Peerless by Declan Rhodes

Peerless is the second book in Declan Rhodes Hockey Heroes series and features a double bisexual awakening and two men who just click!

From the blurb:

“So, Arlo’s a nerd and I’m a jock. It’s not supposed to work, is it? But instead of trying to mix oil and water, we’re more like stirring protein powder into a milkshake—bolder, stronger, and tasty, too.”

Nate Reyes is a defenseman for the minor league hockey team, the Madison Mitts. He's known for his tough and unyielding approach on the ice, a force to be reckoned with. However, off the ice, he's got a quick wit and a heart of gold that endears him to everyone he meets.

Arlo Everhart is an accounting professional who marches to the beat of his own drum. He's got spiky red hair and an affinity for quirky items like antique typewriters. When Nate and Arlo meet through their mutual friends Ethan and Ryan, they quickly hit it off. Despite neither having been with a man before, they start dating in secret to “see how it goes.”

It's an experiment. At least that's what they tell themselves, but somebody forgot to send their emotions the memo.

Peerless is a 61,000-word gay hockey romance. It includes nerd jock, dual first-time, and sports romance themes. It is the second book in the Hockey Heroes series but may be read as a standalone novel. A happily ever after ending is guaranteed.

Heather's Review:

Peerless was sweet, a little angsty and full of bad dad jokes... it also involves getting closer while overcoming the death of a family member, which may be triggering for some.

I found this story touching and endearing, with lots of opportunities for the characters to support each other.  It had a good build of steam and followed a timeline that overlaps book one, so while it could be read standalone it does fit into the world Rhodes has created fairly seamlessly.   There were a few places where I felt that the story peaked and could easily have ended, but the story as a whole was satisfying and a lovely read.

Rating: 4 Stars

Peerless is currently available in e-book format and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.