I fear cis women really need to stop writing gay m/m romance. It just makes me feel off these days when so many marginalized communities arent getting publishing opportunities...

If it’s Rachel Reid, you know there’s going to be hockey and a totally irresistible love story. It was an absolute pleasure to read this ARC of The Shots You Take in exchange for my honest review.

The Shots You Take follows two ex-teammates, Adam and Riley, who have faced a lengthy time apart following a private fall-out, and Riley’s retirement from the sport. The two were once inseparable; now they haven’t spoken in over a decade – long enough for Adam to have a wife and a few teenagers. However, when Riley’s father passes away, Adam is suddenly there, unable to stop himself from showing up, even if it’s to receive quite the un-welcome. Still stung from rejection and embarrassment, Riley isn’t ready to uncover old wounds and explore them now. Yet, this time of grief may be perfect to heal from more than one hurt, and Riley begrudgingly entertains Adam’s visit (if only because he won’t seem to leave).

This second chance romance has everything you’re hoping for: a steamy, feverish past filled with desperation and longing, and a sweet and matured rekindling that feels worthy and like a relief. Riley, damaged by his fear of being left alone again, relies on his faithful dog and his own preoccupation with living up to his late father’s wishes. Adam, knowing better this time, comes in peace and pieces to make things right despite his own unhappiness. A love story always leaves a smile on my face, but there’s something deeper about a second shot. We already know these two idiots love each other, but this is a negotiation, with two hearts on the table and a lot of baggage to sift through. Give it a go; maybe you’ll miss again, but maybe you won’t. Maybe this time you’ll make it together.

This is a second chance romance between two retired hockey players in their 40s. THEIR FORTIES!! I WAS SO FREAKING ECSTATIC FOR THIS!

Riley left hockey and moved back home ten years ago, he’d thought he’d left hockey and the heartbreak he endured there behind. But after Adam shows up at his late father’s funeral it all comes rushing back. They hadn’t seen or spoken in over 10 years and Adam decided it was time to reach back out to Riley now that he’s divorced and finally came to terms with his sexuality. Even though Riley is furious and tells Adam to go back home, Adam persists (with nudging from Riley’s family) and slowly is able to tell Riley what he’d needed to say.

It’s dual pov and has flashbacks to when the two still played hockey together. I enjoy a dual pov in a romance, it makes feelings and motivations more believable. But I think petty me couldn’t understand why Riley forgave Adam. The descriptions of what their “relationship” was like back in their early days of hockey painted Adam as AWFUL. He seemed like a different person in the flashbacks. But I suppose that’s what 20 years of life can do to a person?

Overall the story and Riley with his dog Lucky won me over enough to give this book a 4 star rating. The characters have heart, I could believe these were all real people they didn’t come off a caricatures, I love a second chance romance, I love romances with characters over 30, it was steamy and even though I could never forgive someone for laughing at me when I told them I loved them, he was sweet and attentive and did things to change and be a good partner. The dialog between Riley and Adam had a lot of one liners that I chalked up to them being 40 year old dudes. That’s how they just talk. But there were declarations of love as well.

I love the idea of someone coming out later in life (probably because that was me) I just wish his younger self hadn’t been such an ass and jerked Riley around. Some of the flashbacks when Adam had a big reaction after they were intimate were hard to stomach. Not to mention how all of his younger encounters were laced with alcohol. (Him making a point to be sober around Riley to show him he was actually in it was something I really did like.) I didn’t like the “5 years later” epilogue. I just don’t like those. Maybe like 20 years or more? I dunno, just not my favorite story point.

I have read many Rachel Reid books and plan to read many more. I enjoyed this one a lot. I liked that it was different in that the main characters are retired hockey players, but there was still the right amount of hockey tied in. I enjoyed how the flashbacks were included. Riley had built himself a pretty perfect life in his little town, and I loved reading about it. Although he was grieving, there was still so much peace and tranquillity built through his surroundings and community. I am rating this book four stars because I enjoyed it very much but it is hard for me to fully embrace "wasted time" plots, and it was hard for me to let go of all bitterness for Adam's character.

Gah this book is so good - so so good. So angsty and so raw and has some of my very favorite features in contemporary romance.
- Both MCs are older (in their 40s)
- Second chance romance with dual timelines and dual POV (chef’s kiss combination)
- A beautiful depiction of grief and family dynamics
- No third act breakup but well crafted conflict as these two figure things out

I loved Adam and Riley so much I would have read another 100 pages of this book. The pacing was great and the dual POV really helps us see how both of them grow. I wanted just a smidge more between the last chapter and epilogue but overall I really enjoyed this one!

Content flags: parental death; Adam is divorced; some brief references to homophobic behavior

I voluntarily read a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I liked this second chance sports romance. I liked how it touched lightly on mental health. And I liked seeing how Adam and Riley were with each other years ago and watch them grow together years later.

Oh wow, this book is SOOO great! Fans of Rachel Reid are going to absolutely adore The Shots You Take!

Folks who enjoy Reid's hockey stories which are usually packed with ice action might be a bit surprised because The Shots You Take is mostly romance driven, and the main characters are actually retired hockey players. But personally, I'd be fine if all this author's future novels are centered on guys in their 40's! She totally gets this age group, and Riley and Adam's journeys are powerful and moving.

Rachel Reid does an incredible job with the slow burn, and when Adam and Riley finally get (back) together, the tension is scorching!!! And we fans know Reid writes one heck of a smoking hot physical romance scene!

I can't say enough how much I enjoyed Riley and Adam's story, and I hope Rachel Reid continues in this vein - The Shots You Take was absolutely fantastic!

Rachel Reid KILLED it with this book. She wrote about grief, mental health, and infidelity so beautifully and I loved watching Riley & Adam's second chance at love unfold right in front of my eyes. This book left me sobbing and I honestly don't have the words to say just how good it was. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Thank you so, so much to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance/Carina Adores for the arc of this book <3

MM Romance
Second Chance
1 Star ⭐️

DNF @ 72%

This is an arc. I don’t remember requesting this but I gave it a fair try despite not being the biggest Rachel Reid fan. I am one of the only people that didn’t love Heated Rivalry so most of you will take my review with a grain of salt but I’m going to be honest. I actually love second chance, right person wrong time angsty romances so I was actually looking forward to this once I learned what it was about and I did like it for a while until I didn’t.

Because…

I HATE ADAM! I hate Adam so much that nothing he can do will make me forgive him so I just cannot pick this book back up. In my eyes what he did to Riley was unforgivable. The way Adam made Riley feel in the past and the way he robbed him of ever having a positive future unless it included him sickened me. I was able to keep reading it for so long because this is slow burn city and there have been absolutely no sex scenes in the past or the present which I actually enjoyed plus Riley treating Adam like the piece of shit fuckhead that he is has been everything but unfortunately now that’s all about change. Adam has somehow weaseled himself back in when I don’t feel like he properly groveled. He was just annoying AF and wouldn’t go away and hasn’t even acknowledged the pain he caused Riley. I want to say so much more but I can’t because it’s technically an arc.

This is a Maya Angelou quote and while it’s kind of corny, it fits the whole idea of this book.

“At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”

And Adam deserves to rot in hell alone for how he made Riley feel. The fact he now gets a second chance is ridiculous. What did Riley get? Nothing! But Adam? Adam got to have it all. He lived Riley’s dreams while Riley fell apart and now he thinks he can show back up 12 years later when Riley is at his most vulnerable? Yah no.

The Shots You Take begins when Riley is drowning in grief and Adam, his ex-best friend and first (and only) love, slips back into his life determined to offer support and make amends for some seriously devastating decade-old mistakes.

What I loved most about this book was the emotional maturity these two forty-something men brought to the page—the patience that Adam had honed over the years, the support system that Riley had built for himself during that same time, and the way they consistently communicated with each other, even if it was Riley saying he wasn't ready to talk about something quite yet.

This book just landed with me, a perfect and heartfelt romance to read while curled up in an armchair, sending out strong don't-even-think-about-interrupting vibes to my family.

Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.

Very weird. Not reading like a romance novel, but a work of literary fiction. Opens with a funeral and so far is grief central with exactly zero romance tropes or other elements.

Thank you to Harlequin - Romance | Carina Adores, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the free electronic advance copy.

Rachel Reid’s "The Shots You Take" is a captivating sports romance that combines the thrill of hockey with a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and personal growth. With its engaging characters, well-crafted plot, and emotional depth, this novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and sports fiction.

The story revolves around Taylor Holloway, a talented hockey player who has recently been traded to the New York Admirals. Taylor is determined to prove himself on the ice and make a name for himself on his new team. However, his journey is complicated by his feelings for his teammate, the charismatic and confident Elias Wexler. As Taylor navigates the challenges of his new team and his burgeoning feelings for Elias, he is forced to confront his own fears, insecurities, and desires.

Reid excels at creating complex and relatable characters. Taylor is a compelling protagonist whose struggles with his identity and self-worth are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity. His journey of self-discovery and acceptance is both inspiring and poignant. Elias, on the other hand, is a charming and confident athlete who provides a perfect counterbalance to Taylor’s more introspective nature. Their chemistry is palpable from the moment they meet, and Reid skillfully develops their relationship with a mix of humor, tension, and heartfelt moments.

The supporting characters in "The Shots You Take" add richness and depth to the story. From Taylor’s supportive family and friends to the diverse personalities of his teammates, each character plays a significant role in the narrative. Reid’s ability to create a vibrant and engaging cast of characters is one of the novel’s standout features. These interactions highlight the importance of community and the impact that genuine connections can have on an individual’s life.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is its exploration of identity and self-acceptance. Taylor’s journey is not just about finding love but also about embracing his true self and overcoming the internal and external pressures that come with being a professional athlete. Reid handles these themes with nuance and care, offering readers a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of identity and the courage it takes to live authentically.

The depiction of hockey in "The Shots You Take" is both exciting and realistic. Reid’s detailed descriptions of the games, practices, and the camaraderie among the players bring the sport to life and add an authentic backdrop to the romantic storyline. The balance between the high-stakes action on the ice and the emotional depth of the characters’ personal lives creates a dynamic and engaging narrative.

Reid’s writing style is both engaging and evocative. Her prose is crisp and descriptive, capturing the intensity of the hockey scenes and the subtleties of the characters’ emotions. The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters’ personalities, adding authenticity to their interactions. Reid’s ability to convey emotion through her writing is particularly noteworthy, making the novel’s most poignant moments resonate with readers.

The plot of "The Shots You Take" is well-paced and intricately woven. Reid balances moments of high tension and action with quieter, introspective scenes that delve into the characters’ inner lives. Each chapter ends with a hook that propels readers forward, creating a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant. The progression of Taylor and Elias’s relationship is handled with care, allowing their feelings to develop naturally over the course of the novel.

Rachel Reid, again, masterfully crafted sports romance that offers a perfect blend of excitement, personal growth, and heartfelt romance. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and thoughtful exploration of identity and self-acceptance, it is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and sports fiction. Reid has created a story that is both entertaining and deeply moving, making "The Shots You Take" a standout addition to her body of work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have loved every book that Rachel Reid's written and this was no exception. The story was heartfelt and the setting was beautiful.

I feel like this is one of those books that's very divisive - you're either going to love it or hate it, with not a lot of in-between. I don't even like the second chance trope, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Then again, as another reviewer so aptly said, "I would read Rachel Reid's grocery list."

The Shots You Take is told in a dual timeline, with part of it being present day where Adam has come to see Riley upon the death of Riley's father, after over a decade of being estranged, and the other timeline being the past when these former besties were getting VERY close, if you catch my drift. The past timeline also jumps around a bit, with relevant backstory being revealed as it's pertinent to the action happening in the current timeline.

A lot of folks who dislike this book seem to feel that way because they can't forgive Adam for what he did in the past and find him irredeemable. I like to think it's never to late to turn your life around, and find that I can forgive Adam for being young and stupid and scared. I did some callous things in my 20's to protect my own heart (and ego) - we're all stupid in our 20's. Plus, I really love Adam's slow and cautious yet relentless diligence in showing Riley that this time, Adam can be trusted with his heart.

Definitely check out the content warnings for this one - death of a parent, pain and loss, homophobia, mental illness/depression, alcoholism. Don't be fooled by the cute illustrated cover, this one is pretty high angst.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/m contemporary romance
-second chance
-hockey romance
-mutual pining
-dual timeline

Rachel Reid just writes the most delicious yearning books with the right amount of angst.

really good. really sweet. the two guys are both flawed and flawless which is somewhat interesting (tho by the end they both just seem to be Brad Pitt level lol).

a bit spicy in places, tho also oddly reserved when it could have gone further / done more in those moments

and give Lucky his own spin-off, please.

What a great book to start the new year with. There’s just something about a hockey romance, especially when it’s cold and snowy outside.

Riley and Adam were best friends and teammates, until life pulled them apart and they became ex-friends and former teammates.

Now, several years later, Riley is back in his hometown after deciding to cut his career short for the sake of his mental health.

After Riley’s father passes away, Adam is back in town for the service, giving our two men an awkward reunion.

This book does a great job of confronting mental health and how it should be prioritized.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reading copy! This was my first Rachel Reid book and it was great! This is a MM hockey romance, BUT the characters are older, retired from hockey, and processing a lot of stuff. I don’t normally like second chance romances and hearing about how sad their “break up” and younger experiences were was challenging, but overall this book worked in a lot of ways. I loved that the main characters are older and reflecting on their life, I loved that the pace of the romance was slow since they were learning to trust each other, I loved how much they talked about mental health and grief, and I loved their love for each other. I think the only reason this does not get 5 stars from me is that the ending felt a little rushed and Adam’s treatment of Riley when they were younger was pretty cringe. But overall this was a great, sweet, thoughtful romance. I recommend this book for fans of Reid, hockey romance (though there is not much hockey in this), and LGBTQ+ romance.

The summary: Second chance romance between two retired hockey players. They used to be roommates (tehe) and teammates, hooked up (for a long time), and then it ended (poorly). The pair reconnect when Riley’s dad passes away and the guy Riley was in love with shows up to the funeral even though the pair haven’t spoken in something like 10 years.

What I liked: This is one of my favorite genres (m/m hockey romance). I love happy endings for two big dudes who are also pro athletes because it is not something we see in real life (and that makes me sad). And I love to see/read about them being the gentlest softest boys while also starting fights at center ice.

This isn’t my first Rachel Reid book, and having said that, it’s definitely in a different vein if, like me, you read Heated Rivalry first (but that’s not a criticism). This one has infinitely more feelings as our two MCs try to work through what destroyed their previous relationship.

Didn’t love: the timeline. This reads a little like a Hallmark film or rom-com in that everything is resolved in less than a week. I understand that there’s a built in time constraint, and never getting over the person who tore your heart into tiny pieces is a dangerous thing, but Riley’s dad just died. That’s a lot of emotions to manage and it made me a little uncomfortable.

Bonuses: I love when I can see inside both character’s heads (so I can yell at each of them for being a dummy). I also loved the way this story unfolded, how it jumped back and forth through time so we could understand how thoroughly in love/destroyed Riley was and how that led to him finding something else to love, without overwhelming us. I also love a redemption arc. Adam had a lot of work to do, in my mind's eye, to prove he was worthy of Riley after everything and, despite the brief window of time, I was satisfied by the effort he put in. I thought that they did a great job of mending old wounds in a healthy way as older and wiser MCs.

The Shots You Take is Rachel Reid at her BEST YET!

This heartwarming and deeply emotional story follows Riley and Shep as they navigate their way back into each other’s lives. A second-chance romance with layers of complexity, The Shots You Take doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult emotions. Grief is a central theme, with Shep’s return to Riley’s life prompted by his father’s passing. These heavy moments are handled with incredible sensitivity and authenticity, creating a narrative that feels deeply personal and relatable. Readers will find themselves connecting to the raw and poignant emotions woven throughout the story.

As a second-chance romance, this book delivers a deliciously slow burn that’s absolutely worth the wait. Riley and Shep’s journey is filled with high-tension moments that simmer and build, keeping readers hooked until the inevitable, deeply satisfying payoff. Along the way, Reid sprinkles in adorable and tender moments that will have you smiling through the tears. It’s a perfect balance of heartache, joy, and anticipation.

What sets this story apart is how much growth these characters undergo. Riley and Shep both have past wounds to heal and lessons to learn before they can truly come together. Their evolution feels genuine and earned, making their eventual reunion all the more impactful. Reid’s signature style of rich character development and emotional depth shines through in every scene.

If you’re a fan of Elle Kennedy, Hannah Grace, or Peyton Corinne, this book is a must-read. Rachel Reid’s ability to combine heartfelt storytelling with moments of levity and steam has never been better. The Shots You Take is undoubtedly one of her finest works yet, and it’s sure to become a favorite for romance lovers everywhere. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable tale!