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Name From a Hat Trick
He’s a hockey star. And he’s my daughter’s hero. And now he’s…my boyfriend??
When Jase Kelly scores his fourth professional hat trick, it’s more than just a career highlight. In one of the hats raining down onto the ice, there’s a note from two fans—a girl whose migraines keep her from coming to games, and her dad, who hopes to get her an autograph for her birthday.
Devin McKenzie just hopes for a signature or maybe a chance for his daughter to meet her favorite player. Instead, Jase Kelly pulls out all the stops to give Dallas an evening of hockey, autographs, and all the souvenirs she can carry. She’s beyond starstruck. And Devin? Being starstruck wouldn’t make his heart race like this…would it?
Jase only wanted to cheer up a fan. He never expected to be so attracted to her dad. One look at Devin, though, and he’s speechless. And suddenly a lot more certain than he’s ever been about his sexuality.
Once they connect, they’re so good together it’s almost effortless… as long as Jase keeps Devin from seeing how the slightest bit of stress—or even nothing at all—can reduce him to shaking and hyperventilating. Meanwhile Devin desperately hopes that this one time, he’s found someone who won’t bolt from the reality of dating a parent of a child with chronic health issues.
They won’t be able to keep those cards hidden forever, though. Sooner or later, their respective truths will come to light.
Fate brought them together. Can love save them from falling apart?
Name From a Hat Trick is a 115,000-word standalone contemporary M/M romance.
CW: on-page anxiety and panic attacks
When Jase Kelly scores his fourth professional hat trick, it’s more than just a career highlight. In one of the hats raining down onto the ice, there’s a note from two fans—a girl whose migraines keep her from coming to games, and her dad, who hopes to get her an autograph for her birthday.
Devin McKenzie just hopes for a signature or maybe a chance for his daughter to meet her favorite player. Instead, Jase Kelly pulls out all the stops to give Dallas an evening of hockey, autographs, and all the souvenirs she can carry. She’s beyond starstruck. And Devin? Being starstruck wouldn’t make his heart race like this…would it?
Jase only wanted to cheer up a fan. He never expected to be so attracted to her dad. One look at Devin, though, and he’s speechless. And suddenly a lot more certain than he’s ever been about his sexuality.
Once they connect, they’re so good together it’s almost effortless… as long as Jase keeps Devin from seeing how the slightest bit of stress—or even nothing at all—can reduce him to shaking and hyperventilating. Meanwhile Devin desperately hopes that this one time, he’s found someone who won’t bolt from the reality of dating a parent of a child with chronic health issues.
They won’t be able to keep those cards hidden forever, though. Sooner or later, their respective truths will come to light.
Fate brought them together. Can love save them from falling apart?
Name From a Hat Trick is a 115,000-word standalone contemporary M/M romance.
CW: on-page anxiety and panic attacks
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2020
About the author
L.A. Witt
217 books2,581 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
June 9, 2024
Sometimes it just works better as an audiobook.
I picked this one up for the first time last year to read with my eyes (rather than my ears) and it was a DNF for me. And why? Jase's severe anxiety is conveyed through internal monologue in which he simply spirals. And as a reader, I felt like I was drowning alongside him. However, listening to this book as an audio performance I was somehow able to take in the story without feeling sucked down into Jase's swirling thoughts.
I think the way the writing affected me is a testament to Witt's skill at accurately portraying chronic issues. In this one we see that anxiety is more than simply being nervous; it's a medical diagnosis with its own associated course of treatment. And even though my migraines are not as frequent or as severe as those Devin's daughter suffers from, the description here about the triggers, the pain, and the recovery rang true to me.
Finally, I always value a story wherein a character comes to terms with their sexuality later in life. While many have an understanding of their sexuality from an early age, for some (like me!) it has been a journey. It's nice to see that represented on page.
I will likely listen to this one again.
I picked this one up for the first time last year to read with my eyes (rather than my ears) and it was a DNF for me. And why? Jase's severe anxiety is conveyed through internal monologue in which he simply spirals. And as a reader, I felt like I was drowning alongside him. However, listening to this book as an audio performance I was somehow able to take in the story without feeling sucked down into Jase's swirling thoughts.
I think the way the writing affected me is a testament to Witt's skill at accurately portraying chronic issues. In this one we see that anxiety is more than simply being nervous; it's a medical diagnosis with its own associated course of treatment. And even though my migraines are not as frequent or as severe as those Devin's daughter suffers from, the description here about the triggers, the pain, and the recovery rang true to me.
Finally, I always value a story wherein a character comes to terms with their sexuality later in life. While many have an understanding of their sexuality from an early age, for some (like me!) it has been a journey. It's nice to see that represented on page.
I will likely listen to this one again.
August 8, 2023
Listened to this in audio and I have some thoughts.
I don't know why, but this book draaaaaaaggged for me. I think part of it was being in the head of someone with anxiety. I loved having the anxiety rep, but the repetition of thoughts and worries over and over again made for tedious reading. It got redundant and clunky feeling, and it was hard to push to finish (spoiler: I didn't finish).
Usually, I adore a hockey book. However, this didn't feel really like a hockey book to me. Sure, there were some hockey details, but it was mostly about being a single dad of a daughter with a chronic illness/disability, and it just wasn't my jam.
I really enjoyed the narration from Greg Boudreaux, but I didn't like the narration style of Michael Ferraiuolo nearly as much. It took me out of moment when he narrated.
With all of the amazing hockey romances out there, this just doesn't measure up for me.
goodreads|instagram|twitter
I don't know why, but this book draaaaaaaggged for me. I think part of it was being in the head of someone with anxiety. I loved having the anxiety rep, but the repetition of thoughts and worries over and over again made for tedious reading. It got redundant and clunky feeling, and it was hard to push to finish (spoiler: I didn't finish).
Usually, I adore a hockey book. However, this didn't feel really like a hockey book to me. Sure, there were some hockey details, but it was mostly about being a single dad of a daughter with a chronic illness/disability, and it just wasn't my jam.
I really enjoyed the narration from Greg Boudreaux, but I didn't like the narration style of Michael Ferraiuolo nearly as much. It took me out of moment when he narrated.
With all of the amazing hockey romances out there, this just doesn't measure up for me.
goodreads|instagram|twitter
January 18, 2024
The blurb idea was good, someone starstruck begin to date a high profile sport celeb. The severe anxiety theme was good too. Although the guys were sweet, I found the majority of the storyline boring and the internal monologues too long and repetitive.
September 17, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
Okay, I’m too tired to write a lengthy review, (edit: okay so that was a lie lmao) but I listened to an 11 hour audiobook in one day, so it’s safe to say I loved it. I was immediately invested in both of these MCs, and I wanted nothing more than to see the end of their journey and their beautiful HEA. This book kinda details two different things: Devin and Jase falling in love, as well as Jase’s life with anxiety.
First of all, Jase didn’t even know he was closeted for the longest time. He just thought he didn’t feel attraction like ‘normal’ people, and he deals with anxiety and regular panic attacks without actually knowing that’s what they are for the longest time. Both of these things obviously create issues in his life and relationships, but these men really try their hardest to make it work. They are both very likable characters (with flaws, don’t get me wrong), and you if you read or listen to this book, you will be rooting for them. I would think.
Dallas is also the sweetest kid, and the whole premise for the book is beautiful. I had the biggest smile on my face during the first quarter of this book when they first meet and start talking. They are all adorably awkward, and it’s super endearing. I’m not a big fan of reading hockey books, but I didn’t mind it, and I loved everything around it so much. The hockey wasn’t a massive part of it anyway (in terms of gameplay on page, at least), so it wasn’t a problem at all. The rest of the tropes had me hooked.
It was nice connecting with both MCs and caring about the book’s outcome after reading a couple of duds. Highly recommend.
I listened to the audiobook so I unfortunately don’t have any quotes, although there were plenty worth mentioning. I also have to mention what a fantastic job Greg Boudreaux and Michael Ferrawhatsit did with the narration. Especially narrating Jase’s panic attacks and spiraling. He made that feel so real that I found myself holding my breath right alongside him. I could also recognize myself a whole hell of a lot with how the anxiety is portrayed in this book, which can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, as well as feeling sort of nice. No matter what, L.A Witt did a good job with the mental health aspects of this.
Second edit: I forgot to mention how lovely the spice was, and I also wanted to include how lovely (and healthy) it is to read a story with normal, average dicks. Including Jase’s insecurity about not being big enough, and then later on realizing he’s perfectly average and also showing how they have a great sex life is so refreshing, and honestly important.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Hockey
Player/fan
Single dad
Mental health
Friends to lovers
Closeted MC
Bisexual MC
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Anxiety disorder
Panic attacks
Brief hospitalization
Mentions of financial problems
Child with chronic health issues
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary, sports romance, MM
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Okay, I’m too tired to write a lengthy review, (edit: okay so that was a lie lmao) but I listened to an 11 hour audiobook in one day, so it’s safe to say I loved it. I was immediately invested in both of these MCs, and I wanted nothing more than to see the end of their journey and their beautiful HEA. This book kinda details two different things: Devin and Jase falling in love, as well as Jase’s life with anxiety.
First of all, Jase didn’t even know he was closeted for the longest time. He just thought he didn’t feel attraction like ‘normal’ people, and he deals with anxiety and regular panic attacks without actually knowing that’s what they are for the longest time. Both of these things obviously create issues in his life and relationships, but these men really try their hardest to make it work. They are both very likable characters (with flaws, don’t get me wrong), and you if you read or listen to this book, you will be rooting for them. I would think.
Dallas is also the sweetest kid, and the whole premise for the book is beautiful. I had the biggest smile on my face during the first quarter of this book when they first meet and start talking. They are all adorably awkward, and it’s super endearing. I’m not a big fan of reading hockey books, but I didn’t mind it, and I loved everything around it so much. The hockey wasn’t a massive part of it anyway (in terms of gameplay on page, at least), so it wasn’t a problem at all. The rest of the tropes had me hooked.
It was nice connecting with both MCs and caring about the book’s outcome after reading a couple of duds. Highly recommend.
I listened to the audiobook so I unfortunately don’t have any quotes, although there were plenty worth mentioning. I also have to mention what a fantastic job Greg Boudreaux and Michael Ferrawhatsit did with the narration. Especially narrating Jase’s panic attacks and spiraling. He made that feel so real that I found myself holding my breath right alongside him. I could also recognize myself a whole hell of a lot with how the anxiety is portrayed in this book, which can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, as well as feeling sort of nice. No matter what, L.A Witt did a good job with the mental health aspects of this.
Second edit: I forgot to mention how lovely the spice was, and I also wanted to include how lovely (and healthy) it is to read a story with normal, average dicks. Including Jase’s insecurity about not being big enough, and then later on realizing he’s perfectly average and also showing how they have a great sex life is so refreshing, and honestly important.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Hockey
Player/fan
Single dad
Mental health
Friends to lovers
Closeted MC
Bisexual MC
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Anxiety disorder
Panic attacks
Brief hospitalization
Mentions of financial problems
Child with chronic health issues
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary, sports romance, MM
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
June 25, 2020
This was all right but not my favorite.
First off, I'm a bit confused why this is a standalone/new series featuring hockey players when the author has been publishing a completely different hockey-related romance series... I enjoy sports/hockey MM as much as the next girl, but it does feel a bit strange to be publishing multiple hockey romances within months of each other that are apparently unrelated...
I liked the MCs and the portrayal of intense anxiety, as well as the inclusion of a child with chronic pain and everything that entails for the family. I thought both things were well and respectfully represented, though it did feel at times that the narrative lapsed into sermonizing/exposition on the trials etc. instead of weaving it more fluidly into the narrative.
I also, personally, just found the smut to be... boring? Uninspired? I felt like I was reading the same scene over and over again and ended up skimming. TBH, I skimmed a lot of the last half of the book. The whole thing was honestly much longer than it needed to be and there were quite a few extraneous scenes that didn't serve a purpose of moving the plot forward and could have been cut. I almost DNF'd a few times not because it was bad, but because I just didn't really care all that much. This one felt a bit phoned-in.
First off, I'm a bit confused why this is a standalone/new series featuring hockey players when the author has been publishing a completely different hockey-related romance series... I enjoy sports/hockey MM as much as the next girl, but it does feel a bit strange to be publishing multiple hockey romances within months of each other that are apparently unrelated...
I liked the MCs and the portrayal of intense anxiety, as well as the inclusion of a child with chronic pain and everything that entails for the family. I thought both things were well and respectfully represented, though it did feel at times that the narrative lapsed into sermonizing/exposition on the trials etc. instead of weaving it more fluidly into the narrative.
I also, personally, just found the smut to be... boring? Uninspired? I felt like I was reading the same scene over and over again and ended up skimming. TBH, I skimmed a lot of the last half of the book. The whole thing was honestly much longer than it needed to be and there were quite a few extraneous scenes that didn't serve a purpose of moving the plot forward and could have been cut. I almost DNF'd a few times not because it was bad, but because I just didn't really care all that much. This one felt a bit phoned-in.
June 26, 2020
~ 3.75 Stars~
The words that come to mind when I think of Name From a Hat Trick is steady, slow paced, low-key, calm. This is very much a story focused on building a relationship.
It's about two people joining their lives and working out the kinks.
So one would definitely have to be in the mood for a story as such not to be bored because there isn't really any intense action or OTT conflict to move the story along.
Jase Kelly is a hockey player with undiagnosed anxiety. It rules his life and the only time his mind quiets down is when he's on the ice, in the middle of a game. A hat trick leads to him finding a note in one of the hats thrown on the ice. Connecting him with a fan who's daughter couldn't come to games due to chronic debilitating migraines. A quest to do something nice for a fan leads to him meeting Devin McKenzie.
Devin McKenzie is a single father to a 12 year old girl. His life is not ideal. Nobody takes his daughters chronic migraines seriously and its impact on his financials, his mental stability and his relationships has been an ordeal. He's lost a lot of relationships because of partners that are unwilling/unable to cope with the package deal he comes with.
"I knew why people didn’t stick around. I got it. But goddamn, it hurt, and it was lonely as fuck, and just like it did every time I met someone, the same question burned hot in my mind: This one time, can I be worth the price of admission?"- Devin
Jase and Devin are incredibly sweet with one another. This is a slow burn and each of them shed their truths in a tentative and cautious manner. Both terrified of scaring the other with their real-life baggage. They are quite perfect for each other. This is very much an adult, honest, open, communicative relationship. Though of course there are some hiccups along the way. But truly it's all very pleasant.
Quick Snapshot:
Sexual discovery
Coming out
Slow burn
Mental-illness/Chronic Illness
Great chemistry
Medium steam
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is the mood for a pleasant, low-angst, mature romance.
The words that come to mind when I think of Name From a Hat Trick is steady, slow paced, low-key, calm. This is very much a story focused on building a relationship.
It's about two people joining their lives and working out the kinks.
So one would definitely have to be in the mood for a story as such not to be bored because there isn't really any intense action or OTT conflict to move the story along.
Jase Kelly is a hockey player with undiagnosed anxiety. It rules his life and the only time his mind quiets down is when he's on the ice, in the middle of a game. A hat trick leads to him finding a note in one of the hats thrown on the ice. Connecting him with a fan who's daughter couldn't come to games due to chronic debilitating migraines. A quest to do something nice for a fan leads to him meeting Devin McKenzie.
Devin McKenzie is a single father to a 12 year old girl. His life is not ideal. Nobody takes his daughters chronic migraines seriously and its impact on his financials, his mental stability and his relationships has been an ordeal. He's lost a lot of relationships because of partners that are unwilling/unable to cope with the package deal he comes with.
"I knew why people didn’t stick around. I got it. But goddamn, it hurt, and it was lonely as fuck, and just like it did every time I met someone, the same question burned hot in my mind: This one time, can I be worth the price of admission?"- Devin
Jase and Devin are incredibly sweet with one another. This is a slow burn and each of them shed their truths in a tentative and cautious manner. Both terrified of scaring the other with their real-life baggage. They are quite perfect for each other. This is very much an adult, honest, open, communicative relationship. Though of course there are some hiccups along the way. But truly it's all very pleasant.
Quick Snapshot:
Sexual discovery
Coming out
Slow burn
Mental-illness/Chronic Illness
Great chemistry
Medium steam
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is the mood for a pleasant, low-angst, mature romance.
August 10, 2023
Im putting this one down at 47%. DNF.
I really enjoyed the beginning. The way these two met. And how Devin is still starstruck even after they’ve gotten together. But now it is draggggggging. There’s a lot of internal rambling, some is obviously necessary as Jase is dealing with his anxiety and panic attacks and seeing him spiral downward into his own head is both heartbreaking and fairly realistic. But something is off. Because I’m not getting more invested. Im getting bored.
Maybe I’ll revisit. 🤷♀️
I really enjoyed the beginning. The way these two met. And how Devin is still starstruck even after they’ve gotten together. But now it is draggggggging. There’s a lot of internal rambling, some is obviously necessary as Jase is dealing with his anxiety and panic attacks and seeing him spiral downward into his own head is both heartbreaking and fairly realistic. But something is off. Because I’m not getting more invested. Im getting bored.
Maybe I’ll revisit. 🤷♀️
Read
January 10, 2024I started listening to the audio 2 days back and I’m at 29%; and although I’m liking the slow build; the inner monologues are dragging on for me. So it’s not a DNF; it’s on pause till I have the patience and mood for all these inner musings.
June 9, 2022
This story had lots of potential but several things bugged me and in the end I didn’t enjoy it a whole lot.
The good:
* I loved the way Jase and Devin met. I always think it’s fun when a romance involves a celebrity crush that materializes into something more and it was sweetly done here.
* Devin and Jase were pretty great together, for the most part.
* Devin’s daughter Dallas was sweet, down-to-earth, and just a pleasant kiddo
* Tony the cat was adorable
* There was no blatant homophobia or horrible forced coming out
* Nice job by the narrators
The not-so-good:
* No doubt I had a lot of empathy for what the MCs were each going through in their lives but there was way, WAY too much internal ruminating, obsessing, and spiraling, esp on Jace’s part. It felt ceaseless. I was amazed at the many ways the author came up with for her characters to keep repeating the same stuff in their heads. It was exhausting to hear them internally hash out the same stuff over and over again.
* Jase in particular was battling some hard stuff but I absolutely cannot understand how he didn’t realize he had anxiety and that the frightening episodes he was experiencing were panic attacks. If he didn’t get it, certainly his teammates or coach should’ve clued in and encouraged him to seek help.
* The scene where Jase comes out to his parents was downright baffling. He was terrified of coming out to them bc he didn’t know how they’d react.
* The book should’ve been cut by at least a third, prob more.
Really, though, it was mostly the over-analyzing and neverending fixating and ruminating that tanked this book for me.
The good:
* I loved the way Jase and Devin met. I always think it’s fun when a romance involves a celebrity crush that materializes into something more and it was sweetly done here.
* Devin and Jase were pretty great together, for the most part.
* Devin’s daughter Dallas was sweet, down-to-earth, and just a pleasant kiddo
* Tony the cat was adorable
* There was no blatant homophobia or horrible forced coming out
* Nice job by the narrators
The not-so-good:
* No doubt I had a lot of empathy for what the MCs were each going through in their lives but there was way, WAY too much internal ruminating, obsessing, and spiraling, esp on Jace’s part. It felt ceaseless. I was amazed at the many ways the author came up with for her characters to keep repeating the same stuff in their heads. It was exhausting to hear them internally hash out the same stuff over and over again.
* Jase in particular was battling some hard stuff but I absolutely cannot understand how he didn’t realize he had anxiety and that the frightening episodes he was experiencing were panic attacks. If he didn’t get it, certainly his teammates or coach should’ve clued in and encouraged him to seek help.
* The scene where Jase comes out to his parents was downright baffling. He was terrified of coming out to them bc he didn’t know how they’d react.
* The book should’ve been cut by at least a third, prob more.
Really, though, it was mostly the over-analyzing and neverending fixating and ruminating that tanked this book for me.
Read
June 19, 2020Available June 24, 2020.
February 2, 2024
Not sure what happened to my review, but I enjoyed this one.
July 9, 2021
I'm DNFing at 40% but his was... fine. It would've been stronger in third person and with a hardcore edit (I'm at page 163 and maybe 100 pages of that are necessary if I'm being generous.) but the story is charming enough and what Jase does for Dallas at the start is exactly the kind of beginning to a single dad romance that I want. Unfortunately there's just no tension here except the always looming threat of homophobia and if I have to read one more page of Jase's non-stop anxious narrative prattling or another Lesson In Being Queer masquerading as dialogue I'm going to... I have no idea, but I'm glad we don't have to find out.
July 5, 2021
UHHHHJJ I really REALLY liked the book. it was well written, I liked the plot. I had some trouble connecting to Devin as an MC. but I also understand why Jase wasn't the only narrator. he's intense. but I loved him, he was perfect. sometimes with GAD it's hard to remember that there are other people who spiral the SAME way you do. it's hard to rationalize things. it sucks. poor Jase.
May 27, 2022
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
Loved the idea about it. Enjoyed the read.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
Loved the idea about it. Enjoyed the read.
May 10, 2021
Perfect
Have you ever read a perfect book, and it was just so good its hard to express? That is this book. I swear its perfect from depth to world building, characters, angst, problems and plot. I will definitely reread in the future.
A hockey player struggling with severe anxiety and panic attacks meets a struggling working father with a child who has chronic debilitating health problems. Struggles, developing relationships and character development = perfect.
tags; M/m, HEA, 12 year old daughter, anxiety, panic attacks, chronic illness in a child, financial struggles, inequality in healthcare and probably a lot more.
Have you ever read a perfect book, and it was just so good its hard to express? That is this book. I swear its perfect from depth to world building, characters, angst, problems and plot. I will definitely reread in the future.
A hockey player struggling with severe anxiety and panic attacks meets a struggling working father with a child who has chronic debilitating health problems. Struggles, developing relationships and character development = perfect.
tags; M/m, HEA, 12 year old daughter, anxiety, panic attacks, chronic illness in a child, financial struggles, inequality in healthcare and probably a lot more.
September 11, 2022
3.5 stars
This was good, but dragged in parts a bit. There's a good chunk that could've made the cutting floor and it would've flowed more smoothly for it. Regardless, Jase and Devin are both likable characters. Devin's a cute accountant single dad doing his best, and Jase's a pro hockey player with serious anxiety, and the story is a lovely romance that's served well by the dual POV. I also really liked the way the chronic illness / conditions were handled in the story, as those of us who suffer rarely get to see ourselves portrayed as normal people dealing with a difficult issue and not as damaged human beings.
This was good, but dragged in parts a bit. There's a good chunk that could've made the cutting floor and it would've flowed more smoothly for it. Regardless, Jase and Devin are both likable characters. Devin's a cute accountant single dad doing his best, and Jase's a pro hockey player with serious anxiety, and the story is a lovely romance that's served well by the dual POV. I also really liked the way the chronic illness / conditions were handled in the story, as those of us who suffer rarely get to see ourselves portrayed as normal people dealing with a difficult issue and not as damaged human beings.
January 2, 2023
The good
+ The meet-cute
+ Jase's friends
+ Dallas and all her parents
+ Devin's dedication to Dallas, and how he tried to make her as happy as possible
+ Devin guiding Jase in gaining confidence in the bedroom
+ Their sexual compatibility
+ Jase and Dallas
+ The portrayal of Jase's anxiety. Yes, it was incredibly hard to read sometimes, but as the reader was in Jase's head, that was kind of the point
+ Jase trusting Devin implicitly not to out him or betray him
+ Devin trusting Jase around Dallas
The neutral
o I feel like someone on Jase's team, or his coach, should have realized he had untreated anxiety and needed help. It doesn't seem very far-fetched to me that someone with anxiety would be too anxious to find help themselves
o A lot of first meetings I would have loved to see were skipped over (Jase meeting Haley, Nick, Eric, or Devin's parents, and Devin meeting Jase's family)
o
The bad
- The Big Miscommunication. I think that was a huge failure on Devin's part. Hypothetically speaking, if Jase really did leave him because he couldn't handle the care that Dallas needed, then , and that would show that he literally could not handle it, not that he didn't want to. Devin was shaming Jase (in his head) for not being able to handle his daughter's medical issues, because of his own medical issues. Nice, Devin, very nice... At least he apologized properly. But come on, Devin, giving someone with anxiety an ultimatum is always going to end with a mess where the person with anxiety doesn't know whether they're making the right choice. Also, Devin lied to Jase's face: "I wasn't going anywhere while your anxiety was at its worst. I'm sure as shit not going anywhere while you're getting help for it." Excuse you, Devin, you literally left him the day after
- Jase's parents were dicks and they were forgiven too easily
Quotes
x "Oh my God, Dad. You have no chill when you're around someone you think is cute, and Jase Kelly is famous cute."
x I'm surer than I've been in a long time that I'm gay. Because I've never wanted anyone like I want you.
x I've never loved anyone like this, and there is nothing I won't do to make you happy.
I really liked this book and the main characters. They were communicating very well and trusted each other a lot. Both of them made themselves very vulnerable. If the Big Miscommunication hadn't happened the way it had (damn you, Devin), I probably would have given it five stars. As it is, it left me with a kind of sour feeling. I do think I would recommend this book, but I wish that part had gone differently.
+ The meet-cute
+ Jase's friends
+ Dallas and all her parents
+ Devin's dedication to Dallas, and how he tried to make her as happy as possible
+ Devin guiding Jase in gaining confidence in the bedroom
+ Their sexual compatibility
+ Jase and Dallas
+ The portrayal of Jase's anxiety. Yes, it was incredibly hard to read sometimes, but as the reader was in Jase's head, that was kind of the point
+ Jase trusting Devin implicitly not to out him or betray him
+ Devin trusting Jase around Dallas
The neutral
o I feel like someone on Jase's team, or his coach, should have realized he had untreated anxiety and needed help. It doesn't seem very far-fetched to me that someone with anxiety would be too anxious to find help themselves
o A lot of first meetings I would have loved to see were skipped over (Jase meeting Haley, Nick, Eric, or Devin's parents, and Devin meeting Jase's family)
o
The bad
- The Big Miscommunication. I think that was a huge failure on Devin's part. Hypothetically speaking, if Jase really did leave him because he couldn't handle the care that Dallas needed, then , and that would show that he literally could not handle it, not that he didn't want to. Devin was shaming Jase (in his head) for not being able to handle his daughter's medical issues, because of his own medical issues. Nice, Devin, very nice... At least he apologized properly. But come on, Devin, giving someone with anxiety an ultimatum is always going to end with a mess where the person with anxiety doesn't know whether they're making the right choice. Also, Devin lied to Jase's face: "I wasn't going anywhere while your anxiety was at its worst. I'm sure as shit not going anywhere while you're getting help for it." Excuse you, Devin, you literally left him the day after
- Jase's parents were dicks and they were forgiven too easily
Quotes
x "Oh my God, Dad. You have no chill when you're around someone you think is cute, and Jase Kelly is famous cute."
x I'm surer than I've been in a long time that I'm gay. Because I've never wanted anyone like I want you.
x I've never loved anyone like this, and there is nothing I won't do to make you happy.
I really liked this book and the main characters. They were communicating very well and trusted each other a lot. Both of them made themselves very vulnerable. If the Big Miscommunication hadn't happened the way it had (damn you, Devin), I probably would have given it five stars. As it is, it left me with a kind of sour feeling. I do think I would recommend this book, but I wish that part had gone differently.
July 14, 2020
Great book
Anxiety and migraines are both horrible things to have that no one really understands and many dismiss. My anxiety isn’t nearly as bad as the MC’s but it’s still crippling. And migraines, I had a friend once tell me that she was just better at dealing with pain because she only needed a Tylenol. That friend never experienced a migraine. I’m so happy this book talked about that. The struggles of it all for not just the person with it, but their families also. And through it all finding love and compassion.
The writing was of course wonderful, the smexy had my toes curling and the side characters were amazing
Anxiety and migraines are both horrible things to have that no one really understands and many dismiss. My anxiety isn’t nearly as bad as the MC’s but it’s still crippling. And migraines, I had a friend once tell me that she was just better at dealing with pain because she only needed a Tylenol. That friend never experienced a migraine. I’m so happy this book talked about that. The struggles of it all for not just the person with it, but their families also. And through it all finding love and compassion.
The writing was of course wonderful, the smexy had my toes curling and the side characters were amazing
October 26, 2020
This started out great but I thought it was just way too long and ended up skimming a bit as it went along.
February 2, 2023
Some SERIOUS anxiety issues. Been there, parented that.
April 22, 2024
This was fun! It was a unique concept and the characters were great. I love how resilient and caring Devon is. I love Jace's sweet demeanor and kind heart. I really enjoyed how both men dealt with Dallas's chronic health issues and Jace's growing relationship with Devon's daughter. It was sweet and cute. I liked the idea of a player falling for a fan and those logistics. I enjoyed watching them fall further in love, but at times it did seem repetitive or like nothing was really happening. I think it could've been just a smidge shorter maybe, but overall it was honestly so fun. Jace's struggles with his anxiety felt so real and added a unique conflict. I didn't love the *spoiler alert* third act break up, although I understand anxiety doesn't make sense like that. 2/5 spice levels.
Notes: single dad, fan/player, chronic illness, anxiety, gay awakening, bi MC
Notes: single dad, fan/player, chronic illness, anxiety, gay awakening, bi MC
July 16, 2020
Jase Kelly is a famous ice hockey player whose face got even more famous after his very public break up. His ex-girlfriend made sure people questioned his sexuality and this became gossip fodder for awhile.
Jase Kelly has no idea who he is but he suffers from debilitating panic and anxiety attacks. His fear of being kicked off the hockey team makes him shy away from getting professional help.
I am not sure why an athlete would think if he asked for help regarding his mental illness that would mean he was unfit to play the sport? I guess the author was trying to push the point how far Jase went down the rabbit hole when he was overwhelmed and stressed. It was interesting how the author wrote about Jace’s panic attacks. They were always on page and you read his emotions and feelings.
Devin is a single dad who is bisexual and happened to have a child with his friend after a one night stand. Dallas suffers from migraines which makes her life and Devin’s life a lot harder. Devin manages to get a meet and greet for Dallas with her favourite player Jase Kelly, and this starts the romance of Devin and Jace.
The main characters are Jace, Devin and Dallas. The book started off well but when Jase and Devin first meet it started going down for me. The writing just became about their “eye fucking” and “OMG SO HAWT” and whilst I enjoy absolute fluff I hated that this just veered into typical M/M writing.
The book just did the rinse and repeat, the boys meet, it’s cute, they go back and forth for a little, they start with the sex, slight melt downs, cute daughter, slight family issues, slight relationship issues, so some sex and quick fix and epilogue.
I do remember L.A. Witt and the author’s very first book and it was a cracker. Then the author became the author that churns all these novels and quality went way down.
I don’t think this book is bad…but there is nothing here that will make you remember the book or even be a repeat read.
Jase Kelly has no idea who he is but he suffers from debilitating panic and anxiety attacks. His fear of being kicked off the hockey team makes him shy away from getting professional help.
I am not sure why an athlete would think if he asked for help regarding his mental illness that would mean he was unfit to play the sport? I guess the author was trying to push the point how far Jase went down the rabbit hole when he was overwhelmed and stressed. It was interesting how the author wrote about Jace’s panic attacks. They were always on page and you read his emotions and feelings.
Devin is a single dad who is bisexual and happened to have a child with his friend after a one night stand. Dallas suffers from migraines which makes her life and Devin’s life a lot harder. Devin manages to get a meet and greet for Dallas with her favourite player Jase Kelly, and this starts the romance of Devin and Jace.
The main characters are Jace, Devin and Dallas. The book started off well but when Jase and Devin first meet it started going down for me. The writing just became about their “eye fucking” and “OMG SO HAWT” and whilst I enjoy absolute fluff I hated that this just veered into typical M/M writing.
The book just did the rinse and repeat, the boys meet, it’s cute, they go back and forth for a little, they start with the sex, slight melt downs, cute daughter, slight family issues, slight relationship issues, so some sex and quick fix and epilogue.
I do remember L.A. Witt and the author’s very first book and it was a cracker. Then the author became the author that churns all these novels and quality went way down.
I don’t think this book is bad…but there is nothing here that will make you remember the book or even be a repeat read.
February 23, 2022
Man oh man this book is wordy. This is Jase and Devin’s story. Jase is a hockey player for the Snow Bears and Devin is an accountant who has a daughter named Dallas. I didn’t dislike this book, but I didn’t love it. It’s long winded and things are repeated. I did skim some parts because I just couldn’t spend the time to read the same things over again. Repeated whining or complaining annoys me. Also Apparently Devin has a severe peanut allergy that isn’t brought up until 50% into the book which is odd since we read so much about his daughters situation it’s weird when his allergy just slips right in all of a sudden. Then at about 80% we learn that Jase isn’t Jase, he’s Jason. 80%! His Coach and even his parents know his full name and call him that, but not even the man he “loves”? Weird IMO. The point these characters say I love you to each other I wasn’t buying the love. Like what? The ending is rushed which also soured the story for me. The intercourse between these characters is bland, repetitive descriptions and lacks heat.
Really this story should have been flushed out better and written as part of the Pucks and Rainbows series. In fact I got confused at first and thought this was some spin off of the Gentlemen of the Emerald City series because of the hockey player named Gagnon. But no, this is a stand alone.
Really this story should have been flushed out better and written as part of the Pucks and Rainbows series. In fact I got confused at first and thought this was some spin off of the Gentlemen of the Emerald City series because of the hockey player named Gagnon. But no, this is a stand alone.
February 8, 2022
Great read
**contains spoilers**
Great premise for a story. Anxiety sucks for anybody but this was an interesting take on how it affects an athlete. The romance was good, the sex was mostly good...some scenes feel short because I felt like they were skimmed over or fade-to-black. My biggest pet peeve is a book that is incredibly detailed and descriptive until the end and then all wrapped up by skipping ahead and rushing through the ending. They (Jase and Devin) literally solved all their communication issues and Devin's money issues in one talk after make-up sex after getting back together. Really? Suddenly Jase, who hasn't been able to vocalize anything hardly through their whole relationship is able to just spill his guts to Devin about everything and come in like a fairy godmother to throw money at Devin's problems to make them disappear. 😡. Next chapter is the epilogue and everything is all roses and perfection. Ugh ...
I did however like the authors writing for the biggest portion of the book so I'm off to find my next book by her. Hopefully rushing the ending isn't the norm.
**contains spoilers**
Great premise for a story. Anxiety sucks for anybody but this was an interesting take on how it affects an athlete. The romance was good, the sex was mostly good...some scenes feel short because I felt like they were skimmed over or fade-to-black. My biggest pet peeve is a book that is incredibly detailed and descriptive until the end and then all wrapped up by skipping ahead and rushing through the ending. They (Jase and Devin) literally solved all their communication issues and Devin's money issues in one talk after make-up sex after getting back together. Really? Suddenly Jase, who hasn't been able to vocalize anything hardly through their whole relationship is able to just spill his guts to Devin about everything and come in like a fairy godmother to throw money at Devin's problems to make them disappear. 😡. Next chapter is the epilogue and everything is all roses and perfection. Ugh ...
I did however like the authors writing for the biggest portion of the book so I'm off to find my next book by her. Hopefully rushing the ending isn't the norm.
October 21, 2020
#SpoilerWarrior
iS tHiS rEaL?!
God. This book took me three days to drag myself through. As a person with anxiety and panic attacks, this book was almost triggering because it Just Kept Going.
For a sports romance, this had very little actual hockey in it, and I was disappointed by that.
Tbh, I didn’t even really like the main characters.
I think the book started out really strong. If it had been a short story I would have been all over it. But it was just too long without enough substance.
iS tHiS rEaL?!
God. This book took me three days to drag myself through. As a person with anxiety and panic attacks, this book was almost triggering because it Just Kept Going.
For a sports romance, this had very little actual hockey in it, and I was disappointed by that.
Tbh, I didn’t even really like the main characters.
I think the book started out really strong. If it had been a short story I would have been all over it. But it was just too long without enough substance.
June 26, 2020
I'm very sorry but this story was so so long. To finish the book I have skip a lot of pages. I understand like serious was the anxiety's problem for Jase, but from here to read everyone was a bit much. I liked Devin, but also here, it was sudden their involvement: not even them knew that the other was gay or bi. And though the scenes of sex were nice , maybe were also a bit boring. Overall the main problem for me were the lenght.
May 16, 2022
5 stars for the narration, 3.5 for the story.
L.A. Witt has written several books featuring characters dealing with health/mental health issues, and she always does a good job when it comes to portraying those conditions realistically and sympathetically. In this book, one of the leads -star hockey player, Jase - has undiagnosed and untreated anxiety, which is pretty much ruling (and ruining) his life, while the daughter of the other MC - twelve-year-old Dallas Mackenzie - has sensory issues that cause awful migranes and mean she's unable to do lots of the things other kids her age take for granted.
Jase meets Dallas' dad, Devin, when he arranges for her to attend a private event with the team. Both men have been corresponding by email and text in order to set things up, and, both smitten, they keep in touch afterwards. Their relationship develops from there - and the author tackles the various issues they face (including Jase's coming to terms with the fact that he's gay, his anxiety, Devin's worry about being dumped because his daughter's condition is more than prospective partners want to deal with) in a realistic and mature way. I liked that aspect of the story - Jace and Devin communicate well and talk through their issues (mostly), but on the downside, it made this a very wordy story that felt at least a couple of hours too long. The ending feels a bit rushed, too.
The narration is, of course, excellent; I could listen to both gents reading their shopping lists and count it time well spent!
L.A. Witt has written several books featuring characters dealing with health/mental health issues, and she always does a good job when it comes to portraying those conditions realistically and sympathetically. In this book, one of the leads -star hockey player, Jase - has undiagnosed and untreated anxiety, which is pretty much ruling (and ruining) his life, while the daughter of the other MC - twelve-year-old Dallas Mackenzie - has sensory issues that cause awful migranes and mean she's unable to do lots of the things other kids her age take for granted.
Jase meets Dallas' dad, Devin, when he arranges for her to attend a private event with the team. Both men have been corresponding by email and text in order to set things up, and, both smitten, they keep in touch afterwards. Their relationship develops from there - and the author tackles the various issues they face (including Jase's coming to terms with the fact that he's gay, his anxiety, Devin's worry about being dumped because his daughter's condition is more than prospective partners want to deal with) in a realistic and mature way. I liked that aspect of the story - Jace and Devin communicate well and talk through their issues (mostly), but on the downside, it made this a very wordy story that felt at least a couple of hours too long. The ending feels a bit rushed, too.
The narration is, of course, excellent; I could listen to both gents reading their shopping lists and count it time well spent!
May 20, 2022
Wow this was an awesome book ❤❤❤ Such a wholesome relationship focused book and the anxiety/panic attacks were handled amazingly well.
Some might find it to be preachy or wtv but I found it extremely informative as to how people who suffer from these issues deal with everyday life 😥 + the realistic issues of having a child with severe chronic migraines and the financial and mental strain that comes with it. The book also touches on the broken healthcare system as well 👍
The relationship between the 2 mcs was fabulous. I loved how they talked things out 90% of the time instead of being immature. Ofcourse, there was a moment or 2 of stupidity but alas, that's to be expected.
I'll definitely re-listen to this one again. The narrators were 2 of the best, I LOVE Greg Boudreaux and Michael Ferraiuolo ❤😘
Some might find it to be preachy or wtv but I found it extremely informative as to how people who suffer from these issues deal with everyday life 😥 + the realistic issues of having a child with severe chronic migraines and the financial and mental strain that comes with it. The book also touches on the broken healthcare system as well 👍
The relationship between the 2 mcs was fabulous. I loved how they talked things out 90% of the time instead of being immature. Ofcourse, there was a moment or 2 of stupidity but alas, that's to be expected.
I'll definitely re-listen to this one again. The narrators were 2 of the best, I LOVE Greg Boudreaux and Michael Ferraiuolo ❤😘
July 8, 2020
Trick name for a hat with a cat family..
Jase is a pro hockey player with many challenges in his life worse that the injuries from hockey. He needs guided support and less stress in his life.
Devon is a hard working sort of single parent with a fantastic daughter he shares with his ex-wife and her husband. Shared custody and shared medical expenses for Dallas who has migraines. A lot of migraines with sensitivity to many triggers.
Tony runs the household as the top cat who can choose who to love and who to scratch. Or both.
Crazy events swirl our characters around and they become a family with cat supervision to keep it all good.
Jase is a pro hockey player with many challenges in his life worse that the injuries from hockey. He needs guided support and less stress in his life.
Devon is a hard working sort of single parent with a fantastic daughter he shares with his ex-wife and her husband. Shared custody and shared medical expenses for Dallas who has migraines. A lot of migraines with sensitivity to many triggers.
Tony runs the household as the top cat who can choose who to love and who to scratch. Or both.
Crazy events swirl our characters around and they become a family with cat supervision to keep it all good.
November 5, 2023
rep - bi mc, gay suffers from (severe?) anxiety mc, sc with chronic migraine
yea.. no. that was redundant.
the thoughts were sometimes unnecessary.
characters too 2D
story was cute and had a lot of potential (bi single dad of a child with a chronic illness × a famous hockey player navigating his sexuality after a toxic relationship), but the way the story was brought, developed and the dialogues/thoughts polluted the whole thing.
like, the first half of the book felt heavy and boring. the romance happens naturally but too fast for my liking.
i get the thoughts, etc, were to illustrate intrusive thoughts and his crippling anxiety, but sometimes it felt more like immaturity than anything.
yea.. no. that was redundant.
the thoughts were sometimes unnecessary.
characters too 2D
story was cute and had a lot of potential (bi single dad of a child with a chronic illness × a famous hockey player navigating his sexuality after a toxic relationship), but the way the story was brought, developed and the dialogues/thoughts polluted the whole thing.
like, the first half of the book felt heavy and boring. the romance happens naturally but too fast for my liking.
i get the thoughts, etc, were to illustrate intrusive thoughts and his crippling anxiety, but sometimes it felt more like immaturity than anything.
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