Senior year is here, and everything is on the line. Benoit’s time to shine in the crease is now, and he’s going to do everything he can to make sure those professional scouts take notice. He’s earned a great reputation for his skills in the net, and his laid-back demeanor is his key to maintaining his cool when things get heated in the goal crease.As the Eagles roar into a new season, Ben’s … Ben’s laser-sharp focus is shattered by his attraction to Ethan Girard, the team’s new defensive consultant. Trying his best to ignore the budding friendship that’s taking a hard, fast turn into something far more passionate, Ben is determined to keep his mind on the sport he loves and not let his feelings for the handsome older man creep into his performance. But love, like hockey, is wildly unpredictable, and soon Ben finds that he’s unable to distance himself from Ethan who is slowly and surely working himself into his heart.
Famed Boston defenseman, Ethan Girard, isn’t stupid. Celebrating his thirty-second birthday in the emergency room after breaking his leg, and with a warning that healing will be a long process, he knows he has to think about his future. He was drafted at eighteen, and he’s never known anything but hockey, but with no contract in place yet for the new season he considers that maybe it’s time for him to hang up his skates for good.
Volunteering to help out with the Owatonna Eagles fills his time, but from the moment he lays eyes on goalie Ben, he knows his world will never be the same again. Falling in lust is as easy as stealing his first kiss, but Ben refuses to engage. Has Ethan finally met his match?
When the lines between career and love blur, will Ethan and Ben find a way to create a future that will work for both of them?
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Two strong personalities clash and also intertwine in this book, two men at opposite points in their lives: one is a rookie hockey player,bright eyed and hopeful and the other is a veteran player, jaded and tired. Benoit is just starting, dreaming of a big team but Ethan is at the end of his career, without a direction for his future. Before they met,both were lonely but neither of them actually ready to fall in love.
Benoit and Ethan are amazing. I loved them when they faught their connection and I loved them more when they stopped resisting the pull towards each other. It was great,too,to see full cast of characters: crazy families, friends and team members, all adorable and charming.
Benoit by Rj Scott and V.L. Locey kept me entertained with funny moments and humor, and pulled me in with the right amount of drama and beautiful characters.
Can’t recommend it enough!
Enjoyed the hell out of this book. Really think it touched on a lot of issues that needed to be brought up and all of it was handled so tastefully. Thank you for that.
This is the third and I do believe final book in the Owatonna U series, we have seen Benoit since Ryker and Jacob met. Benoit has always been very serious about his college goals, and definitely serious about his goal keeping. This being his last year, he is going to do everything to make sure he keeps his laser focus. That is until Ethan Girard comes into his eyesight and ruins his concentration. Ethan knows that his time in the NHL is up, and he is embracing this new step in life. When he decides to volunteer with Owatonna U, helping out with the D-line, his first thoughts about Benoit are that he is too young and that Ethan is just too old for anything between them to work. When a conflicted Benoit gets advice to follow his heart, that is exactly what he does. But can their relationship last with everything stacked against them?
This was a bit bittersweet, watching the guys come to the end of their college journey and that first foray into the adulting world. I hope we get more about them as their journeys continue. This book really did have all the feels and did not disappoint at all! Some laughs, some tears, a bit of anger and some naughty bits, this all combined made a really good story. I give this 5 stars.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Owatonna U Hockey series. It’s not totally necessary for you to have read books one, Ryker, and two, Scott, before this one, but personally I would recommend you do. It will give you a better picture of this group of hockey players and how they relate to each other. I didn’t much care for Ryker, but Scott was a much better read and this one is my favourite of the three!
Benoit hit Senior year, and his focus is on his hockey. Study and hockey. He is absolutely not allowed to get involved with a certain volunteer coach who is hobbling around on crutches. Ethan knows he won’t play professionally again, since he broke his leg on his 32nd birthday but helping the next generations of players might keep him happy. A certain goalie is not on his agenda. But after a scorching hot kiss, Ethan wants more, but Benoit is not playing.
This one, by far, is my favourite of the three. Maybe it was Benoit, or Ethan or the pairing of the two, or maybe it had been brewing up to this one, I dunno, but I loved this one!
Benoit and Ethan have instant and powerful attraction, and they try hard to ignore it, they really do. But some things are just meant to be, even if there is a big age gap. Everyone is concerned about that gap, but Ethan and Benoit are not.
There are some difficult topics dealt with here: racism and homophobia. Difficult reading for someone who has not experienced either, but I got way into Benoit’s heart when he deals with the aftermath of that.
Because of the above, it does make some points quite emotional and you wanna cry for Benoit, but equally, it has some lighter moments and lots of the steamy moments!
It is again written from both Ethan and Benoit’s point of view, in the first person. Each voice is clearly defined, coming from very different backgrounds, and they are easily identifiable if you leave off during a chapter. Each change occurs as the chapter changes. I saw no spelling or editing that would spoil anyone’s reading experience.
I loved that Ryker, Jacob, Hayne and Scott all take part, as well as Tens are Mads. I still wanna read their story!
Are there more? I hope so. Really loving this series.
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I enjoyed this book. Ben and Ethan are great together, and the chemistry between them is instantaneous. It did feel a little like insta-love, which I normally don’t like in a story, but the authors really make it work here so I didn’t mind it.
It was great to catch up with the other guys on the team, and to see Scott doing so well. It was nice to see how easily they welcome Ethan into their fold, despite the age difference.
My only issue was the stalker situation felt a bit disjointed. It was brought up, then it seemed like it was put to the side and forgotten about, then it reappears out of the blue. I also thought it was resolved too quickly with little explanation as to why the person was acting the way they did.
This is the third book in the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I think it helps to have read the other books in the series first, to understand the backstories that are referenced to some of the secondary characters in this book.
**An ARC was provided for an honest review**
Another installment in a great series of hockey players stories joined by a university team and a kasting friendshio.
Benoit finally got his story, and what a story it is! 🙂
Loved everything about this book, from the plot, through all characters, right until the very last page 🙂 this authors’ duo has an uncanny ability to pull the reader into a story and keep him on his toes all the time. All the emotional ups and downs, all the twists and turns. Just as it should be done!
I loved the relationship between Ethan and Ben. It felt organic and real right from their first meeting.
The 10 year age difference works perfectly for these two. Ethan is at a point in his life that he can be there for Ben. To support him and love him. Ben learns from Ethan to live in the now, not to get
bogged down by the daily stress of life. I loved seeing these two go for their HEA.
4.5 rounded up
As with the other OU books, this hockey based romance did not disappoint. I suppose it could be considered a May/December romance, but with only a ten year difference, I would not personally put it in that trope. The characters are well developed and the storyline flows smoothly.
Benoit is a senior this year, and is determined to solely focus on his academic studies and hockey. He has his future mapped out in his mind, and he believes that detouring from his plan will ruin his chance at following his dreams. He most certainly does not want any romantic entanglements; that would just make focusing on his main priorities more difficult.
Ethan has been a D-man in the NHL for the last fourteen years. He knows he’s slowing down, and at 32, he’s already older than most defense players when they retire. He also is aware that his team is not going to offer a new contract. After a series of clumsy events, Ethan ends up in his home town with a broken leg, seriously considering retirement.
There is a spark between the two MCs from the moment they meet, but although Ethan is all for seeing where things go, Benoit is still of the mindset that romance will only get in the way. However, eventually Benoit gives in, and they start seeing each other “on the down low.” But, much to Ben’s surprise, they haven’t been as circumspect as they thought.
There is a bit of suspense and danger thrown in when Ben starts receiving creepy notes. What starts out as something just a little startling, turns into something that becomes real and dangerous for both MCs. I must say that I figured out who the culprit was pretty early on, but I didn’t know what the denouement would be.
Of course, our favorite couples from the series are involved throughout the story, and it was great hearing from them again. I’m worried about Ryker and Jacob, so I hope to hear more about their lives soon. In the afterword, it is mentioned that there will be one final book in this series, and a new (spinoff) series coming soon. If you haven’t already read the rest of this series, I really recommend that you give it a shot. It is not ‘necessary’ before reading this book, but it’s a great series. Oh! And of course Ethan and Benoit get their HEA.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
Love this conclusion of the Owatonna U Series.
There wasn’t the usual angst between Ben and Ethan that is typical with the stories – there was an angle about a stalker that was easy to figure out. Liked how the age difference was handled in this story. I liked how you get to see the beginning of Ben’s career start while Ethan’s career is winding down so you get both ends of the spectrum. You get to see how the other characters in the series are doing and get updates on some characters from the Railer’s.
I highly recommend the hockey series that these two authors write – I’m eagerly waiting for the next series of books.
This is the third and final book in the series. It is a great story of Benoit and Ethan and how they overcome many things before they become one. I also loved seeing what is happening with others from the series and how they are doing.
Benoit and Ethans first meeting was , for me, off the charts hot. Their attraction instantaneous and it had me wanting them to hurry up and get together already. But, as usual the authors know best and made me wait. The wait was well worth it. Not only for the wonderfully hot love scenes ( whew!) But also the connection that forms quickly and is extremely strong and evident to anyone who sees them together.
There are some things\ people of course that cause some angst and heartbreaking moments in this book. Things that make me go all “Mother Bear “and want to grab Ethan and Benoit and just hug and protect them, kick ass and take names. Then there are such amazingly wonderful things that happen too. You’ll have to take my word and buy this book.
Benoit and Tyler’s interactions as housemates and best buds was a hoot to see as well . The fact that they were there for each other both through emotionally tough times and to talk smack to each other was…endearing and funny as heck! Loved seeing Hayne and Scott, Jacob , Ten and Mads and Stan intermittently through the book. They gave it the usual specialness all the books in this series have.
I could say many things about this book, all positive, but then what would be the point of anyone buying this ? You should definitely buy and enjoy this story, as I am positive you will.
I was given an ARC for my honest review.
Ethan’s career as thirty-two years old hockey player is over after breaking his leg. He settled himself in the town Owatonna and volunteer as coach at the hockey club. When he meets the beautiful dedicated Benoit, he is head over heels. Only, Benoit constantly avoids him. Until he can’t anymore. And yeah Benoit is distracted but oh so content. He doesn’t want to acknowledge the threatening that approaches him.
A nicely written captivating story. We meet family, friends, enemies, discrimination, homophobia and a lot of dedication. The instant love between Benoit and Ethan was sweet. Even instant love isn’t my favorite they were so sweet together. The sport side in this story was captivating and made it an enjoyable read.
With senior year upon him, Benoit is balancing his time between hockey, school and his family responsibilities. With his eyes on the prize he was not looking to throw a relationship in the mix, but when retired hockey player Ethan volunteers with the college hockey team sparks instantly fly. Can Ben throw one more item on his daily list and keep everything moving forward? Will the age gap between Ben and Ethan be too hard to overcome? And is it logical to become involved with someone associated with the hockey team while Ben is still in college? Enjoyable from the opening pages, this was a great addition to the series.
I would rate this book 3.75 stars.
This is the third book in the series and would benefit from being read in order, but could be read as a standalone. This is a spin-off series (think second generation) of the Harrisburg Railers series. It focuses on the senior year of Ryker, Scott, and Benoit who play college hockey on a team known as the Eagles at Owatonna University. Ryker and Scott were paired off in the first two books, so this book is about Ben meeting Ethan Girard, the team’s new defensive consultant and famed Boston defenseman.
Ethan is 32 and possibly nearing the end of his career, while Benoit is just getting started, so besides the ten year age gap are their choices, their outlook, and their life experiences. Sure Benoit is a bit jealous of all his friends, but he just wants to focus on hockey and go skate for Edmonton. He is navigating a lot of pressure to help make it big and care for his family, keep his grades high and earn a degree he can use if he gets injured and can’t play anymore. He also needs to decide if coming out publicly is a good decision when he is already battling racism. Ethan can afford, in every sense of the word, to do what he wants. He got drafted right away and never went to college. If he retires, he won’t have to face as much blowback for his sexuality. I feel like I was told all of that instead of being shown.
I have to say this third book is somehow removed from the characters for the first half because it is busy sharing the story with everyone else. A lot of it takes place in Benoit’s (or Ethan’s) head, but weeks go by without anything happening. Although this makes sense because Ben is avoiding Ethan, it makes it difficult to get into the story until about 35% of the way in. Everything seems skimmed over though, without much detail. Thankfully everything snaps back into focus with a detailed description of the hotel dining room for a Railers dinner. The book comes alive, with Stan and Ten, when Ryker convinces Scott and Benoit to go to a Railers game and hangout with his dads after. You do not have to know or have read about these characters to read this book–it was like the authors didn’t have a focus for the writing itself until this scene, when the reader is finally given enough details to actually picture the surroundings.
Benoit’s story really clicks into place when he and Ethan are a couple, spending time together, and stops worrying about what everyone else is doing. This is the writing at its best. There is a plot point that gets shoved in the background and pulled back out later to be used as a source of conflict. All this did for me was really highlight the age differences between Benoit and Ethan, making a HEA less believable. I personally would call this an HFN because they are not on equal footing and Benoit’s lack of maturity shows in how he deals with conflict. Some of the best scenes in the book were the ice hockey games at the end; this also highlighted the other parts of the book that were supposed to be suspenseful, but weren’t. Overall this was a good trilogy featuring college players and this book was a way to tie up any lose ends for Benoit, Ryker, Jacob, Scott, and Haynes. It gave the authors new characters to mention later. The next phase seems to be a new series with Ryker playing for the Arizona Raptors with Aarni, the guy who hurt his father’s fiance, which will pull the reader back into the NHL.