The Shots You Take

                           

Title: The Shots You Take

Author: Rachel Reid

Published: Carina Adores, March 4, 2025

Pages: 336

Genre: LGBTQ+ Hockey Romance

After moving back to his hometown ten years ago, Riley Tuck thought he had left his major league hockey career—and his broken heart—far behind. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, it brings ex-teammate and former best friend with benefits Adam Sheppard back into his life.

Coming to the small town of Avery River, Nova Scotia, might have been a mistake. Adam’s not sure he’ll ever win back Riley’s trust after the way they left things—and the attention he’s getting as a huge hockey star isn’t exactly helping. Yet the chemistry that crackles between them is undeniable, even now.

As Adam helps Riley navigate his grief, long-buried feelings start to resurface. But they’ll have to square off with their complicated past if they’re going to have a real shot at a new beginning.

Rachel Reid has a beautiful brain. I love the heart that she infuses into every single one of her books. Are they also hot as sin....yes! But they're so sweet and mushy gushy that the sex really is just a cherry on top.

I believe there is a content warning at the beginning of this book, but if there isn't, just know we are dealing with grief from a very recent death of a parent. And she does not skimp on that side of things. Riley is really going through it, and he took me on that ride with him. But while Riley was going through it, he was still one of my favorite characters. He's just this really cute 30ish gay man living his best small town Canadian life. 

Then there's Adam. Who is figuring things out, and also desperate to be there for the one that got away. He's had this beautiful life up to this point, with a wife and kids and plenty of money and recognition from his super successful hockey career. And for a long time, he had his best friend who he used to hook up with, Riley. 

There's a lot of water under the bridge between these two men. And the way that they navigate it, and the persistence with which they care for themselves and each other is really lovely. Avery River also sounds like a dream town. More than a book boyfriend, this book gave me a book hometown to dream about. <3

Thank you, NetGalley and Carina Adores for the ARC copy!

Ratings

Stars: 5/5

Spice: 3/5