Surprisingly sweet and low angst, The Waiting Game tackles self discovery and recovery from addiction respectfully. Watch these life long friends realize that the depth of their friendship runs deeper than they ever expected.
From the blurb:
Fisher Cats' Hale and Brewer Engaged: College Sweethearts or Fake Relationship?
On the eve of their first playoff game this post-season, the Toronto Fisher Cats organization sent out a press release announcing the engagement of their top D-pair.
The release insinuates the childhood friends may have been involved as far back as college and makes it clear the front office supports the relationship. “We are confident that such a longstanding relationship will be nothing but beneficial to Felix in his recovery.”
Reactions are mixed.
An anonymous inside source stated, “Legit? No way. This whole thing’s a PR stunt to soften the public’s perception of Hale.”
One fan commented, “Hale & Brewer have always been so adorable together! It’s great they finally feel comfortable being out about their relationship!”
While many fans are similarly supportive, others speculate that the announcement is tied to the Cats’ shaky play of late. “We all know they’re not gonna make it past the first round,” one fan stated. “It’s just an attempt to distract from how weak the team is.”
Adding fuel to the controversy, Hale shared an image of the players naked in bed together and captioned, “Pre-game nap with Jonah before we take on the Montreal Lynx. Go, Cats!”
PR stunt or happily engaged couple? Only time will tell.
TRIGGER WARNING: Frank discussion of alcoholism, past death of parents, and emotionally neglectful parents.
Molly Otto's review:
When best friends to lovers are done right, you have this beautiful story of healing and growth. Jonah & Felix have been each other's unbreakable bond and companionship since they were five years old. Felix has made many poor decisions in his life that lead him to a stint in rehab that leads him to self-discovery and to be able to be free of his past. Jonah has loved Felix his whole life yet never thought he had a chance until one hair brained idea allows him to be open with Felix.
And once they two allow their feelings to blossom its pure magic. They are so sweet to each other even before dating that when they are free to show their affections, you can not help but smile at them. As with previous installments, the team dynamics are perfection in a way you wish all teams were that they can confide and rely on each other when you stumble. When you triumph, they celebrate all the victories, small and big, just simply put beautiful.
Now, for Jonahs grandma, can I have her? No, seriously, that woman is a wrecking ball in the best possible way. She does everything and anything to make her grandson (blood and not blood) feel wanted and loved at all times. I am looking forward to seeing Matty, our loveable Teddy bear, find his person with the next installment.
SNik's review:
Third in series (Relationship Goals), can be read as a standalone. Childhood best friends. Teammates. Fake relationship. POC representation. Slow burn. Dual POV.
Sure, Jonah has been in love with his best friend for forever, but when Felix suggests they fake an engagement in order to appease Jonah’s grandmother and the media, Jonah knows he’s setting himself up for more heartache. Coming to terms with his stint in rehab, Felix is discovering a lot of things about himself, hockey and his found family of Jonah and Grandma Ji-min as well as his feelings towards Jonah may be moving from platonic to romantic.
The close friendship between Felix and Jonah is clearly unbreakable, and their interactions were heartfelt and so loving. Both Felix and Jonah have personal issues to overcome, but there is never a minute of doubt that they will be with each other either as friends or more in the future, and the progression from friends to lovers is super sweet and spicy. This series excels in well-written emotional stories.
Heather's Review:
Sometimes changing your life means evaluating everything about yourself, including your sexuality... Both Jonah and Felix have had to overcome difficult childhoods, with each other, Jo's grandmother and hockey holding them together... and so much more going on around them.
On the same team, with Felix managing his alcoholism and seeing his world differently, speared on by a health scare for Jonah's grandmother and things take a decidedly 'fake' relationship turn that quickly turns spicy...
The found family, the personal angst, and Grandma Ji-min all make this bisexual awakening story come to life. I also like that the author gives us outside stresses to test the relationship and doesn't just keep the guys hiding in the hammock.
Emotional and sweet, you can tell that this author took care in creating this world and ensuring that Jonah's bi-racial Canadian/Korean heritage was on point.
I can't wait for the next book in the Relationship Goals series.
The Waiting Game is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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