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Hockey Ever After #1.5
The Winging It Holiday Special
Hockey’s started, holidays are looming, and NHL player Dante Baltierra’s husband is keeping secrets.
Of course, secrets aren’t unusual this time of year, but Dante is pretty sure Gabe isn’t being squirrelly about a new flat-screen or tickets for a second honeymoon. Whatever is eating Gabe is more serious than a surprise under the tree. But as much as Dante wants to help, asking about it would be fruitless. Besides, he has a theory about the problem—and the solution.
He’s just not sure Santa has the power to deliver what Gabe really wants this Christmas.
Of course, secrets aren’t unusual this time of year, but Dante is pretty sure Gabe isn’t being squirrelly about a new flat-screen or tickets for a second honeymoon. Whatever is eating Gabe is more serious than a surprise under the tree. But as much as Dante wants to help, asking about it would be fruitless. Besides, he has a theory about the problem—and the solution.
He’s just not sure Santa has the power to deliver what Gabe really wants this Christmas.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2021
90 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
Ashlyn Kane
33 books523 followersAshlyn Kane is a thirtysomething writer, editor, procrastinator, and dog mom. She likes cheese, puns, and hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 30, 2023
Let's have a baby!
Or retire. Whatevs, bro.
We're still totes in love.
Or retire. Whatevs, bro.
We're still totes in love.
November 30, 2022
For fans of Winging It, this is a fun chance to spend time with Gabe and Dante through several holidays. The guys are a bit older, a bit wiser, and still in love. Sweet and pretty light.
March 14, 2024
I adored revisiting Gabe and Dante in THE WINGING IT HOLIDAY SPECIAL and it was great to see what they've been up to 6 years later. It was especially nice to see them so in love and settled in their relationship. My only complaint is that I thought the set up for them adopting a baby was a little too convenient and contrived but this was clearly meant to be a lighthearted and sweet follow up so I get it.
March 8, 2024
Very much enjoyed spending more time with Gabe and Dante and the whole hockey family.
May 28, 2023
Tropes: sequel, teammates
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: no
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks: none
This is a sequel/holiday novella to Winging It. We revisit Dante and Gabe about 6 years after that book. They are married and celebrating Christmas. And thinking about having kids. It's a sweet story, nice to see them happy and living their lives fully.
Some notable moments:
"“Are you sure I can’t change your mind? I really like hockey players.” Dante smiled. “Me too. Mine’s waiting for me in bed right now.”"
"Rina worked as a dog trainer. Dante had about three hundred questions he urgently needed to ask about how to convince Gabe they should get a puppy, but then he remembered Mario and thought better of it."
"“Only you could meet a random woman at the mall and have her offer you a child three weeks later.”"
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: no
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks: none
This is a sequel/holiday novella to Winging It. We revisit Dante and Gabe about 6 years after that book. They are married and celebrating Christmas. And thinking about having kids. It's a sweet story, nice to see them happy and living their lives fully.
Some notable moments:
"“Are you sure I can’t change your mind? I really like hockey players.” Dante smiled. “Me too. Mine’s waiting for me in bed right now.”"
"Rina worked as a dog trainer. Dante had about three hundred questions he urgently needed to ask about how to convince Gabe they should get a puppy, but then he remembered Mario and thought better of it."
"“Only you could meet a random woman at the mall and have her offer you a child three weeks later.”"
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
November 5, 2022
No.
I’m sorry I just can’t see these two as parents. It’s great to see them again but no.
I’m sorry I just can’t see these two as parents. It’s great to see them again but no.
November 28, 2021
It was fun to revisit with Dante and Gabe. I loved how we got some memorable flashblacks and then watch them in love currently. They have learned so much from each other, the challenges of blended families, long friendships and new beginnings. I smiled the whole time I was reading. I'm not giving away spoilers to you have to read the book yourself!
February 1, 2024
Okkkayyy well Dante and Gabe continue to be really fucking cute together and its nice to see them a few years in the future…Dante’s started to mature quite a bit more and its cute to see the boys again.
July 19, 2025
i am sad it is over i need more dante content
December 16, 2025
Dante and Gabe are one of my all-time-fav-hockey-couple.
This completes their love story and I had all the heart eyes while reading.
Sweet.
This completes their love story and I had all the heart eyes while reading.
Sweet.
April 15, 2024
It was wonderful catching up with Dante and Gabe. Told through Dante's POV, we were able to see the two of them years into their marriage, seeing them with their families, and finding out how their family grew. It was a satisifying journey to take.
October 29, 2023
Yes, I'm inhaling this entire series straight through and I have NO REGRETS.
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Source: Kindle Unlimited
January 28, 2025
Fun little holiday adventure with Gabe and Dante after a few years together. Little predictable and was able to guess pretty much right away what was happening, but still a nice happy ending for them.
December 14, 2025
Cute little short to wrap up the first story
April 25, 2024
hi im emotionally fragile. This was short and cute and im so happy they had babies !! Dante has always been good with kids !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2023
Ok but this is the sweetest thing 🥺
And after reading a couple of not so good books, it’s so refreshing to read Ashlyn Kane’s and Morgan James’ writing again ❤️❤️
And after reading a couple of not so good books, it’s so refreshing to read Ashlyn Kane’s and Morgan James’ writing again ❤️❤️
November 1, 2023
I thought this novella was really fun until I got about 80% of the way through. Once the whole pregnancy thing happened, I got pissed off and couldn't enjoy the story anymore. Still, the first 80% is worthy of 3 stars, so I won't rate it any lower. Now for my rant (spoiler warning):
January 25, 2025
It's hard to rate novellas — on the one hand, I already love these characters and I'm easy to please with banter and declarations of love. On the other hand, you have to wonder how much of the fluff was worth your time. I think a good novella is indulgent but short, and this one missed the mark a little on the latter of those.
We get to see a lot of Dante, Gabe and their daughter in future books, but it's to roll things back a little. I loved the retirement conversation — had me in my feels and a little emotional, too. But I think that was ultimately one of the few chapters in this one that truly felt like it added more to what we already saw of them in their book.
Unlike other readers, I could totally buy Dante and Gabe as parents, but that might also be because I already read them as parents. What I wasn't that great on was the whole Michelle storyline —
Anyways, long live girl dad Dante Baltiera.
We get to see a lot of Dante, Gabe and their daughter in future books, but it's to roll things back a little. I loved the retirement conversation — had me in my feels and a little emotional, too. But I think that was ultimately one of the few chapters in this one that truly felt like it added more to what we already saw of them in their book.
Unlike other readers, I could totally buy Dante and Gabe as parents, but that might also be because I already read them as parents. What I wasn't that great on was the whole Michelle storyline —
Anyways, long live girl dad Dante Baltiera.
December 28, 2022
It was ok to be back with these two and see their life post HEA but not keen on the way their need/wish so 'nicely' got resolved.
April 21, 2024
*Note: I cannot separate the two books. They need to both be read for you to get the whole story. So be sure to read Winging It: The Holiday Special right after Winging it.
* This is a copy paste of my review for both books
Don't go into this book thinking it's a simple sweet sports romance book. It's more . It's like a movie about a hockey team intertwined with a love story with all the ups and downs within the season. This book is a journey that immerses you into the dealings of their lives and the team's journey towards their goals. The hockey playing and season going on is a major character in this book, so reader, you gotta like hockey. This is a long read. Plus, you need to know this is a HFN-ish (a. ILU isn't said in return in this book. b. Winging It :The Holiday Special has all the HEA!!!)
The romance (?) burns slowly at what feels like a snails pace up until 38% when things finally start happening. For the longest time it made me wonder if this was going to be one sided. 38% is normal for a book but it felt longer because so much more was going on that the weeks/games passed without any progression to the romance.
As much as I liked this book, it felt that the love story is a hit and miss. We barely spend 'quality' time with the MC's. Just barely skimming by moments, and nothing ever really feels solid.
Not that all the feelings aren't there, WE just aren't privied to them.
(I feel that the authors realized this and gave it all in the Novella that came after). As the book goes on, you realize, and accept, that it is about all the people involved and all the happenings (think t.v series)
The arcs for each character are vast and a lot of growing and evolving happens. And the found family and true families are such a huge hug of support. This story just wraps around you. I kind of didn't want it to end. I loved it.
* This is a copy paste of my review for both books
Don't go into this book thinking it's a simple sweet sports romance book. It's more . It's like a movie about a hockey team intertwined with a love story with all the ups and downs within the season. This book is a journey that immerses you into the dealings of their lives and the team's journey towards their goals. The hockey playing and season going on is a major character in this book, so reader, you gotta like hockey. This is a long read. Plus, you need to know this is a HFN-ish (a. ILU isn't said in return in this book. b. Winging It :The Holiday Special has all the HEA!!!)
The romance (?) burns slowly at what feels like a snails pace up until 38% when things finally start happening. For the longest time it made me wonder if this was going to be one sided. 38% is normal for a book but it felt longer because so much more was going on that the weeks/games passed without any progression to the romance.
As much as I liked this book, it felt that the love story is a hit and miss. We barely spend 'quality' time with the MC's. Just barely skimming by moments, and nothing ever really feels solid.
Not that all the feelings aren't there, WE just aren't privied to them.
(I feel that the authors realized this and gave it all in the Novella that came after). As the book goes on, you realize, and accept, that it is about all the people involved and all the happenings (think t.v series)
The arcs for each character are vast and a lot of growing and evolving happens. And the found family and true families are such a huge hug of support. This story just wraps around you. I kind of didn't want it to end. I loved it.
November 5, 2023
Whoops! Read this one out of order but seeing how Gabe and Dante set up their future was adorable! It’s Gabe’s last year when he tells Dante he’s retiring and kn top of a lot of other changes, their future is looking a lot fuller.
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Gabe and Dante are adorable. I love how they know each other’s moods and emotions so well
2) Only Dante would make a random friend in a busy mall attempting to Christmas shop and have it all connect and
3) Who doesn’t love a good hockey ever after?
PS — Dante on the phone with Gabby was chef’s kiss!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote: "I hate you. I mean, I love you so much it's stupid, but... you're sure this is what you want?" Because there'd be no takebacks. No refunds or exchanges.
"Why do you think I married you?"
"Because you realized your disdain for the heteronormative status quo was less important to you than signing a piece of paper proving you love me forever?"
#briereads #brierecommends #2023goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #hockeyromance #hockeyeverafterseries #ashlynkane #morganjames #canadianauthor🇨🇦 @ashlynkanebooks
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Gabe and Dante are adorable. I love how they know each other’s moods and emotions so well
2) Only Dante would make a random friend in a busy mall attempting to Christmas shop and have it all connect and
3) Who doesn’t love a good hockey ever after?
PS — Dante on the phone with Gabby was chef’s kiss!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote: "I hate you. I mean, I love you so much it's stupid, but... you're sure this is what you want?" Because there'd be no takebacks. No refunds or exchanges.
"Why do you think I married you?"
"Because you realized your disdain for the heteronormative status quo was less important to you than signing a piece of paper proving you love me forever?"
#briereads #brierecommends #2023goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #hockeyromance #hockeyeverafterseries #ashlynkane #morganjames #canadianauthor🇨🇦 @ashlynkanebooks
July 6, 2024
Wholesome!
It was a bittersweet feeling to read this one. I was so happy for Dante and Gabe. They grew up and matured, but they were still totally in love with each other.
“Until you, life after hockey was an abstract concept. I couldn’t picture it, so I never thought about it. Now I can see it clearly.”
I think it has been 5 or 6 years since the first book. They had already tied the knot. Now, they were ready to face the next part of their lives with their families and friends. I really had a nice journey with them. They really deserved all the blessings.
Some parts made me sad. I didn't like it when my characters were getting old. It was a bit realistic for my taste. It was absolutely unreasonable, but I wanted them to stay as they were.
Nevertheless, this was a nice addition to Dante and Gabe's story. I will miss them! Hopefully, we get some scenes with them in the next book.
It was a bittersweet feeling to read this one. I was so happy for Dante and Gabe. They grew up and matured, but they were still totally in love with each other.
“Until you, life after hockey was an abstract concept. I couldn’t picture it, so I never thought about it. Now I can see it clearly.”
I think it has been 5 or 6 years since the first book. They had already tied the knot. Now, they were ready to face the next part of their lives with their families and friends. I really had a nice journey with them. They really deserved all the blessings.
Some parts made me sad. I didn't like it when my characters were getting old. It was a bit realistic for my taste. It was absolutely unreasonable, but I wanted them to stay as they were.
Nevertheless, this was a nice addition to Dante and Gabe's story. I will miss them! Hopefully, we get some scenes with them in the next book.
March 11, 2023
I think I first read Winging It back in 2018 or something, before it got its fancy new cover. It was a long time ago. But I’ve read it several times since then, because it became one of the first and one of my favorite MLM hockey romances I’ve ever read. I had no idea the authors had plans to turn it into a series, so just finding out now a few years later that there’s this bonus novella and two other full length books was a delightful surprise. I still love Gabe and Dante, and this look at their lives after Winging It ends gave me all the warm and fuzzies. I was always a bit unsatisfied with how Winging It ended, so this was kind of perfect and exactly what I needed. I know the other two books feature different couples but I can’t help but wish for cameos from Gabe and Dante. Either way, I’m excited to dive right into the other books.
February 13, 2023
Loved revisiting Gabe and Dante after years since first reading their story, the voice and tone is still very much them and I loved seeing beyond their HEA here, how they ended up starting a family with an unconventional baby adoption story. The ending was rather abrupt here but I didn't mind as much after reading the next book in this series that the authors have continued, because we do get to see Gabe and Dante with their born baby in that one- if not, this would've felt cut too short. They remain one of my favorite romance book couples, lots of nostalgia and fondness especially since theirs was one of the books that started my enjoyment of the nicher M/M hockey romance genre, and the fact that the book's just really good, chef's kiss.
November 26, 2021
This was a PERFECT addition to Gabe and Dante's story 😍😍 I loved every moment of being able to revisit these guys and the players around them. I wish they had a millions books that I could read! 🤣
I loved all the new characters, and being able to catch up with old friends. It was such a beautiful holiday book with all the feels!!
You definitely need to have read the first book, Winging It, to truly appreciate these two men for who they are. If you haven't I highly recommend ALL of these books.
I loved all the new characters, and being able to catch up with old friends. It was such a beautiful holiday book with all the feels!!
You definitely need to have read the first book, Winging It, to truly appreciate these two men for who they are. If you haven't I highly recommend ALL of these books.
January 11, 2024
KU
4.5 ⭐️
I know it’s just a novella and not meant to be a proper story but I really wanted one! Would have loved for this to be a full-length series
Loved how it was structured!
But I want Gabe’s POV throughout his retirement thoughts and to know how Dante did at the Olympics and how they were with their baby girl!
Love how it’s now ‘their’ dinner service 😂
Loved Michelle, I knew as soon as she said about her mum’s new boyfriend 😂
And now I know who the characters of the next book are! They were mentioned in here!
4.5 ⭐️
I know it’s just a novella and not meant to be a proper story but I really wanted one! Would have loved for this to be a full-length series
Loved how it was structured!
But I want Gabe’s POV throughout his retirement thoughts and to know how Dante did at the Olympics and how they were with their baby girl!
Love how it’s now ‘their’ dinner service 😂
Loved Michelle, I knew as soon as she said about her mum’s new boyfriend 😂
And now I know who the characters of the next book are! They were mentioned in here!
June 16, 2024
This is an unusual book. It's sort of a series of short stories in chronological order each landing on or near a holiday in the fall/winter of the same year. The two main characters are from the book, Winging It, about 5 years later. I really enjoyed their interactions, the biological and found family aspects, and the overarching theme of "what's up with Gabe" running through it. Funny, sweet and satisfying. You need to have read the book and know that this isn't a typical novel, but a series of vignettes. Sweet, low-angst but not overly saccharine.
November 25, 2022
Absolutely love this little interlude. It’s hilarious, it’s charming, it’s romantic, and the progression in the characters’ professional and private relationships makes perfect sense. What more do you need? Dante and Gabe are definitely amongst my favourite MM romance characters. They’re already lovable individually and their palpable chemistry together as a couple puts them even higher on the list.
November 26, 2023
This was cute! I enjoyed revisiting Dante and Gabe and seeing them as an established couple. It ended a bit abruptly. Also
September 19, 2024
Igual de tiernos que el libro anterior y ya casados!!!
Lo juro no pensé que lo hicieran pero tenia mis fichas en Dante y me cumplió.
Fue un bonito regreso a su historia y amo que sean una pareja tan solida y lo de Dante y Michelle si fue de mucha risa la verdad.
Gabe tomando decisiones difíciles y Dante volviéndose un poco loco con eso fue lindo también aunque agridulce. Veremos si los mencionan en otras historias pero hasta aquí han sido hermosos.
Lo juro no pensé que lo hicieran pero tenia mis fichas en Dante y me cumplió.
Fue un bonito regreso a su historia y amo que sean una pareja tan solida y lo de Dante y Michelle si fue de mucha risa la verdad.
Gabe tomando decisiones difíciles y Dante volviéndose un poco loco con eso fue lindo también aunque agridulce. Veremos si los mencionan en otras historias pero hasta aquí han sido hermosos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews