always felt left out, and the unsuccessful baby of the family. Part of this story looks at just how much he needs to break out of this mindset - and I think it does a really good job of making him think about how to move forward.

Dakota works for a charity because it enables him to be a good single Dad. He would love to run a bakery with his best friend, but right now this is the best for his family. He is very reluctant to enter the dating game, as his ex-wife left, due to not wanting to be a Mum, and he cannot risk his son, Andy, being hurt again. So his unexpected attraction to Tay is not only a problem because Tay is not out, but also because it breaks his rules.

As the men get to know each other better, and Tay clearly is prepared to be involved in family times as well as being interested in Dakota as a partner. Timing may be bad, but there is definitely something worth fighting for between these two. I loved seeing the compromises they were prepared to make, as they acknowledged how important their growing friendship and family times were. The 3d puzzle time between Andy and Tay were really cute.

Another good addition to this very readable series. Thank you Amy Aislin, I am looking forward to the next one already!

[Jax · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. Rounding up to 3 stars. It kept me reading, but wasn’t good enough to read other books in the series.

What’s with the kissing on the nose?? Not sexy. Infantilizing.

[Annie Maus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I hadn’t read the first three novels in the Stick Side series, I followed along perfectly, and enjoyed each moment of this gentle, moving tale.

After Dakota was burned by an ex-wife, who said she was happily married one moment and then wanted nothing to do with motherhood the next, he’s determined to spare his precocious four-year-old, Andy. There will be no repeat of her continuous unreliability. The last thing Dakota needs is an attraction to “Tay,” an NHL player who could be traded at any moment. But he can’t deny the physical and interpersonal magnetism.

Though Taylor (Tay) has lusted after Dakota, who works for the NHL’s charity foundation, since he entered the organization two years ago, Tay is eleven years younger. And Tay’s sisters (ten and twelve years older) a doctor and lawyer, have belittled him forever. “He’d been trying to keep up … but…they didn’t make it easy.” He’s even enrolled in a demanding paramedic training program during the playing season to prove he can complete a 4-year college degree. Tay doesn’t need another adult to call him “kid,” and has no time to engage his lust for Dakota.

He might have resisted their chemistry before… But when Dakota’s son, Andy, becomes his puzzle buddy? Tay is a goner.

And so, two wary men inch towards each other, with Andy playing matchmaker. What ensues is almost a Disney-style love story (except for the intimate scenes). To me, a woman raised when “homosexuality” was labelled criminal behavior and mental illness, this homey happily-ever-after plot is a balm for those earlier memories.

Tay and Dakota may be hot together. But, more importantly, they are mature. They have many misunderstandings due to the earlier expectations that others have set. But they communicate and grow. Aislin shows how honest discussions can simply ease the way forward for someone we love.
This is a family love story in the truest sense, and Andy is the son we all wish we had. Tay and Dakota want the best for one another and find ways to express their affection in touch and in deed.

This heart-warming story showcases consideration and vulnerability, encouraging us to put down worn-out expectations and appreciate what we have, in the here and now. ‘Risking the Shot’ is a lovely, inspirational and thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read to finish off the series

At first I pulled away from the book because of the age difference, but the last book of the series pulled me back in and I have to say I enjoyed it for sure. I say Tay learned to care more about himself than what others think about him. I know I learned that lesson personally so I get it. As for Dakota, I say he learned that you can be a single parent and still have fun by doing what you enjoy, whether it's a hobby, or what you do for a living.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

not my favorite from the series but still enjoyable! single dad falling in love with a hoquei player that is a sweetheart and is dealing with fam issues! the angst was dealt very easy ongoing and their relationship was cute to see developing.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

While this was still a LOVELY read - but I admit it didn't emotionally hooked-me up as much as the previous three Stick Side books (and book #6) that I have read so far.

Here were some issues I had - I felt that Taylor and Dakota were pretty much only adjacent to the OG couple, Mitch/Alex, Dan/Ash, and Cody/Roman. Taylor is Mitch's teammate and temporary roommate. Dakota is related to Owen Cotton, who only secondary characters in Cody/Roman's book. So I don't give big attention to these two as much.

Despite his personal issue in regards to how his older sisters treating him, Taylor is pretty much a good person who knows what he wants in terms of wanting to come out. Dakota feels a bit too perfect. Andy, Dakota's four year old son, feels a bit older than his age -- although he's ADORABLE and what do I know about kids anyway, I don't have one.

So this one felt bit too smooth maybe. I still enjoyed how Taylor connect to Andy, though, and the side scene of Owen and Kas's proposal was CUTE!

Oh and I am still UNHAPPY with three women here being written in not such good light - Taylor's sisters and Dakota's wife *pout*

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risking The Shot is book 4 of the Stick Side Series and the first book I’ve read by this author. It ticks ALL my boxes (and some that I didn’t even know I had):
🏒 Two words: hockey romance (my favorite)
🏒 Set in my hometown of Toronto (how I miss you TO)
🏒 Featuring two hot and sexy male characters (Kota and Tay I love you)
🏒 Dakota is a single daddy (Andy is the cutest little boy ever)
🏒 Taylor is 11 years younger (love me a good age gap)

All these come together in a well written and engaging romance that had me reading all the words in one sitting. I loved every moment of it and found myself looking up the other books in the series as I needed to verify that the characters mentioned in it, have their own stories. I can confirm that they have been added to my TBR list.

This book is everything I didn’t even know I needed. Seriously. Amy Aislin, you have made a fan for life. I just can’t get over how much I loved this book! TBR Risking The Shot and Enjoy!

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars A book read of out order for me.
A good start as we learn Taylor has a long crush on Dakota for the past 2 years. A good banter and chemistry between the characters at the start. They slowly get to know each other but Taylor was straight as far as the media knows. A good book with both POVs included with a HEA ending. An enjoyable book although I think this would be better read in order.

Taylor 23 Bi, had worked hard to get to the NHL, but he sucked at putting streamers up for an event with his hockey team. Tay was also a collage student and tried his best at the exams.
Dakota 34 was a single father of a 4 yr old and working the Foundations fundraisers. Dakota also had a cake decorating business keeping him busy.

[Stavro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good book in the series. Although not my favorite but still good.

It had the setting of Toronto which I was happy to see! I could picture all the places since I have been to them lol. Good to see High Park Zoo get a shout out lol.

It had an athlete who was in the Paramedic program!( I know the exact program hahah. Although I did a 2 year course instead). Wish he stuck with the program!(or maybe he does later on...🤔).

I really connected with Tay. But it was a slower burn than some of the other books in this series.

Was fun to see that Toronto's hockey team in this series fairs about as well as the one in real life come playoff time 😂.

Anyways. 3.5 ⭐ good edition to the series and can't wait to read the next one.

[Meagan (FranticVampireReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Risking the Shot! It was a like a breath of fresh air. I loved that it focused so much on Dakota as a single parent. And that Andy, Dakota’s son, was so prominent in the story and actually felt like a kid. I also loved that Tay was so open with his struggles with school, with his sisters, and with being able to share his art. Not to mention the fact that Tay was so willing to bond with Andy. It so cool to see in this and that Tay was there for Dakota through some struggles with his ex was also lovely. This was honestly one of my favorite books in this series and I can’t wait to continue! Risking the Shot is getting a solid five stars.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

She added a cute kid. I was already falling hard for all of these guys, and then she added a kid. And another (totally not plausible but I still love it) seriously LGBTQ leaning team - in Toronto. And more bisexual guys willing to be openly bi. *sigh* I'm a happy person right now.

(Sorry this review isn't really a review, but I'm happy and I have no words of my own right now.)

[Derek Fleming · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amy's Stick Side series is one of my favourites, but this fourth instalment was only so-so. Thoroughly relished the Toronto setting, but the main characters were not as enjoyable for me as the previous books.

Nevertheless, very much looking forward to the next book in the series!