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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I was looking forward to reading this book from the moment it was announced and damn the author didn't disappoint me, this book was so much more than I expected but I should have known because I was hooked on this series from the first book itself and if you have read The Husband Game you would know the author has mentioned some tough topics in there so this book also had some tough subjects which were covered and loved how thorough Brigham has done her research on that particular subject.
Nicolaas Arents ( Nico ) is the defenseman for the Toronto Fisher Cats and we met him in the last book as someone who is ridiculously confident and has a charm that gets him what he wants or who he wants whereas Augustus Manning ( August ) is a referee for the NHL and is annoyed by Nico's flirting or snarky behaviour on the ice. But one night after a game when August is in a very bad state of mind he hooks up with Nico, just once he says but you know Nico is kind of stubborn like that but they end up in a JockGossip article though August face is not visible you could see Nico.
Things that happened afterwards I wasn't expecting, Nico had a medical emergency and it is something happened on ice which led him to the hospital, August was also on the ice when Nico had a fall, so he is worried about him so to be allowed to meet with Nico and get updates on his condition he tells the hospital staff that he is Nico's fiance. I liked how caring and protective August was once he got to see the real Nico and I was so happy Nico had August by his side when he was recovering. Once, Nico realised the truth about their engagement, he was so invested in being a fake fiance, I liked how he tried to make August squirm from being too touchy, also their banter was so amazing I liked it so much.
I loved Charlie and Nico's interactions and was glad he was there to tell him his experience so Nico would not rush his recovery. I loved his teammates and how protective they were of him. Skylar and Julius were other amazing characters and I was so happy for them.
This book was an amazing read with all the snarky banter and so many beautiful moments between the characters and how supportive they were of each other I enjoyed it so much. I am looking forward to more books from this series and I am excited about Felix and Jonah because of the little glimpse we got to see, I am looking forward to reading their story.
* I received an ARC copy from Neon Rainbow Reviews and this is my honest review *
Nicolaas Arents ( Nico ) is the defenseman for the Toronto Fisher Cats and we met him in the last book as someone who is ridiculously confident and has a charm that gets him what he wants or who he wants whereas Augustus Manning ( August ) is a referee for the NHL and is annoyed by Nico's flirting or snarky behaviour on the ice. But one night after a game when August is in a very bad state of mind he hooks up with Nico, just once he says but you know Nico is kind of stubborn like that but they end up in a JockGossip article though August face is not visible you could see Nico.
Things that happened afterwards I wasn't expecting, Nico had a medical emergency and it is something happened on ice which led him to the hospital, August was also on the ice when Nico had a fall, so he is worried about him so to be allowed to meet with Nico and get updates on his condition he tells the hospital staff that he is Nico's fiance. I liked how caring and protective August was once he got to see the real Nico and I was so happy Nico had August by his side when he was recovering. Once, Nico realised the truth about their engagement, he was so invested in being a fake fiance, I liked how he tried to make August squirm from being too touchy, also their banter was so amazing I liked it so much.
I loved Charlie and Nico's interactions and was glad he was there to tell him his experience so Nico would not rush his recovery. I loved his teammates and how protective they were of him. Skylar and Julius were other amazing characters and I was so happy for them.
This book was an amazing read with all the snarky banter and so many beautiful moments between the characters and how supportive they were of each other I enjoyed it so much. I am looking forward to more books from this series and I am excited about Felix and Jonah because of the little glimpse we got to see, I am looking forward to reading their story.
* I received an ARC copy from Neon Rainbow Reviews and this is my honest review *
This was an amazing book. Brigham took a topic that could have easily been extremely difficult to read and made it onto a beautiful love story. I'm so in love with this series and can't wait for the next book.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
So far this has been a really great series for Brigham Vaughn. I absolutely loved both August and Nico, they had such chemistry together, which explains why they disliked each other so much in the beginning. I can't wait until the next book comes out.
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
THE HEAD GAME was a great romance featuring a fake engagement between a by-the-book rule following referee and a chaotic and flirty hockey player. Nico was charming, cocky, and surprisingly vulnerable and he made a great match for the reserved, dedicated, and slightly stuffy August.
I enjoyed Nico and August's banter, their sweet moments, and the way they supported each other through some really difficult times. They were like oil and water at first but when Nico was recovering from surgery and in a really vulnerable place, August was the one he felt safest with. They were surprisingly tender and I loved seeing August realize he actually liked being annoyed by Nico.
Nico's best friend Sky and August's brother Jules were both amazing side characters and the way they supported Nico and August's relationship was perfect. Seeing the rest of the Fisher Cats team was great and I'm really looking forward to Felix and Jonah's story.
Content Warning: on page seizure, tumor, and recovery from brain surgery; pregnant side character; side character in rehab for a drinking problem
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“This is a bad idea,” August said roughly.
“Baby,” Nico leaned in to whisper in August’s ear. “I’m the best bad decision you’re ever going to make.”
- - - - -
“So believe me when I say I’m on board. If this is good for the team and for you, I’m in. No question. Team first and you’re part of my team now, Auggie.”
- - - - -
“Why do I want to ride that man like a pony?” she whispered furiously. “He is awkward as fuck. I should not want to screw his brains out and eat his nachos. And yet…”
Nico shrugged. “Pregnancy hormones, maybe? It’s either that or there’s something weird about the Manning family. I should not find August’s little sweater vests sexy either but here we are.”
- - - - -
“When Nico was in the hospital, I knew it was a risk to go be by his side and I did it anyway. And I don’t regret that. I’m glad I was able to support him through this recovery. And when it comes down to it, I’m always going to pick Nico. Every time.”
I enjoyed Nico and August's banter, their sweet moments, and the way they supported each other through some really difficult times. They were like oil and water at first but when Nico was recovering from surgery and in a really vulnerable place, August was the one he felt safest with. They were surprisingly tender and I loved seeing August realize he actually liked being annoyed by Nico.
Nico's best friend Sky and August's brother Jules were both amazing side characters and the way they supported Nico and August's relationship was perfect. Seeing the rest of the Fisher Cats team was great and I'm really looking forward to Felix and Jonah's story.
Content Warning: on page seizure, tumor, and recovery from brain surgery; pregnant side character; side character in rehab for a drinking problem
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“This is a bad idea,” August said roughly.
“Baby,” Nico leaned in to whisper in August’s ear. “I’m the best bad decision you’re ever going to make.”
- - - - -
“So believe me when I say I’m on board. If this is good for the team and for you, I’m in. No question. Team first and you’re part of my team now, Auggie.”
- - - - -
“Why do I want to ride that man like a pony?” she whispered furiously. “He is awkward as fuck. I should not want to screw his brains out and eat his nachos. And yet…”
Nico shrugged. “Pregnancy hormones, maybe? It’s either that or there’s something weird about the Manning family. I should not find August’s little sweater vests sexy either but here we are.”
- - - - -
“When Nico was in the hospital, I knew it was a risk to go be by his side and I did it anyway. And I don’t regret that. I’m glad I was able to support him through this recovery. And when it comes down to it, I’m always going to pick Nico. Every time.”
I really do love all of Bringham Vaughns books. Especially the hockey ones. You can read this book on its own...but why. The first book (The Husband Game was excellent). Nico is so much fun and August balances him out so well. This book has so many feels and alot of challenges for this wonderful duo. It also has all the
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Again, this book could’ve done with a developmental editor to cut out the repetitiveness in the story. If it had been only 50-60% percent of its previous length it would’ve been better. It feels like she’s padding the story.
The author seems to be a trauma for trauma’s sake kind of author. I am not sure I want to continue reading them, but will try one more book.
ETA: This series, and the connected series, read as really bad Game Changers Fanfic.
The author seems to be a trauma for trauma’s sake kind of author. I am not sure I want to continue reading them, but will try one more book.
ETA: This series, and the connected series, read as really bad Game Changers Fanfic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Medical content, Medical trauma
This is one of those books you think is going in. It's going to be one way, but wow, it's completely different in the best possible way. So much humor was brought in to make a serious subject matter full of light and humor, and just sweetness.The humor weaved in made such a serious topic so beautiful than them growing on each other just so well done.
What starts with a miscommunication, to check on an injured colleague, brings these two men together to bring out the best sides of each other. The side characters are brilliant as well, making you fall hard for each and every one as Nico and August try to find a balance and ultimately fall in love. It shows that even after setbacks in careers, you have to keep fighting and maybe find a better unpredictable path.
What starts with a miscommunication, to check on an injured colleague, brings these two men together to bring out the best sides of each other. The side characters are brilliant as well, making you fall hard for each and every one as Nico and August try to find a balance and ultimately fall in love. It shows that even after setbacks in careers, you have to keep fighting and maybe find a better unpredictable path.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes