The Nature of the Game by Amy Aislin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sports books are so fun to read, but a second chances hockey story is like winning a prize!

Told from dual POV's with alternating flashbacks and present, Amy Aislin created a deep, emotional trip through six years of pain and hurt and growth and regret.

Dan and Ash both discovered they were bi when their friendship turned into love. Something happened to shake the world they knew and six years later Dan shows up in Ash's life again.

I will admit, I was annoyed and confused at why Ash was adamant about not wanting an explanation for Dan's walking away. Looking back I can see that he wasn't ready to know, wasn't in a place where he could forgive or even listen, but it just went on and on.

I did really enjoy the back and forth, getting the full story of then and now... of how much they'd changed and grown. They were so good together. I felt their relationship in my bones. I was gripping my pillow just waiting for the moment that everything just clicked.

By the end, I was thrilled with the story, how everything played out, the love and support of the team and coaches and the HEA that was created. Very sweet second chance story!

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*

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Christmas Lane by Amy Aislin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This was a heartwarming tale of two men, with seemingly nothing in common, finding love in unexpected places.

Holland Stone has a running problem. He’s switched careers multiple times. He’s been in a couple relationships that didn’t last. All he wants is to settle down with someone for the long haul, but he’s set his sights on Zach, who’s 15 years younger. And might possibly leave. Or stay. Or break his heart.

I really got into the story and enjoyed both Holland and Zach. With the age difference you frequently find a creep factor or something distasteful but this was done really well, even though Holland was Zach’s former 3rd grade teacher.

I loved the supporting cast of Holland’s friends as well as multiple members of their small town. I loved how adult their relationship was and how open they seemed to be.

I was bothered by the relationship that Zach had with Alana. She seemed like a spoiled, selfish sister and I’m not sure where that was intended to go.

Even though Holland and Zach’s relationship became physical, all of the ‘activity’ took place off page, so while that may appeal to some, this book was sweeter than spicy.

I’m intrigued enough to watch out for the next book in the series, which I’m hoping with be Clark and Dev.

*Galley copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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