Honestly, a let down after The Jock. Colton should probably start some therapy for his love/abandonment issues, and I just didn't feel the chemistry between them.
Also loved seeing Wes and Justin, which is probably why I gave 3 stars instead of 2

Honestly I loved this story so much that I would rate it 5 stars the second time around, so I settled for the middle. I've been really into mushy emotional reads lately and this was so perfect. 

If there is one thing that Tal Bauer can do, it's write the most perfectly swoony Texan cowboy. Wes is so adorable with his love for Justin. It melts my heart. There's more than just their romance though. Wes struggles with the pressure from the public, from his team, and from himself. He just wants to get an education and a better life, and he just happens to be amazing at football and sees that as his path. But he has to decide if it's worth it. Justin is so perfect for Wes too. He supports him no matter what, and stays by his side through thick and thin. Wes is just as supportive and all in with his love, even though it's not easy. They are so dedicated to each other, it's just that soulmate kind of love. 

Another thing Tal Bauer writes well? Dads. His books have some of the best dads and Nick and Graham are no exception. I can't wait for the reread of the next book for more of Nick. 

I do think it would be better with an epilogue. I actually thought there was one, since I know some of how they end up, but I guess that was addressed in the next book, The Quarterback, and I just read it there. Such a good reread, I love Wes and Justin! 

Read if you like: 
• football 
• opposites attract  
• secret relationship 

First Read Review, October 2022: 
If you like mush and kinda insta-love, this author is for you. I'm not a fan of those normally but these characters are so sweet and make my heart all warm and fuzzy. 
I felt like some plot points could've been settled a little more, and I would've loved an epilogue. I know there's a "sequel" so maybe there are Justin/Wes POVs like there were Colton/Nick POVs in this book?

Over the top at times but they have such a cute adorable and epic love, it's hard to hold it against them.
Also wasn't sure about the super detailed sports parts but I was able to follow along and it did add to the story well

July 2023 Reread: 

This is one of my favorite sweetest, mushiest, over the top romances. A lot of reviews talk about how it's too sweet and honestly that's my favorite part. Hunter and Bryce have such a true love that they can be as romantic as they want. 

Bryce and Hunter have my favorite meet cute at NHL All-Stars weekend in Vegas. Hunter plays for a losing Carolina team, and Bryce is the captain of the very successful Montreal team. They have an instant connection and I loved that they just wanted to stay in each others presence. Bryce knows he is questioning his sexuality, and falls hard. Hunter has more of a hero-worship mentality that turns into more when he gets to know the real Bryce. On and off the ice they are a perfect match. 

In my first review I mentioned there were a lot of hockey details. After being a hockey fan for a total of one season and reading more sports romances, I actually didn't mind it at all. A lot of the plot outside their romance is the team and their dynamics, how they have come together to support their captain. The team is behind both of them 100% and show them so much support. 

A classic Tal Bauer romance, sweet with some little drama. I loved all the French, it really added to the romantic vibes. My Kindle translator definitely got a workout. If you're a fan of romance and hockey, I highly recommend. Hunter and Bryce are the sweetest!

Read if you like: 
• hockey 
• insta-love
• found family