Recently traded to the newly formed Vermont Trailblazers, professional hockey player Roman Kinsey needs to focus on helping the team win games and filling the stands, not on the blond, bespectacled part-timer who works at the library he volunteers at. He knows all too well that outing himself equals heartache and ridicule…or worse.Cody Evans, psych major and grad school hopeful, notices … notices everything and thinks too much. But he doesn’t know what to think when he sees Roman reading to kids. The rugged hockey player just doesn’t look like the type. But it stirs something in him, something he’s never felt before.
When the library is threatened with closure, Cody enlists Roman’s help. As they get to know each other better…much, much better…they realize that they have more in common than books. But Roman’s keeping a big part of himself from his team, and giving in to his feelings for Cody might be more than he’s willing to risk.
more
Shots on Goal is a hockey romance of the M/M, jock-meets-nerd variety – which I love. And I thought I knew exactly what I’d be getting with this read. I chose it more or less as a comfort read; a familiar storyline of closeted athlete meets out-and-proud, sprinkled with angst and sexytimes followed by a happily ever after. And in a sense, that is the gist of the story, but it was a bit more than that.
This is actually the third installment in the Stick Side series. And no, I haven’t read the two previous ones. Shots on Goal works as a stand-alone. Though I must admit, in the beginning it was a bit of a challenge to keep some of the names and characters straight – even though they weren’t (Sorry, couldn’t help myself there).
This is a true slow-burn romance. So, if you’re looking for fast and furious, look elsewhere. The tentative development of Roman’s and Cody’s relationship is slow going. They become friends, long before they become anything more. But the portrayal of Roman’s struggle to trust again, Cody’s insecurities and their gradual, growing affection is totally engaging.
After a very heartbreaking prologue, I had a bit of trouble getting into the story though. The slow pace took some getting used to. But I’m so glad I stuck it out. Because I really liked this read. I hadn’t meant to pick up such a romance-y romance, but I’m so glad I did. It’s beautiful and so well written. And there’s a hopeful undertone throughout the story implying that no, humanity might not be a totally f*cked up race after all. Also, my very heterosexual, ignorant self got a bit educated which is also a bonus. I hadn’t heard the term demisexual before and I most certainly didn’t know what it meant. I do now though.
Full review at: https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blog.se/
*This book is the third book in a series but it stands perfectly well on its own. The MCs from the previous series are characters in this book but it isn’t necessary to know their backstories in order to appreciate this story. However, you should definitely read them as they are great stores also!*
From the opening of the book Aislin had me. The writing and the story introduction is such that Roman grabbed right ahold of my heart and there was no way I couldn’t hurt for him, root for him and just plain old love him from the very beginning. And once Cody is introduced it becomes obvious that we are going to have two extremely likeable MCs.
Roman is an NHL player recently traded to a new franchise in Burlington Vermont. He’s got some serious baggage and a tremendous betrayal in his past and as a result does not want to let anyone in. He just wants to play hockey. Cody is a college student whose best friend and roommate is a college hockey player (who happens to be involved with an NHL player…subject of one of the other books in the series.) Roman and Cody meet when Roman volunteers at the library Cody works at as part of a community outreach program. Cody sees past Roman’s gruff exterior. Cue the gradual build of their relationship.
The writing is crisp and the story arc moves well. The character development is well done as we see the abandonment issues that both MCs have and how their fears from their past impact their current situations. The secondary characters are great and they contribute significantly to the storyline which is always a plus for me. The epilogue is uplifting.
I’m not sure why, when the book is just releasing in January 2020 the book is set in 2011. It’s kind of weird and I don’t know why the dates are even given as it’s not relevant to the storyline. I’m assuming it’s because of a tie in to a situation in one of the previous books but I don’t know that, if the dates had just been left off, it would have mattered at all. The way it is it’s just kind of confusing. Minor critique.
I strongly recommend this book and the rest of the series. It would be lovely if Aislin’s fictional world mirrored reality and there were this many gay professional athletes, especially in the big four in the US, who were comfortable enough and got enough support to be out. Someday hopefully.
*I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review *
This is Cody’s book, and he meets Roman, a former teammate of Alex and Yaeger who has been a real jerk. He meets Cody when he’s reading for little kids in the library Cody volunteers for. Cody sees beyond his persona, though, since he’s a psych major, a Mitch best-friend, and very empathic. Cody and Roman become close, and Roman tries not to be such a jerk since he knows he does it so he doesn’t get hurt like he did in juniors when his friends found out he was gay. It’s a lovely story with a slow burn, great characters, fun views of old favorite characters, and good development for both Cody and Roman. I highly recommend.
Roman was betrayed by those who supposedly loved him most. Now he’s closed off and unwilling to let anyone in, thanks to this betrayal. But when he meets Cody, suddenly the psych student and library lover is getting under his skin in a way he’s entirely uncomfortable with. Can Roman open himself up and let Cody in? And what about Cody’s own issues? Are they any less significant than Roman’s demons?
I absolutely loved this story! Roman and Cody are so good together, allow themselves to love the other so sweetly. I read, and liked, the previous story in this series, but I would say Shots on Goal is even better. Roman and Cody may seem an unlikely couple, opposite in personality, but they mesh incredibly well. I really like this series, and cannot wait for more.
Gaaahh, I absolutely adored Roman and Cody and everything about their story! I devoured it in one sitting and immediately wanted to re-read it. Cody is so adorably endearing and sassy, and his bubbly and determined personality is very much a perfect match for the withdrawn and grumpy Roman. Cody forges a friendship with the hockey player and unable to resist the pull between them, Roman slowly opens himself up to someone for the first time in years. There is some mild angst stemming from Roman’s inability to trust others, and later on, an opportunity for Cody that could tear them apart. It’s mostly a wonderfully sweet read though, with a gorgeous slow burn that left me breathless. The heat level is not too high which I found perfect for this book. What I wanted for them was a beautiful, heartstopping romance, and boy did it deliver. Very highly recommend giving this a read!
Shots on Goal by Amy Aislin is the third book in the Stick Side series. It is a contemporary m/m romance with a sports themed tilt. The story has a touch of drama, alot of sweet and fun and a dash of heat. It is a wonderful read about two men falling in love and finding out what matters the most to them.
Fun read although predictable plot. Enjoyed getting to know the characters
A great series!
I loved it!
I know, I know, I start almost every review about any Amy Aislin’s book this way, but I just can’t help it.
Roman and Cody were amazing characters, and I loved the story and their personal growth a lot.
The story in itself is fairly low on angst and drama, which is good given both Roman’s backstory and Cody’s own abandonment issues. I loved that they were able to talk about their issues and work towards solving them together or at least with the other’s unconditional support.
I was so excited to get Roman’s story after getting Dan’s point of view of him in The Nature of the Game. It was kind of perfect that he ended up with Cody who you couldn’t help but fall in love with in On the Ice. This was a fade to black book which typically I skip however the story that was woven was absolutely perfect and I found I didn’t need the hot scenes that I love. This hockey series is fun and sweet and lovable.
Outstanding slow-burn romance that will delight your heart! I really enjoyed these MC’s and how their back-story compels their behaviors. Both men are really terrific people and together they are able to bring out the best of each other. The writing is so good and the flow and pace were perfect for me. I really loved the story-line and found the character development to be exceptional.
Roman and Cody are my favorite couple of this series so far. Their chemistry is awesome, however their connection is inspiring. i found their mistakes and fears so understandable and able to be related to. The were both wonderful guys that found strength and love with each other.
This is book three of the Stick Side series and can be read as a stand-alone story. I do however highly recommend the rest of the series.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
I absolutely LOVED this sweet, poignant, grab-you-by-the-feels, engaging, charming, wonderful, intense, intriguing, smoking hot, delightful, fantastic, and totally awesome twist on the traditional jock/geek, sports romance, and opposites attract storylines. I was pulled in from the very first page, and can’t wait to see what happens next.
Another great addition to the Stick Side series. I loved Roman, he was so much more complex than people knew and I loved seeing him with Cody even the parts where he was fighting himself about it. Cody was a really sweet character and so willing to look beyond Roman’s gruff exterior, they were so good together. All in all the was a very enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
Amy Aislin has a talent for writing characters that the reader becomes deeply connected to. I just loved Roman and Cody. The connection between these two jumps right off the page and grabs the readers heart.
This seemingly opposites are more alike than they think. I loved watching them figure out how crazy they are for each other.
What a great addition to the Stick Side series!
This book is the third in Stick Side series and it can be read as a standalone. Written in dual POV, I loved that we finally understand the reasons behind Roman’s gruff exterior. And it broke my heart. While he gives off the ‘don’t fuck with me’ vibe, he’s actually a big , soft marshmallow on the inside. He is afraid to let in people because he thinks they’ll just hurt him in the end.
Cody was inevitable.
Cody is the one who sees him. Sees beneath the asshole exterior. Cody is Mitch’s best friend (from second book) and I love their friendship. Cody has his own issues but together they are perfect. Just like Cody, I want to wrap Roman in bubble wrap and keep him safe.
Found family is one of my favourite tropes and Roman’s new family is simply awesome. I love the team camaraderie. We meet characters from the previous books too. I loved Ritz and Honeybun and I really want them to get a book. Maybe a short story atleast?
Highly recommend this book!!
*ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Everybody in the hockey world knows Roman as this grunting,gruff a**hole,avoiding all social and team interactions. Learning the reasons behind his behavior broke my heart. That’s why I found him all the more endearing when,once traded to a Vermont team,he tries to change and make friends despite how much it goes against his defensive instincts.
He also meets Cody,an outgoing librarian. Watching their relationship unfold was so sweet. They’re amazingly paired,the surly loner versus lively and easygoing,opposites yet with so much in common… perfect for one another.
They both have fears and insecurities to overcome,and I appreciated the fact that Amy Aislin didn’t turn their story into an overly angsty one. The author also surrounded them with an awesome cast of secondary characters:town’s people, team members, parents and friends. They all made it so that was an delightful reading experience ,funny,cute and emotional.
Loved it.