The New Guy, Hockey Guys #1 by Sarina Bowen

The New Guy is the first book in a new series of MM Hockey Romance standalones by Sarina Bowen and I already can't wait for the next one!

From the blurb:

A new male/male hockey romance from 24-time USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen!

My name is Hudson Newgate, but my teammates call me New Guy.

That was my nickname in Chicago, too. And Vancouver. That’s what happens when you keep getting traded. Brooklyn is my last chance, especially after my poor performance last season.

But I can make this work. The new guy knows to keep his head down and shoot the puck. The new guy puts the game first.

What he doesn’t do is hook up with the other new guy—a hot athletic trainer who lives in my building. Gavin needs this job with my team. He’s a single dad with responsibilities.

We can’t be a couple. My arrogant agent–who’s also my father–will lose his mind if I’m dating a dude. And my team needs me to score goals, not whip up a media circus.

Too bad Gavin and I are terrible at resisting each other…

Jacqueleen the Reading Queen's Review:

"His cheeks are stained red as he lifts his chin and gapes up at me in wonder, and we both pant through the most intimate moment of my entire life."

It was so great to be back in the MM hockey romance world of Sarina Bowens. Gavin and Hudson were both such likeable MCs, even when they weren't doing what I wanted them to. Their relationship was very organic. I loved that they took the time to become good friends before things turned to the physical. They got to know one another before jumping into bed, which I found refreshing and mature. Gavin has a child he adores and like any good father he puts her first. Hudson has reservations about the consequences of being with a man despite his bisexuality, so he also holds back at first for his reasons.

Their growing friendship and closeness all turns out to be too much a temptation in the end. These two genuinely like each others company. They respect each others thoughts and opinions. However, things still hold them back and at some point hard, but important decisions need to be made. More than once the relationship has to go on hiatus for the good of everyone involved, even if neither of them like it. 

The ending of The New Guy was not what I expected, but I think everything worked out for the better. I'm also crossing my fingers that the little hint we got about there likely being more closeted players means there will be plenty more in this series to come. Maybe even a certain new neighbor and his interior decorator? One can only hope!

Rating: 5 Stars

The New Guy is available to buy in ebook, audio and paperback formats.