A review by laurenkohout
The Head Game by Brigham Vaughn

emotional hopeful inspiring sad 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

5.0

All the tension! Nico is a pro hockey player that is used to sleeping around and driving people crazy, especially referee August. They run into each other one night in an alley after leaving post-game drinks and all their tension becomes sexual. They run off to a hotel room and enjoy each other for a one-night stand before going their separate ways. At least, August plans for it to be a one-night stand. The next game August is reffing ends up being life-changing for both of them. Nico has been dealing with a persistent headache for months and ignoring it, but some big hits during this game causes a seizure on the ice. 

August tries not to, but since he feels partially responsible he ends up going to the hospital. He panics when questioned by the nurse and says he's Nico's fiancé so he can see him. As you'd expect, pretty much everyone finds out before he can take it back. Nico ends up needing surgery and they decide to stick with the engagement story, which includes August moving in with Nico to help take care of him. Sooooo much forced proximity! 

🔥: Nico and August get plenty steamy! Not much kink, especially because Nico has to take it easy post-surgery for awhile, but that just makes their scenes more passionate and loving. But when Nico gets his energy back? Hoo boy!
😆: We get some comic relief in this one thanks to Nico's contagious energy and confidence. I love it most when the rest of the team is around!
😭: I absolutely cried with this one. On top of the health issues, which are traumatic, these two both also risk losing their jobs with their relationship. Lots of obstacles for these two! 

This series is so entertaining! Brigham Vaughn brings all the emotion and romance with this one!