The Home Game (Relationship Goals Book 4) by Brigham Vaughn


If Matty can help someone he doesn't hesitate, and Antoni and his family seem like they could really use someone in their corner. The kids come first, and Antoni will do anything to protect them, but a fake relationship with Matty may end in disaster as Antoni is already falling hard... in The Home Game.


From the blurb:

Matty Carlson Playing House with Local Schoolteacher?

Toronto Fisher Cats enforcer, Matt Carlson, was recently spotted in the park with a hot mystery man and four children ranging in age from pre-teen to infant.

A close source indicates that the man is prep school English teacher, Antoni Bianchi, who has been spotted with Carlson in public recently.

Following the cozy park outing, Carlson was photographed with his arm around Bianchi as they returned to Carlson’s home, adding fuel to the speculation that the men are dating and, perhaps, living together.

Just friends or is something else heating up their late summer nights?

Since Carlson’s acrimonious divorce five years ago, he has not been romantically linked to anyone but rumors swirled of involvement with a man prior to the split.

Is the enforcer ready to “switch teams” for good?

When asked to comment on her ex’s sexuality, aspiring actress Courtney Quinn stated, “I don’t know why everyone is surprised. It’s not like it’s the first time he’s been with a man.”

Sour grapes from a jilted lover or secrets from his past revealed?

Check the JockGossip blog for all of the latest developments in this intriguing new chapter of Carlson’s life.


Trigger Warning: The story contains discussions about the death of background characters in a car accident, children being orphaned, and grieving.

Mentions of biphobia, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and violence against non-binary characters.


SNik's review:

Fourth in series (Relationship Goals), but can be read as a standalone. Single dad. Friends to lovers. Fake relationship. Demisexual representation. Found family. Dual POV. Heed content warnings. 

Playing hockey makes Matty happy, but money isn’t everything, and he’s always the guy to lend a helping hand, especially to someone like the overwhelmed guardian of four kids he happens to meet. Antoni is desperate, he is struggling to make ends meet as a teacher, trying to find the time and money to care for his new family, and he can’t believe he even contemplates taking the hot hockey player up on his offer of help. 

Matty is beyond generous and caring, and Antoni takes his responsibilities and love for the children seriously as they navigate around their attraction making the kids the priority. Full of sweetness, this story has likable kid characters, supportive family and friends that rally together, and two main characters that try to put others first and find that their special person can bring love but also companionship, loyalty, sacrifice, humor, and lust into their life.


KJNRose's Review:

The fourth book in the Relationship Goals series this was a great read that I could not put down. I have loved Matty throughout the series, who wouldn't love the excitable big teddy bear that just wants to help everyone. When Antoni is looking for a home to move into with his four children his aunt shows him a house that is so out of reach that he is despondent and Matty sees him crying in his driveway. This start a friendship that builds to so much more. Now I can't wait to read Dom's story, and hopefully find out who the leak is.


Heather's Review:

I've been waiting to see who gets the Matty relationship prize... the man is a squishy marshmallow of sweetness and he proves it from the moment he meets Antoni and just wants to make his life better... and feed him... add in four sweet kids who have gone through the trauma of losing their parents and we see love bloom from through friendship and caring for the kids.  Of course, we end up with a fake relationship in the mix and Matty has an uphill battle convincing Antoni that he's worth it, but once they truly connect, the sparks fly!

I love the hockey found family and Antoni's actual family in this book - it was heartwarming and sweet...

I can't wait to see what happens next in Dom's story! 



The Home Game is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription

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