The Shots You Take

December 9, 2024
For this homey queer romance, Reid (the Game Changer series) sends retired Toronto pro hockey star Adam Sheppard to Nova Scotia to attend his former teammate Riley Tuck’s father’s funeral—but his real purpose is to “fix” Riley’s broken heart. Seventeen years ago, when they were roommates and lovers, closeted Adam made it clear that “he’d never feel the same way as Riley did.” Now divorced from his wife and out as gay to his friends and family, Adam hopes to win back the one who got away. As Adam works his way back into Riley’s life by helping out at the sporting goods store Riley inherited, Riley invites Adam to stay with him. The guys grow closer, taking another shot at romance and hoping that “maybe this time it could be wonderful, instead of devastating.” Reid peppers her hopeful story with cozy scenes, such as a trip to a farmer’s market and dinner with Riley’s queer friends. These moments show Adam becoming more comfortable with being gay and finding the courage to come out publicly. Even more swoon inducing is the work Adam puts in to mending the hurt he caused Riley in the past. These two are sure to win fans.

February 1, 2025
More than 10 years ago, Adam Sheppard and Riley Tuck were best friends who became hockey teammates on the Toronto Northmen. Riley had always been a bit in love with Adam, and when Adam seemed to reciprocate those feelings, Riley thought this might lead to something more permanent. However, every time Adam had sex with Riley, Riley later brushed it off, saying he was too drunk or offering some other excuse. What Riley didn't know is that for years, Adam was afraid to acknowledge exactly who he is. Now Adam is back in Riley's hometown of Avery Falls, hoping he can find a way to mend things with Riley, and maybe, if Adam is honest with his old friend, there might even be a chance the two can share a future together. Reid (Time to Shine, 2023) expertly combines a charming small-town setting with a exceptional love story that is equal measures sensual heat and sweet emotion, all while deftly plumbing the romantic hopes and fears of two best friends who truly belong together.

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Starred review from January 31, 2025

Reid (Time To Shine) tells a complex, emotionally charged story in her latest hockey romance. At his father's funeral in his small Nova Scotia hometown, former NHL player Riley Tuck spots his former best friend, teammate, and sometimes-lover, Adam Sheppard, and the emotional floodgates open. Riley and Shep didn't part on good terms, but both still feel an undeniable connection more than a decade after last seeing each other. The bulk of this slow-burn, second-chance romance features scenes both charming and emotionally wrenching as Riley and Shep are reintroduced to each other while navigating hurt feelings, grief over Riley's father, and Shep's recent acceptance of his sexuality. This much sorrow and soul-searching may be too much for some readers looking for a playful sports romance, but Reid intersperses the story with funny and uplifting scenes, along with a few well-written spicy ones too, which keep the deeper parts from feeling too overwhelming. The addition of Riley's cadre of queer friends living happy lives in rural Nova Scotia is also particularly lovely. VERDICT A beautifully written romance about finally finding oneself and a happy ending.--Jenny Kobiela-Mondor

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