Even though we see Sebastian & Tristan from the first book, you can read this as a stand-a-lone. Ryu is an NHL goalie who is now ready to be the starter on the Atlanta Venom, he has earned it. Emmitt has been called up from the minors after having an amazing season. Ryu thinks that he is an automatic shoe-in as a starter, the coaches have other ideas. They are going to have to compete for the position. But what ends up happening is that they kind of tag team the position. Initially I did not like Emmitt at all. He was way to cocky for me. I know that athletes have large egos but he was a little to much. Real quick I have to say, I LOVE MORLEY! I hope he gets his own book as he needs to settle down. Anyway, we see these two battle for not only the Stanley Cup, but the starting position. They are also battling their attraction to each other, well Ryu more so as Emmitt is basically a man-whore. He is also bisexual & lets the team know in solidarity with Tristan. This makes Ryu guilty as he has not come out as gay & feels that he should have been the one to stand with Tristan. I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers here, as it wasn't overly done, as well as reading about the game itself as I love hockey. I'm glad that Emmitt's dad came around in the end as he has always given Emmitt the impression that he is disappointed in that he didn't go the football route. Also Ryu's parents come around as well showing their support finally for their son. I don't like that they are not out as a couple especially to the team.

This one worked pretty well for me. I love enemies-to-lovers anytime, and though they weren’t contentious for too too long I did get some good banter so I’m satisfied on that front. The relationship developed at a pretty good pace, but I would’ve enjoyed seeing a little more steam. Lots of mentioned sex but not too much on page.

You can spot the “big drama” coming from a mile awhile and I didn’t really buy into it at all. Also, they’re still in a secret relationship by the end of the book so it’s firmly HFN.

Overall it was a cute read and I’ll definitely be reading any more to come. Hopefully Morley next!

Emmitt and Ryu's story was a great second installment in the Hat Trick series, it was a fun, entertaining enemies to lovers read. I enjoyed seeing more from Tristan and Sebastian, the MCs from book one, and I like going along with Emmitt and Ryu as their relationship developed from adversarial to something a lot more smexy. All in all a very enjoyable read.

This is definitely enemies-to-lovers done right. Ryu Mori and Emmitt Armstrong are both goalies competing for the starting spot. Begrudging attraction and f-buddies turns into affection and love. I enjoy seeing the evolution of their feelings as they get to know each other. By the end, they take so much joy in encouraging and rooting for each other. In reality, I’m not sure how this relationship would and could play out but, for fiction, I really enjoyed the storyline. You also don’t need to be a hockey fan to enjoy the story!

I received a copy from Carina Press through NetGalley for an unbiased review.

I enjoyed this and would give it a solid 4 stars.

What I especially liked:
~ both Ryu and Emmitt -- I found both of them sympathetic, and I liked how we got both perspectives through dual POV.
~ all the hockey stuff -- I know others have found that aspect annoying, but I personally like the quick run-through of some of their games.
~ seeing Seb and Tristan again -- they're still my favorites, so I loved every interaction with them (I would've liked even more, truth be told).

What wasn't quite as strong:
~ the resolution -- it just didn't have the impact that Tris and Seb's story did for me. It was okay but not outstanding.
~ the connection between the two -- I liked their romance, but it seemed a little two-dimensional. I wouldn't say it was all based on sex, but I felt like a lot of the non-sexual aspects were skimmed over to the point that I wasn't quite sure how strong their friendship really was. Also, the climax/main conflict of their story seemed...weak? They both just kind of let it happen, and that definitely led to the weaker resolution.

All in all, I will read it again, and I enjoyed it enough to continue with the series (I'm hoping the 3rd book is about Bellsy/Bellamy :D).

As someone who has never played any sport in my life, I still can’t figure out my fascination for sports romances, especially hockey because I hardly know anything about it. But they just make me insanely happy and this book was no different.

I remember reading the first book in this series and liking it but it’s been a while, so I didn’t go in with a lot of expectations. I just wanted to have fun and this author duo gave me that. I haven’t read any other books by Piper Vaughn but I have really enjoyed other hockey romances by Avon Gale and this one has a very similar feel. The writing is so easy to get through right from the beginning and I flew through the book in a single sitting. The authors do such a wonderful job making us root for this enemies to lovers to friends to more romance and I just couldn’t get enough. There is also a lot of focus on the game itself, it’s pressures, the camaraderie of the team etc and I loved reading about it all. Even the conflict felt very realistic and made me all emotional. This love story has more like an HFN but it feels very organic to the characters themselves and I also liked that coming out was never a point of contention.

Its amazing to see two protagonists of color in a sport like hockey which is majority white. Ryu is Japanese American who is very reserved, driven, a perfectionist who expects too much from himself. Emmitt on the other hand is Black, who has a faced a lot of prejudice but has never let it get to him and has finally arrived at the NHL. He is also supremely confident, a bit cocky and loves posting shirtless selfies on his insta. They are just so different from each other and competing for the starting goalie puts them at odds, but there were too many sparks flying to be ignored. I loved how they slowly became friends and realized they had feelings for each other despite not wanting to. It was kinda sweet watching them together, bringing out the best in each other on the ice, and also bonding over the immense parental pressures they have faced.

I absolutely loved the team camaraderie here too. Even though I don’t remember much from the first book, it was cool seeing Tristan and Seb together, just being all sappy and adorable. Tristan is the nicest guy ever and Seb is a force of nature and I really wanna reread their book now. Morley is another defenseman who was a prominent side character and he was annoying at first with his typical dudebro attitude and just making offensive jokes all the time. But I quickly realized he is a great friend, just with a puerile sense of humor. He is also not a fan of labeling his sexuality but doesn’t seem to discriminate between genders and I didn’t expect him to be so open and accepting about it. I have a feeling he is going to be the protagonist of the next book and I can’t wait.

To conclude, this was a fun, intense and emotional love story which had both hockey and romance in equal measures and I loved it all. I laughed, I cried and I didn’t want it to end - what more can I expect from a lovely book. If you like sports romances, then I definitely recommend this book. This works perfectly well as a stand-alone too but I think you should also read the first. I hope the wait for the next book in the series won’t be as long as this time.

Goalie Interference was my first book by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn and I really liked it. I love Ryu and Emmitt and their story. I'm certainly going to read more by this duo.

Actual rating: 3.5

For someone who doesn't like sports, I like sports books a surprising amount. So I was pretty sure I'd enjoy this, and I actually ended up liking this more than I expected. It was nice to see that hockey actually played a pretty big part in this and wasn't just a background.

I have to say the writing style wasn't quite up to par in my opinion. Sometimes the sentences felt forced or just incorrect, and this did take me out of the story a few times. But I really did love both of the main characters, who were quite well rounded, and their romance.

An additional thing that made me enjoy this book, is that I read Ryu as being autistic, which I'm not sure was intended but there are some very clear signs, like him being touch averse and disliking change, and just not being very social. There are so few good autistic characters that it's often nice to read characters as autistic even if they aren't necessarily written like that, although the signs were clear enough that maybe he was meant to just be undiagnosed.

Rep: gay Japanese MC, bisexual Black MC, m/m side couple

CWs: discussions of racism (in sports), homophobia and biphobia, some diet talk, alcohol consumption, graphic sex scenes

I fell in love with Ryu and Emmet. There was a beautiful build up to their relationship. Classic enemies to lovers. What starts as deep dislike and competition, turns into so much more. Their goalie skills were awesome too! Now that I know this series exists, I have to read the rest!

Goalie Interference is the third book of the Hat Trick series by Piper Vaughn and Avon Gale. Having read the previous books of this series, Goalie Interference follows the same team but times it’s Ryu’s turn to battle against the newcomer goalie Emmitt for his starter position and also maybe for his heart? This book has the tropes of dislikes him but oh shoot he’s hot and I want him which turns into shoot he’s hot I think I really like him. It’s a feel good sports romance about these two goalies and if you like hockey you’ll probably enjoy this. Also the Hyde and Crosby references had me grinning.

Goalie Interference stars Emmitt and Ryu, two goalies on the same NHL team who are in competition for the starting spot on the roster. As a fan of hockey, this book did a great job of exploring the comradeship and rivalries that permeate team sports, while also making the game accessible for the average reader to understand. Enemies to lovers to friends is one of the tropes nearest and dearest to my heart, so to say I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. I only wish that it had been a tad bit longer and that the "to friends" part (aka when Ryu and Emmitt actually started the non-hatesex portion of the relationship) had been better fleshed out.

A special thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hard for me to put into words how much I loved this book. These 2 authors create some serious magic when they team up. I loved the level of angst between Ryu and Emmit. Enemies to lovers is a favorite trope of mine and these two had quite the rivalry. It was all fantastic!

This is a classic enemies-to-lovers setup, with a fresh and emotionally resonant story. Ryu and Emmit start out as rivals who both want to be the starting goalie for their NHL team. They find common ground as players of color in an overwhelmingly white sport, come together as friends with benefits, but eventually develop a deep relationship as boyfriends who support each other on the ice.

This was an entertaining read although I must admit, it's getting difficult to tell all of the sports romances apart, regardless of whether they are M/M or M/F romances. The arrogant, hot shot player? Check. The quiet, aloof player who is unamused by the hot shot? Check. The loud, brash, socially inappropriate, but friendly to everyone friend? Check. Just a bit too much sports play by play? Check.

The two main characters were both endearing and sort of charming, so this one was more palatable than some I have read. However, I found their trajectory from active dislike to fuck buddies to romantically involved boyfriends unrealistically fast. Especially the path to their first sex scene. In addition, I didn't find it convincing that Emmett would have felt comfortable calling Ryu, at that stage in their relationship, to talk about something as emotionally fraught as his relationship with his dad.

I very much appreciated that there was a female goaltending coach, and that she was described and treated with a lot of respect. I also appreciated that the men were not all shameless sex hounds, and no-one shamed Ryu for not hooking up constantly.

Overall, though, it was a fun and enjoyable, if fluffy, read.

This review was provided in exchange for a free copy via Netgalley.

I love hockey books, but all too often the hockey is so tangential that the characters are really only hockey players in name. Usually, the relationship conflict comes from some issue outside the game. What I loved about this book is that the issues between Ryu and Emmitt come from being in competition as players on the same team. It's a trope I haven't seen before and added a level of stress I wasn't expecting. Often, I can see how the conflict is going to be resolved halfway through the book, but I didn't figure this one out. Although the Enemies to Lovers path is clear here, the way the two characters fit together and respect each other's boundaries are great. Their respective relationships with their families offered a lot of depth and I was glad that Ryu's prickly nature wasn't "fixed" by Emmitt. Although he let Emmitt in, his basic personality never changed. That's such an irritation for me in a lot of books.

Beyond the main romance, it was nice to see Tristan and Seb again. I really hope Morley is getting his own book because he's great. I have a real soft spot for that "frat boy with a heart" kind of character.

Goalie Interference hit just the right spot! I needed some good hockey, and I have to say the competition between Ryu and Emmit really got me going. Instead of having one starting goalie, the Venom decided to play it by ear and have Ryu and Emmit play as a tandem. That sure made things a bit awkward between them in the beginning. Then again, it also made things difficult for them when they stopped thinking they hated each other.

This story is very well written, and I loved that while Ryu and Emmit seemed very different on the surface, they had much more in common than they thought. I also enjoyed the fact that Tristan and Sebastian from the first book were present several times, and how the team as a whole was accepting of having gay players on the ice with them.

If you want a hot story with lots of sports and even more tension, Goalie Interference is definitely for you!

Goalie Interference is the second book in the Hat Trick series, and one I was highly anticipating. I definitely feel as though it lived up to expectations!

This book follows the Venom's goalie from the first book, Ryu, as he competes to become the team's starter goalie, fighting for the spot again rookie Emmitt. Ryu and Emmitt immediately dislike each other -- they're competing for the same spot -- but neither man can deny the chemistry between them.

I really liked both Ryu and Emmitt. Ryu is a little cold, although he cares a great deal. Ryu is gay and Japanese-American and we get to see a fair amount of his family. I did have a little issue with his family, however I am not Japanese-American so can't speak accurately about this issue so take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt. I just felt that Ryu's parents expectations of him were a little stereotypical -- basically very strict Asian parent with impossible expectations -- and his aunt, while a lesbian, did quote a couple of Asian proverbs. The things she said, while giving Ryu some advice, wasn't literally a proverb, but it definitely felt that way. One that sticks out to me is: "A seed that isn't planted won't grow." Again, I am not Japanese and cannot speak accurately to this, it just felt very stereotypical to me! Please seek out an #ownvoices review when one comes out!

Emmitt is bi and Black American, and occasionally racism in the professional hockey industry is brought up. I can't speak to how accurately the authors' broached this topic but its appreciated to include these issues because they're so prevalent in real life -- again please seek out an #ownvoices review when one comes out! I absolutely adored Emmitt: he is super sweet and always happy -- even though he is competing with Ryu for a coveted position, he still wants nothing best for the other man. He's just the best!!

There's little tension and angst in the book -- Emmitt and Ryu do hook up pretty soon, however, there's plenty to keep them apart as the competition between them comes to a head. There's not much of a plot to be honest, although I didn't mind that because the book then became quite focused on Ryu and Emmitt. Basically the book revolves around Emmitt and Ryu fighting for this position and then trying to balance their relationship with work. I still really enjoyed the plot because I like slow books!

All in all, this was a great sequel to Off the Ice! I'm super keen for the last book in the series and can't wait to see if the book follows Belzie or Morley!

The premise around book two in the <I>Hat Trick</I> trilogy is competing goalies. Not from opposing teams but the same team. One, the more established regular for the Venom, who we met in book one, and two, a recent trade from the minor league. These two are total opposites in personality but share some surprising similarities, not just limited to being minorities in a predominantly white-populated sport.

“<I>People write erotic stories about you two, bro.</I>”
“<b>What? Where? Why?</b>“
“<I>Enemies to lovers, man. It’s a Thing.</I>”

I’m a total sucker for hate, or enemies, to love (particularly in m/m) and the banter and push and pull and aggression between these two in the early stages of the getting-to-know-you phase was great. Stone cold Ryu facing off with hot-shot cocky Emmitt was a joy. Particularly when offset by all the personas on the team around them. I really am a sucker for the team ensemble dynamic.

“<I>This is the last thing I wanted.</I>”
“<b>Your romantic declarations need some <I>serious</I> work</b>.“

Their relationship becomes one, after agreeing to no-strings, but is put to the test as they approach playoff season when it might come down to a real competition between them, as opposed to the tandem-playing they had settled into in the regular season. This conflict was one the least contrived I’ve experienced and felt very real, and genuine, and I loved how they still tried to keep things civil, despite heartbreak, near the climax. Oh, and the final moments? Delightful.

“<I>Fucking score some goddamn goals or you’re walking back to Atlanta.</I>”
“<b>Wow. I haven’t had a coach threaten to make me walk since Timbits hockey</b>.”

This was a lot of good fun, and I’m so happy it didn’t flounder along the way despite the less than solid start, and while I didn’t love it as much as book one, I’m still so very keen for the final book in this series. Also, I forever love books set in this sport by authors who clearly know and love the game. It always comes through and I always appreciate it. This definitely cured me of my slump and I’m ever so grateful.

** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **

Loved this second entry in the Hat Trick series from Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn.

The goalie is one of those mysterious characters who always seem to be full of cute and bizarre quirks but here it was more a case of two men, both of colour, fighting for a starting spot and finding they didn't hate each other after all.

I loved the contrast in character and approach to how they tended goal between Ryu and Emmitt, they're complete opposites and this played a major part in the build-up to their first explosive encounter which was full of passion and fire.

However, I truly fell for them as they realised that, in spite of what seemed to be quite different backgrounds, they had so much in common because of a weight of expectation they not only put on themselves but also felt from their fathers (and mothers in Ryu's case).

This is a beautifully written enemies to frenemies to lovers romance and I was cheering all the way for them to make it. The hiccups on the way felt absolutely believable to me, never plot for plot's sake, and I was shouting at my Kindle for them to get their heads out of their backsides and sort it out!

There's a lot more ice hockey in this one than there was in the first book and I loved it, I'm a huge sports fan so I like actually having some sport in my sports romances!

Sexy, sweet and with a very solid HFN that I could see lasting beyond the ice if they were both willing to put the effort in but the readers' expectations are firmly left with the knowledge that these two will be tandem goaling the blue line for the Atlanta Venom for many years to come.

If you haven't read the first book in the series, Goalie Interference can be read as a standalone.

Tristan and Seb are present as secondary characters, but they are not integral to the story. More present is Morley, Emmitt and Riu's boisterous, chill AF team mate, who, I sincerely hope, is getting his own book. Morley sleeps with a lot of women, but his dick isn't picky.

I have a weakness for enemies-to-lovers stories, especially when they involve athletes with all their sculpted muscles. Bonus points when the MCs are men of color: African-American in Emmitt's case, and Japanese-American for Riu.

Diversity is smokin' HOT! I very much appreciate the authors including non-white MCs. More of that please!

Both Riu and Emmitt read authentic and genuine, not perfect, far from it, but real. Riu is so self-contained, he sometimes forgets to breathe. Focused, driven, reserved, Riu strives to be the best for his ultra successful parents.

Emmitt is a bit of a wild card, but he lives big and plays bigger. He's cocky, self-assured, and posts a lot of shirtless selfies. Emmitt has a great relationship with his mom, but struggles with his dad, who has always wanted his son to play football.

Emmitt and Riu agree to a friends-with-benefits situation because their attraction is sizzling, but neither is prepared for falling in love with the competition. Goalies vying for the starter position, the men at once resent and cheer for each other, which makes theirs a rocky road indeed.

While I liked the setup of the story, the MCs, and the sexy times, I didn't hold out a lot of hope for a true HEA. The ending is a HFN, satisfying enough, but how does a relationship like this work in the long term? What if one of them gets traded (not an unlikely scenario)? At the end, they're not even out to their team.

I enjoyed the dual POC but found parts of the story repetitive and think the internal monologues could have been cut in half.

I hope we get to see more of these guys in the next book.