Book Summary: 

New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter takes his pregame rituals very seriously. In this case, it’s not just a lucky smoothie he’s craving—it’s the man who made it.

Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So, when a smoothie made by juice bar barista Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he’s desperate to recreate the magic…and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter.

Kip knew there was more to Scott’s frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, never mind touched everywhere all at once. When it happens it’s red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors.

Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can’t afford to do anything that might derail his career…like introducing the world to his boyfriend. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?

Mini Review:

You may want to stock up on “Awws” because you are definitely going to need them. This book is adorably cute, sweet, and swoon-worthy. From Kip and Scott’s meet-cute, to watching them fall for each other, to the most inspiring ending, I enjoyed every single moment. For those who like a balance of happiness and drama, you’ll find light sprinkles but nothing earth-shattering or suspenseful. What you will find are some of the hottest MM romance scenes I have read in a while. I definitely applaud Rachel for some sweat-inducing, collar-pulling moments!

While the spicy scenes are the equivalent of a Ghost Pepper, the intimate moments, emotional connections, and sheer adoration between Kip and Scott will leave a permanent smile on your face. Let’s not forget this is also a hockey romance, and Rachel knows her stuff, so she enlightens as well as entertains as Scott moves through his hockey season. Even though I won’t be reading the rest of the series, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to be reminded that while it may not happen in reality, in fiction with an HEA – love does conquer all.

Failing at my goal to keep this short, I do want to point out one scene that has stuck with me, even days later. It was when Carter approached Scott, and Scott thought Carter was still uncomfortable with his sexuality. I loved this scene because it speaks volumes about assumption. Scott assumed Carter would have a problem with him being gay, and Carter assumed that Scott understood their friendship went above anything else, no matter what. Neither gave the other the benefit of the doubt. Carter supported Scott where Scott was in his life with the knowledge he had. You only know what you know, and for Scott’s supposed best friend not to know something that identifying, that important in his life, was painful. Again, I just thought that interaction spoke volumes about assumption, friendship, and support.