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Rules of the Game #1
Road Rules
Rule #1: Hockey Comes First
As NHL team captain, Zane Murphy’s goal for the upcoming season is simple: take the Evanston River Otters all the way to the Stanley Cup.
Rule #2: Only On the Road
But an unexpectedly hot night with his best friend and teammate Ryan Hartinger throws Zane’s carefully laid plans and his sexuality into disarray.
Rule #3: Don’t Fall in Love with Your Best Friend
When feelings begin to creep in, Zane will have to decide if he’s willing to throw out the rules and risk his career and his friendship for a chance at winning it all.
Note: Road Rules was previously published as a 45k novella on Prolific Works and has since been expanded into a full length novel.
As NHL team captain, Zane Murphy’s goal for the upcoming season is simple: take the Evanston River Otters all the way to the Stanley Cup.
Rule #2: Only On the Road
But an unexpectedly hot night with his best friend and teammate Ryan Hartinger throws Zane’s carefully laid plans and his sexuality into disarray.
Rule #3: Don’t Fall in Love with Your Best Friend
When feelings begin to creep in, Zane will have to decide if he’s willing to throw out the rules and risk his career and his friendship for a chance at winning it all.
Note: Road Rules was previously published as a 45k novella on Prolific Works and has since been expanded into a full length novel.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2023
796 people are currently reading
2224 people want to read
About the author
Brigham Vaughn
82 books761 followersBrigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 465 reviews
January 8, 2022
Give me ONE REASON to not rate this prequel freebie 5 FUCKING STARS ✨✨✨✨
Like seriously, this book had NO RIGHT to be this good.
Considering I started this on a whim, where I almost removed it from my tbr because of the pain of just locating the bloody book, I ALMOST removed it from my tbr and 😡 the fucking horror 😡
My saving grace was that it was sports romance and my philosophy in life is to read every MM sports romance I can find.
🙏 Praise small miracles 🙏
This book just... hit all the right spots at the time that I read it. It made me melt, me blush, me smile like a giddy ole girl, me happy and most of all, me satisfied at every journey this book took place in.
This book was cuteness at its best, comfort at it's warmest and juicy at it's spiciest and Oh what I would give to even have an extended epilogue or a full blown out book of Ryan and Zane, aka ✨ the fucking standard ✨
(even though them calling each other man got real old, real fast 🤭)
this might be my first 5 star of the year (???????) though I'm still not sure if this book is a 4.5 or a 5 elegant ⭐
• also, how this book dealt with homosexuality in regards to NHL was nothing short of premium chefs kiss. I was in AWE of the way Brigham constructed such an eye opening, refreshing and an ideally realistic concept on this topic.
→ This was my first book of this author, and oh my Lord did I scream when I saw UNpublished books left in this new series, followed the author on her every platform and am planning to start on her backlist one day.
To say the least, this won't be me last of Brigham Vaughan 😘
Like seriously, this book had NO RIGHT to be this good.
Impulsively, Zane leaned forward and kissed Ryan. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For …” Zane swallowed hard. “Not being afraid to see what was right in front of our faces.”
Considering I started this on a whim, where I almost removed it from my tbr because of the pain of just locating the bloody book, I ALMOST removed it from my tbr and 😡 the fucking horror 😡
My saving grace was that it was sports romance and my philosophy in life is to read every MM sports romance I can find.
🙏 Praise small miracles 🙏
“Dude, you have got to see this!” Ryan bellowed. The bathroom door flung open, and he popped his curly blond head around the corner.
Zane dragged a towel over his wet skin, raising an eyebrow at his roommate. “Um, kinda naked here, dude.”
“Shit, that old thing? I’ve been staring at your junk for years.” Ryan rolled his eyes.
“Oh really?” Zane raised an eyebrow.
This book just... hit all the right spots at the time that I read it. It made me melt, me blush, me smile like a giddy ole girl, me happy and most of all, me satisfied at every journey this book took place in.
This book was cuteness at its best, comfort at it's warmest and juicy at it's spiciest and Oh what I would give to even have an extended epilogue or a full blown out book of Ryan and Zane, aka ✨ the fucking standard ✨
Zane Murphy might be their team captain, but it was Ryan’s job to look out for him.
He didn’t give a shit if Malone or anyone else teased them about how close they were.
It was Murphy and Hartinger until the end.
(even though them calling each other man got real old, real fast 🤭)
this might be my first 5 star of the year (???????) though I'm still not sure if this book is a 4.5 or a 5 elegant ⭐
• also, how this book dealt with homosexuality in regards to NHL was nothing short of premium chefs kiss. I was in AWE of the way Brigham constructed such an eye opening, refreshing and an ideally realistic concept on this topic.
“Yeah. Damn. Wonder what that’s going to be like for him.”
Zane wondered too. Every person in the NHL had known this moment was coming. Not necessarily with Boucher, but no one was naive enough to think that there weren’t any LGBTQ guys in hockey. Hell, there were a few who weren’t all that discreet about it, but for the most part, their teammates kept their mouths shut and focused on the game.
→ This was my first book of this author, and oh my Lord did I scream when I saw UNpublished books left in this new series, followed the author on her every platform and am planning to start on her backlist one day.
To say the least, this won't be me last of Brigham Vaughan 😘
That was what he loved about this team. About hockey. These men were family. Though there was the occasional personality clash, the trash talking and jockeying was usually done with good humor. “...” But whatever the guys thought of each other’s personal lives, they were still a team. When things got rough, they had each other’s backs.
January 15, 2024
Always love completely clueless athletes!
This was really cute, and minimal angst over realising their feelings for each other.
The time jumps at the beginning of the book were a little hard to follow because there was no reference as to how much time had actually passed. It kind of followed as a separate paragraph, so it took a while each time for it to click that the story had moved on in time quite a bit! If it had been subheaded etc. with how long the time jump had been, it would have been much easier to follow.
I also would have liked to have seen more of their relationship at the beginning when they were still just friends, as it was kind of abrupt. When the book picks up in the present day, literally everyone already thought they were a couple and had been for like a decade! But the reader doesn't see any of that time together, so it's hard to see exactly how everyone jumped to that conclusion when it came across that they were just affectionate best friends.
Other than that, Ryan and Zane felt like they were meant to be together, and I'm really intrigued for the rest of the books in this series - I do love a hockey romance!
This was really cute, and minimal angst over realising their feelings for each other.
The time jumps at the beginning of the book were a little hard to follow because there was no reference as to how much time had actually passed. It kind of followed as a separate paragraph, so it took a while each time for it to click that the story had moved on in time quite a bit! If it had been subheaded etc. with how long the time jump had been, it would have been much easier to follow.
I also would have liked to have seen more of their relationship at the beginning when they were still just friends, as it was kind of abrupt. When the book picks up in the present day, literally everyone already thought they were a couple and had been for like a decade! But the reader doesn't see any of that time together, so it's hard to see exactly how everyone jumped to that conclusion when it came across that they were just affectionate best friends.
Other than that, Ryan and Zane felt like they were meant to be together, and I'm really intrigued for the rest of the books in this series - I do love a hockey romance!
January 8, 2022
If you are looking for a book similar to HIM, then look no further. This gives all the same vibes. I seriously love Ryan and Zane so much I want to cry. 🥺
Will definitely be keeping my eye out for this series!
-hockey players
-best friends to lovers
-actual understanding and communication, so refreshing.
-dual bi awakening
-lots of hotel room sex
I feel a little book hangover coming on.
Go OTTERS!! 🏒
Will definitely be keeping my eye out for this series!
-hockey players
-best friends to lovers
-actual understanding and communication, so refreshing.
-dual bi awakening
-lots of hotel room sex
I feel a little book hangover coming on.
Go OTTERS!! 🏒
January 9, 2022
4 “You & Me” Stars
👨❤️💋👨 Friends to lovers
🏒 Ice Hockey
🛌 1 bed
⚤ Double BFY
🔥 Hot hot hot
What a fab freebie!!! I loved Ryan and Zane and was invested in them from the very beginning. Their friendship was so easy and fun, they actually communicated and once they got together, wowzer 😍 The transition from straight to bi might have come out of the blue, but I honestly didn’t mind. Ryan and Zane worked for me and I enjoyed the ride! It was banterific, drama free and steamy. I’m really looking forward to the series, not only to see more of Ryan and Zane but I’m interested to see what’s in store for the rest of the team. I hope Lindy gets a book because that man deserves all the love in the world. As for Malone, I hope Karma is a bitch! 🤞
👨❤️💋👨 Friends to lovers
🏒 Ice Hockey
🛌 1 bed
⚤ Double BFY
🔥 Hot hot hot
What a fab freebie!!! I loved Ryan and Zane and was invested in them from the very beginning. Their friendship was so easy and fun, they actually communicated and once they got together, wowzer 😍 The transition from straight to bi might have come out of the blue, but I honestly didn’t mind. Ryan and Zane worked for me and I enjoyed the ride! It was banterific, drama free and steamy. I’m really looking forward to the series, not only to see more of Ryan and Zane but I’m interested to see what’s in store for the rest of the team. I hope Lindy gets a book because that man deserves all the love in the world. As for Malone, I hope Karma is a bitch! 🤞
August 24, 2023
3.5 rounded up
new to me author, and I did like the author's writing style and story telling and will be reading more of this series-
but i just dont think i'm really a big fan of this trope. best friends to lovers. when the story begins they have been best friends for 15 years. they are already close, already know eachother, already love eachother (as friends) so the emotional relationship is already established. because of that, this book focuses more on their physical relationship. just personally not a big fan of books that focus mostly on physical relationship and not the emotional one. if you like best friends to lovers you'll probably like this but its never really been my fav trope.
the ending was really good (maybe the last 20%ish) which is why im rounding up and not down
new to me author, and I did like the author's writing style and story telling and will be reading more of this series-
but i just dont think i'm really a big fan of this trope. best friends to lovers. when the story begins they have been best friends for 15 years. they are already close, already know eachother, already love eachother (as friends) so the emotional relationship is already established. because of that, this book focuses more on their physical relationship. just personally not a big fan of books that focus mostly on physical relationship and not the emotional one. if you like best friends to lovers you'll probably like this but its never really been my fav trope.
the ending was really good (maybe the last 20%ish) which is why im rounding up and not down
January 21, 2022
I can’t say I loved this with the fervor of some of my other friends but I also can’t deny it wasn’t hot. 🔥 The transition was just so fast for me. It felt like one minute Ryan was pondering it and the next minute he was getting Zane to ponder it. Then suddenly they were both all in. It was also too much dude bro for me. I get that this makes me sound a little hypocritical since I love Him/Us , Want Me, etc. I can’t explain it but this one was just a little extreme for my personal tastes. That being said, Ryan and Zane were very sweet and adorable and it was steamy so zero regrets. I also saw this will eventually be turned into a full length novel so I might be tempted to give that a try to see if that worked better for me. And will definitely at least check out a sample of the next book. 😃
P.S.-I will never get tired of, “There was only one bed…” 😱😂
P.S.-I will never get tired of, “There was only one bed…” 😱😂
January 8, 2022
dnf @ 55%.
January 29, 2022
DNF at 39%
There was a lot of things that added up to this DNF.
1. Casual misogyny
This takes number one place because I am so done with it. What year is it? How old are these dipsticks supposed to be?
Yet, they still have the conversation/thought process of "wow it would be nice to be into dudes, then we could hang out and eat popcorn, drink beer, and watch sports!"
WOMEN ALSO LIKE THESE THINGS
get with the times, author
2. The romance and its pacing
The pacing of their relationship was very abrupt. Not paced at all. We go from best bros, to infected-by-the-gay via press conference, to brojob hookup very very quickly. It would be better if there was more organic growth of the physical feelings or some degree of hesitation over the physical since neither of them have hooked up with dudes before? It was all at once.
This is somehow a dual GFY awakening, which is kind of remarkable in its disasterness.
3. side characters
So it's a hockey romance (no actual hockey on page that i saw, which whatever) so there's a lot of teammates. A lot. Way too many. There's a whole pile of pages of some dudes sob story but idk who he is so I was just confused why we spent so much time on his life. Pacing problems, again.
4. The mysterious pseudo-NHL
This was almost the most annoying and perplexing part, though the casual misogyny clearly takes the cake.
We have actual NHL teams mentioned (Pittsburgh Penguins). We have the original six mentioned. Yet, we have an expansion team planted in Evanston, IL which is pretty much Chicago...where the Blackhawks are. ???
Toronto is renamed the Fisher Cats (lmao). I guess because it's part of another series.
Ohio has their team moved from Columbus to Cleveland for no apparent reason.
Why not just do like other hockey romance authors, and rename all the teams? And not reference the original six when that puts your made up team directly next to an established one?
This was incredibly distracting.
Overall, nothing compelled me to continue this story, and nothing can compel me to read the future installments.
There was a lot of things that added up to this DNF.
1. Casual misogyny
This takes number one place because I am so done with it. What year is it? How old are these dipsticks supposed to be?
Yet, they still have the conversation/thought process of "wow it would be nice to be into dudes, then we could hang out and eat popcorn, drink beer, and watch sports!"
WOMEN ALSO LIKE THESE THINGS
get with the times, author
2. The romance and its pacing
The pacing of their relationship was very abrupt. Not paced at all. We go from best bros, to infected-by-the-gay via press conference, to brojob hookup very very quickly. It would be better if there was more organic growth of the physical feelings or some degree of hesitation over the physical since neither of them have hooked up with dudes before? It was all at once.
This is somehow a dual GFY awakening, which is kind of remarkable in its disasterness.
3. side characters
So it's a hockey romance (no actual hockey on page that i saw, which whatever) so there's a lot of teammates. A lot. Way too many. There's a whole pile of pages of some dudes sob story but idk who he is so I was just confused why we spent so much time on his life. Pacing problems, again.
4. The mysterious pseudo-NHL
This was almost the most annoying and perplexing part, though the casual misogyny clearly takes the cake.
We have actual NHL teams mentioned (Pittsburgh Penguins). We have the original six mentioned. Yet, we have an expansion team planted in Evanston, IL which is pretty much Chicago...where the Blackhawks are. ???
Toronto is renamed the Fisher Cats (lmao). I guess because it's part of another series.
Ohio has their team moved from Columbus to Cleveland for no apparent reason.
Why not just do like other hockey romance authors, and rename all the teams? And not reference the original six when that puts your made up team directly next to an established one?
This was incredibly distracting.
Overall, nothing compelled me to continue this story, and nothing can compel me to read the future installments.
June 12, 2023
If you are looking for a book similar to HIM, then look no further. This gives all the same vibes. I seriously love Ryan and Zane so much I want to cry. 🥺
Will definitely be keeping my eye out for this series!
-hockey players
-best friends to lovers
-actual understanding and communication, so refreshing.
-dual bi awakening
-lots of hotel room sex
I feel a little book hangover coming on.
Go OTTERS!! 🏒
Will definitely be keeping my eye out for this series!
-hockey players
-best friends to lovers
-actual understanding and communication, so refreshing.
-dual bi awakening
-lots of hotel room sex
I feel a little book hangover coming on.
Go OTTERS!! 🏒
July 18, 2024
I think this is one of those books that is more vibes than plot and I’m ok with that. This is a very typical best friends to lovers, these two dudes who have practically been in a relationship for a decade but are too oblivious to realize it.
I would have liked for Zane to be more forward with his feelings towards Ryan, at the beginning it felt like it was like Ryan was the only one who really wanted them to be together.
But very low angst overall which is nice in a hockey book where coming out it’s always a major issue in the plot.
I would have liked for Zane to be more forward with his feelings towards Ryan, at the beginning it felt like it was like Ryan was the only one who really wanted them to be together.
But very low angst overall which is nice in a hockey book where coming out it’s always a major issue in the plot.
January 8, 2022
That was a perfect novella!
It’s such a rare feat to find a 5 star novella, but this one was an easy rating for me. I’m a sucker for a good sports romance and this one was very good.
It’s low angst, but not devoid of tension. The story flows well and doesn’t suffer from feeling rushed like most novellas. I loved everything about it. The MCs were perfect together. I really felt their chemistry and the transition from friends to lovers felt natural.
I cannot wait for the rest of this series to come out! I’m already invested in these characters. How have I not read this author before?!
It’s such a rare feat to find a 5 star novella, but this one was an easy rating for me. I’m a sucker for a good sports romance and this one was very good.
It’s low angst, but not devoid of tension. The story flows well and doesn’t suffer from feeling rushed like most novellas. I loved everything about it. The MCs were perfect together. I really felt their chemistry and the transition from friends to lovers felt natural.
I cannot wait for the rest of this series to come out! I’m already invested in these characters. How have I not read this author before?!
January 17, 2022
God I love hockey books! 😵😵😵
And I loved this, it was short and it was hot and it was sweet. I really loved this two friends and how they tackled their bi awakening, I loved their personalities and yeah, the team accepted them very quickly, even their families did but I don't care, this was a sweet bite of what's to come and it excited! 🥰🥰🥰
And I loved this, it was short and it was hot and it was sweet. I really loved this two friends and how they tackled their bi awakening, I loved their personalities and yeah, the team accepted them very quickly, even their families did but I don't care, this was a sweet bite of what's to come and it excited! 🥰🥰🥰
April 21, 2023
*4.5 yessss give me all the friends to lovers hockey romances
Road Rules is my first book by Brigham Vaughn but it will not be my last! It probably comes as no surprise at this point that I love hockey romances and I love friends to lovers. But when they're combined??? Yes please!
This wasn't a slow burn in regards to a sexual relationship, but when we consider the actual feelings part, it was, and I love how it was paced. Zane and Ryan have been friends for years, so they're a little worried that adding sex to their already strong bond will mess with their chemistry on the ice, but it only helps to bring the two closer.
I love how communicative the two are with each other throughout the entire book. Since they're both exploring something new, it could be easy to forget about boundaries and push for things, but every step of the way, they check in with each other and make sure they're both on the same page. And when one is uncomfortable or hesitant, the other is immediate in slowing down.
The bond between Zane and Ryan was evident from the first few chapters, but we still get to see it grow and develop throughout the book. They both care about each other so much and they're so, so sweet. They're definitely a little oblivious too, which leads to some hysterical moments when pretty much everyone but the two of them thought they were dating.
I also loved the demisexual rep we get to see with Zane. I especially appreciate the inclusion of his relationship with Sarah in the beginning, which further illustrates his demisexuality, even if he didn't realize it at the time. All in all, I thought the representation was done really well.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Road Rules is my first book by Brigham Vaughn but it will not be my last! It probably comes as no surprise at this point that I love hockey romances and I love friends to lovers. But when they're combined??? Yes please!
This wasn't a slow burn in regards to a sexual relationship, but when we consider the actual feelings part, it was, and I love how it was paced. Zane and Ryan have been friends for years, so they're a little worried that adding sex to their already strong bond will mess with their chemistry on the ice, but it only helps to bring the two closer.
I love how communicative the two are with each other throughout the entire book. Since they're both exploring something new, it could be easy to forget about boundaries and push for things, but every step of the way, they check in with each other and make sure they're both on the same page. And when one is uncomfortable or hesitant, the other is immediate in slowing down.
The bond between Zane and Ryan was evident from the first few chapters, but we still get to see it grow and develop throughout the book. They both care about each other so much and they're so, so sweet. They're definitely a little oblivious too, which leads to some hysterical moments when pretty much everyone but the two of them thought they were dating.
I also loved the demisexual rep we get to see with Zane. I especially appreciate the inclusion of his relationship with Sarah in the beginning, which further illustrates his demisexuality, even if he didn't realize it at the time. All in all, I thought the representation was done really well.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 12, 2023
I'm giving this book 2.5⭐, although objectively it's a 3.5-3.8⭐ book, but sadly it wasn't the right pick for me.
I love hockey romance books, I love the game, the players, the entanglements they get themselves into and how it all plays out , it's always with a lot of sexy drama and interesting developments.
I have to say that so far I haven't met a hockey romance that wasn't pleasing at least to some degree.
This story in theory had all the good stuff;
🟣 Double bi-awakening
🟡 Best friends to lovers
🟢 They were roommates! 😄
🔵 Coming out or not?
🔴 Both were vers
🟠 Very supportive, LGBT friendly environment
This was my first time reading this author.
For what it's worth, I have to admit the author did a wonderful work developing the bi-awakening, the story was peeling layer after layer of the MCs' experiencing the next level of their decade long friendship .
So that was definitely very believable .
What absolutely didn't work for me was the monotonous tone of the book.
There were no highs or lows, it was just telling of the story almost word for word exactly like it happened to the MCs .
The way everything developed between Ryan and Zane was real, their dialogues were simple and real, but very mundane , and I guess that's not always a bad thing.
Maybe some readers like that kind of writing, it certainly is more life-like, but it wasn't for me, the book did a terrible job of pulling me in .
I was glad that Ryan and Zane got their very sweet happy ending, of course I was, but not only was it almost too predictable , but the support of their families and co-workers was almost comical , like reading a badly written play where everything turns out perfect.
Yes, the book was boring and stirred absolutely nothing in me, sad to say it.
I do like the main couple though, I'm just not extatic they exist.
I love hockey romance books, I love the game, the players, the entanglements they get themselves into and how it all plays out , it's always with a lot of sexy drama and interesting developments.
I have to say that so far I haven't met a hockey romance that wasn't pleasing at least to some degree.
This story in theory had all the good stuff;
🟣 Double bi-awakening
🟡 Best friends to lovers
🟢 They were roommates! 😄
🔵 Coming out or not?
🔴 Both were vers
🟠 Very supportive, LGBT friendly environment
This was my first time reading this author.
For what it's worth, I have to admit the author did a wonderful work developing the bi-awakening, the story was peeling layer after layer of the MCs' experiencing the next level of their decade long friendship .
So that was definitely very believable .
What absolutely didn't work for me was the monotonous tone of the book.
There were no highs or lows, it was just telling of the story almost word for word exactly like it happened to the MCs .
The way everything developed between Ryan and Zane was real, their dialogues were simple and real, but very mundane , and I guess that's not always a bad thing.
Maybe some readers like that kind of writing, it certainly is more life-like, but it wasn't for me, the book did a terrible job of pulling me in .
I was glad that Ryan and Zane got their very sweet happy ending, of course I was, but not only was it almost too predictable , but the support of their families and co-workers was almost comical , like reading a badly written play where everything turns out perfect.
Yes, the book was boring and stirred absolutely nothing in me, sad to say it.
I do like the main couple though, I'm just not extatic they exist.
January 5, 2022
This was so good! I can’t believe it was free. It’s basically a gfy disguised as a bi-awakening, a bit unrealistic the way they realised it but the couple was too good together that I didn’t care. There was a lot of tension in the book and I kept expecting some dramatic angst but there wasn’t at all which is why I loved it so much. I’ll definitely be checking out the next book in the series when it comes out.
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April 24, 2023
MM Romance
Friends To Lovers
2.5 Stars ⭐️
I read this last year as part of that ybbb giveaway but the author added onto this story and I was curious if I’d feel differently about it. The answer is no, no I don’t feel much different about it because I found their transition from friends to hooking up totally bizarre before and no amount of backstory could make it better. All the added content was boring and I’m pretty sure I’m rating this lower than I did the first time.
Here’s why it’s such a bizarre transition. These two have been besties for 10 years and NEVER had any attraction to each other but then a guy Zane knows in the NHL comes out as bisexual and does a huge press conference. Ryan and Zane watch this conference and it gets Ryan thinking about what it would be like to be with a guy. He thinks it would be awesome because guys are so chill and laid back and who wouldn’t want to drink beer, watch hockey and fuck with their bestie? 🙄🙄🙄 So Ryan thinks about this for a few days and then randomly asks Zane if he’s thought about what it would be like to be with a man now that he knows his friend is bi and out and of course his answer is no but somehow that same night Ryan is sucking Zane’s dick and they morph into this friends with benefits double bi awakening from there. I always love a good double bi awakening exploration but this was kind of boring at times and I skimmed through it after 60%.
Friends To Lovers
2.5 Stars ⭐️
I read this last year as part of that ybbb giveaway but the author added onto this story and I was curious if I’d feel differently about it. The answer is no, no I don’t feel much different about it because I found their transition from friends to hooking up totally bizarre before and no amount of backstory could make it better. All the added content was boring and I’m pretty sure I’m rating this lower than I did the first time.
Here’s why it’s such a bizarre transition. These two have been besties for 10 years and NEVER had any attraction to each other but then a guy Zane knows in the NHL comes out as bisexual and does a huge press conference. Ryan and Zane watch this conference and it gets Ryan thinking about what it would be like to be with a guy. He thinks it would be awesome because guys are so chill and laid back and who wouldn’t want to drink beer, watch hockey and fuck with their bestie? 🙄🙄🙄 So Ryan thinks about this for a few days and then randomly asks Zane if he’s thought about what it would be like to be with a man now that he knows his friend is bi and out and of course his answer is no but somehow that same night Ryan is sucking Zane’s dick and they morph into this friends with benefits double bi awakening from there. I always love a good double bi awakening exploration but this was kind of boring at times and I skimmed through it after 60%.
July 23, 2023
Give me some conflict: family drama, miscommunication, literally anything! Nothing happens in this book. It spans an entire hockey season, surprising no one, they win the Stanley Cup, and yet there's not a single minute of action or mystery or tension or whatever. They're in love then they get together then they're in love then they get together and so on and on. There's nothing particularly bad about this book but also there's almost nothing here. If you want to read fluff and smut about two friends this is it I guess, but why would I ever want to read 400 pages of that about 2 people I don't care about, that's what fanfiction is for.
I almost gave up multiple times but I wanted to give the book the opportunity to prove me wrong and have a plot (but it didn't). So, even though I do not dislike it, I can't get myself to give it more than one star; I did not like it. What's more, I'm so tempted to read Lindy's and O'Shea's book because I kinda like them and it sounds messy, but I'm so put off that I'm fairly sure I won't do it anytime soon (maybe when it's an audiobook, though. That I can do.).
I almost gave up multiple times but I wanted to give the book the opportunity to prove me wrong and have a plot (but it didn't). So, even though I do not dislike it, I can't get myself to give it more than one star; I did not like it. What's more, I'm so tempted to read Lindy's and O'Shea's book because I kinda like them and it sounds messy, but I'm so put off that I'm fairly sure I won't do it anytime soon (maybe when it's an audiobook, though. That I can do.).
January 8, 2022
As if I was going to rate this any less than 5 stars heheh
But not gonna lie, I was this 👌🏾 close to putting it in the dnf pile before the 50% mark because yes, the way Zane and Ryan got together the first time was unbelievable and I was nervous that it would continue that way buuuuut, I'm glad to say the progression of the story was so well done especially for a novella!
I mean what's not to like. There's;
Ryan, Ryan, Ryan ..
Oops I'm sorry I just really loved Ryan 🥲. Maybe you should read Ivy's review, she explains it much better 😂
Looking forward to the rest of the series!
But not gonna lie, I was this 👌🏾 close to putting it in the dnf pile before the 50% mark because yes, the way Zane and Ryan got together the first time was unbelievable and I was nervous that it would continue that way buuuuut, I'm glad to say the progression of the story was so well done especially for a novella!
I mean what's not to like. There's;
Ryan, Ryan, Ryan ..
Oops I'm sorry I just really loved Ryan 🥲. Maybe you should read Ivy's review, she explains it much better 😂
Looking forward to the rest of the series!
January 11, 2022
4 stars
wooooo wee mama 😮💨 but ngl I enjoyed this and am excited to see where the series goes
wooooo wee mama 😮💨 but ngl I enjoyed this and am excited to see where the series goes
September 4, 2024
Tropes: friends to lovers, roommates, teammates
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 4.5/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: none
Reread September 3, 2024.
Zane is a 31-year-old captain of an NHL team. Ryan is a 29-year-old teammate of his. Zane and Ryan met in college as teammates. Ryan followed Zane into the NHL and joined his team. They've been roommates their entire NHL career and for a while in college too. They are BFFs. So close everyone thinks they're already together even when they were not. They both thought they were straight. Though Zane has never been one for hookups, and he realizes by the end of the book that he's demisexual.
When another NHL player on a different team comes out as bisexual publicly, it gets Ryan thinking that he may be bisexual and makes him look closer at Zane and realize he has feelings for Zane. Ryan drunkenly propositions Zane and it triggers Zane to question his sexuality too. They start regularly hooking up on away games, trying to keep a line so that this doesn't wreck their friendship or their team dynamic. But they can't fight their feelings and soon things are happening at home too and they're admitting they're boyfriends. It can't be casual between them with over 10 years of history between them.
Zane and Ryan make a really good couple. They really care about each other. They are so tender and thoughtful towards each other. But also very steamy. It's funny seeing their exchanges in front of their family and their teammates. Everyone assumes they've been together for years and it makes for some hilarious moments. Like, multiple teammates are worried about Ryan when they hear a rumor that Zane is with another guy. And people before that treat Zane and Ryan like the mom and dad of the team and chirp them for stepping out on each other if they show any affection towards another teammate.
Some notable moments:
"Unable to stop himself, Ryan lowered his head, wondering what Zane’s mouth tasted like. “What are you doing?” Zane asked, his voice rough. His fingers were warm on Ryan’s face as he grasped his head holding him in place a few inches away. Ryan licked his lips. “I was going to kiss you.” “Shit.” Zane’s eyes went wide. “It’s okay,” Ryan said, lifting up to put some space between them. “I didn’t mean to … we don’t have to—” But his words were cut off by Zane’s lips on his."
"“What the f***?” Zane said, twisting to glare over his shoulder. “No marks, dude! Do you want the team to chirp me for having bite marks on my ass?” Kind of, Ryan thought."
"Zane took a deep breath. “I see a future with you, Ryan. The kind of life we both pictured having after hockey was over. We always talked about taking our kids to the park and teaching them hockey and … well, I still want that. But with you as my partner, you know?” Ryan’s lips curved up in a smile. “Hate to tell you this, Murph, but no matter how hard we try, you’re never gonna be able to knock me up.”"
*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*: 4.5/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: none
Reread September 3, 2024.
Zane is a 31-year-old captain of an NHL team. Ryan is a 29-year-old teammate of his. Zane and Ryan met in college as teammates. Ryan followed Zane into the NHL and joined his team. They've been roommates their entire NHL career and for a while in college too. They are BFFs. So close everyone thinks they're already together even when they were not. They both thought they were straight. Though Zane has never been one for hookups, and he realizes by the end of the book that he's demisexual.
When another NHL player on a different team comes out as bisexual publicly, it gets Ryan thinking that he may be bisexual and makes him look closer at Zane and realize he has feelings for Zane. Ryan drunkenly propositions Zane and it triggers Zane to question his sexuality too. They start regularly hooking up on away games, trying to keep a line so that this doesn't wreck their friendship or their team dynamic. But they can't fight their feelings and soon things are happening at home too and they're admitting they're boyfriends. It can't be casual between them with over 10 years of history between them.
Zane and Ryan make a really good couple. They really care about each other. They are so tender and thoughtful towards each other. But also very steamy. It's funny seeing their exchanges in front of their family and their teammates. Everyone assumes they've been together for years and it makes for some hilarious moments. Like, multiple teammates are worried about Ryan when they hear a rumor that Zane is with another guy. And people before that treat Zane and Ryan like the mom and dad of the team and chirp them for stepping out on each other if they show any affection towards another teammate.
Some notable moments:
"Unable to stop himself, Ryan lowered his head, wondering what Zane’s mouth tasted like. “What are you doing?” Zane asked, his voice rough. His fingers were warm on Ryan’s face as he grasped his head holding him in place a few inches away. Ryan licked his lips. “I was going to kiss you.” “Shit.” Zane’s eyes went wide. “It’s okay,” Ryan said, lifting up to put some space between them. “I didn’t mean to … we don’t have to—” But his words were cut off by Zane’s lips on his."
"“What the f***?” Zane said, twisting to glare over his shoulder. “No marks, dude! Do you want the team to chirp me for having bite marks on my ass?” Kind of, Ryan thought."
"Zane took a deep breath. “I see a future with you, Ryan. The kind of life we both pictured having after hockey was over. We always talked about taking our kids to the park and teaching them hockey and … well, I still want that. But with you as my partner, you know?” Ryan’s lips curved up in a smile. “Hate to tell you this, Murph, but no matter how hard we try, you’re never gonna be able to knock me up.”"
*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."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2024
Angst-free and very easy reading that started off rocky for me but then drew me in so well I read it in one sitting. Friends-to-lovers is not my favourite trope but it is quite well done here, at least for my enjoyment levels. Unlike a lot of hockey romance lately, these characters do play hockey on page which was really nice.
January 8, 2022
you know those sports romance books when its obvious the author only watches and knows the game ocassionally that it's a bit unrealistic? well this one isnt. it works cause the hockey part was so well-written. i love it so much. no miscommunications.. just the mcs being mature and talking cause thats what grown ups do. i was skeptical about zane but its valid thought but the moment he figured it out he was all in. ryan was such a brave man. i admire him. also the transition from best friends to fuck buddies (?) to lovers is amazing!
January 11, 2022
3.5 stars
Hockey romance. Best friends-to-lovers. Double bi awakening. Cute and sweet. Smutty times.
Hockey romance. Best friends-to-lovers. Double bi awakening. Cute and sweet. Smutty times.
October 29, 2024
had no idea whose pov i was reading half the time but maybe i'm just a silly egg ya know!
February 25, 2022
MM Romance
Best Friends To Lovers Hockey
3.5 Stars Rounded Down
This book should have been 5 stars because it had everything I love in sports romances and the fact it’s best friends of 10 years, GFY/Bi awakening? Gimme!! But what kind of fucking transition was that from just friends to fucking around? WTF. Ryan and Zane have been platonic friends for 10 years and they are the type of friends who are always together, touchy feely, I’d do anything for you but nothing is suggested that either one has ever thought about the other or any other guy like that. So, it’s weird AF to me that while watching a fellow hockey player come out as bi, Ryan looks over at his buddy and thinks “wouldn’t my life be easy if I was into guys like that?” HUH? “A mouth is just a mouth…” That’s not really how it works…
Now don’t get me wrong, when these two start hooking up at away games, it’s fucking hot 🥵 The chemistry between them is out of this world and I loved how Ryan just dove in because he trusted Zane and it felt good. Zane was apprehensive as he should have been because “what the fuck were we doing?” Good question my man but Zane is an over thinker anyway so it made sense. I loved the sexual exploring and the sex toy scene was hot.
Despite their weird AF transition, I loved these two together and they had such a close bond that even their parents & teammates thought they had been more than friends for years. It’s one of those stories where these two were practically dating without realizing it and while those can drive me crazy sometimes, this just worked. I am excited to read more by this author and it’s probably the best ybbb I’ve picked up thus far. I just wish the start of their fucking around hadn’t been so out of left field.
Best Friends To Lovers Hockey
3.5 Stars Rounded Down
This book should have been 5 stars because it had everything I love in sports romances and the fact it’s best friends of 10 years, GFY/Bi awakening? Gimme!! But what kind of fucking transition was that from just friends to fucking around? WTF. Ryan and Zane have been platonic friends for 10 years and they are the type of friends who are always together, touchy feely, I’d do anything for you but nothing is suggested that either one has ever thought about the other or any other guy like that. So, it’s weird AF to me that while watching a fellow hockey player come out as bi, Ryan looks over at his buddy and thinks “wouldn’t my life be easy if I was into guys like that?” HUH? “A mouth is just a mouth…” That’s not really how it works…
Now don’t get me wrong, when these two start hooking up at away games, it’s fucking hot 🥵 The chemistry between them is out of this world and I loved how Ryan just dove in because he trusted Zane and it felt good. Zane was apprehensive as he should have been because “what the fuck were we doing?” Good question my man but Zane is an over thinker anyway so it made sense. I loved the sexual exploring and the sex toy scene was hot.
Despite their weird AF transition, I loved these two together and they had such a close bond that even their parents & teammates thought they had been more than friends for years. It’s one of those stories where these two were practically dating without realizing it and while those can drive me crazy sometimes, this just worked. I am excited to read more by this author and it’s probably the best ybbb I’ve picked up thus far. I just wish the start of their fucking around hadn’t been so out of left field.
August 23, 2025
ROAD RULES was such an enjoyable read and I devoured Zane and Ryan's friends to lovers romance. It's low angst and high heat with lots of swoons and a double bisexual awakening. Ryan is a total golden retriever MC and he always finds a way to pull Zane out of his introspective moods. I loved Zane and Ryan's friendship and how they both prioritized it once they started to explore their sexualities together. I was also laughing at the fact that their families and half the team already thought they were secretly dating because they were so close. I'm looking forward to more in this series, especially Noah's book because he seemed like such a good guy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series
1. Rules of the Game
2. Relationship Goals
3. Scoring Chances
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series
1. Rules of the Game
2. Relationship Goals
3. Scoring Chances
January 4, 2022
Zane, Murph and Murphy were all the same person. POVs changing made this book a bit jarring. Plus, introducing 15 characters in the first few pages is something I hate. BUT I persevered lol 😆
This dual bi-awaking hockey romance was sweet and sexy. Both characters had their charms. It took me a bit to get into it but once I jumped that hurdle it was great.
They had hot chemistry and the dirty talk was top notch. I’m excited for this series but APRIL is the next installment yikes that’s a LONG wait 😳😳😳 Boucher does get a book at the end of February though 🤔🤔
If you love hockey and sexy scenes, this book is for you.
This dual bi-awaking hockey romance was sweet and sexy. Both characters had their charms. It took me a bit to get into it but once I jumped that hurdle it was great.
They had hot chemistry and the dirty talk was top notch. I’m excited for this series but APRIL is the next installment yikes that’s a LONG wait 😳😳😳 Boucher does get a book at the end of February though 🤔🤔
If you love hockey and sexy scenes, this book is for you.
dnf
February 26, 2022dnf @36%
I can't finish this book. I have read great reviews about it, but the book is just not working for me.
I don't like the writing style of the author and this 3rd person point of view is awful. I don't know when Zane is doing something and when Ryan.... One moment it's Ryan, but in the other it looks like Zane and vice versa. Same about their thoughts... It's so confusing and annoying.
But I want to mention that their first make out was amazing and I could tell the sex is going to be really good in this book. However this is not enough to make me finish it.
I can't finish this book. I have read great reviews about it, but the book is just not working for me.
I don't like the writing style of the author and this 3rd person point of view is awful. I don't know when Zane is doing something and when Ryan.... One moment it's Ryan, but in the other it looks like Zane and vice versa. Same about their thoughts... It's so confusing and annoying.
But I want to mention that their first make out was amazing and I could tell the sex is going to be really good in this book. However this is not enough to make me finish it.
February 5, 2022
I loved Ryan and Zane’s relationship, the journey from friendship to the realization of love. It was well-paced and everything happened so naturally. This one’s a keeper and I can't wait to read more. A winner for the start of an addicting series.
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