The Husband Game (Relationship Goals Book 1) by Brigham Vaughn

What happens in Vegas can't stay in Vegas for Charlie and Dustin. They agree to stay married to keep the optics positive around Dustin's professional hockey career, but Dustin wouldn't mind keeping Charlie forever. Only Charlie has to accept that someone could actually love him, flaws and all, but Dustin is just the man to convince him. Charlie and Dustin play The Husband Game.

From the blurb:

Dustin Fowler Wed in Secret Vegas Ceremony – Partner’s Identity Remains a Mystery

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Or does it?

Toronto Fisher Cats ice hockey team captain Dustin Fowler attended the NHL awards and came home with more than the Ted Lindsay Award.

A cryptic social media post from the hockey center himself revealed that he was wed in a secret ceremony in Las Vegas this past weekend.

His caption stating, “Sorry, ladies, Toronto’s most eligible bachelor just went off the market. I married my kitten tonight and I’ve never been happier,” sent tongues wagging across the league.

But who is “Kitten”?

Without verification from either the team’s head office or the new groom, rumors swirl about exactly who Fowler’s partner is.

Speculation ranges from pop singers, to influencers, to actresses and models, but in a surprising twist, a credible source from within the organization suggests that “Kitten” is none other than retired men’s figure skating champion Charlie Monaghan.

Neither athlete has been linked to dating anyone in recent history.

Fan reactions vary from shocked disbelief to wholehearted support but without official confirmation, gossip continues to fly.

We here at JockGossip would like to offer our warmest congratulations to the newlyweds.

TRIGGER WARNING: Contains scenes and frank discussions of eating disorders (anorexia) and past parental abuse/neglect.

SNik's Review:

First in series (Relationship Goals). Wake up married/fake marriage. Found family. Dual POV. 

Waking up in Vegas married doesn’t really happen does it? Well for hockey player Dustin and interior designer and former skater Charlie, they’ve been circling each other for months, and a wild night on the town has Dustin wanting nothing more than to make Charlie happy. 

Agreeing to stay married is a big risk for Charlie, but maybe it’s just the chance he needs for a fresh start and some independence, but he never expects to slowly fall for Dustin. 

Their chemistry is off the charts, and Dustin’s endearing kindness, generosity, and honest admiration slowly tears down Charlie’s protective walls. 

Both characters are so genuinely kindhearted and charming, Charlie is so strong in his personal struggles and being unafraid to be himself while Dustin is so committed and loyal to Charlie and his hockey teammates. 

The Husband Game really has all kinds of romance as Charlie and Dustin spend time living together, they are affectionate and committed partners, and the growing love is an easy and lovely thing. 

Really enjoyed this book, looking forward to more from the series.

Rating: 5 Stars

Heather's Review:

I've fallen for this spin-off series!  Waking up married, forced proximity, found family and learning to trust each other.... all the feels, all the patience, all the past trauma - surprisingly low angst, but may be triggering for some because of Charlie's past issues. 

The Husband Game steps up the romance and brings the hockey!  We also have best friend energy from Taylor from Unwritten Rules and that amps up the storyline, giving Charlie another place to sound off at...

I truly enjoyed both characters and seeing them reach their HEA!

Rating: 5 Stars

The Husband Game is available to buy as an ebook or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.