Why yes, I am still channeling my obsession with Heated Rivalry into reading the entire Game Changers series, why do you ask?
Eric Bennett is the All-Star goalie for the New York Admirals, but he’s tired. He’s been playing hockey for more than 20 years, and he knows that this season is probably going to be his last. Along with big career changes, he’s ready to make big changes in his personal life, too – like dating men for the first time. Eric has known for a long time that he’s not completely straight, but his recent mostly-amicable divorce has given him the motivation to explore his sexuality. He’s just not quite sure how to start. Kyle Swift is a bartender and graduate student trying to get over his inconvenient crush on his friend Kip, who happens to be dating Eric’s colleague and teammate Scott Hunter. Kyle is attracted to Eric from the start, but has sworn to himself – after a few negative experiences – to avoid dating older men. Kyle and Eric quickly realize that have more in common than they first thought, including a mutual attraction. When Kyle offers to be Eric’s no-strings-attached guide to gay dating and sex, Eric eagerly accepts. But as their relationship deepens, can each of them get past their hang-ups and fears to find a happily ever after together?
Common Goal is the fourth entry in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, and is a nice addition to the story. We get to spend more time with the New York Admirals, Scott Hunter’s team from the first book, and get to know the characters even better. I had already liked Carter Vaughn from the show and the first book, and I like him even better after reading this one. May we all be blessed with a himbo ally, am I right? I also appreciate Reid continuing to explore different aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience. Eric knows he’s bi despite never having dated a man before, and his identity is treated as equally valid as the characters who’ve been out for years. His attraction to men and his burgeoning feelings for Kyle also don’t invalidate the feelings he had for his ex-wife, at least at the beginning of their marriage. They weren’t right for each other, but that’s because of who they grew into as adults, not because a hetero relationship was inherently worse. The sex scenes remain steamy, and the hockey continues to be the setting rather than the plot.
Overall, Common Goal is enjoyable. It’s not my favorite in the series, but it is a solid M/M hockey romance. And sometimes that’s all you need.
