Fun, spicy, and a super quick read!
I love the way the relationship between Ryu and Emmitt progressed, but overall I wish the authors would've focused a tiny bit more on the supposed competition going on between the two, or that they'd showed us way more hockey. It felt like the sport was more of an excuse to set off the romance than an actual plot point.

Ryu Mori has played for the NHL team Venom for years, and now that the spot of starting goalie is open, it’s time that he’s promoted. Emmitt Armstrong has been traded to the team as a new reserve goalie, or so he believes, since it’s soon clear that both Emmitt and Ryu are competing for the position. Ryu disdains the rookie’s cocky attitude on the ice but secretly wishes to keep Emmitt’s mouth and the rest of his body occupied off the ice. Initially, the competitive spirit between the two makes their hook-ups catch fire, but once the season heats up, the stress of maintaining a winning streak while also contending for starting goalie threatens their tentative relationship to break. In this second in the “Hat Trick” series (Off the Ice), Gale and Vaughn suffuse plenty of sexual tension throughout by pairing Ryu’s chilly confidence and reserve with Emmitt’s outgoing arrogance in a rivalry that raises that tension sky-high.

VERDICT Fans of sports romances will adore these two alpha males trying to figure out how to work and play together nicely.

Reviewed by Eve Stano, Ball State Univ. Muncie, IN , Oct 25, 2019 for Library Journal Web Exclusives.

Goalie Interference is the 2nd book in the Hat Trick series by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn.

Ryu Mori is the starting goalie of the Venom. At least that's what he thought before they bring in a minor league goalie. Emmitt Armstrong finally gets moved up to the Venom. He is cocky and believes he is the best. He thinks he can best Ryu and take his spot as starting goalie. What neither of them realize is that they will have to work together in tandem until the final decision is made. What starts out as a hate relationship turns into much more.

I liked Ryu in the first book, so I was very excited he was finally getting his own book. I really thought he would have been more dominant based on how he came off in the first story. I did like him just as much in this book. He is calm and collected which is what makes him a good goalie. Emmitt is the complete opposite but he is almost as good a goalie himself.

I really liked this book. It came off as a slow start but once the action started, it got hot and heavy. I did find a couple errors in the book which I hope got fixed (i received an ARC). I am very anxious for the next book and I wonder who can be next

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Carina Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

This was an okay entry into Gale and Vaughn's series; if you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers and well-written sports action, it's a fantastic read. I enjoyed the amount of depth in this story--discussions of parental approval and racism in sports, particularly hockey, and anxiety/touch-aversion are covered nicely, and there are some smooth in-text scenes of support for LGBTQ teammates, including those on the bisexual spectrum. I think enemies-to-lovers isn't quite my jam, but I really appreciated the emotional depth and maturity present in the second half of the book.

I gotta admit that writing a review feels so odd, after all this time. Yet, words seem to come easy for this book. I feel like I’ve changed a lot in 2019, and I’m hoping that will make the experience of book blogging even more interesting to both myself and my readers. I’m getting to know myself as a blogger again, and I hope you’re willing to come along for the ride!

It’s no surprise to anyone that I adore Piper and Avon’s writing. In this very busy and stressful year I’ve been having, opening the pages of this amazing book felt like coming back home.

You see, my friend Annie and I usually love the same books, but end up with different favorites. Which is great because then we don’t compete, y’know? (idk what to tell you all. I’m different in many ways, but I’m still a weirdo, so bear with me here)

Well, this time, it might be different. While Bellzie continues to be my very favorite character in the series, Emmitt absolutely stole my heart from his very first line (sorry, Annie!) and I can’t forget him. It’s odd, but he feels so familiar. His relationship with his dad was really interesting to read, and I liked how we got to see both characters truly interact with their families and how got to experience two family lives that had its similarities but also huge differences. Family bonds are always stuff I enjoy reading, so this was a great pro point for Goalie Interference.

My love for Emmitt and his easy going personality and charming… everything does’t mean I didn’t like following Ryu around. Where Emmitt felt familiar, Ryu felt like new and different, but not in a bad way at all. His relationship with his aunt was probably my favorite relationship in this book outside of the main pair. I adored their dynamics, the way he looked for her warmth, the way she knew him and respected him. It was just such a great bond to read about, I felt content everytime they were interacting.

I enjoyed this book even more than I did the first in the series, Off the Ice, which I didn’t think was gonna happen! That will teach me to stop underestimating goalies! I should have known better, goalie lover that I am! The relationships between the two main characters, and I say relationships because their person and professional relationship feed off of one another, but can also be quite different at times, are of course the gem in Goalie Interference. Emmitt and Ryu have the same goal: starting goalie position for their team. However, most of everything else – including their defense styles – isn’t really similar at all. Ryu is calm and focused earth to Emmitt’s emotional fire. The tensions between them develop into something neither expected, but both clearly enjoy and want.

It’s hard to speak much about the book without venturing into the spoiler category, but suffice to say it was a great and very fast read after a long period of not being able to finish a book. The characters are, as always, amazing and deeply fun to follow around. I cannot wait for the next in the series!

This is one of those books that I don’t think would have worked if there was only one POV. Especially since Ryu and Emmitt had very strong feelings about each other in the beginning – and not the romantic kind. It would have been hard to sympathize with either character if you only saw things from one of them.

In order to chose a starter for the Venom, their coaches pitted them against each other. Ryu felt cheated out of a position he thought he had worked hard to earn. Emmitt wanted to prove himself to his new team and earning a starting position would do that for him. A friendship between these two rivals seemed impossible, but a romance… regardless of their initial feelings toward each other, the physical attraction couldn’t be ignored.

Ryu came from a family of over achievers. They weren’t opposed to anything that Ryu decided to do with his life as long as he did his best – and was the best at what he did. They were kind of passive in their disapproval when they directed it toward him, but even if others didn’t notice, it was always clear to him. Emmitt had a mom who was super supportive and a dad who wasn’t. His dad never forgave him for choosing hockey over following his footsteps in football. They both felt like at times that they didn’t quite measure up.

One quick hook-up wasn’t enough, but they also had to be careful. They were still part of a world that wasn’t easy to “come-out” in. Regardless, once they got a taste of how things could be, they both realized that they wanted more. They still had to get past their status on the team, but some things are worth working around.

I loved the tension between these two guys, but the supporting characters were great too. Spending time with Sebastian and Tristan from Off the Ice was fun too. I’m not a huge sports fan, but I’ve gotta admit, the Hat Trick series has made me just a bit curious about ice hockey ;)

*3.5 stars*

I heart hockey books, and so I'll basically read any book with hockey players in them (I mean, have you seen hockey players' butts??). Even though I didn't love the first in this series from Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn, I was excited to try this one.

It's been two years since I read Off the Ice, and I felt similarly about that one as I did after I finished Goalie Interference. While I enjoyed both, nothing really stood out to me. I didn't get that clenching gut, that swoony feeling, that joy and pain that comes from reading an awesome romance. And the pace... a bit slow, if I'm being honest.

I loved that we got two POC MCs in Goalie Interference, which is highly unusual in a hockey romance. Hockey is a pretty white sport, so it's exciting when we get diversity. I liked both characters individually, though I found Ryu to be a bit too guarded, even when we were in his head.

I like enemies-to-lovers, and I dug it here, but I wanted a bit more umph, more passion. It was a solid enemies-to-lovers, but I still wanted a tiny bit more (I'm greedy!!).

Overall, I enjoyed my hockey men and I enjoyed them together, but I know these authors can do even better.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

"Ryu was in love—head over skates in love—with his teammate. His competition."

Adorable as always, Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn managed to capture my heart once again with Goalie Interference. This time it was thanks to Ryu and Emmitt, who play for the same hockey team and who are rivals for the same spot. Emmitt comes to a new team in a very important league and tells everyone that he's bisexual as soon as he arrives. Ryu, on the other hand, has some problems with his decision of coming out to his playmates. They hate each other instantly, and that makes their first interactions incredibly intense and full of fire. Their first time being together when there's a confrontation that *had* to end in a kiss at least, was beautiful and super sexy. 

Although the beginning of this book was incredible, I found it was a little bit dull during the middle but overall I liked it very much. I have a weakness for enemies-to-lovers stories so their relationship appealed to me very much. Also, there was a lot of diversity and it was talked about on page. Emmitt is black and Ryu is Japanese-American. It was all written very thoughtfully and realistically. Both of them as individuals and as a couple were very genuine and kind in their own way. But also they were very different from each other. With their own thoughts and personalities and way of loving, expressing that love and communicating that was super interesting to read. 

The story was written gorgeously and I wouldn't expect less from this authors. But the ending kind of left me wanting for more. It was definitely a HFN ending than a HEA. They didn't solve a lot of the conflicts that were presented throughout the book and I think I expected more from those solutions that they were going to find towards the end. Maybe, if there are more books in the series we'll see them in the background like we do with Tristan and Seb. We'll see!

Goalie Interference is the second in the Hat Trick series, following the story line of Ryu and Emmitt, both goalies in the same ice hockey team, going for the main goalie spot. Of course, with competition comes tension, and with tension comes a need to release that tension (in some way or another).

In shocking news, I requested another book on Netgalley that is apart of a series without reading the first in the series! I got excited when I saw everyone talking about this on Twitter and had to request it and then I got approved and it was then I realised it was number 2 in the Hat Trick series. Yet everything made sense, and I followed it all pretty well. I do still want to read the first in the series purely because I did love Tristan and Sebastian and I want to read about how they became how they were in this book.

I am an absolute sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope as much as the next person, and this book delivers this trope wonderfully in my opinion. I will admit I’m not normally a major fan of character driven books, personally preferring plot driven books. However, this book was the perfect character driven book and I loved every minute of it. It honestly didn’t bother me the less important plot as I was just so invested in the characters. I also found that the plot was consistently paced and I’m glad it didn’t slow near the end.

ALSO! I loved the representation in this book! However, how accurate it is, I cannot comment on it, as I did feel that the representation of Ryu’s Japanese-American family to be somewhat stereotypical of an Asian family. I would recommend reading an own voices review to see if this is an accurate representation or not. I also liked the fact that racism in sport was brought up, and I think it was a good start to begin to address this fact, as this is such a big issue in all sports.

I cannot wait to finally read the first book in the series, and also read the next book in the trilogy! I’m intrigued to see which character the next book follows!

Thank you very much to Carina Press for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Goalie Interference is the second book in the Hat Trick series by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn. I did not read the first book in the series, and think that newcomers to the series will be able to fully enjoy the read on its own.

Ryu Mori has had a stellar season as goalie for the Atlanta Venom. So when he’s called into management’s office, he’s expecting to hear he’s the new starting goalie for the team, not that some new guy—an incredibly hot, annoyingly bratty rookie—is here to compete for his spot. Not everyone gets to play in the best league in the world. Emmitt Armstrong knows that, and he’s not about to waste the opportunity after grinding his way from the bottom to the top. If the Venom are looking for a meek, mild-mannered pushover, they’ve got the wrong guy. Ryu doesn’t want to admit the other goalie’s smart mouth turns him on. Beating Armstrong at practice feels good, sure, but there are other, more fun ways to shut his rival up. In this league, it’s winner takes all. But there’s more to life than winning, and if Emmitt and Ryu can get past their egos and competitive natures, they might just discover they work better as partners than they ever imagined possible.

Goalie Interference is so much more than a m/m or sports romance. Ryu and Emmitt both have family that love and support them, but that might not all offer the kind of pride and overt recognition that they sometimes crave. They both have friends or family they can rely on, and develop support systems, and still have issues that they need to face. Their problems are unique- because of who they are- but they read like real people with real problems. Sometimes it is nice to connect with a character going through problems that are realistic and relatable rather than horrific things that make me sad or angry. Yes, I have no clue what it is like competing for the goalie spot on an NHL team- but I do know what it is like to struggle with feeling accepted or wanting my parents to be proud.

I enjoyed seeing Emmitt and Ryu dance around each other as they came to terms with their feelings- and finding their way to each other. More importantly- they needed to figure out how to face the inevitable professional struggles they will face. I loved some of their bickering- and some of the frank discussions about love, lust, and attraction in the book. Sometimes when this many sensitive topics arise in a single book it feels manufactured or like it is being done to be trendy or tick off boxes. Here it felt completely organic- the conversations about racism, sexuality, and family all felt natural and organic to the story. I greatly enjoyed the read- and would honestly love to hang out with the characters in real life- they just were that real to me as I read.

Goalie Interference is a solid romance that touches on a wide range of emotional issues. I loved getting to know these characters and will be keeping an eye of for more from the authors.

To be perfectly honest, I didn't read the description when I requested this book through NetGalley, I saw the title and cover and have read other good hockey romances lately so I went for it. That being said I wasn't expecting a M/M romance and that isn't my typical type of book to read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was was great to see the interactions between Ryu and Emmitt from the beginning when they didn't like each other at all since they were competing for the same job, to when they started to be a little more than just teammates and as their journey continued.

I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series.

#GoalieInterference #NetGalley

Ryu Mori’s within reach of his goal - being the new starting goalie for the Atlanta Venom. He’s trained hard and has the stats to prove it. Until promising upstart Emmitt Armstrong transfers to the team, setting off a race for the starting goalie position.

I really liked Ryu in book 1. He was the calm, dependable, and quiet friend that Tristan needed. He may come across as cold at times, but that’s just introversion.

Emmitt is the opposite of that - a complete extrovert. He’s loud and a bit brash. But he’s equally loyal, and committed to the game and the team.

The two men definitely start off on the wrong foot. Neither man is a dislikeable character, but the competition for starting goalie and opposite personalities inevitably set the stage.

But it’s also undeniable that both men feel attracted to each other. As the weeks pass, the mutual dislike and attraction build.

Until finally they give in. And it’s hot.

Nothing like a lot of angry sex to really break the ice!

Or, as Ryu and Emmitt look at it, just a bit of stress relief. I was all for their arrangement - rivals on the ice, and rivals with rough sex in the sheets.

Feelings inevitably enter the picture. It was very sweet to see the two men gradually open to each other, and share bits and pieces of themselves that they hadn’t expected to.

I swooned just a bit when Emmitt and Ryu finally had the talk and agreed that they wanted to be more than just fuckbuddies.

Of course, the major obstacle remains throughout the book - the competition for starting goalie. It continues to affect their relationship after they decide to get serious.

The situation became repetitive at times, but ultimately it was an entertaining plot. And despite the angst, Ryu and Emmitt manage to come out at the other end with a stronger relationship.

But I wasn’t entirely sold on the ending. It’s a HFN, with some major points still unresolved.

Overall, this was a likeable enemies-to-lovers hockey romance, with some angst and a lot of hot and sweet. I’m hoping we get to see Ryu and Emmitt’s story wrapped up in a short follow-up or in a book 3!

I really enjoyed this book! First of all, it features two characters of colour which we don't often see in the romance genre. It also features an enemy-to-lover trope that is done really well. There is a buildup to their relationship so that it doesn't happen out of nowhere. Both Emmitt and Ryu seem to be very different people but slowly, they find that they actually have more in common than they realised. It allows for a wonderful portrayal of an interracial relationship that gives its characters a chance to be who they are.

The book is written well and doesn't alienate readers who doesn't watch hockey (like me!). While the sport obviously features a lot in the book, it's entertaining to read and merges well with the relationship plot. There is no silly misunderstandings or conflicts, only real concerns. An entertaining story with well-rounded characters and a delightful romance!

I really liked the friendly antagonism between Ryu and Emmett. It was fun banter. I liked the switch of them playing the same position on their team, instead of run of the mill rivals. It made it interesting. My favorite thing is mature they both were. When it comes time for some hard decisions, there's no fight, there's no misunderstanding. They talk about it like adults and agree on a path. It's very refreshing. The Hockey stuff in itself...eh. It's hockey. There's no drama outside of them to interfere. It was a good read.

Goalie Interference is the second book in Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn’s Hat Trick series of contemporary m/m hockey novels. I enjoyed reading the Him/Us duology (by writing team Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy) and I was excited about the opportunity to read another hockey romance.

Emmitt gets called up from the minor leagues to be the Atlanta Venom’s newest goalie. This is a dream come true, but there’s one obstacle in his way- Ryu has been the Venom’s goalie, and he’s none too thrilled about this new hotshot interloper.

To make a long story short, this is a classic example of the enemies-to-lovers. At first, they justify their hookups as a way to channel all the frustration and loathing they feel for each other, but it grows into something more significant. However, they’re both competing for the same position, and while the team is using them in tandem (they seem to switch out every game), ultimately, there can only be one starting goalie. Their chemistry is scorching, but the decision will affect the trajectory of their professional careers.

This was more than just a simple hockey romance. Emmitt is black, and Ryu is Japanese-American, so they both can relate to what it’s like being a person of color in a sport that doesn’t have nearly as much diversity as other professional sports in the United States. I have to say that I loved the scene when Emmitt and Ryu went to an outreach event the youth community center in an attempt to get more kids interested in playing hockey. Another commonality was that Emmitt and Ryu both face family pressure. Emmitt’s father played professional football for a couple of years, and is disappointed that Emmitt chose hockey over football. Ryu’s father was an Olympic figure skater, and while his parents aren’t disappointed in his career choice, there’s an immense amount of family pressure to succeed.

As I’ve mentioned, Emmitt and Ryu have great chemistry, and Ryu is a bit bossy with Emmitt, which works well for their dynamic. Despite the tension surrounding the goalie position, the overall tone of the book is light, and some of the best scenes involve the outrageous behavior of Emmitt and Ryu’s Venom teammates.

I would absolutely recommend Goalie Interference. I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the Hat Trick series, as well as the Gale and Vaughn’s individual efforts.


I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Admittedly, it took me a bit to get into Goalie Interference. Purely based on first impressions, I wasn’t crazy about Emmitt, and following their initial interactions, I was a little unconvinced about Ryu and Emmitt as a couple. However, as with this writing duo’s past works, the relationship, characters, and writing won me over and hooked my attention as things began developing between Ryu and Emmitt.

As a hockey fan, I tend to be fairly critical of hockey romances, but this duo knows their stuff. The details of hockey travel, practice, and on ice gameplay are all on point without diminishing the burgeoning relationship between Ryu and Emmitt, delivering a well-balanced sports romance. I really liked the competitive/ enemies-to-lover dynamic cultivated throughout the start of the book. Not only did it lead to some intensely sexy moments, but it flushed out the characters’ personalities quickly and developed their chemistry. Ultimately, I enjoyed Emmitt and Ryu as a couple and liked the slow slide of their relationship from a physical to emotional fueled connection. I especially liked the ending because it captured both the team dynamic as well as the close bond the Ryu and Emmitt shared. Goalie Interference is a definite recommendation for me, especially for hockey fans.

I enjoyed this book and it had tons of potential, but I was a little disappointed. I just wish there could’ve been more development with the romance. Yes, these characters have great chemistry, but I didn’t really see the journey from sexual chemistry to love. The ending was also a little…lacking.

This is a hockey enemies-to-lovers story which are two things I like in my romance. And both Emmitt and Ryu are goalies-my favorite position to read about. I also liked reading about their struggle of both wanting to be the starter and the added struggle of wanting to be a couple.

I’m also into the diversity in the story. Hockey is becoming more diverse and it’s nice to see that in fiction, too. I kind of wish the diversity was a little more obvious on the cover, but that’s personal.

I would read another book by these authors-maybe the first book in this series.

what is it about stories about sports rivals taking all that insane heat and chemistry and just falling for each other that makes me all heart eyes?? goalie interference finds ryu mori competing for the starting goalie spot he expected to have tied up based on his prior performance against the cocky emmitt armstrong, a newcomer just moving up from the ahl and winning a calder cup trophy.

the animosity between them burns bright and intensely. and then it basically explodes all over the place in hot, angry sex. and once they burn off that initial sexual energy, what emerges is this really amazing relationship where they feel so much but also refuse to give up on their career goals.

this sets up a nice conflict when management makes it clear that only one of them will be starting during the playoffs and they both have reasons to really want to be the one who wins. but maybe there's still a way to have everything they want, they just have to think about things a little differently. it's not about winning or losing. it's about love and what you want.

**goalie interference will publish on september 30, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/carina press in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the first book in the series but I didn't love this one, although it had some things I really liked.

This was probably one of the best enemies to lovers book I've read. They had solid reasons for disliking each other and a believable animosity between them. That of course gave the sex scenes some definite steam. Unfortunately for me I just didn't buy/see the "hook up" mentality that they had turn to love. They were hooking up and at some point even began to respect each other but I'm not sure how/when it turned to love.

The biggest issue I had though was that I didn't really connect with the MC's in this book. Emmitt was a bit too cocky for me. Ryu was a bit too stand offish. I'm not sure what I didn't connect with but they just didn't jump off the page and make me love them. It seems that wasn't a problem for most so it's probably a case of it's just me. I did love that the characters were different ethnicities. Emmit is African-American and Ryu is Japanes-American. The message was a wonderful message although at times I admit I felt like I was being preached to instead of just getting the message organically through reading the book.

So overall this book was just good for me and not as enjoyable as the first book in the series. However, I think it was just not quite the right fit for me or maybe it was just my mood when I read it. Either way I'd definitely still read the 3rd book in this series and more by these authors.

As a reader with no knowledge of hockey, one thing is clear, Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn nailed their shots in “Goalie Interference.”

It’s the story of Emmitt Armstrong, one of the sport’s few black players, after he receives the AHL’s best goalie award and is brought up to the NHL. He’s immediately pitted against the Venom’s existing star goalie, Ryu Mori (of Japanese-American descent). Emmitt’s addition enrages Ryu, who feels he has the position as a starter in the bag. By playing Emmitt and Ryu in tandem, the Venom hope their competition for the position will elicit the best from both men.

Gale and Vaughn have created the perfect scenario for enemies to lovers and opposites attract. And, like the consummate authors they are, they play the trope to a “T.” Several elements enliven this emblem.

Both men wear their flaws like assets. We can roll our eyes alongside Ryu, while secretly delighting in Emmitt’s gregarious, overly aggressive, arrogant and cocky persona. And Ryu’s near emotionless stance and extreme self-discipline are equally irritating, but endearing. These two men deserve each other.

And their love-hate attraction is penned with some of the best dialog I’ve read to date. At their first steamy encounter, Emmitt is taunting Ryu, as his genitals are in the other man’s hand:
He says to Ryu, “‘You wanna take a video for later, Mori?’”
To which Ryu’s nonchalant response is, “‘I don’t need one do I? I bet any time I told you to strip for me and get your (cock) out, you’d do it.’”
Emmitt’s answer? “‘And I bet you just hate that, don’t you? ‘Cause it means you have to admit you want me too.’”

Their slow thaw is completely believable for two men who have used their athleticism to hide emotional and physical pain. Nothing feels contrived as they recognize themselves in one another. The problems their relationship will engender, and their struggle to separate personal reactions from professional responses, can translate to anyone who has fallen in love with a co-worker. As the authors convey, “Now Ryu had to deal with feelings and there were so many strings he wondered if maybe he should take up cross-stitching.”

Finally, hockey is a harsh profession. As a bonus, “Goalie Interference” offers lots of tips for self-motivation concepts that can transfer to all of life. I find myself quoting Ryu’s Aunt this week as she tells him, “‘A seed that isn’t planted won’t grow.’”

Relax, and chill out enjoying well-described, highly visual ice-play, then heat yourself toasties with the more intimate play! “Goalie Interference” is a standalone edition to the Hat Trick series with a little of everything!