READING: Empty Net by Avon Gale

Publication date: September 2 2016
Published by: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: MM, Adult, Romance, Sports, Contemporary 
Rating: 

Spartanburg Spitfires’ goalie and captain Isaac Drake ended last season with an unexpected trip to the playoffs. He’s found a home and family with his coach and mentor, Misha Samarin, and he’s looking forward to making a serious run for the Kelly Cup. But things take an interesting turn when Isaac’s archnemesis, Laurent St. Savoy, is traded to the Spitfires. After Laurent’s despicable behavior in the playoffs last year, Isaac wants nothing to do with him – no matter how gorgeous he is. But that changes when Isaac discovers the reason for Laurent’s attitude.

Laurent St. Savoy grew up the only son of a legendary NHL goalie in a household rife with abuse, constantly treated like a disappointment on and off the ice. When a desperate attempt to escape his father’s tyranny sends him to the Spitfires, the last thing Laurent wants is to make friends. But there’s something about Isaac Drake that he can’t resist, and Laurent has an opportunity to explore his sexuality for the first time, but he’s cracking under end-of-the season pressures. When facing the playoffs and a rivalry turned personal vendetta, Isaac’s not sure he’s enough to hold Laurent—or their relationship—together.

Such a cute story-I loved both Isaak and Laurent. Well, Laurent way more, let's be honest. His self flagellation and the unreservedness kind of reminded me of myself and I really felt for him. He was great with Isaac and their relationship didn't seem rushed at all to me-it felt natural. Would Isaac have done the same for someone he wasn't attracted to? Imo, no. But that doesn't make him a bad person and definitely wouldn't stop him from telling people off for bullying someone, no matter who it was.

Both Power Play and Empty Net were the cutest stories, without being sickly sweet, and tackled some serious issues at the same time. They were probably some of the most addictive books I have ever read, I could not, for the life of me, put them down, and I am seriously sleep deprived because of it. Also Gale's sense of humour and the ease of the characters interactions, made all the difference. I thoroughly enjoyed them and I would definitely recommend them.