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The Playmakers #2
Third Man In
Can a hard-hitting hockey player find love with the woman who belongs to the guy he just put in the hospital?
Pro hockey player T.J. Shanstrom is no stranger to controversy. Labeled a goon by his many critics, he’s the guy every team hates to play against but every team wants on their side—the goal scorer with an edge as deadly as a newly sharpened skate blade.
T.J. plays the only way he can, laying everything on the line, game in, game out. But when it’s time to step away from the rink, T.J. leaves his fire on the ice. Relationships? He tried that once. Friends with benefits is as close as he’s planning to get to a woman again.
Until he meets Natalie Foster.
Smart and independent, no-nonsense Natalie’s rebuilding her life her way after her high-powered career and her engagement go off the rails.
Besides trying out new lines of work, she’s also dipping her toe in the dating pool with pro hockey player Kevin May. The relationship is new, it’s fun, but it’s barely off the ground when Kevin’s career comes to a screeching halt thanks to a T.J. Shanstrom cheapshot.
When Natalie and T.J.’s paths accidentally cross, sparks fly. Natalie has no idea who this handsome hunk is, but when T.J. discovers who she is, he’s determined to become her knight in shining armor while safeguarding his identity—and his heart.
What could possibly go wrong?
♥ Winner of the 2021 Independent Publishers Book Awards Gold Medal for Best Romance E-book!
Pro hockey player T.J. Shanstrom is no stranger to controversy. Labeled a goon by his many critics, he’s the guy every team hates to play against but every team wants on their side—the goal scorer with an edge as deadly as a newly sharpened skate blade.
T.J. plays the only way he can, laying everything on the line, game in, game out. But when it’s time to step away from the rink, T.J. leaves his fire on the ice. Relationships? He tried that once. Friends with benefits is as close as he’s planning to get to a woman again.
Until he meets Natalie Foster.
Smart and independent, no-nonsense Natalie’s rebuilding her life her way after her high-powered career and her engagement go off the rails.
Besides trying out new lines of work, she’s also dipping her toe in the dating pool with pro hockey player Kevin May. The relationship is new, it’s fun, but it’s barely off the ground when Kevin’s career comes to a screeching halt thanks to a T.J. Shanstrom cheapshot.
When Natalie and T.J.’s paths accidentally cross, sparks fly. Natalie has no idea who this handsome hunk is, but when T.J. discovers who she is, he’s determined to become her knight in shining armor while safeguarding his identity—and his heart.
What could possibly go wrong?
♥ Winner of the 2021 Independent Publishers Book Awards Gold Medal for Best Romance E-book!
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
165 people are currently reading
1556 people want to read
About the author
G.K. Brady
22 books349 followersG.K. Brady was born in Japan and grew up in Vietnam and Singapore—and many would argue she has yet to grow up.
Since childhood, all sorts of stories and characters have lived in her imagination, elbowing one another for attention, so she’s finally giving them their voice on the written page.
A writer of contemporary romance, she loves telling tales of the less-than-perfect hero or heroine who transforms with each turn of a page.
G.K. is the proud mom of three grown sons. When she’s not writing, she might be reading, traveling, drinking wine, listening to music, or gardening—sometimes all at once! She currently resides in Colorado with her very patient husband.
Since childhood, all sorts of stories and characters have lived in her imagination, elbowing one another for attention, so she’s finally giving them their voice on the written page.
A writer of contemporary romance, she loves telling tales of the less-than-perfect hero or heroine who transforms with each turn of a page.
G.K. is the proud mom of three grown sons. When she’s not writing, she might be reading, traveling, drinking wine, listening to music, or gardening—sometimes all at once! She currently resides in Colorado with her very patient husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
dnf
April 25, 2023DNFing not because it’s bad but because the situation these two have found themselves in was genuinely stressing me tf out😭
February 12, 2020
She shoots, she scores...again!
Like the first in the series, Third Man In is a character driven romance that steadily builds between two people who discover how they complete each other. It's endearing, has many laugh out loud moments and incredibly intimate. T.J is the enforcer on his team and in the heat of the moment, takes down a player of another team. Public outrage is running high against him, and after being traded, T.J finds himself back in Colorado. Checking in on the player who he put in the hospital, he gets to know Natalie, the guy's new girlfriend and he's determined to help her out, but without her knowing who he really is. The result is funny, heartwarming (double kudos to Ford the loveable dog) and incredibly sexy!
G.K. Brady has very quickly become my favourite contemporary romance author. I'm hoping for a long hockey season with many more in the series to come. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Like the first in the series, Third Man In is a character driven romance that steadily builds between two people who discover how they complete each other. It's endearing, has many laugh out loud moments and incredibly intimate. T.J is the enforcer on his team and in the heat of the moment, takes down a player of another team. Public outrage is running high against him, and after being traded, T.J finds himself back in Colorado. Checking in on the player who he put in the hospital, he gets to know Natalie, the guy's new girlfriend and he's determined to help her out, but without her knowing who he really is. The result is funny, heartwarming (double kudos to Ford the loveable dog) and incredibly sexy!
G.K. Brady has very quickly become my favourite contemporary romance author. I'm hoping for a long hockey season with many more in the series to come. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
March 23, 2022
When I started this book I didn’t think I would lie TJ but he's one of those characters who the more you learn about them, the more you can’t help but love them.
TJ is the enforcer on his hockey team and takes out a member of the team that they are playing, Kevin May. This causes him to be suspended from games for the rest of the season and to be traded to another team.
Natalie has a massive heart. She is dating Kevin and when he gets injured she is there for him everyday, no matter how much it affects her work.
I love seeing the relationship between TJ and Natalie grow. Of course to begin with she knows him as Tyler so doesn’t realise that he is the one who injured Kevin. She helps him get past some of his demons.
I just loved so much about this book. The amount of bad jokes in it, the No Excuses team members who I think helped TJ more than they realise and Ford.
I have the rest of thee books and can’t wait to read them!
TJ is the enforcer on his hockey team and takes out a member of the team that they are playing, Kevin May. This causes him to be suspended from games for the rest of the season and to be traded to another team.
Natalie has a massive heart. She is dating Kevin and when he gets injured she is there for him everyday, no matter how much it affects her work.
I love seeing the relationship between TJ and Natalie grow. Of course to begin with she knows him as Tyler so doesn’t realise that he is the one who injured Kevin. She helps him get past some of his demons.
I just loved so much about this book. The amount of bad jokes in it, the No Excuses team members who I think helped TJ more than they realise and Ford.
I have the rest of thee books and can’t wait to read them!
May 28, 2023
4.5 Stars!
(Audio Review) Third man in is book #2 in the Playmakers Series and features our mains T.J. and Natalie. After Pro hockey player T.J. (the enforcer on his team) gets into trouble due to some antics on the field, he is suspended from the remaining games for the rest of the season and is to be traded to another team.
Natalie is dating Kevin, whom was knocked out during the game and is the reason for T.J's suspension. When T.J. goes to check up on Kevin, he meets Natalie. This complicates things as Natalie of course dislikes the man who put her boyfriend in hospital. However, they slowly get to know each other during these meetings and things progress from there.
This book was surprising heart warming and also so fun to read. At first I wasn't sure about T.J. but he quickly won me over with the way he treated Natalie and looked out for and helped her. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I also loved how independent Natalie was; although T.J. is determined to help her, she still maintained her independence throughout whilst still accepting his help at times. Overall, I loved G.K Brady's writing in this and had fun!
I listened to the audio version of this book which was narrated by Tor Thom & Whitton Frank. The narration was excellent! They both did amazingly with the character voices, and they both brought the characters and story to life!
(Audio Review) Third man in is book #2 in the Playmakers Series and features our mains T.J. and Natalie. After Pro hockey player T.J. (the enforcer on his team) gets into trouble due to some antics on the field, he is suspended from the remaining games for the rest of the season and is to be traded to another team.
Natalie is dating Kevin, whom was knocked out during the game and is the reason for T.J's suspension. When T.J. goes to check up on Kevin, he meets Natalie. This complicates things as Natalie of course dislikes the man who put her boyfriend in hospital. However, they slowly get to know each other during these meetings and things progress from there.
This book was surprising heart warming and also so fun to read. At first I wasn't sure about T.J. but he quickly won me over with the way he treated Natalie and looked out for and helped her. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I also loved how independent Natalie was; although T.J. is determined to help her, she still maintained her independence throughout whilst still accepting his help at times. Overall, I loved G.K Brady's writing in this and had fun!
I listened to the audio version of this book which was narrated by Tor Thom & Whitton Frank. The narration was excellent! They both did amazingly with the character voices, and they both brought the characters and story to life!
June 3, 2023
*Audio Review*
Third man in is book two in the Playmakers Series. after Taming Beckett I was really excited to start listening to this one because I just loved the way this author creates these characters and has them grow and build relationships that feel real and genuine without being over the top with instant declarations of undying love (Even though I’m a hopeless romantic for over the top) and promises of forever. Her characters and the problems they have feel relatable, and I like that in a romance at times.
This story follows TJ and Natalie. TJ is a hockey player who’s been suspended for a brutal hit on an opponent on the ice that landed the guy in the hospital in fairly bad condition. Natalie is a dog walker/CPA who’s trying to make ends meet while growing her business. She had been casually dating Kevin May the player TJ hit on the ice. She starts to struggle to balance work and be with Kevin at the hospital for support and begins to lose clients, putting her in a bad financial situation. TJ and Natalie meet by chance bumping into one another a few times at the hospital. She has no idea who he is or that he is the reason Kevin is in in the hospital to begin with, and he can’t seem to bring himself to tell her. Wanting to do something to help her financial problems, he adopts a dog and hires Natalie to help out with him, and a friendship starts between the pair…
This is a slow burn romance. Natalie and TJ really developed a rapport that leads to a friendship and grows into feelings for one another only after things end with Kevin and her. I enjoyed their friendship, I loved the banter and the bond they created, and I loved how TJ really wanted to help her. I loved Ford fido the dog, and I really like that Beckett and Paige made a few cameos. This is a romance that took time. Both characters had a lot going on in their own lives, and they both had some growing to do, and they did throughout the book. When they finally got together, they were passionate, sweet, and fun and really just fit well together.
Tor Thom and Whitton Frank were the narrators, and though I am familiar with Tor Thom, Whitton Frank was new to me. They both did an amazing job. Tor has a very deep masculine voice that worked well for TJ, and he was really able to bring out the more vulnerable side of the character as well. Whitton Frank was wonderfully chosen for Natalie as well. They brought the characters' personalities to life and made the listening experience enjoyable.
Overall, I enjoyed this listen and would recommend it. The narration was on point, the writing was flawless, and the characters were layered and interesting. It was fun and funny, and I look forward to the next book in the series!
Third man in is book two in the Playmakers Series. after Taming Beckett I was really excited to start listening to this one because I just loved the way this author creates these characters and has them grow and build relationships that feel real and genuine without being over the top with instant declarations of undying love (Even though I’m a hopeless romantic for over the top) and promises of forever. Her characters and the problems they have feel relatable, and I like that in a romance at times.
This story follows TJ and Natalie. TJ is a hockey player who’s been suspended for a brutal hit on an opponent on the ice that landed the guy in the hospital in fairly bad condition. Natalie is a dog walker/CPA who’s trying to make ends meet while growing her business. She had been casually dating Kevin May the player TJ hit on the ice. She starts to struggle to balance work and be with Kevin at the hospital for support and begins to lose clients, putting her in a bad financial situation. TJ and Natalie meet by chance bumping into one another a few times at the hospital. She has no idea who he is or that he is the reason Kevin is in in the hospital to begin with, and he can’t seem to bring himself to tell her. Wanting to do something to help her financial problems, he adopts a dog and hires Natalie to help out with him, and a friendship starts between the pair…
This is a slow burn romance. Natalie and TJ really developed a rapport that leads to a friendship and grows into feelings for one another only after things end with Kevin and her. I enjoyed their friendship, I loved the banter and the bond they created, and I loved how TJ really wanted to help her. I loved Ford fido the dog, and I really like that Beckett and Paige made a few cameos. This is a romance that took time. Both characters had a lot going on in their own lives, and they both had some growing to do, and they did throughout the book. When they finally got together, they were passionate, sweet, and fun and really just fit well together.
Tor Thom and Whitton Frank were the narrators, and though I am familiar with Tor Thom, Whitton Frank was new to me. They both did an amazing job. Tor has a very deep masculine voice that worked well for TJ, and he was really able to bring out the more vulnerable side of the character as well. Whitton Frank was wonderfully chosen for Natalie as well. They brought the characters' personalities to life and made the listening experience enjoyable.
Overall, I enjoyed this listen and would recommend it. The narration was on point, the writing was flawless, and the characters were layered and interesting. It was fun and funny, and I look forward to the next book in the series!
May 28, 2023
Third Man In
The Playmakers #2
By: G.K. Brady
Narrated by Tor Thom & Whitton Frank
Hockey is so much fun, and when a book is written about the goal scorer with an edge, it's even better! I love to get to know this player. The one who takes the man down for the good of the team, but in reality is nothing like his professional image. TJ does just what he is told, but when Kevin, the player in the way is hurt worse than expected, his life changes. Taking a hit for the team takes on a whole new meaning as he begins to take the repercussions of that one decision. But if it hadn't happened, he would not have met Natalie. Natalie, the girlfriend of the hurt player and the sparks are flying between TJ and her, much more than Kevin! She has no idea who TJ is in relation to Kevin, but she does know there is something about the man. Will these two find their way to happiness? GK Brady takes us into TJ's crazy world of working through his new life. What did I love the most? I can't choose just one thing. The man is like a big hug! He gets a dog, he's sweet and wonderful, he is remorseful and most of all he is loving. But getting around a lie is not the easiest thing. This is a fun listen, easy on the ears and a lot going on. I loved getting to know these characters and am looking forward to book 3.
Tor Thom and Whitton Frank are our story tellers and they bring this gem to life. Thom puts his heart out on his sleeve each time Natalie and TJ are together, so raw and easy to feel. Frank is a new to me narrator and she brings out Natalie's big heart as she embraces new career, and a sense of loyalty that is unbreakable. I enjoyed these two and their performance.
The Playmakers #2
By: G.K. Brady
Narrated by Tor Thom & Whitton Frank
Hockey is so much fun, and when a book is written about the goal scorer with an edge, it's even better! I love to get to know this player. The one who takes the man down for the good of the team, but in reality is nothing like his professional image. TJ does just what he is told, but when Kevin, the player in the way is hurt worse than expected, his life changes. Taking a hit for the team takes on a whole new meaning as he begins to take the repercussions of that one decision. But if it hadn't happened, he would not have met Natalie. Natalie, the girlfriend of the hurt player and the sparks are flying between TJ and her, much more than Kevin! She has no idea who TJ is in relation to Kevin, but she does know there is something about the man. Will these two find their way to happiness? GK Brady takes us into TJ's crazy world of working through his new life. What did I love the most? I can't choose just one thing. The man is like a big hug! He gets a dog, he's sweet and wonderful, he is remorseful and most of all he is loving. But getting around a lie is not the easiest thing. This is a fun listen, easy on the ears and a lot going on. I loved getting to know these characters and am looking forward to book 3.
Tor Thom and Whitton Frank are our story tellers and they bring this gem to life. Thom puts his heart out on his sleeve each time Natalie and TJ are together, so raw and easy to feel. Frank is a new to me narrator and she brings out Natalie's big heart as she embraces new career, and a sense of loyalty that is unbreakable. I enjoyed these two and their performance.
May 29, 2023
I was sent an ALC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This is #2 of the Playmakers series by GK Brady and can be read as a standalone.
This is a first read by this author, and I think you either like her style or you don't. I fall in the latter camp. Too much dialogue in the third PoV, and at times, I found it confusing whether it was a thought that was being expressed or one of the characters actually talking.
I also didn't warm to either character particularly. TJ was put in an impossible position and in a dangerous game like ice hockey horrid accidents can and do happen. He just hit a bit too hard and had to suffer the consequences.
As for Natalie, why would she feel inclined to visit the hospital every day after such a short courtship, especially if it was putting all her work in jeopardy. I would have thought his family (not his ex-wife) would have been around and deciding who would best to be at his bedside. After all, the ex was the ex for a reason! It just didn't make sense.
The rest of the story was blah, blah with the exception of the delightful 🐕 which took centre stage at times.
The narration killed it for me, #torthom droned on with little inflection and didn't do women voices well and #whittonfrank a new to me narrator, did the best she could do with what she had, which wasn't a lot in my opinion.
This is #2 of the Playmakers series by GK Brady and can be read as a standalone.
This is a first read by this author, and I think you either like her style or you don't. I fall in the latter camp. Too much dialogue in the third PoV, and at times, I found it confusing whether it was a thought that was being expressed or one of the characters actually talking.
I also didn't warm to either character particularly. TJ was put in an impossible position and in a dangerous game like ice hockey horrid accidents can and do happen. He just hit a bit too hard and had to suffer the consequences.
As for Natalie, why would she feel inclined to visit the hospital every day after such a short courtship, especially if it was putting all her work in jeopardy. I would have thought his family (not his ex-wife) would have been around and deciding who would best to be at his bedside. After all, the ex was the ex for a reason! It just didn't make sense.
The rest of the story was blah, blah with the exception of the delightful 🐕 which took centre stage at times.
The narration killed it for me, #torthom droned on with little inflection and didn't do women voices well and #whittonfrank a new to me narrator, did the best she could do with what she had, which wasn't a lot in my opinion.
March 21, 2022
This is the first book I have read by G.K Brady and it won’t be my last! I love a good hockey romance and this exciting story with a twist is definitely that!
It was an intriguing story with a twist that made me laugh out loud, cringe in secondhand embarrassment, yell at the main character, and smile in appreciation multiple times.
The story follows T.J. the enforcer of his team who takes down an opposing player and lands him in the hospital with a serious injury. After being traded after the incident, T.J. meets Natalie and is immediately entranced by her. When he finds out that she is the player’s girlfriend that he put in the hospital, he is determined to help her out, without her knowing who he is.
As they begin to open up to each other and get to know each other, T.J. finds it harder and harder to tell Natalie who he really is, as he is afraid to lose her. What could go wrong? The book takes you on a journey of forgiveness, love, and trusting not only yourself but others too.
This sports romance is heavy but also fun and heart-warming. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good contemporary, hockey romance!
It was an intriguing story with a twist that made me laugh out loud, cringe in secondhand embarrassment, yell at the main character, and smile in appreciation multiple times.
The story follows T.J. the enforcer of his team who takes down an opposing player and lands him in the hospital with a serious injury. After being traded after the incident, T.J. meets Natalie and is immediately entranced by her. When he finds out that she is the player’s girlfriend that he put in the hospital, he is determined to help her out, without her knowing who he is.
As they begin to open up to each other and get to know each other, T.J. finds it harder and harder to tell Natalie who he really is, as he is afraid to lose her. What could go wrong? The book takes you on a journey of forgiveness, love, and trusting not only yourself but others too.
This sports romance is heavy but also fun and heart-warming. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good contemporary, hockey romance!
March 21, 2022
T.J. is a man who carries scars from his past, and it's made him shy away from relationships these days. He's a pro hockey player who leaves everything on the ice, but it's also made him an easy mark for a reputation for being kind of a dirty player which has him in trouble a lot. Natalie is a hard working woman with a big heart who can let things get the better of her in all areas in her life. These two come face to face when he checks in with the player he seriously injured, and the sparks are flying. Of course she doesn't know who he is for a cool minute which means I was on the edge of my seat waiting on that shoe to drop because secrets always come out. I really loved this book as I loved these two, but there was this amazing secondary who stole the show for me, Ford the dog LOL! I LOVED that dog so much & the other cast of supporting characters to boot. To see how it all plays out, you know what to do as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 26, 2023
This story really drew me in. I thought it would be a typical hockey romance. The story and the characters actually go much deeper. TJ had a hard go if it and the author does a good job of making me feel for his predicament. Natalie is a kind soul who needs to learn how to strengthen herself. Each have a lesson to learn and grow from.
I was shocked and surprised by the story and it really kept me on my toes. I enjoyed it and look forward to more. The narration is wonderfully done. Tor Thom is always a joy to listen to and Whitton Franknis new to me but did a great job as well.
I was shocked and surprised by the story and it really kept me on my toes. I enjoyed it and look forward to more. The narration is wonderfully done. Tor Thom is always a joy to listen to and Whitton Franknis new to me but did a great job as well.
December 17, 2019
Wow. It's a new author for me and I approve. I love hockey romance and this fits the bill. The characters are well developed. I guess I knew TJ had a rough up bringing but it wasn't until nearly the end that you get the full story. No, don't read the end first, you!!
I really liked Natalie. She was hard working and had a great heart. It's so rewarding to read that her goodness really means something and it shadows over TJ.
Loved the dog's name...Ford. LOL
I really liked Natalie. She was hard working and had a great heart. It's so rewarding to read that her goodness really means something and it shadows over TJ.
Loved the dog's name...Ford. LOL
May 30, 2023
Just One More Chapter
Third Man In
Audiobook Review
By G. K. Brady
Narrated by Tor Thom and Whitten Frank
I really enjoyed this story! I’m looking forward to listening to the ones before this one. Whitten Frank is a new to me narrator and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more. Tor Thom was great as always! This story is definitely a slow burn. A bit of angst and lots of reasons to laugh. Ford is the best! TJ’s heart is so big! Which was a bit of a surprise considering how things start out. Natalie is sweet and funny with a whole bunch of questions about where her life is going. Definitely worth the listen!
Third Man In
Audiobook Review
By G. K. Brady
Narrated by Tor Thom and Whitten Frank
I really enjoyed this story! I’m looking forward to listening to the ones before this one. Whitten Frank is a new to me narrator and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more. Tor Thom was great as always! This story is definitely a slow burn. A bit of angst and lots of reasons to laugh. Ford is the best! TJ’s heart is so big! Which was a bit of a surprise considering how things start out. Natalie is sweet and funny with a whole bunch of questions about where her life is going. Definitely worth the listen!
December 20, 2019
An absolutely awesome story. The characters are very well done and the storyline is pure magic. T. J. is a man haunted by his past. He is scared to show anyone who he truly is. Natalie seems to be caught in a nightmare. She is lovely and giving. When there world collides both lives will change. This is an emotional story. It will leave you laughing at the antics of T. J., Natalie’s bad jokes, the No Excuses team members, and Ford the dog. You will also shed a tear at the terror that was T.J’s life as a child. As he battles his scars and insecurities you will root for the man he is becoming. With help from friends and family they will find their true north and begin to build a life together.
September 18, 2024
aww TJ & Natalie
Really enjoyed this book, was a tough read to start with touching on a tough subject of serious injury recovery and a little hidden truths. This is a great story of loyalty, love, loss and puppies!
Well worth your time!
Really enjoyed this book, was a tough read to start with touching on a tough subject of serious injury recovery and a little hidden truths. This is a great story of loyalty, love, loss and puppies!
Well worth your time!
December 20, 2019
Overall I liked this book. I will admit that it felt a little long. It all begins with T.J. hitting a guy on the ice. Things turned ugly and he was punished. Unfortunately, the guy suffered serious injuries. When T.J. gets traded he ends up meeting Natalie. The problem is that she is dating the guy he hurt. Of course she finds out everything but in the end it all works out for them.
September 25, 2023
I enjoyed this audiobook well narrated by Tor Thom and Whitton Frank. TK. and Natalie were wonderful characters. I liked the story and the character development.
March 20, 2022
Well, TJ has to work hard to get back into the good graces of the public and the reader after that start, though I was absolutely confident that he would succeed. Abd he did. Ably assisted by the incomparable Ford Fido! Natalie's heart is too big for her own good and she has failed to guard it enough. I loved the slow growth of their friendship and of their personalities as they both learn so much in the course of this journey .
This book has been filled with charm, wit, kindness, insights and friendship. I love TJ and Natalie together. I would have liked a more rounded resolution of the situation with May, but, this has been a lovely read. 💖💖💖💖
This book has been filled with charm, wit, kindness, insights and friendship. I love TJ and Natalie together. I would have liked a more rounded resolution of the situation with May, but, this has been a lovely read. 💖💖💖💖
March 4, 2022
Good
The first one was the same. The first time for a while to get is that you can get the
The first one was the same. The first time for a while to get is that you can get the
May 6, 2021
TJ didn't come off well at first, letting his temper and frustration get the best of him, and not using his own brain to realize that something about the directive from his coach was questionable. Right away he hits a low, just like Beckett in the first book of the series. Also like the first book, the hits just kept on coming, obstacle after obstacle (plus a difficult backstory/childhood), hurtling TJ toward the train wreck you know is coming with Natalie. Very similar plot line to Beckett, with an ‘accidental’ friendship that results in love before the sex (which I like) and even similar character traits. Still, TJ's journey to learning to love himself makes for good reading. I wasn't as fond of Natalie, she didn't take ownership of her life and let her guilt drive her actions to the point it jeopardized her job. It was a little too much for me that the woman TJ was interested in was dating the guy he assaulted, I'm not sure that connection was necessary. Incidentally, the lawsuit and issues related to it also 'went away' rather suddenly toward the end, as if the author wanted all loose ends tied up (I wanted to tell her it's okay to leave one like that). Anyway, the point is the romance, and that had a very satisfying (if slightly over the top sweet especially considering where TJ was at the start of the book) ending. And the scenes with Ford the dog insinuating himself into TJ’s life and heart were the BEST.
December 22, 2019
Not being one to live and breathe hockey, I’ve never had any particular love or hate for the enforcers. This book has enlightened me so much on what that position entails. TJ has enough emotional baggage to sink a whole fleet of ocean liners and just about all of it is heartbreakingly tragic. Even though she’s not carrying around as much as he is, Natalie has her share of baggage too. I loved watching this pair navigate the quicksand around them. And their friends and family were almost as much fun with their antics. I want to get my hands on everything the author has written, or ever will write, about these Playmakers. I’m a fan for life now.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
May 31, 2023
I have read all of the Playmaker series books as soon as they were published. I was offered the audiobook in exchange for a review. I loved the audiobook even more than reading the kindle versions. The narrators, Tor Thom and Whitton Frank are fabulous. Reading the book doesn’t have the same impact as hearing Tor voice TJ’s thoughts and words. The audio version is packed with so much emotion that I felt TJ’s anguish and longing. Whitton Frank did a wonderful job as Natalie. I can’t wait for other books in the series to be released as audiobooks now.
February 1, 2021
Enjoyed this very much. TJ’s past was heartbreaking, leading to his feelings on relationships. Natalie was caught in a difficult situation, yet somehow still found their way to each other. Great read! Finished the epilogue. Thanks for that! Lovely to read about the reunion!
August 1, 2023
This is an AUDIOBOOK Review..!!
Book Two in the series and it is just as INCREDIBLE as book one...I could not get enough of listening to it....Another two wonderful narrators are introduced to play T.J and Natalie who are Tor Thom and Whitton Frank..I have listened to Tor Thom before so I already know how Amazing he is ...But Whitton Frank is a totally new Narrator to me and she did a fantastic job of telling this story,and I really enjoyed listening to her...Both Narrators are very clear and expressive and made each scene seem so real..I LOVED them.
So this is another Hockey romance which I love but like with most Hockey romances they always tell the story about one team and the players on that team.But G.K Brady doesn't do that with her stories T.J. Shanstrom does know Beckett from book one but he doesn't play hockey with him..
Anyway I digress sorry,T.J or Tyler is the enforcer on his team and he is known for his ruthless moves on the ice,being an enforcer gives you a certain bad reputation.
He is a team player though and will always do what is best for the team listening to his coach etc so when he is told to take Kevin May out of the game..He does just that with a really bad hit so much so Kevin is stretchered off the ice,and taken to hospital.
T.J. unbeknowst to others does have a conscience though,and he does feel some guilt for what he did,and now his career seems to take a hit also.
He is suspended and traded back to his old team..I felt awful for T.J. Because he was used as a scapegoat by his team to take the fallout for what happened to Kevin...then just pushed aside and thrown out of the team,shipped off somewhere else.
But as you get deeper into the book you realise that his new team is a better fit for T.J and they are more supportive..They also make him do some charity functions which changes T.J....It was really hopeful to learn that not everyone who suffers brain injuries or who are in a wheelchair that they don't have a life.Because it shows that even if you have a disability of any kind you can still make a life for yourself and be happy.
He makes the descion to go and visit T.J. in Hospital and Kevin is in a worst state than he expected,suffering a brain injury he has to relearn some things and is having mood swings...this really troubles T.J.
While at the hospital its here he encounters a flustered dog walker Natalie Foster who is has a starnge connection with...he can't stop thinking about her.
He then discovers she is Kevin Mays Girlfriend and now he feels even more of an asshole when he realises that Natalies buisness is suffering.So he decides to do everything to help her get back on her feet,and puts buisness opportunitys in front of her.
Natalie had only just started dating Kevin when his life takes a turn for the worst but she will be there to support him as much as she can..Along with Kevin's ex wife they share bedside vigil duties,but doing this at odd hours is causing her to lose money and clients..She is a dog walker and a book keeper and she just can't make ends meet.
until she meets mystery man who calls himself Tyler(its T.J)..Who Wants her to walk his dog he also gives her book keeping work..But what will she do when she discovers who T.J really is ..?
This story just captivates you completely I loved the friendship that develops betwen T.J and Natalie and the changes you see in T.J. He begins to understand actions have consequences he becomes a better man.
Natalie seems to gain confidence being with Tyler/T.J....and she has the revelatoion that she does not love Kevin and their relationship was to frivolous to develop into anything.Her full attraction was with Tyler.
I Love G.K Brady's writing and the way she just creates such well written thought out characters some you aren't sure about but then end up loving them.
Because at first I was unsure of T.J...But ended up loving him and his generous heart.
I Love discovering new authors whose stories I fall in love with and G.K.Brady is a hidden gem in the book world and I am so glad I found her.
This is a magnificent book
loved and enjoyed very much.
5 Stars.
Book Two in the series and it is just as INCREDIBLE as book one...I could not get enough of listening to it....Another two wonderful narrators are introduced to play T.J and Natalie who are Tor Thom and Whitton Frank..I have listened to Tor Thom before so I already know how Amazing he is ...But Whitton Frank is a totally new Narrator to me and she did a fantastic job of telling this story,and I really enjoyed listening to her...Both Narrators are very clear and expressive and made each scene seem so real..I LOVED them.
So this is another Hockey romance which I love but like with most Hockey romances they always tell the story about one team and the players on that team.But G.K Brady doesn't do that with her stories T.J. Shanstrom does know Beckett from book one but he doesn't play hockey with him..
Anyway I digress sorry,T.J or Tyler is the enforcer on his team and he is known for his ruthless moves on the ice,being an enforcer gives you a certain bad reputation.
He is a team player though and will always do what is best for the team listening to his coach etc so when he is told to take Kevin May out of the game..He does just that with a really bad hit so much so Kevin is stretchered off the ice,and taken to hospital.
T.J. unbeknowst to others does have a conscience though,and he does feel some guilt for what he did,and now his career seems to take a hit also.
He is suspended and traded back to his old team..I felt awful for T.J. Because he was used as a scapegoat by his team to take the fallout for what happened to Kevin...then just pushed aside and thrown out of the team,shipped off somewhere else.
But as you get deeper into the book you realise that his new team is a better fit for T.J and they are more supportive..They also make him do some charity functions which changes T.J....It was really hopeful to learn that not everyone who suffers brain injuries or who are in a wheelchair that they don't have a life.Because it shows that even if you have a disability of any kind you can still make a life for yourself and be happy.
He makes the descion to go and visit T.J. in Hospital and Kevin is in a worst state than he expected,suffering a brain injury he has to relearn some things and is having mood swings...this really troubles T.J.
While at the hospital its here he encounters a flustered dog walker Natalie Foster who is has a starnge connection with...he can't stop thinking about her.
He then discovers she is Kevin Mays Girlfriend and now he feels even more of an asshole when he realises that Natalies buisness is suffering.So he decides to do everything to help her get back on her feet,and puts buisness opportunitys in front of her.
Natalie had only just started dating Kevin when his life takes a turn for the worst but she will be there to support him as much as she can..Along with Kevin's ex wife they share bedside vigil duties,but doing this at odd hours is causing her to lose money and clients..She is a dog walker and a book keeper and she just can't make ends meet.
until she meets mystery man who calls himself Tyler(its T.J)..Who Wants her to walk his dog he also gives her book keeping work..But what will she do when she discovers who T.J really is ..?
This story just captivates you completely I loved the friendship that develops betwen T.J and Natalie and the changes you see in T.J. He begins to understand actions have consequences he becomes a better man.
Natalie seems to gain confidence being with Tyler/T.J....and she has the revelatoion that she does not love Kevin and their relationship was to frivolous to develop into anything.Her full attraction was with Tyler.
I Love G.K Brady's writing and the way she just creates such well written thought out characters some you aren't sure about but then end up loving them.
Because at first I was unsure of T.J...But ended up loving him and his generous heart.
I Love discovering new authors whose stories I fall in love with and G.K.Brady is a hidden gem in the book world and I am so glad I found her.
This is a magnificent book
loved and enjoyed very much.
5 Stars.
April 27, 2024
Okay, I admit it. I am in love with author G. K. Brady’s hockey romance series and with every single one of those hockey players. Read just one, and you’ll agree with me. And also, believe me when I say you won’t be able to stop at just one.
T. J. Shanstrom is an enforcer, that really big guy who shakes things up on the ice, who knocks opposing players down, plows over them, takes them out. He’d like to expand his role and actually make plays, but he’s been put into the enforcer role and he’s good at it. He was traded to the San Jose Earthquakes from the Colorado Blizzard, and things are going okay. Okay, that is, until his coach sends him the word to take out Kevin May and things go horribly wrong. Kevin hits his head on the ice and goes into a coma, and it’s T. J. who is blamed. And suspended through the rest of the season and the playoffs. Neither his coach nor anyone in management comes to his defense and says this play was ordered, nor does anyone notice that Kevin hit his head when other players fell on him, not when T. J. knocked him down. T. J. is hung out to dry. Fans hate him, his teammates shun him, his lukewarm relationship with his girlfriend erodes further.
As if that’s not bad enough, T. J. is summarily traded back to the Blizzard. Which, by the way, is where Kevin is in a rehab facility in Denver. Gage Nelson is traded along with T. J. and Gage is the only one of his teammates who will stand up for him. Fans everywhere seem to hate him, and the Blizzard players shun him, too. Bright spot: Coach Marty LeBrun (the best coach in the world, just saying) recognizes that T. J. could potentially expand his game beyond strictly enforcer and has him working on that, along with many, many, many, many charitable projects, since he still can’t play in games.
Bigger bright spot: When T. J. goes to the hospital to see how Kevin is doing (no-no from his lawyer, of course) he sees a woman in the parking lot. Cue the halo of sunshine around her and the orchestra playing.
Dimmer switch on the big bright spot: The woman is Natalie, Kevin May’s girlfriend. Oh, oh. Kevin and Natalie were just at the beginning of their relationship when he was hurt; she hadn’t moved into considering it serious but now?? What’s the protocol here? How can she just dump him, but how can she stay and further a relationship that was so new?
Natalie Foster is not a weak, weepy, whiny, wilting woman by any means, but she has had some tough breaks. And trying to navigate a barely started relationship with Kevin after his injury is just one of them. Not quite sure how she feels about Kevin long-term and having his ex-wife in her face just piles on to the emotions she’s already dealing with about her job change, failed former relationship, shaky finances. She doesn’t know who T. J. is, and at first he has no clue she’s Kevin’s (kind of) girlfriend. He just sees a woman having car trouble, who seems upset, sad, uncertain. A woman who draws him to her like a magnet. He doesn’t think she can’t take care of herself, but everything about her just seems to shout, “HELP!” and his Sir Galahad comes out. Once he learns who she is, he blames himself for ruining “the life she would have had with Kevin” and determines to do everything he can to help her – while hiding who he is, of course. How could that ever go wrong, hmm?
This is going to be fun, isn’t it? Except keeping secrets really never works out that well. T. J. almost instantly falls in love with Natalie; he just can’t help himself but he also can’t seem to find the perfect time to tell her the truth. She’s drawn to him as well but feels guilty about it, and while she keeps guessing the details wrong she senses he’s hiding something. So along with the fun there is probably going to be a lot of hurt and anger and confusion mixed in for a while.
Third Man In is amazing. Serious topics, hard times, difficult issues. But throw in a dog T. J. adopts so he can hire Natalie to watch it so she’ll have steady income. Add that he impulsively names the dog Ford because he panicked when asked and he just happened to look at a passing car and you won’t be able to stop laughing. Throw in how sweet he can be in his attempts to take care of her and sharing childhood secrets he’d never revealed before and you’ll be loudly sighing and patting your heart. Add in his connection to a local amateur sports team made up of disabled men and you’ll be grabbing for the tissues. Paige and Beckett are back, Coach LeBrun and Claudia are there, and Gage Nelson is someone you’ll want to know more about. What’s up with that quiet guy who keeps to himself? What’s he holding in? The story is funny and sweet but the thread as T. J. continues to try to clear his name will rile you up. Kevin’s story is sad yet heartwarming. There are some steamy bits you won’t want to miss, either and you might need a little fan for those.
I received an advance listening copy of Third Man In from Home Cooked Books. Listening instead of reading these stories is the icing (pun, sorry) on the cake. Tor Thom is a favorite narrator, with a giant voice so deep, gruff, gravelly, and sexily commanding that I always forget – and am delighted to be reminded – how sweet, lost, hurt and uncertain he can also be. He is the perfect T. J. Shanstrom and just brings him to life. Whitton Frank immerses you into all of Natalie’s emotions: sassy, sweet, smart, fearless but scared, and falling, falling, falling for T. J. I really did love this story; it just took me away to the world of hockey, the good and the bad, and submerged me into a sweet, sometimes hilarious, love story voiced by outstanding narrators. Listen to Third Man In. Listen to the series. You’ll love it. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
T. J. Shanstrom is an enforcer, that really big guy who shakes things up on the ice, who knocks opposing players down, plows over them, takes them out. He’d like to expand his role and actually make plays, but he’s been put into the enforcer role and he’s good at it. He was traded to the San Jose Earthquakes from the Colorado Blizzard, and things are going okay. Okay, that is, until his coach sends him the word to take out Kevin May and things go horribly wrong. Kevin hits his head on the ice and goes into a coma, and it’s T. J. who is blamed. And suspended through the rest of the season and the playoffs. Neither his coach nor anyone in management comes to his defense and says this play was ordered, nor does anyone notice that Kevin hit his head when other players fell on him, not when T. J. knocked him down. T. J. is hung out to dry. Fans hate him, his teammates shun him, his lukewarm relationship with his girlfriend erodes further.
As if that’s not bad enough, T. J. is summarily traded back to the Blizzard. Which, by the way, is where Kevin is in a rehab facility in Denver. Gage Nelson is traded along with T. J. and Gage is the only one of his teammates who will stand up for him. Fans everywhere seem to hate him, and the Blizzard players shun him, too. Bright spot: Coach Marty LeBrun (the best coach in the world, just saying) recognizes that T. J. could potentially expand his game beyond strictly enforcer and has him working on that, along with many, many, many, many charitable projects, since he still can’t play in games.
Bigger bright spot: When T. J. goes to the hospital to see how Kevin is doing (no-no from his lawyer, of course) he sees a woman in the parking lot. Cue the halo of sunshine around her and the orchestra playing.
Dimmer switch on the big bright spot: The woman is Natalie, Kevin May’s girlfriend. Oh, oh. Kevin and Natalie were just at the beginning of their relationship when he was hurt; she hadn’t moved into considering it serious but now?? What’s the protocol here? How can she just dump him, but how can she stay and further a relationship that was so new?
Natalie Foster is not a weak, weepy, whiny, wilting woman by any means, but she has had some tough breaks. And trying to navigate a barely started relationship with Kevin after his injury is just one of them. Not quite sure how she feels about Kevin long-term and having his ex-wife in her face just piles on to the emotions she’s already dealing with about her job change, failed former relationship, shaky finances. She doesn’t know who T. J. is, and at first he has no clue she’s Kevin’s (kind of) girlfriend. He just sees a woman having car trouble, who seems upset, sad, uncertain. A woman who draws him to her like a magnet. He doesn’t think she can’t take care of herself, but everything about her just seems to shout, “HELP!” and his Sir Galahad comes out. Once he learns who she is, he blames himself for ruining “the life she would have had with Kevin” and determines to do everything he can to help her – while hiding who he is, of course. How could that ever go wrong, hmm?
This is going to be fun, isn’t it? Except keeping secrets really never works out that well. T. J. almost instantly falls in love with Natalie; he just can’t help himself but he also can’t seem to find the perfect time to tell her the truth. She’s drawn to him as well but feels guilty about it, and while she keeps guessing the details wrong she senses he’s hiding something. So along with the fun there is probably going to be a lot of hurt and anger and confusion mixed in for a while.
Third Man In is amazing. Serious topics, hard times, difficult issues. But throw in a dog T. J. adopts so he can hire Natalie to watch it so she’ll have steady income. Add that he impulsively names the dog Ford because he panicked when asked and he just happened to look at a passing car and you won’t be able to stop laughing. Throw in how sweet he can be in his attempts to take care of her and sharing childhood secrets he’d never revealed before and you’ll be loudly sighing and patting your heart. Add in his connection to a local amateur sports team made up of disabled men and you’ll be grabbing for the tissues. Paige and Beckett are back, Coach LeBrun and Claudia are there, and Gage Nelson is someone you’ll want to know more about. What’s up with that quiet guy who keeps to himself? What’s he holding in? The story is funny and sweet but the thread as T. J. continues to try to clear his name will rile you up. Kevin’s story is sad yet heartwarming. There are some steamy bits you won’t want to miss, either and you might need a little fan for those.
I received an advance listening copy of Third Man In from Home Cooked Books. Listening instead of reading these stories is the icing (pun, sorry) on the cake. Tor Thom is a favorite narrator, with a giant voice so deep, gruff, gravelly, and sexily commanding that I always forget – and am delighted to be reminded – how sweet, lost, hurt and uncertain he can also be. He is the perfect T. J. Shanstrom and just brings him to life. Whitton Frank immerses you into all of Natalie’s emotions: sassy, sweet, smart, fearless but scared, and falling, falling, falling for T. J. I really did love this story; it just took me away to the world of hockey, the good and the bad, and submerged me into a sweet, sometimes hilarious, love story voiced by outstanding narrators. Listen to Third Man In. Listen to the series. You’ll love it. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
May 29, 2023
Third Man In is book two in The Playmakers series and is the enemies-to-lovers, sports romance of TJ Shanstrom and Natalie Foster.
TJ is an enforcer on the San Jose Earthquake hockey team, a hard hitter who people would rather was on their team than go up against him. During a big game TJ is told to take down Kevin May, an opposing player who had been problematic, only when TJ punches him, Kevin goes down. When both teams pile on, TJ isn’t quick enough to protect his head and Kevin ends up with brain damage and TJ, suspended for the remainder of the season, is transferred to Colorado. A pariah both on and off the ice, TJ visits Kevin in the hospital who appears to be the only person who doesn’t blame him, which is where he meets Natalie, Kevin’s girlfriend. Only she doesn’t know who he is, so he decides to make up for the fact he’s impacted her life by getting a dog and hiring her to take care of him plus he introduces her to his friends who also hire her. Will TJ come clean in time to have Natalie forgive him, or will he lose everything for following orders and throwing a punch?
Natalie Foster is a jack of all trades. She is a CPA, bookkeeper, and dog sitter and had just started dating NHL star Kevin May when he was taken down by an opposing player and ended up in hospital with brain damage. Natalie’s life changed in an instant, she was trying to juggle work, keeping a roof over her head, and visiting Kevin in hospital, only he becomes moody and short tempered which has her resenting the situation. Natalie bumps into a handsome stranger in the hospital only she doesn’t recognise him as the man who is responsible for her life being turned upside down, so TJ takes the opportunity to not only get to know her better, but to keep up with Kevins progress. Natalie is grateful when TJ offers her work and puts her in contact with a friend who also hires her. The chemistry between them builds and eventually combusts when Kevin goes back to his ex-wife. Will Natalie be able to forgive him for lying about who he was?
Tor Thom and new to me narrator Whitton Frank bring this audiobook to life in the most incredible way. Tor’s performance as the hockey enforcer whose charmed life begins to fall apart is amazing. Tor conveys all the emotions and the highs and lows TJ experiences throughout this story perfectly.
Whitton’s portrayal of the dog walking, bookkeeping, CPA whose life changes in the blink of an eye is phenomenal. Whitton managed to showcase all the emotions Natalie feels to absolute perfection.
I am in my hockey era right now and G.K. Brady is adding to my obsession one book at a time. I loved Taming Beckett and couldn’t wait to get my grubby little paws on Third Man In in audio. Holy sh!tballs, it did not disappoint.
If you love a good sports romance with an enemies to lovers undertone, a hero on a one man mission to atone his sins, who makes more mistakes on the road to redemption and a heroine who puts everyone else first, who finds herself in a tricky situation when a non-exclusive dating situation escalates due to an injury and a meet cute with a hot guy who helps her when she feels like she’s drowning then this is the book for you.
TJ is an enforcer on the San Jose Earthquake hockey team, a hard hitter who people would rather was on their team than go up against him. During a big game TJ is told to take down Kevin May, an opposing player who had been problematic, only when TJ punches him, Kevin goes down. When both teams pile on, TJ isn’t quick enough to protect his head and Kevin ends up with brain damage and TJ, suspended for the remainder of the season, is transferred to Colorado. A pariah both on and off the ice, TJ visits Kevin in the hospital who appears to be the only person who doesn’t blame him, which is where he meets Natalie, Kevin’s girlfriend. Only she doesn’t know who he is, so he decides to make up for the fact he’s impacted her life by getting a dog and hiring her to take care of him plus he introduces her to his friends who also hire her. Will TJ come clean in time to have Natalie forgive him, or will he lose everything for following orders and throwing a punch?
Natalie Foster is a jack of all trades. She is a CPA, bookkeeper, and dog sitter and had just started dating NHL star Kevin May when he was taken down by an opposing player and ended up in hospital with brain damage. Natalie’s life changed in an instant, she was trying to juggle work, keeping a roof over her head, and visiting Kevin in hospital, only he becomes moody and short tempered which has her resenting the situation. Natalie bumps into a handsome stranger in the hospital only she doesn’t recognise him as the man who is responsible for her life being turned upside down, so TJ takes the opportunity to not only get to know her better, but to keep up with Kevins progress. Natalie is grateful when TJ offers her work and puts her in contact with a friend who also hires her. The chemistry between them builds and eventually combusts when Kevin goes back to his ex-wife. Will Natalie be able to forgive him for lying about who he was?
Tor Thom and new to me narrator Whitton Frank bring this audiobook to life in the most incredible way. Tor’s performance as the hockey enforcer whose charmed life begins to fall apart is amazing. Tor conveys all the emotions and the highs and lows TJ experiences throughout this story perfectly.
Whitton’s portrayal of the dog walking, bookkeeping, CPA whose life changes in the blink of an eye is phenomenal. Whitton managed to showcase all the emotions Natalie feels to absolute perfection.
I am in my hockey era right now and G.K. Brady is adding to my obsession one book at a time. I loved Taming Beckett and couldn’t wait to get my grubby little paws on Third Man In in audio. Holy sh!tballs, it did not disappoint.
If you love a good sports romance with an enemies to lovers undertone, a hero on a one man mission to atone his sins, who makes more mistakes on the road to redemption and a heroine who puts everyone else first, who finds herself in a tricky situation when a non-exclusive dating situation escalates due to an injury and a meet cute with a hot guy who helps her when she feels like she’s drowning then this is the book for you.
May 29, 2023
Solid narrator performances for a so-so story…
Story: 3 ⭐️s
Narration: 4⭐️s
For me, Book 2 of Brady’s Playmakers series was a bit of a letdown after book 1. With Taming Beckett, any unevenness was contained to the final third of the story and wasn’t enough to harm a well-told romance; however, with Third Man In, the pacing felt uneven throughout the whole. I would get whiplash between scenes - one minute there was heavy drama, the next more lighted-hearted romance, the next dog shenanigans. The plot elements just felt much less balanced and cohesive this time around.
The characters themselves were also uneven and on the whole, less compelling than the previous couple. I had a hard time caring about them, though Natalie was better drawn character than TJ. I think the character and pacing problems in this story were connected for me. The way the structure played out, by the time I got interested in the relationship between the MCs, it was time for the 3rd act break up and then within another couple chapters the story was over. The best chapters were when they were finally together. And any stuff with Ford was adorable - love a dog in romance! (Plus, the passel of puppies during the grovel was also pretty great) However, the moments I loved or found engaging were few in comparison to the majority that were just underwhelming, or perhaps just not for me. Overall, I think if more of the story was them on page as a couple, with less time hiding his secret and her previous relationship angst - which really wasn’t one, so her confliction just struck as manufactured -, it would have felt more like the story of the relationship between Natalie and TJ, and I would have felt more invested in their journey.
The narrators do the best they can with what they are given. Tor Thom is always great, especially for a broody dude like TJ, but he can also do the lighter moments, though with TJ those were far too few. Whitton Frank was new to me, and she did a good job with Natalie, who on the whole had more light and humorous moments, to which Frank’s delivery was particularly well-suited. Sadly, there weren’t enough lighter moments on the whole for her to deliver, but what was there she played to a tee.
Overall, I wish I had enjoyed this more, especially since I enjoyed book one a lot - I did love that this book revisited Beckett and Paige and how they were part of the story and didn’t feel shoehorned into it. And I will continue with the series because I am very curious about Gage. So, I recommend it for the secondary characters, the dogs, and the narrator performances despite the less compelling MCs.
I received an ALC copy of the audiobook via Home Cooked Books and read via KU. All opinions are my own.
Story: 3 ⭐️s
Narration: 4⭐️s
For me, Book 2 of Brady’s Playmakers series was a bit of a letdown after book 1. With Taming Beckett, any unevenness was contained to the final third of the story and wasn’t enough to harm a well-told romance; however, with Third Man In, the pacing felt uneven throughout the whole. I would get whiplash between scenes - one minute there was heavy drama, the next more lighted-hearted romance, the next dog shenanigans. The plot elements just felt much less balanced and cohesive this time around.
The characters themselves were also uneven and on the whole, less compelling than the previous couple. I had a hard time caring about them, though Natalie was better drawn character than TJ. I think the character and pacing problems in this story were connected for me. The way the structure played out, by the time I got interested in the relationship between the MCs, it was time for the 3rd act break up and then within another couple chapters the story was over. The best chapters were when they were finally together. And any stuff with Ford was adorable - love a dog in romance! (Plus, the passel of puppies during the grovel was also pretty great) However, the moments I loved or found engaging were few in comparison to the majority that were just underwhelming, or perhaps just not for me. Overall, I think if more of the story was them on page as a couple, with less time hiding his secret and her previous relationship angst - which really wasn’t one, so her confliction just struck as manufactured -, it would have felt more like the story of the relationship between Natalie and TJ, and I would have felt more invested in their journey.
The narrators do the best they can with what they are given. Tor Thom is always great, especially for a broody dude like TJ, but he can also do the lighter moments, though with TJ those were far too few. Whitton Frank was new to me, and she did a good job with Natalie, who on the whole had more light and humorous moments, to which Frank’s delivery was particularly well-suited. Sadly, there weren’t enough lighter moments on the whole for her to deliver, but what was there she played to a tee.
Overall, I wish I had enjoyed this more, especially since I enjoyed book one a lot - I did love that this book revisited Beckett and Paige and how they were part of the story and didn’t feel shoehorned into it. And I will continue with the series because I am very curious about Gage. So, I recommend it for the secondary characters, the dogs, and the narrator performances despite the less compelling MCs.
I received an ALC copy of the audiobook via Home Cooked Books and read via KU. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2023
Fantastic Story & Narration🎧 Gripping & Heartfelt!
Third Man In
The Playmakers, Book 2
By: G.K. Brady
Narrated by: Tor Thom, Whitton Frank
G.K Brady pens another fabulous novel set in her “Playmakers” series and it is just as amazing as the first book in the series, “Taming Beckett”. Each book features different lead characters and stands on their own. While some characters may crossover into each other’s books, everything you need to know is detailed and you will never feel lost or like you missed something. This book is professional hockey player T.J Shanstrom and Natalie Foster’s story. Natalie is dating Kevin May, one of T.J.’s teammates, but that is not how they meet, it was chance and circumstances that brought them together. I absolutely loved this story, it is well written and the plotting is fantastic. The story grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it straight to the end, nothing else mattered except what was going to happen with these two. The buildup of their friendship was amazing, and while T.J knew who she was, she had known that he was the one responsible for Kevin’s injury. He thought he was doing the right thing, trying to help her out, make her life easier, but it was a train wreck waiting to happen. He planned on telling her but the timing was never right, and there was no denying that they were great together and for each other, the chemistry between them was through the roof. There is never a dull moment in this book, it has plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, angst and slow burn, but so worth the wait romance. G.K. Brady, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fantastic narration, Tor Thom and Whitton Frank are talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they were portraying, gave each their own voice and personality, and were believable in every role they played. You could heart how much heart they put into their work as they captured all the character’s emotions and projected them into their performance, making you feel every single one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their narration enhanced this already fabulous story to another level.
Third Man In
The Playmakers, Book 2
By: G.K. Brady
Narrated by: Tor Thom, Whitton Frank
G.K Brady pens another fabulous novel set in her “Playmakers” series and it is just as amazing as the first book in the series, “Taming Beckett”. Each book features different lead characters and stands on their own. While some characters may crossover into each other’s books, everything you need to know is detailed and you will never feel lost or like you missed something. This book is professional hockey player T.J Shanstrom and Natalie Foster’s story. Natalie is dating Kevin May, one of T.J.’s teammates, but that is not how they meet, it was chance and circumstances that brought them together. I absolutely loved this story, it is well written and the plotting is fantastic. The story grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it straight to the end, nothing else mattered except what was going to happen with these two. The buildup of their friendship was amazing, and while T.J knew who she was, she had known that he was the one responsible for Kevin’s injury. He thought he was doing the right thing, trying to help her out, make her life easier, but it was a train wreck waiting to happen. He planned on telling her but the timing was never right, and there was no denying that they were great together and for each other, the chemistry between them was through the roof. There is never a dull moment in this book, it has plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, angst and slow burn, but so worth the wait romance. G.K. Brady, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fantastic narration, Tor Thom and Whitton Frank are talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they were portraying, gave each their own voice and personality, and were believable in every role they played. You could heart how much heart they put into their work as they captured all the character’s emotions and projected them into their performance, making you feel every single one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their narration enhanced this already fabulous story to another level.
September 3, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, narrated by Tor Thom and Whitton Frank. They did a terrific job of engaging me in the story and making sure I could "catch" all the feelings swirling around TJ, Natalie, and Kevin. Ms. Brady gave them a wonderfully creative story to present. When TJ loses it on the ice and contributes to Kevin's major injury, his path crosses that of Natalie, who is Kevin's girlfriend at the time. TJ is both attracted to her and feeling guilty about causing Kevin's injury, and wants to help Natalie, who is trying to run her accounting business, her dog walking business, and spend time with Kevin. All while keeping his actual identity secret from her. He adopts an adorable dog (never having owned one before) just so he can hire her to help care for it. Now the stage is set for the relationship mayhem to ensue and for Natalie and TJ to expand their character horizons. I enjoyed all of it - plenty of banter, with nicknames and inside jokes, each of them having fun hobbies to introduce the other to (TJ paints, and Natalie fishes!), as well as their complicated backstories that also eventually come to light. I enjoyed this story in all its complexity and was so relieved when Natalie and TJ achieved their happy ending, since it didn't always seem like a sure thing. This book certainly earned those five stars!
p.s. This audiobook had a few moments where it would have been helpful to have some kind of signal to let the listener know that the setting was changing, even though the narrator was staying the same. This is a pet peeve of mine that I wish audiobook producers would recognize and do something about. In a print book, there would be a few extra blank lines or a row of asterisks or something; there should be a similar audiobook convention.
I was given a copy of the audiobook by the author and happily volunteered to write a review.
p.s. This audiobook had a few moments where it would have been helpful to have some kind of signal to let the listener know that the setting was changing, even though the narrator was staying the same. This is a pet peeve of mine that I wish audiobook producers would recognize and do something about. In a print book, there would be a few extra blank lines or a row of asterisks or something; there should be a similar audiobook convention.
I was given a copy of the audiobook by the author and happily volunteered to write a review.
January 21, 2020
me bragging: I have a new author! .... if you haven't read any of G.K. Brady's books, do like I did and start here. This book is amazing!!
For me, it's all about the characters and Ms. Brady knocked this one out of the park because the characters TJ and Natalie are believable and realistic. ... supporting characters too. Both are aiming to turn their life around when a freak situation on ice puts them both on a path to not only meet each other but question their choices up to date. I had an instal-crush on TJ and wanted to be Natalie.
Intense storyline, realistic characters with charisma, and writing that sizzles
This book has a believable storyline with twists you won't see coming... a chance meeting with instant attraction ... and later discovery that has TJ and Natalie in each other's orbits.
As far as emotions go, this book is intense ... as in I.N.T.E.N.S.E. the steamy love scenes had my kindle app on fire. I've re-read the ending about 15 times, so I'm glad I didn't read a paper version because I would have worn the print right off the pages.
So... if you're looking for a great sports romance, choose this one and download immediately. You're going to want to download the rest of the series too!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
For me, it's all about the characters and Ms. Brady knocked this one out of the park because the characters TJ and Natalie are believable and realistic. ... supporting characters too. Both are aiming to turn their life around when a freak situation on ice puts them both on a path to not only meet each other but question their choices up to date. I had an instal-crush on TJ and wanted to be Natalie.
Intense storyline, realistic characters with charisma, and writing that sizzles
This book has a believable storyline with twists you won't see coming... a chance meeting with instant attraction ... and later discovery that has TJ and Natalie in each other's orbits.
As far as emotions go, this book is intense ... as in I.N.T.E.N.S.E. the steamy love scenes had my kindle app on fire. I've re-read the ending about 15 times, so I'm glad I didn't read a paper version because I would have worn the print right off the pages.
So... if you're looking for a great sports romance, choose this one and download immediately. You're going to want to download the rest of the series too!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
September 4, 2023
I loved Natalie and Tyler, it was interesting all the ways they found to avoid telling the truth to each other the truth. T. J. just wanted a fresh start, and saw a chance with Natalie so he kept the secret of who he was. While Natalie fought to accept what she truly wanted. Natalie's relationship with Kevin was intriguing, but it was nice to see how everyone got what they wanted. I just love the dog part of the story and how a lie about the dogs name became the adopted dogs name. Although you could see the breakup coming due to all the lies, I loved how they got back together and started a future together. So much to enjoy in their story. I highly recommend you meet this couple especially if you enjoy romance and dogs. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The narration was great. It drew you into the story. I definitely felt everything they were going through. Overall, a good performance that helped me further enjoy the story.
The narration was great. It drew you into the story. I definitely felt everything they were going through. Overall, a good performance that helped me further enjoy the story.
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