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Scoring Chances #4
Empty Net
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.
Please be advised: This book does contain some non-graphic references to past childhood physical/emotional abuse as well as issues relating to ED (bulimia and restricted eating, disordered thoughts about eating).
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.
Please be advised: This book does contain some non-graphic references to past childhood physical/emotional abuse as well as issues relating to ED (bulimia and restricted eating, disordered thoughts about eating).
242 pages, ebook
First published September 2, 2016
160 people are currently reading
2,779 people want to read
About the author
Avon Gale
26books1,328followersAvon Gale lives in a liberal Midwestern college town, where she spends her days getting heavily invested in everything from craft projects to video games. She likes road trips by car, rock concerts, thunderstorms, IPAs, Kentucky bourbon and tattoos. As a queer author, Avon is committed to providing happy endings for all and loves to tell stories that focus on found families, strong and open communication, and friendship. She loves writing about quirky people who might not be perfect, but always find a place where they belong. In her former life, Avon wrote fanfiction at her desk while ostensibly doing work in non-profit fundraising for public radio and women’s liberal arts education, and worked on her books in between haircuts and highlights as a stylist. Now she’s a full-time writer, delighted to be able to tell stories for a living.
Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Enjoy fantasy with a bit of a kinky, darker edge? Check out Avon's fantasy books, co-written with author Fae Loxley, under the pen name Iris Foxglove!
Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Enjoy fantasy with a bit of a kinky, darker edge? Check out Avon's fantasy books, co-written with author Fae Loxley, under the pen name Iris Foxglove!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 666 reviews
August 16, 2016
Warning: Review includes gratuitous gifs of hockey players.
Because. HOCKEY PLAYERS.
WOW, people, just wow. This story rocked my world, and this is why:
- the best kind of enemies-to-lovers trope (Isaac has every right to hate Laurent, but he sees something in Laurent that others don't, and when he walks in on Laurent sobbing in the showers, he can't leave; he just can't.)
- plentiful and insanely SMEXY times (We have a virgin here, y'all, and Isaac is a patient and sensual teacher; the slow burn, the tentative touches—delicious.)
- the feels, OMFG, the FEELS (It's not all fun and games; Laurent has been abused and beaten down by his disgusting douchebag of a father, and his self-loathing is destroying him.)
- awesome secondary characters (Misha & Max play a big role, and I'm a total goner for Misha, but I also loved Isaac's best friends who have his back, even if they don't always think before they leap.)
- team camaraderie (Even if you're not a hockey fan, you'll love this series; I promise!)
- hilarious, witty dialogue (No one writes dialogue like Avon Gale, NO ONE; I was able to laugh even in the middle of some very emotional, draining scenes.)
- Laurent's 80-year-old landlady (Trust me; she's a keeper.)
- HEA (I may have cried; don't hold it against me.)
Isaac is out and not ashamed: not of his blue hair, and not of his past. He has a big mouth and an attitude to match, but he's just a big ol' teddy bear (or maybe a duck) inside.
When Laurent, the goalie of the most hated team in the ECHL, spat on Isaac and spewed homophobic slurs, Isaac was furious. And rightly so. But then Laurent is traded to Isaac's team, and Isaac doesn't want strife in his locker room.
Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.
Isaac and Laurent become friends, good friends. But Isaac lusts after Laurent and cares enough to call Laurent on his bullshit. Isaac is brave and willing to fight for his man, and Laurent is so broken, so shattered, he NEEDS Isaac in his corner, needs someone to love him and tell him he's good enough.
Power Play, the third novel in the Scoring Chances series, was my very favorite. Until I read this book. Now they're tied for first place, and both have a spot on my Best M/M Romance of 2016 shelf.
Read at least the third book before reading Empty Net. You won't be disappointed. This series is seriously all that and a slice of pizza.
Because. HOCKEY PLAYERS.
"Did that just happen?" Isaac asked as they headed upstairs. "Your landlady ... she's like eightysomething. And unless I'm wrong, she dressed up in her husband's suits and pretended to be a boy so they could have bi threesomes in a booth at whatever a boy's club is."
"Sounds like it," Laurent agreed.
"You don't even seem surprised," Isaac said . . . .
Laurent shrugged. "No one's all that normal, no matter what they look like or how old they are."
WOW, people, just wow. This story rocked my world, and this is why:
- the best kind of enemies-to-lovers trope (Isaac has every right to hate Laurent, but he sees something in Laurent that others don't, and when he walks in on Laurent sobbing in the showers, he can't leave; he just can't.)
- plentiful and insanely SMEXY times (We have a virgin here, y'all, and Isaac is a patient and sensual teacher; the slow burn, the tentative touches—delicious.)
- the feels, OMFG, the FEELS (It's not all fun and games; Laurent has been abused and beaten down by his disgusting douchebag of a father, and his self-loathing is destroying him.)
- awesome secondary characters (Misha & Max play a big role, and I'm a total goner for Misha, but I also loved Isaac's best friends who have his back, even if they don't always think before they leap.)
- team camaraderie (Even if you're not a hockey fan, you'll love this series; I promise!)
- hilarious, witty dialogue (No one writes dialogue like Avon Gale, NO ONE; I was able to laugh even in the middle of some very emotional, draining scenes.)
"You put on cologne."
"Duh. It was a date. You put on a dress shirt," Isaac countered.
"I didn't tuck it in, though."
- Laurent's 80-year-old landlady (Trust me; she's a keeper.)
- HEA (I may have cried; don't hold it against me.)
Isaac is out and not ashamed: not of his blue hair, and not of his past. He has a big mouth and an attitude to match, but he's just a big ol' teddy bear (or maybe a duck) inside.
When Laurent, the goalie of the most hated team in the ECHL, spat on Isaac and spewed homophobic slurs, Isaac was furious. And rightly so. But then Laurent is traded to Isaac's team, and Isaac doesn't want strife in his locker room.
Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.
Isaac and Laurent become friends, good friends. But Isaac lusts after Laurent and cares enough to call Laurent on his bullshit. Isaac is brave and willing to fight for his man, and Laurent is so broken, so shattered, he NEEDS Isaac in his corner, needs someone to love him and tell him he's good enough.
Power Play, the third novel in the Scoring Chances series, was my very favorite. Until I read this book. Now they're tied for first place, and both have a spot on my Best M/M Romance of 2016 shelf.
Read at least the third book before reading Empty Net. You won't be disappointed. This series is seriously all that and a slice of pizza.
November 20, 2024
He leaned over and kissed Isaac, right there in the parking lot. He hoped his father saw it. He slowly breathed out and pressed his forehead to Isaac’s. “Can we please go?�
“Yeah,� Isaac said, and suddenly he didn’t sound quite so angry. He ran his fingers through Laurent’s hair, then kissed him gently on the forehead, and sat back. “We can.�
Laurent sat quietly shaking in the passenger seat. He felt like he’d just declared war.
Isaac reached over and took his hand. He didn’t say anything. He just held it tight in his own, all the way home.
I’m mentally (and maybe physically) slapping myself for doubting this installment because this, my friends, is exactly how I wish romance novellas were written.
Clocking in at just about 190 pages, Empty Net offers a wide range of points I love seeing in romance novels that are up my valley: grumpy/sunshine, mental health rep, angst, sexuality exploration, communication and no third act break up, supporting side cast of characters, moderate slow burn relationship (especially for a novella), and, of course, an epilogue. There are more things to love about this story, in detail, that stand out, but Empty Net is definitely one of those novellas I’d hold as a standard to others, and one I would greatly repurchase in favor of others.
It has its own blend of uniqueness, but its creativity remains melodic. It doesn’t strive to be something others aren’t, but also doesn’t feel like a copy and past of others. I was a bit hesitant approaching this, as I wasn’t a fan of and , which I read when I was first starting to read gay romances in 2021 (and now I’m not really reading romance in general). , meanwhile, was enjoyable and cute, but definitely not as enjoyable as this fourth installment.
Empty Net is what a lot of other romances are, but it’s also my favorite type, where, even though it isn’t the most angsty, there is more than just “falling in love� that is happening in the story.
Isaac and Laurent (Saint) start off as enemies due to misunderstanding between each other (the kind where they think they know each other but they don’t because they’re stupid and judge fast), but the dislike is hardly ever relevant. As someone who criticizes the enemies to lovers trope a lot because of how loosely marketed it is and how dumb it really is, I didn’t mind this, as the two never try to rile each other up throughout the book and then bite back their own words. In other words, Isaac and Saint have a little heated moment in the beginning, but it doesn’t take long for that hate to soften up. The author doesn’t make them pretend to hate each other and then make their inner monologue the most contradicting thing, and instead just puts them together quickly but with hesitancy and awareness. Again, I appreciated this because the enemies part was never a big part of the story right from the beginning and didn’t drag the story for the sake of the trope being used. Most of the time, with enemies to lovers, the characters say they hate each other one second, and the next they’re having sexual, lusting thoughts about each other. Fortunately here, Avon Gale saves us (okay, saves me) from having to endure 10-30% of characters saying they hate each other but their actions proving otherwise. Either give me actual hate, or don’t give me anything.
Their relationship builds up slowly, moderately, considering the length of the pages, but it works so well. The author manages to combine many moments between the two that are a mix of sexual and sensual, personal and intimate, friendly and comedic, and slow and hesitant. Their friendship takes a while, and we see how patient Isaac is of Saint and how Saint lives with his guilt. Isaac is pretty quick to forgive and wants to move on, but Laurent’s guilt and broken childhood doesn’t allow him to heal and move on. Throughout the relationship, we see a few domestic moments, physical intimate moments that add sensuality to the relationship and aren’t added for the sake of attraction purposes.
It’s no surprise that Saint is my favorite type of character—the ones that believe are “broken,� the kind that don’t believe they can be loved, the kind that are scared. Isaac showed Saint the opposite, and I loved everything about it. Their relationship is built from patience, trust, and security. Saint’s guilt of what he did to Isaac still haunts him, but Isaac’s determination and acceptance slowly wins him over and melts away the cold facade Laurent puts up. Their opposite dynamics blend in well—Isaac’s angry sunshine personality is a contrast to Saint’s quiet grumpy exterior. Where Isaac stands his ground and doesn’t take anyone’s bullshit, Saint is more hesitant and reserved. Both of them have a past that’s defined how they go on with life, and both of them approach the future differently. Their characterizations are well-written. The author never faults their flaws and doesn’t ignore their struggles. They don’t define them but they’re also not ignored, offering small glimpses in between to show the reader why the characters are how they are.
“I thought about you. How you told me to be quiet. How you call me Saint. I don’t know what it means. You’re the only person I’ve ever met that I don’t hate.�
Empty Net is an angsty tale—Saint suffers with an eating disorder that he’s unaware of for most of the book, as well as continues to grapple life with his childhood trauma and abusive father. It’s fair to say we learn and see more of Saint’s life and past more than Isaac’s, and Saint’s is also one that continues affecting him in life. The author doesn’t make the story sad in its entirety, but she also doesn’t ignore the mental health representation and its negative impact on the characters. I very much appreciated this and loved seeing the different ways Saint is affected. His ED is prevalent throughout the story and not something ignored or brushed off. It’s also not something that takes away from his story and is instead connected to his character.
I’d rate this five stars if I wasn’t so picky and analytical. The demisexual rep was a pretty fine addition, if a little underdeveloped in my opinion. Had it never been mentioned that Saint came to the conclusion that he’s demi, I would’ve never known. While I appreciate it’s not a defined label, it felt off. Sometimes it felt like Saint genuinely just needed to find the right person and was the type to like touch from certain people instead. Kind of like people who don’t like hugs except with certain people, yknow? And somehow Isaac ended up being that right one. This is fine and all, but Saint’s aversion to touch from everyone else versus Isaac felt constricted. I rooted for them and I believe in their love, but Saint’s sexual attraction to Isaac was pretty clear from the start, which is why I felt the demi rep was a bit unclear. However, I loved the exploration side of it and Saint’s inexperience to show a realistic portrayal of a virgin who doesn’t know what they like or don’t like because they haven’t experienced it before. I think this is too uncommon in romances, where inexperienced and virgin characters suddenly go pro and know everything. It’s refreshing to see a character admit to himself and his future boyfriend that he doesn’t know what he likes. Isaac and Saint begin exploring little by little, allowing Saint to explore. He realizes he likes biting and likes his hair/head petted, even though it wasn’t something he was aware of before.
And while I loved Saint, his character development took too much time. For the majority of the book, he spends his time pondering life and love, feeling useless, and ruining the mood many times. He has a “woe is me� attitude throughout the entire book, even when he and Isaac are together. His insecurities end up defining him for most of the story. While realistic and understandable, he never really made any effort to stand his ground and stand up for himself. There was always someone else who needed to get it started or solved for him. It isn’t really until the end when he confronts his father, but even that scene was a bit underwhelming.
Overall though, I loved this, and my complaints are more about personal preference. I’m really hoping this author comes back to writing and gives us Xavier’s story because I’m now hopeful for him.
“Yeah,� Isaac said, and suddenly he didn’t sound quite so angry. He ran his fingers through Laurent’s hair, then kissed him gently on the forehead, and sat back. “We can.�
Laurent sat quietly shaking in the passenger seat. He felt like he’d just declared war.
Isaac reached over and took his hand. He didn’t say anything. He just held it tight in his own, all the way home.
I’m mentally (and maybe physically) slapping myself for doubting this installment because this, my friends, is exactly how I wish romance novellas were written.
Clocking in at just about 190 pages, Empty Net offers a wide range of points I love seeing in romance novels that are up my valley: grumpy/sunshine, mental health rep, angst, sexuality exploration, communication and no third act break up, supporting side cast of characters, moderate slow burn relationship (especially for a novella), and, of course, an epilogue. There are more things to love about this story, in detail, that stand out, but Empty Net is definitely one of those novellas I’d hold as a standard to others, and one I would greatly repurchase in favor of others.
It has its own blend of uniqueness, but its creativity remains melodic. It doesn’t strive to be something others aren’t, but also doesn’t feel like a copy and past of others. I was a bit hesitant approaching this, as I wasn’t a fan of and , which I read when I was first starting to read gay romances in 2021 (and now I’m not really reading romance in general). , meanwhile, was enjoyable and cute, but definitely not as enjoyable as this fourth installment.
Empty Net is what a lot of other romances are, but it’s also my favorite type, where, even though it isn’t the most angsty, there is more than just “falling in love� that is happening in the story.
Isaac and Laurent (Saint) start off as enemies due to misunderstanding between each other (the kind where they think they know each other but they don’t because they’re stupid and judge fast), but the dislike is hardly ever relevant. As someone who criticizes the enemies to lovers trope a lot because of how loosely marketed it is and how dumb it really is, I didn’t mind this, as the two never try to rile each other up throughout the book and then bite back their own words. In other words, Isaac and Saint have a little heated moment in the beginning, but it doesn’t take long for that hate to soften up. The author doesn’t make them pretend to hate each other and then make their inner monologue the most contradicting thing, and instead just puts them together quickly but with hesitancy and awareness. Again, I appreciated this because the enemies part was never a big part of the story right from the beginning and didn’t drag the story for the sake of the trope being used. Most of the time, with enemies to lovers, the characters say they hate each other one second, and the next they’re having sexual, lusting thoughts about each other. Fortunately here, Avon Gale saves us (okay, saves me) from having to endure 10-30% of characters saying they hate each other but their actions proving otherwise. Either give me actual hate, or don’t give me anything.
Their relationship builds up slowly, moderately, considering the length of the pages, but it works so well. The author manages to combine many moments between the two that are a mix of sexual and sensual, personal and intimate, friendly and comedic, and slow and hesitant. Their friendship takes a while, and we see how patient Isaac is of Saint and how Saint lives with his guilt. Isaac is pretty quick to forgive and wants to move on, but Laurent’s guilt and broken childhood doesn’t allow him to heal and move on. Throughout the relationship, we see a few domestic moments, physical intimate moments that add sensuality to the relationship and aren’t added for the sake of attraction purposes.
It’s no surprise that Saint is my favorite type of character—the ones that believe are “broken,� the kind that don’t believe they can be loved, the kind that are scared. Isaac showed Saint the opposite, and I loved everything about it. Their relationship is built from patience, trust, and security. Saint’s guilt of what he did to Isaac still haunts him, but Isaac’s determination and acceptance slowly wins him over and melts away the cold facade Laurent puts up. Their opposite dynamics blend in well—Isaac’s angry sunshine personality is a contrast to Saint’s quiet grumpy exterior. Where Isaac stands his ground and doesn’t take anyone’s bullshit, Saint is more hesitant and reserved. Both of them have a past that’s defined how they go on with life, and both of them approach the future differently. Their characterizations are well-written. The author never faults their flaws and doesn’t ignore their struggles. They don’t define them but they’re also not ignored, offering small glimpses in between to show the reader why the characters are how they are.
“I thought about you. How you told me to be quiet. How you call me Saint. I don’t know what it means. You’re the only person I’ve ever met that I don’t hate.�
Empty Net is an angsty tale—Saint suffers with an eating disorder that he’s unaware of for most of the book, as well as continues to grapple life with his childhood trauma and abusive father. It’s fair to say we learn and see more of Saint’s life and past more than Isaac’s, and Saint’s is also one that continues affecting him in life. The author doesn’t make the story sad in its entirety, but she also doesn’t ignore the mental health representation and its negative impact on the characters. I very much appreciated this and loved seeing the different ways Saint is affected. His ED is prevalent throughout the story and not something ignored or brushed off. It’s also not something that takes away from his story and is instead connected to his character.
I’d rate this five stars if I wasn’t so picky and analytical. The demisexual rep was a pretty fine addition, if a little underdeveloped in my opinion. Had it never been mentioned that Saint came to the conclusion that he’s demi, I would’ve never known. While I appreciate it’s not a defined label, it felt off. Sometimes it felt like Saint genuinely just needed to find the right person and was the type to like touch from certain people instead. Kind of like people who don’t like hugs except with certain people, yknow? And somehow Isaac ended up being that right one. This is fine and all, but Saint’s aversion to touch from everyone else versus Isaac felt constricted. I rooted for them and I believe in their love, but Saint’s sexual attraction to Isaac was pretty clear from the start, which is why I felt the demi rep was a bit unclear. However, I loved the exploration side of it and Saint’s inexperience to show a realistic portrayal of a virgin who doesn’t know what they like or don’t like because they haven’t experienced it before. I think this is too uncommon in romances, where inexperienced and virgin characters suddenly go pro and know everything. It’s refreshing to see a character admit to himself and his future boyfriend that he doesn’t know what he likes. Isaac and Saint begin exploring little by little, allowing Saint to explore. He realizes he likes biting and likes his hair/head petted, even though it wasn’t something he was aware of before.
And while I loved Saint, his character development took too much time. For the majority of the book, he spends his time pondering life and love, feeling useless, and ruining the mood many times. He has a “woe is me� attitude throughout the entire book, even when he and Isaac are together. His insecurities end up defining him for most of the story. While realistic and understandable, he never really made any effort to stand his ground and stand up for himself. There was always someone else who needed to get it started or solved for him. It isn’t really until the end when he confronts his father, but even that scene was a bit underwhelming.
Overall though, I loved this, and my complaints are more about personal preference. I’m really hoping this author comes back to writing and gives us Xavier’s story because I’m now hopeful for him.
November 25, 2016
The just keeps getting better and better for me! This one is now my favorite. It is SO MUCH MORE than a hockey book.
Isaac and Laurent are fascinating, extremely complex, well fleshed out characters. Their problems and issues are real, especially for Laurent who was abused by his father as a child and into adulthood. His scars are as deep as they can get and Isaac is his trusty sidekick while battling his demons.
But, guess what? Unlike most romances that deal with emotional and physical damage, there are no magic dicks in this book! Isaac doesn't use his personal magic wand and fix Laurent by hot, dirty, incredibly satisfying sex. (And this book contains good sex, just not the magic dick kind.) We got to see Isaac being supportive but not trying to take over Laurent's life. Laurent, in the end, could only help himself. (I'm not going to write about his personal issues here. I think an element of surprise will be nice for the reader.)
I loved these boys, the sex was fantastic, their relationship realistic but no less satisfying than a "knight in shining armor" story.
5+ stars, highly HIGHLY recommended and this WILL be on my 2016 top 10 list. No question.
Galley copy of provided by in exchange of an honest review.
This review is also posted at
Isaac and Laurent are fascinating, extremely complex, well fleshed out characters. Their problems and issues are real, especially for Laurent who was abused by his father as a child and into adulthood. His scars are as deep as they can get and Isaac is his trusty sidekick while battling his demons.
But, guess what? Unlike most romances that deal with emotional and physical damage, there are no magic dicks in this book! Isaac doesn't use his personal magic wand and fix Laurent by hot, dirty, incredibly satisfying sex. (And this book contains good sex, just not the magic dick kind.) We got to see Isaac being supportive but not trying to take over Laurent's life. Laurent, in the end, could only help himself. (I'm not going to write about his personal issues here. I think an element of surprise will be nice for the reader.)
I loved these boys, the sex was fantastic, their relationship realistic but no less satisfying than a "knight in shining armor" story.
5+ stars, highly HIGHLY recommended and this WILL be on my 2016 top 10 list. No question.
Galley copy of provided by in exchange of an honest review.
This review is also posted at
October 1, 2019
*4.5 stars*
is on FIRE with this series, and each book wins me over more and more! If you are craving a hurt/comfort, angsty story with a hockey players and a virgin MC, look no further!
was waaaaaaaay darker than I was anticipating, but that's okay. I was sort of expecting an enemies-to-lovers story about a closeted, jerky MC, but what I got was much... more. Warning: This book contains references to physical and emotional abuse, eating disorders, and a whole lot of pain and suffering.
Yeah, I know, this stuff is mentioned in the blurb, but I tend not to read those things. I saw AVON GALE and HOCKEY, and I knew I had to have it. I'm not usually a huge fan of lots of angst, but in this case, the angst was very well balanced. Isaac Drake was a lighter foil for Saint, and their chemistry and banter lightened the dark edges of the story.
What is important to note is though this book deals with issues far deeper than I was expecting, this book doesn't rely on plot devices like silly misunderstandings or endless pits of pain. The two MCs have their own form of effective communication, and I didn't want to bang my head even once over some silly scene or piece of dialogue.
And, you know I have to mention it, but we get a VIRGIN folks! Not just a virgin, but a never-been-kissed virgin! Score!! Yes, I have a thing for first-timers, and I LOVED the way handled this one! Plus, she made him demisexual, which I liked and I'm seeing more and more in M/M.
In terms of the audiobook narration, I think did a great job, yet again. He had a unique manner of speaking with pauses sometimes in awkward locations, but he does a fantastic job with the different voices (LOVE), and gives the narration his all. I'd listen to him any day of the week, and I've come to adore his voice for this series.
To all hockey fans, to all fans of hard-fought love stories, to all fans of hurt/comfort, I'd 100% recommend this story. I hope never stops writing about her hockey players because I want to never stop reading about them!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
July 16, 2017
Wow, that was a bit of an epic journey of transformation and personal growth.
As this story began, Laurent was like a scared animal, trapped in a cage of his father's making, always ready to snarl, claw or bite at anyone who got within reach.
But as it's been said, sometimes a person has to hit rock bottom before they can begin to build themselves back up again and heal. Which is exactly what happened, when Laurent finally lost it and was offered a hand from the one person he'd least expected it. And least deserved it.
Yet when Isaac walked in on a sobbing, naked Laurent, he didn't see the person who'd spat on him and walked away. Instead, he only saw someone in need and had to try to help, which made me love Isaac even more in this story.
Recovering from abuse was never going to be an easy road for Laurent, but watching how careful Isaac was with his issues of zero self-esteem and bulimia was a really rewarding experience to witness.
I loved watching their relationship begin, flourish, and turn into something that gave not only Laurent, but Isaac as well, a cornerstone on which to build something solid between them.
I also enjoyed seeing Laurent not only break free from his father's iron grip, but also seeing that evil bastard finally get his comeuppance, hitting him where it hurt the most. And I do love to see a good karmic bitch slap come home to roost. #SorryNotSorry
The steamier parts were at first the very definition of awkward, then downright off the charts smoking, as Laurent went from not wanting anyone to touch him, ever, to relying on Isaac's touch to center him.
The story ends with the beginnings of a solid HEA, with Isaac still happily in the net and Laurent happily moving out of it, which I hope to hear a bit more about as the series continues.
I'd have to rate this one at around 4.5 stars.
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March 9, 2020
Third re-read: 09.03.2020
Couldn't find anything else that interested me, but I felt the need for M/M and something fast forward so it became this one.
Second re-read: 09.12.2018
I couldn't help myself. I mean, I remember everything that happens in the book, but I couldn't find anything else to read that seems interesting. It's still so sad how much a father's abuse can destroy a life, and make something pleasurable into a punishment. It is heartbreaking really. I adore how Isaac loves Saint though. It's a beautiful healing relationship.
Re-read: 22.02.2018
This book is so cute, fast forward and quite heartbreaking. I adore it - I don't love it - but I do indeed adore it, the characters and the relationships. Specially the relationship between Isaac and Misha. I wish he adopted him. Oh and I want more from these doves.
First read review:
Isaac Drake (25), goalie and captain for the Spartanburg Spitfires, and Laurent ‘Saint� St. Savoy (?), goalie, hate each other. However, they got no choice but to 'get along' while playing on the same team. Laurent is hateful, cruel and cold, while Isaac is just tried of the insults coming out of Laurent's mouth. That changes though, when Isaac forgets his keys in the locker room and hears heartbreaking sobbing coming from the shower and that is the beginning of a healing, but tough, road.
� The main characters were awesome. Meant for each other. Saint got better just being around Isaac; he made him a better person and gave him relief and safety. Isaac got someone to love and who accepted him, even with his past. They were adorable together and had a cute and strong connection.
� Matt Huxley and Shawn Murphy, Isaac's best friends, were awesome friends. I love how they stood up for Isaac, how they wanted to protect him. It's something everyone needs, and I was glad Isaac got that. Hell, I'm glad they started opening up with Saint as well, after Saint stopped being a cold asshole.
� Misha Samarin, gay and Spartanburg Spitfires' coach, Isaac's father figure of sorts, and (assistant) coach Max Ashford, Misha's boyfriend, were adorable! I love their relationship towards Isaac. I had this insane need - and wish - for Misha to adopt Isaac. I really wanted that.... Misha was probably my third favorite character after Saint and Isaac.
� Denis St. Savoy (aka ‘Penis St. Dickhead� - Matt's nickname for him), Laurent's dad was a sick man. Abusive fucker and homofobic (homophobia). I really wished Misha would beat his ass. Hated him fiercely.
Overall, this book was a fast forward, easy (easy writing) and cute. It has some tough subjects, like abuse, eating disorder. I liked that the book was about Saint finding out who he is, how to act and be and to talk to others, how to be kind (and not be as his father made him be). I loved how Isaac helped him, and not just Isaac, but Misha as well. And the team, after some time. Though, there was indeed something missing for the book. I, perhaps, found it too easy? Or too little depth between the characters? I don't know, but there was something. But I did like the book, even if it wasn't the best book out there.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult?) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book Four
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Isaac Drake.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows.
Rating - 3.5 stars.
Couldn't find anything else that interested me, but I felt the need for M/M and something fast forward so it became this one.
Second re-read: 09.12.2018
I couldn't help myself. I mean, I remember everything that happens in the book, but I couldn't find anything else to read that seems interesting. It's still so sad how much a father's abuse can destroy a life, and make something pleasurable into a punishment. It is heartbreaking really. I adore how Isaac loves Saint though. It's a beautiful healing relationship.
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Blue-haired warrior angel*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read: 22.02.2018
This book is so cute, fast forward and quite heartbreaking. I adore it - I don't love it - but I do indeed adore it, the characters and the relationships. Specially the relationship between Isaac and Misha. I wish he adopted him. Oh and I want more from these doves.
“I was trying to come up with some way to say thank-you for everything you’ve done for me. I hope you and Max have kids someday. You’d be a great father.� Isaac pulled away and smiled at his coach. “Believe me. I know.�
Misha’s dark eyes went suspiciously bright, and he blinked rapidly. He mumbled something in Russian and then ducked away.
First read review:
Isaac Drake (25), goalie and captain for the Spartanburg Spitfires, and Laurent ‘Saint� St. Savoy (?), goalie, hate each other. However, they got no choice but to 'get along' while playing on the same team. Laurent is hateful, cruel and cold, while Isaac is just tried of the insults coming out of Laurent's mouth. That changes though, when Isaac forgets his keys in the locker room and hears heartbreaking sobbing coming from the shower and that is the beginning of a healing, but tough, road.
“See? I’m good for you. I make you like things you didn’t before. Like hockey and dick and marshmallows.�
� The main characters were awesome. Meant for each other. Saint got better just being around Isaac; he made him a better person and gave him relief and safety. Isaac got someone to love and who accepted him, even with his past. They were adorable together and had a cute and strong connection.
� Matt Huxley and Shawn Murphy, Isaac's best friends, were awesome friends. I love how they stood up for Isaac, how they wanted to protect him. It's something everyone needs, and I was glad Isaac got that. Hell, I'm glad they started opening up with Saint as well, after Saint stopped being a cold asshole.
“He said I shouldn’t let you touch me or I might turn into a fag that takes it up the ass.�
Isaac rolled his eyes. Spoken like a man who’s never had anyone show him how magical his prostate is. “Original. You hungry?�
� Misha Samarin, gay and Spartanburg Spitfires' coach, Isaac's father figure of sorts, and (assistant) coach Max Ashford, Misha's boyfriend, were adorable! I love their relationship towards Isaac. I had this insane need - and wish - for Misha to adopt Isaac. I really wanted that.... Misha was probably my third favorite character after Saint and Isaac.
� Denis St. Savoy (aka ‘Penis St. Dickhead� - Matt's nickname for him), Laurent's dad was a sick man. Abusive fucker and homofobic (homophobia). I really wished Misha would beat his ass. Hated him fiercely.
Laurent stared at her, and then he started to cry. Having someone tell him “you deserve someone like Isaac� was the secret dream of his hidden heart, and he wasn’t sure how to handle hearing it spoken out loud.
Overall, this book was a fast forward, easy (easy writing) and cute. It has some tough subjects, like abuse, eating disorder. I liked that the book was about Saint finding out who he is, how to act and be and to talk to others, how to be kind (and not be as his father made him be). I loved how Isaac helped him, and not just Isaac, but Misha as well. And the team, after some time. Though, there was indeed something missing for the book. I, perhaps, found it too easy? Or too little depth between the characters? I don't know, but there was something. But I did like the book, even if it wasn't the best book out there.
For the first time in his whole life, Laurent played the game out of love instead of hate. But it wasn’t his love of hockey that kept him focused in net.
Every time a puck came toward him and he made a save, he thought, “This is for Isaac.�
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult?) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book Four
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Isaac Drake.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows.
Rating - 3.5 stars.
February 7, 2017
Empty Net is the fourth book in Avon Gale's Scoring Chances series, and it is the best one yet. Truly, this series just keeps getting better and better. Empty Net is about facing your fears and finding your freedom. It's about taking control, even though it terrifies you, and figuring out that you do deserve better than you were given. And it's about figuring out that you don't have to do it all alone.
Isaac Drake is the spirited, blue haired goalie for the Spartanburg Spitfires and we met him in the previous book when Misha and Max took him in and took care of his stalker issues. Isaac has always had a lot of attitude, but he is good at hockey and is passionate about the game. He's smaller in stature than most goalies, so Isaac has to be faster. Isaac is also openly gay and doesn't care who knows it. His parents threw him out when he was 17 because of the gay and Isaac has done what he's needed to in order to survive and play hockey. He's not proud of having had to sell himself, but at the same time he's not ashamed, either. Personally, I admire Isaac for living life on his terms. I hate that he had to go through what he did, but he's tough and stands up for himself when he needs to.
Laurent St. Savoy, in , was the goalie for the Asheville Ravens, whom his father, Denis St. Savoy, coaches. The Ravens have the worst reputation in the league and the worst attitudes. They are a team of thugs and bullies coached by the biggest bully of them all. Laurent hates his father and did what he had to do get traded from the Ravens just so he could get away. Laurent just broke my heart. He was severely abused by his father his whole life until he felt no self-worth at all. He had no friends, dear old dad made sure of that, and no social skills to speak of. He was a good goalie, but he never enjoyed hockey, or really anything else.
When Laurent gets traded from the Ravens to the Spitfires, things get interesting. We all know how the Spitfires' owner and GM loves drama and he's counting on Isaac and Laurent to provide it. Laurent starts out just as much of an asshole as he had been on his old team, which, predictably enough, doesn't win him any friends on the Spitfires' team. But here's the thing -- Laurent's attitude, as bad as it is, is all he knows and it's a defense mechanism he uses to keep people from getting too close. And it worked, too, until a couple of Isaac's friends on the team went a bit too far one day and crossed the bullying line and Isaac witnessed it. No matter how much Isaac disliked Laurent, no one deserves to get bullied and so Isaac put a stop to it. And after, when Laurent thinks he is alone in the locker room and breaks down, it's Isaac who sees that, too. And from there, Isaac insists on talking to Laurent - really talking to him.
Laurent is such a hot mess, and Isaac knows it. He gets Laurent to tell him why he acts like he does and he makes sure that Laurent knows that Isaac will be his friend whether he likes it or not. So, through sheer stubbornness, they actually become friends, though nothing about it is easy. Turns out that Laurent isn't the homophobe he has projected, and just doesn't know how to be anything but an asshole, but he has agreed to try to be a real human being.
Their relationship is a bit of a slow burn for sure. Laurent is twitchy and uncertain about being touched and doesn't even know if he's capable of feeling attraction to another human being. But with Isaac, he learns that touch doesn't have to hurt and he soon finds himself wanting more, and they embark on a tentative relationship. A relationship that shows Laurent that he is worth it and helps give him the courage to get counselling and also to face his greatest fears.
This story broke my heart in so many ways. Abuse and self-harm (in this case, an eating disorder) are serious subjects and they're hard to read about. I felt that the author treated both subjects with the gravity and care that they needed without ever making the story feel didactic. Also, there was also no magical cure. Laurent has a long road ahead of him, but he is getting better and he's learning to not hate himself.
The ending is a strong HFN and I feel confident that Isaac and Laurent are well on their way to an HEA. Empty Net is definitely recommended!
-------------------------------
Review copy of Empty Net was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Isaac Drake is the spirited, blue haired goalie for the Spartanburg Spitfires and we met him in the previous book when Misha and Max took him in and took care of his stalker issues. Isaac has always had a lot of attitude, but he is good at hockey and is passionate about the game. He's smaller in stature than most goalies, so Isaac has to be faster. Isaac is also openly gay and doesn't care who knows it. His parents threw him out when he was 17 because of the gay and Isaac has done what he's needed to in order to survive and play hockey. He's not proud of having had to sell himself, but at the same time he's not ashamed, either. Personally, I admire Isaac for living life on his terms. I hate that he had to go through what he did, but he's tough and stands up for himself when he needs to.
Laurent St. Savoy, in , was the goalie for the Asheville Ravens, whom his father, Denis St. Savoy, coaches. The Ravens have the worst reputation in the league and the worst attitudes. They are a team of thugs and bullies coached by the biggest bully of them all. Laurent hates his father and did what he had to do get traded from the Ravens just so he could get away. Laurent just broke my heart. He was severely abused by his father his whole life until he felt no self-worth at all. He had no friends, dear old dad made sure of that, and no social skills to speak of. He was a good goalie, but he never enjoyed hockey, or really anything else.
When Laurent gets traded from the Ravens to the Spitfires, things get interesting. We all know how the Spitfires' owner and GM loves drama and he's counting on Isaac and Laurent to provide it. Laurent starts out just as much of an asshole as he had been on his old team, which, predictably enough, doesn't win him any friends on the Spitfires' team. But here's the thing -- Laurent's attitude, as bad as it is, is all he knows and it's a defense mechanism he uses to keep people from getting too close. And it worked, too, until a couple of Isaac's friends on the team went a bit too far one day and crossed the bullying line and Isaac witnessed it. No matter how much Isaac disliked Laurent, no one deserves to get bullied and so Isaac put a stop to it. And after, when Laurent thinks he is alone in the locker room and breaks down, it's Isaac who sees that, too. And from there, Isaac insists on talking to Laurent - really talking to him.
Laurent is such a hot mess, and Isaac knows it. He gets Laurent to tell him why he acts like he does and he makes sure that Laurent knows that Isaac will be his friend whether he likes it or not. So, through sheer stubbornness, they actually become friends, though nothing about it is easy. Turns out that Laurent isn't the homophobe he has projected, and just doesn't know how to be anything but an asshole, but he has agreed to try to be a real human being.
Their relationship is a bit of a slow burn for sure. Laurent is twitchy and uncertain about being touched and doesn't even know if he's capable of feeling attraction to another human being. But with Isaac, he learns that touch doesn't have to hurt and he soon finds himself wanting more, and they embark on a tentative relationship. A relationship that shows Laurent that he is worth it and helps give him the courage to get counselling and also to face his greatest fears.
This story broke my heart in so many ways. Abuse and self-harm (in this case, an eating disorder) are serious subjects and they're hard to read about. I felt that the author treated both subjects with the gravity and care that they needed without ever making the story feel didactic. Also, there was also no magical cure. Laurent has a long road ahead of him, but he is getting better and he's learning to not hate himself.
The ending is a strong HFN and I feel confident that Isaac and Laurent are well on their way to an HEA. Empty Net is definitely recommended!
-------------------------------
Review copy of Empty Net was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2020
Audio 5 Stars
Story....4.5 Stars
Story....4.5 Stars
August 14, 2020
August 2020: Audiobook = ***4 - 4.5 Stars***
****
5-well-deserved-stars
Damn, by now I should know better than to buy eyeliner that is not waterproof, with all the books that made me tear up lately... And this book managed to choke me up quite a lot.
No, Laurent is definitely not okay...
This was not always an easy read because this book is about some quite evocative issues like systematic abuse and eating disorder, but I simply loved the way Avon Gale dealt with it. The whole book felt real. There is no sugarcoating and no “magical healing� at the end. Yes, Laurent finally did come a long way, but it was quite painful sometimes, with a lot of 'surpassing oneself' involved and only with the help of a certain someone who loves him. And he still got a long way to go...
Isaac and Laurent were so good for each other and so sweet together.
I never thought it possible to love Isaac, the blue-haired, eyeliner-wearing goalie of the Spartanburg Spitfires, even more than in the previous book. But with his sensitive way of approaching Laurent (despite their rather antagonistic first encounter on behalf of Laurent in Power Play, with him being the goalie of the Spitfires' archrival) and aiding him to accept help and -moreover- himself, he just stole my heart. There was one scene in particular, at the beginning, that nearly broke me and I could not have loved Isaac more in this moment.
And Laurent... God, Laurent - now traded to the Spitfires as a backup for Isaac - with his low self-esteem, almost self-hate, his aversion of being touched and his vulnerability nearly ripped my heart out. All his life, his own father and coach drummed it into him that he is worthless (you don't even want to imagine his methods), until Laurent is profoundly convinced that he is right. He endured everything his father threw at him for just a second of approval, for one moment his father might be proud of him, might love him, only to be disappointed in a heartbeat. His only way of not getting hurt again is his hostile behaviour and his lashing out at everyone around him, but of course his attitude brings him not many friends... or rather none. He had a very hard time as the newest teammember of the Spitfires, as may be imagined.
I really hated the guts of Laurent's father. He infuriated me to such an extent that I wanted to hit something, more than once. I was so glad that he got what he deserved at the end of the book and just because Laurent came to the conclusion that he has to stand up for himself if he ever wants to live a happy life without being a victim.
I was so proud of him. At the end, when he confronted his father, but also during the game, when I wanted to give some of Isaac's trust in him back.
I really hope my ramblings made any sense because it is really hard for me to put my feelings for a book that completely floored me into words, especially when my feelings are still all over the place, although I finished this book hours ago...
Oh, and since hope is also one of the keywords of this book:
****
5-well-deserved-stars
Damn, by now I should know better than to buy eyeliner that is not waterproof, with all the books that made me tear up lately... And this book managed to choke me up quite a lot.
No, Laurent is definitely not okay...
This was not always an easy read because this book is about some quite evocative issues like systematic abuse and eating disorder, but I simply loved the way Avon Gale dealt with it. The whole book felt real. There is no sugarcoating and no “magical healing� at the end. Yes, Laurent finally did come a long way, but it was quite painful sometimes, with a lot of 'surpassing oneself' involved and only with the help of a certain someone who loves him. And he still got a long way to go...
Isaac and Laurent were so good for each other and so sweet together.
I never thought it possible to love Isaac, the blue-haired, eyeliner-wearing goalie of the Spartanburg Spitfires, even more than in the previous book. But with his sensitive way of approaching Laurent (despite their rather antagonistic first encounter on behalf of Laurent in Power Play, with him being the goalie of the Spitfires' archrival) and aiding him to accept help and -moreover- himself, he just stole my heart. There was one scene in particular, at the beginning, that nearly broke me and I could not have loved Isaac more in this moment.
And Laurent... God, Laurent - now traded to the Spitfires as a backup for Isaac - with his low self-esteem, almost self-hate, his aversion of being touched and his vulnerability nearly ripped my heart out. All his life, his own father and coach drummed it into him that he is worthless (you don't even want to imagine his methods), until Laurent is profoundly convinced that he is right. He endured everything his father threw at him for just a second of approval, for one moment his father might be proud of him, might love him, only to be disappointed in a heartbeat. His only way of not getting hurt again is his hostile behaviour and his lashing out at everyone around him, but of course his attitude brings him not many friends... or rather none. He had a very hard time as the newest teammember of the Spitfires, as may be imagined.
I really hated the guts of Laurent's father. He infuriated me to such an extent that I wanted to hit something, more than once. I was so glad that he got what he deserved at the end of the book and just because Laurent came to the conclusion that he has to stand up for himself if he ever wants to live a happy life without being a victim.
I was so proud of him. At the end, when he confronted his father, but also during the game, when I wanted to give some of Isaac's trust in him back.
None of it mattered. The only thing that mattered to Laurent was keeping his promise to Isaac. And Laurent intended to make sure not a single goal was scored for the duration of their series with the Ravens.
For the first time in his whole life, Laurent played the game out of love instead of hate. But it wasn't his love of hockey that kept him focused in net.
I really hope my ramblings made any sense because it is really hard for me to put my feelings for a book that completely floored me into words, especially when my feelings are still all over the place, although I finished this book hours ago...
Oh, and since hope is also one of the keywords of this book:
”Hey, Saint.�
That nickname. He loved it, and he wasn't sure he could ever express to Isaac just how much. Of everything Isaac Drake had given him, a name he could be proud of was perhaps the thing that meant the most.
May 28, 2017
I absolutely loved this 4th book in the series and they seem to get better and better with each book.....so I hope that there will be many more to follow.
I was very curious about this one, because it's about Laurent and Isaac, and while I loved Isaac right from the start in book 3....I hated Laurent's guts.
Isaac is a goalie for the Spitfires. He is a blue haired, sweet, funny and sarcastic guy. He's the team-captain, has a lot of friends and is also very out and proud.
Laurent is the goalie from a rival team, who spat on him and called him a fag in the previous book.
Now Laurent has been transferred to the Spitfires and both men will have to compete for the goalie starting position. Isaac, the rest of the team, and even the coaches, hate Laurent, so it was interesting to see what was gonna happen.
I was very curious, if Laurent would be able to redeem himself. Boy did he ever....
As much as I hated Laurent...I'm pretty sure he hated himself more.
My heart broke into a million tiny pieces for all the shit Laurent went through and how he felt about himself.
Thank god for Isaac though, who penetrated his shield and made him realize he was so much more.
These guys were amazing together. Their first touches were so sweet and at the same time so freaking hot. I loved how they talked things through and even joked around. I also liked the fact that eventhough these men found each other, Laurent still had to work on himself. His issues run pretty deep and even though Isaac was the tool that helped Laurent, he didn't magically cure him.
I also loved the hockey parts in this book. Ever since starting this series, my love for hockey seems to grow. There's an awesome team of friends, wonderfull coaches and a sweet elderly neighbour.
I have loved Isaac from the moment I met him, but Laurent really stole my heart in this book.
I don't want to go into the plot much further, but if you like a good "enemies to lovers" and "hurt/comfort" book, you should definitely give this one a try.
September 2, 2016
Gale covers some serious subjects in this book, and we go deep in the feels. We begin with a character as close to the edge of unredeemable as I think you can get in a romance, not from actions as much as inaccessibility. But Gale has mad skills, and the crumbs are there to lead you in, to tease you into caring for Laurent despite his urging you not to. And if you can't quite get there, don't worry. Issac will take you the rest of the way.
I don't know when the last time was I watched such a grand transformation of a character as I saw in Laurent. I hope Gale enters this in the RITAs and every contest she can, and that everyone and their pet rock reads this book. She covers important topics such as eating disorders and abusive homes, and that's important and good--but she also takes us on such an incredible journey from a bottom so beyond rock, beyond scum, beyond everything that Laurent is simply numb and unable to even see himself, to a man seeing and finding and saving himself. And in a real way, not in an emotional porn way.
There are so many ways to see yourself in this story. As someone with anxiety and depression. Someone recovering from abuse. Someone struggling to find their true self. Someone searching for the way to seek their own bravery.
And I haven't touched on Issac, who has his own journey too: how do you love that person having that journey without getting in their way? How do you not push your story onto theirs? How do you see where they need to go and then get out of the way so they can find the path themselves? I have so much to learn from Issac, because I suck at that. Ask my family, I'm always getting in their way, bossing them around.
This is a wonderful love story. A fantastic coming of age story. A beautiful healing story. A phenomenal discovery story. It's just a great story, basically. Give it a read.
I don't know when the last time was I watched such a grand transformation of a character as I saw in Laurent. I hope Gale enters this in the RITAs and every contest she can, and that everyone and their pet rock reads this book. She covers important topics such as eating disorders and abusive homes, and that's important and good--but she also takes us on such an incredible journey from a bottom so beyond rock, beyond scum, beyond everything that Laurent is simply numb and unable to even see himself, to a man seeing and finding and saving himself. And in a real way, not in an emotional porn way.
There are so many ways to see yourself in this story. As someone with anxiety and depression. Someone recovering from abuse. Someone struggling to find their true self. Someone searching for the way to seek their own bravery.
And I haven't touched on Issac, who has his own journey too: how do you love that person having that journey without getting in their way? How do you not push your story onto theirs? How do you see where they need to go and then get out of the way so they can find the path themselves? I have so much to learn from Issac, because I suck at that. Ask my family, I'm always getting in their way, bossing them around.
This is a wonderful love story. A fantastic coming of age story. A beautiful healing story. A phenomenal discovery story. It's just a great story, basically. Give it a read.
November 3, 2017
'Hey, Saint.'
That nickname. He loved it, and he wasn't sure he could ever express to Isaac just how much.
5++++++++ for the Audiobook
5++++++++ for the Story
This series has become one of my favourite series.
Loved the ‘Enemies to lovers� theme, it was so well done, and I enjoyed the journey.
Laurent what a complex character. It might be difficult to warm upto him but I did, he was vulnerable, broken and misunderstood. A guy who had never experienced love or kindness and never knew how to give love and kindness back.
I enjoyed how his story was handled. My heart broke for him.
Laurent heard the door slam, and that was it. All his self-control fell away, and he turned around, buried his face in his arm, and started to sob.
Drake was an amazing character, I loved him he was so kind, loving and damn funny. Very patient with Laurent. His past was a shitty one but he did not let pull him down. I loved that a lot.
“That’s why I always feel bad for guys who make jokes about taking it in the ass. They have no idea what they’re missing.�
Laurent’s only response was a wheeze.
I enjoyed this even more the second time, I loved how the relationship between Laurent and Isaac grew, from enemies to friends to lovers and the steam level was high and hot. The chemistry and character growth was believable.
I still want to strangle Laurent’s dad and Drake’s parents.
The first time i read this i had skipped book 3(silly me). I loved and enjoyed Mischa and Max's presence in this book.
Mischa and Isaac's relationship......
“You like him better than me, don’t you?� Isaac laughed at the stricken look on Misha’s face. “I’m kidding. I know you love all your kids equally, Dad.�
Max snorted. Misha, of all things, blushed.�
And then he said:
_________________________________________
Jan 2017
My first book of 2017 and i loved it. Isaac was great he was so sweet and patient to Laurent, the chemistry was believable. i just wanted to hug Saint and let him know everything will be okay.
Read
March 7, 2018review removed from GR
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2017
*5 stars*
Wow, this was extremely good! Gale nailed it again. NAILED IT.
I was taken aback by this book. I was expecting some enemies-to-lovers story were one of the MC was an asshole deeply hidden in the closet but NO, it wasn’t like that at all. It took a twisted way darker than I’d have imagined. I didn’t know that Gale was going to cover so difficult subjects as emotional and physical abuse, eating disorders or lots of self-loathing and suffering.
(I just noticed that the blurb says that stuff but I don’t usually read it, I like to start a book almost blind, so I wasn’t completely prepared for this but it wasn’t a bad thing because I can take it.)
I was completely prepared to hate Laurent even more because he was an asshole to Isaac in Power Play but my heart just broke into million pieces when I found out why he was like that. He’s a freaking hot mess and, when Isaac finds out why he’s the way he is, he becomes Laurent’s friend, whether he likes it or not. Isaac makes sure to integrate him in the team, he gives him a nickname he won’t hate and he helps him to not be so mean to others. (It’s a defense mechanism that Laurent has been using his entire life so it wasn’t so easy to just turn it off.)
This definitely was a slow burn and I absolutely adore it! It was hard to Laurent at first because he hates being touch but as their attraction grows, he just finds out that Isaac won’t hurt him and he lets everything flow. Isaac is such a sweet little thing. He’s exactly what Laurent needed, though I can tell that Gale loves pairing such different people. I don’t know how she makes it work but these two complement each other the same way Misha and Max do. And the chemistry and connection just feel� right.
I loved seeing Misha and Max again. They are such supportive coaches and Max still is as dummy as always and I giggled a lot with him.
I liked how Gale managed Laurent’s issues, she makes sure to show you there’s no magical cure and that he got lots of hard work to heal. The writing was perfect and even though it was darker than I expected, the banter was always present to light up the moment a bit.
I loved this book and I highly recommend it!
Wow, this was extremely good! Gale nailed it again. NAILED IT.
I was taken aback by this book. I was expecting some enemies-to-lovers story were one of the MC was an asshole deeply hidden in the closet but NO, it wasn’t like that at all. It took a twisted way darker than I’d have imagined. I didn’t know that Gale was going to cover so difficult subjects as emotional and physical abuse, eating disorders or lots of self-loathing and suffering.
(I just noticed that the blurb says that stuff but I don’t usually read it, I like to start a book almost blind, so I wasn’t completely prepared for this but it wasn’t a bad thing because I can take it.)
I was completely prepared to hate Laurent even more because he was an asshole to Isaac in Power Play but my heart just broke into million pieces when I found out why he was like that. He’s a freaking hot mess and, when Isaac finds out why he’s the way he is, he becomes Laurent’s friend, whether he likes it or not. Isaac makes sure to integrate him in the team, he gives him a nickname he won’t hate and he helps him to not be so mean to others. (It’s a defense mechanism that Laurent has been using his entire life so it wasn’t so easy to just turn it off.)
This definitely was a slow burn and I absolutely adore it! It was hard to Laurent at first because he hates being touch but as their attraction grows, he just finds out that Isaac won’t hurt him and he lets everything flow. Isaac is such a sweet little thing. He’s exactly what Laurent needed, though I can tell that Gale loves pairing such different people. I don’t know how she makes it work but these two complement each other the same way Misha and Max do. And the chemistry and connection just feel� right.
I loved seeing Misha and Max again. They are such supportive coaches and Max still is as dummy as always and I giggled a lot with him.
I liked how Gale managed Laurent’s issues, she makes sure to show you there’s no magical cure and that he got lots of hard work to heal. The writing was perfect and even though it was darker than I expected, the banter was always present to light up the moment a bit.
I loved this book and I highly recommend it!
November 30, 2024
Although this was by no means bad, I couldn't connect with the characters and didn't really feel their connection. Partly because the writing style didn't work for me, and partly because the very extreme background (of both MCs) was treated by the author incoherently in my opinion.
On Isaac's end that meant his past experiences didn't have nearly any impact on him, and on Laurent's end it meant that although he had suffered extremely under his fathers abuse, already the first appointments with a therapist seemed to help him unrealistically well and fast. As much as I appreciate that the necessity of counseling was mentioned and part of the storyline, the sessions didn't feel realistic but stilted.
I appreciated the demi rep, and the slow character development and relationship development. These were done well.
I'd never want to engage with people who punch other people in the face (during a meeting no less?) in real life, so I'm not a fan of this kind of MC in a romance novel, either.
This was now my third read by this author, one dnf and two 3-stars.. for now I'm ready to give up on them.
On Isaac's end that meant his past experiences didn't have nearly any impact on him, and on Laurent's end it meant that although he had suffered extremely under his fathers abuse, already the first appointments with a therapist seemed to help him unrealistically well and fast. As much as I appreciate that the necessity of counseling was mentioned and part of the storyline, the sessions didn't feel realistic but stilted.
I appreciated the demi rep, and the slow character development and relationship development. These were done well.
I'd never want to engage with people who punch other people in the face (during a meeting no less?) in real life, so I'm not a fan of this kind of MC in a romance novel, either.
This was now my third read by this author, one dnf and two 3-stars.. for now I'm ready to give up on them.
August 20, 2017
Do any of us ever bother to look beneath the surface of an antagonistic opponent?
Do we stop to wonder why the motorist cut us off? Why the business suit walking in front of us couldn't hold the door instead of letting it slam in our face? Why the cashier had to slam our purchases around?
Avon Gale opens our eyes and our hearts with two characters who are broken. In an amazing display of maturity and empathy, one holds out a hand to the other and an entirely hidden, difficult truth unravels.
I don't know how this series can keep getting better and better with each book, but it does. Each book focuses on a separate couple. We learn about them as they learn about each other. Sometimes, we learn about them as they learn about themselves. Always, we are drawn into emotional situations that cry for an HEA.
This particular couple will pull at your heartstrings. There isn't a lot of light and laughter here. But there's a lot of courage and strength. A few helping hands. And a group of caring, forgiving people.
Not to be missed in this great series.
Do we stop to wonder why the motorist cut us off? Why the business suit walking in front of us couldn't hold the door instead of letting it slam in our face? Why the cashier had to slam our purchases around?
Avon Gale opens our eyes and our hearts with two characters who are broken. In an amazing display of maturity and empathy, one holds out a hand to the other and an entirely hidden, difficult truth unravels.
I don't know how this series can keep getting better and better with each book, but it does. Each book focuses on a separate couple. We learn about them as they learn about each other. Sometimes, we learn about them as they learn about themselves. Always, we are drawn into emotional situations that cry for an HEA.
This particular couple will pull at your heartstrings. There isn't a lot of light and laughter here. But there's a lot of courage and strength. A few helping hands. And a group of caring, forgiving people.
Not to be missed in this great series.
August 31, 2016
This is my attempt to write a proper review, although I doubt I'll succeed. This book stole my ability to express myself coherently, and my thoughts and feelings are still all over the place. Avon Gale...you are a godess, and my heart belongs to you now.
"I just don't want you to go anywhere."
"I'm not. I'm all yours. Caught in your net."
The characters...
This book gives the "enemies-to-lovers" trope a whole new meaning. Remember what Laurent did to Isaac in Power Play? He spit on him and called him a fag! Can't get worse than that, right? But appearances can be soooo deceptive. Laurent not only managed to redeem himself, but he made me fall irrevocably in love with him. I could go on and on about how much I loved these guys, but in a few words...
~incredibly well scetched and fleshed out characters.
~consistent characterization.
~amazing portrayal of a demisexual character.
~character growth. The things Laurent managed to overcome...
The romance...
Isaac and Laurent have crazy chemistry, but that's not all there is. Laurent needs Isaac, and Isaac is the only one who really gets Laurent. I loved the way the relationship progressed, and that these guys really talked to each other. The sex scenes are scorching, very natural and realistic, especially from Laurent's POV.
"When Isaac said those things to him, Laurent could feel the empty places made hollow by his father's cruelty as they filled up and mended into something whole.
The healing...
"You look like you had a rough night."
"I got a shutout, Coach Samarin made my father go away, someone gave me comics, and people talked to me like a person.[...]It was the best night I 've had in a long time."
Laurent is hurting. He's hurt, abused, and misunderstood. Isaac orders him to be quiet, because that's the only way he can find some peace. But Isaac doesn't have a magic dick (thank heavens!), and I was so happy to see that there was therapy involved. I loved the "comfort-healing" aspect of this story, mostly because it was so realistic and authentic, without it being overwhelming. Laurent, you really, really are awesome!
The game...
Who knew I would end up loving the scenes on the ice? My knowledge of ice hockey is next to zero, but I loved the tension during matches, and the camaraderie among the players. Misha and Max are amazing as secondary characters, and they play a big role.
I could say more about how much I loved this book, but I 've already said enough. It's certainly one of my favorites this year, and I can't recommend it highly enough. It stands perfectly alone, but you 'll be missing out if you skip Power Play.
*Review cross-posted on .*
August 15, 2020
4,25 stars
Reread August 2020
I loved this more than the first time.
What struck me particularly was how awesome Isaac is.
His sensitivity and understanding with Laurent and his sweet, kind nature truly melted my heart. And never mind the blue hair I wasn’t keen on when I wrote my review first. The same goes for lip piercings! LOL. We all grow and change, right? 😂
As for Laurent - I went all blurry-eyed again at his 'I'm awesome'.
After just reading book 3 for the first time I also appreciated re-meeting Misha and Max and their role in this story. That was just the icing on the cake.
I still agree that Laurent’s problems are too easily resolved, and that his father gets away too easily, but I needed to up my rating anyway.
Fab book with a good dollop of angst.
Original review:
This is my second 'Scoring Chances' book and it was a pleasant read.
I liked Laurent and Issac. I liked them together and the way their relationship developed. I liked the way Issac dealt with Laurent, and I liked the way the book ended.
But although it was a pleasant read and I enjoyed it more than book #1 in the series, it didn't completely bowl me over. (And admittedly hockey is pretty alien to me.)
Don't get me wrong - 'Empty Net' did grab me and got me emotionally involved (I had tears in my eyes when Laurent uttered his most amazing "I'm awesome") and I genuinely cared about the MCs, but for some reason I felt that Laurent's problems were resolved too easily, too lightly, too simply.
Laurent is a really complex character with a tonful of serious issues. His father is one of the most despicable characters ever, and he does cause some trouble for Isaac and Laurent, but not half as much I'd thought he would.
Isaac was a lovely character with a huge heart and an amazing attitude considering what he has gone through, but I'm so NOT into lip-piercings and blue hair. (which is not his fault, of course!)
I would have also preferred to see the MCs relationship change from 'enemies' to 'friends' a little bit more slowly.
However, I did appreciate the dry humour that was sprinkled throughout the book, like...
"It was hard to find a guy threatening when he was eating a Twinkie."
(about Mrs Bowen, Laurent landlady) "Laurent wondered sometimes if she were delusional or really was some kind of sexually deviant octogenarian."
"Hux (Isaac's friend) grinned, looking totally unperturbed, and struck a pose that must pass for sexy in Hux's mind. It might explain why he was still single."
I think if you like sporty love stories and hockey, you will totally love this!
Reread August 2020
I loved this more than the first time.
What struck me particularly was how awesome Isaac is.
His sensitivity and understanding with Laurent and his sweet, kind nature truly melted my heart. And never mind the blue hair I wasn’t keen on when I wrote my review first. The same goes for lip piercings! LOL. We all grow and change, right? 😂
As for Laurent - I went all blurry-eyed again at his 'I'm awesome'.
After just reading book 3 for the first time I also appreciated re-meeting Misha and Max and their role in this story. That was just the icing on the cake.
I still agree that Laurent’s problems are too easily resolved, and that his father gets away too easily, but I needed to up my rating anyway.
Fab book with a good dollop of angst.
Original review:
This is my second 'Scoring Chances' book and it was a pleasant read.
I liked Laurent and Issac. I liked them together and the way their relationship developed. I liked the way Issac dealt with Laurent, and I liked the way the book ended.
But although it was a pleasant read and I enjoyed it more than book #1 in the series, it didn't completely bowl me over. (And admittedly hockey is pretty alien to me.)
Don't get me wrong - 'Empty Net' did grab me and got me emotionally involved (I had tears in my eyes when Laurent uttered his most amazing "I'm awesome") and I genuinely cared about the MCs, but for some reason I felt that Laurent's problems were resolved too easily, too lightly, too simply.
Laurent is a really complex character with a tonful of serious issues. His father is one of the most despicable characters ever, and he does cause some trouble for Isaac and Laurent, but not half as much I'd thought he would.
Isaac was a lovely character with a huge heart and an amazing attitude considering what he has gone through, but I'm so NOT into lip-piercings and blue hair. (which is not his fault, of course!)
I would have also preferred to see the MCs relationship change from 'enemies' to 'friends' a little bit more slowly.
However, I did appreciate the dry humour that was sprinkled throughout the book, like...
"It was hard to find a guy threatening when he was eating a Twinkie."
(about Mrs Bowen, Laurent landlady) "Laurent wondered sometimes if she were delusional or really was some kind of sexually deviant octogenarian."
"Hux (Isaac's friend) grinned, looking totally unperturbed, and struck a pose that must pass for sexy in Hux's mind. It might explain why he was still single."
I think if you like sporty love stories and hockey, you will totally love this!
September 8, 2016
This series stays excellent from book to book. The hockey content is real and important, but beautifully balanced with the human emotional and relationship content. This book is a little darker, as it deals with Laurent St. Savoy, a goalie traded to the Spitfires as a punishment by his abusive coach-father, whose team lost the playoffs with Laurent in goal. Neither one realizes just how much getting out from under his father's day-to-day control will change Laurent's life for the better. As the book opens, Laurent is still locked in survival mode, doing what he has to do to get through another day, week, month, as his father's son.
Isaac Drake was just getting comfortable in his own life, living with his coaches rather than facing desperate poverty and time on the streets, winning games and secure in his position as number one goalie. Now the team owner, who loves to stir things up, has landed them with the guy who can challenge his position, and who spat on him with gay slurs last time they met. Isaac never backed away from a challenge, and he's not backing away from this one. But he's confused by how, in random moments and against his will, he's struck by the fact that, deeper down, Laurent doesn't seem like the homophobic asshole that he is on the surface.
As the guys are forced together, Isaac learns more and more about the jagged edges Laurent is hiding under his be-damned-to-you-all attitude. And Laurent begins to see more to life than just surviving his father's demands. Both men are interesting, and their problems are real, including an eating disorder handled with realism and respect. There are ups and downs, and actual professional counseling (Yay). I also enjoyed the views of our two favorite coaches. Highly recommended series.
Isaac Drake was just getting comfortable in his own life, living with his coaches rather than facing desperate poverty and time on the streets, winning games and secure in his position as number one goalie. Now the team owner, who loves to stir things up, has landed them with the guy who can challenge his position, and who spat on him with gay slurs last time they met. Isaac never backed away from a challenge, and he's not backing away from this one. But he's confused by how, in random moments and against his will, he's struck by the fact that, deeper down, Laurent doesn't seem like the homophobic asshole that he is on the surface.
As the guys are forced together, Isaac learns more and more about the jagged edges Laurent is hiding under his be-damned-to-you-all attitude. And Laurent begins to see more to life than just surviving his father's demands. Both men are interesting, and their problems are real, including an eating disorder handled with realism and respect. There are ups and downs, and actual professional counseling (Yay). I also enjoyed the views of our two favorite coaches. Highly recommended series.
January 22, 2018
Truth : I've ugly cried too much to give Laurent and Isaac's story anything less than 5 stars.
Don't be too worried, though.
I do know how to smile through my tears.
TW - abuse, ED, homoantagonism
Don't be too worried, though.
I do know how to smile through my tears.
TW - abuse, ED, homoantagonism
November 24, 2024
@len's review made me do it.
CHECK TW BEFORE READING
(this won't be for everyone)
Well, I think this book unlocked a new piercing obsession for me. So, thanks for that.
“I like you. That’s why I told you. Can you just deal with that?� “Yeah. I can. And I like you, but I don’t like me. Can you deal with that?� “Yeah. But don’t think I’m not going to try to make you stop being so emo all the time, sad panda that you are.�
CHECK TW BEFORE READING
(this won't be for everyone)
Well, I think this book unlocked a new piercing obsession for me. So, thanks for that.
“I like you. That’s why I told you. Can you just deal with that?� “Yeah. I can. And I like you, but I don’t like me. Can you deal with that?� “Yeah. But don’t think I’m not going to try to make you stop being so emo all the time, sad panda that you are.�
June 18, 2017
Reviewed on .
*I was a beta reader for this book so my review is not completely unbiased*
If you're looking for a coherent and eloquent review you probably won't find this here because when it comes to this book and the characters I fall into fangirl mode so fast. And I just can't stop myself.
I absolutely LOVE this book and Isaac Drake is my patronus. Because this book. OMG this book!
I've read it four times already (it's not even out yet! lol) and I know there's many more rereads to come. Because some books just click with you, maybe because you can especially relate to the characters, because you love the story or the author's writing style just pulls you in.
For me it's a mix of all three. This book resonated so much with me and I feel like whatever I say it won't do it justice. If you follow me on twitter you know that I absolutely adore Avon Gale because she's an amazing human being but also writes such fantastic stories and well, Isaac is one of my absolute favourite characters. I love this blue-haired, outspoken and charismatic goalie so much. And I was so happy for him to get his own book. Although this book is as much about Laurent as it is about Isaac.
This series has gotten better and better, and with each book I fell more in love with that hockey-"world" Avon describes.
I fell in love with Isaac pretty much the first time he was mentioned in Save of the Game:
"But they were the absolute worst team in the league, and their goalie, Isaac Drake, spent most of the game yelling. At his own team."
That short sentence made him stand out and I wanted to know more about him. And then in Power Play I was an absolute goner. If I ever have to decide on just one favourite character, it's him! I adore his loyalty, his fierceness and a the way he's just so Isaac. (btw. I mentioned that this is not going to be eloquent, right? ;) )
And Laurent.. where should I begin? I didn't really like him in Power Play. He was an absolute ass but it only took the first chapter of Empty Net and I couldn't hate him anymore. By chapter two I was probably halfway to "I love him" instead of "I don't hate him anymore". I could relate to him so much for personal reasons I won't go into here, but yeah I understood him and his reasons for closing himself off.
"Telling him firmly to be quiet was one of them. Strange that someone who had been silenced his whole life would like that so much."
Isaac and Laurent as a couple might not seem like they'd fit together at first glance but they do. I wouldn't say they'd be perfect for each other because I'm not sure that the "perfect" partner exists. But I'd say these two come pretty darn close. Isaac instinctually knows what Laurent needs. When he finds him sobbing in the showers after the training he can't just turn around although he has every reason to. But that's just not who Isaac is. He sees that Laurent is hiding behind this mean-persona and I LOVE how Isaac is not afraid to tell Laurent that he has a problem. Or that he needs to get help.
I loved how their relationship evolved. I mean at the end of Power Play Laurent spit in Isaacs face. And Isaac has every reason to be mad at Laurent, and be like "I don't give a damn!". But then again he wouldn't really be Isaac. He grew so much as a character from Power Play to Empty Net and in this book he really shines. He knows when to push Laurent but also when he needs to give Laurent his space. Another aspect I really enjoyed was how they communicated with each other. Not always verbally, sometimes it's just a look or a gesture and they know what the other one needs.
"It was the nickname, Laurent figured, as he followed Isaac down the stairs. It made him feel like a different person, like someone who could maybe not be a disappointment. And oh fuck. Who was he kidding? It was going to end badly, just like everything else."
And to see Laurent slowly open up after what his father did.. I just want to squeeze hug him so hard! (But because I know he wouldn't like it I will refrain.) Of course it's not right what he did, and there's no excuse but then again he had to suffer years of physical and psychological abuse from his dad and just wanted to get his approval. I think that leads to stupid decisions in the moment.
Of course it was also great to see more of Misha and Max a couple of months into their relationship. They're so domestic! And don't get me started on the whole Misha - Isaac relationship. <3
Empty Net deals with a few heavier themes than the previous books and Avon handled each of them excellently. I'd say I'm sad that his story is finished now but you know Isaac.. he just won't stay quiet and I know this isn't the last we've seen of him.
To finish this gushing thing called review I can only recommend you to read these books. They have it all, great hockey, humour and adorable characters but also heartfelt moments and such beautiful relationships. Not just the romantic ones but also those between the teammates or the father son relationship between Misha and Isaac.
Seriously, if you haven't read these books, do it. You won't regret it.
*I was a beta reader for this book so my review is not completely unbiased*
If you're looking for a coherent and eloquent review you probably won't find this here because when it comes to this book and the characters I fall into fangirl mode so fast. And I just can't stop myself.
I absolutely LOVE this book and Isaac Drake is my patronus. Because this book. OMG this book!
I've read it four times already (it's not even out yet! lol) and I know there's many more rereads to come. Because some books just click with you, maybe because you can especially relate to the characters, because you love the story or the author's writing style just pulls you in.
For me it's a mix of all three. This book resonated so much with me and I feel like whatever I say it won't do it justice. If you follow me on twitter you know that I absolutely adore Avon Gale because she's an amazing human being but also writes such fantastic stories and well, Isaac is one of my absolute favourite characters. I love this blue-haired, outspoken and charismatic goalie so much. And I was so happy for him to get his own book. Although this book is as much about Laurent as it is about Isaac.
This series has gotten better and better, and with each book I fell more in love with that hockey-"world" Avon describes.
I fell in love with Isaac pretty much the first time he was mentioned in Save of the Game:
"But they were the absolute worst team in the league, and their goalie, Isaac Drake, spent most of the game yelling. At his own team."
That short sentence made him stand out and I wanted to know more about him. And then in Power Play I was an absolute goner. If I ever have to decide on just one favourite character, it's him! I adore his loyalty, his fierceness and a the way he's just so Isaac. (btw. I mentioned that this is not going to be eloquent, right? ;) )
And Laurent.. where should I begin? I didn't really like him in Power Play. He was an absolute ass but it only took the first chapter of Empty Net and I couldn't hate him anymore. By chapter two I was probably halfway to "I love him" instead of "I don't hate him anymore". I could relate to him so much for personal reasons I won't go into here, but yeah I understood him and his reasons for closing himself off.
"Telling him firmly to be quiet was one of them. Strange that someone who had been silenced his whole life would like that so much."
Isaac and Laurent as a couple might not seem like they'd fit together at first glance but they do. I wouldn't say they'd be perfect for each other because I'm not sure that the "perfect" partner exists. But I'd say these two come pretty darn close. Isaac instinctually knows what Laurent needs. When he finds him sobbing in the showers after the training he can't just turn around although he has every reason to. But that's just not who Isaac is. He sees that Laurent is hiding behind this mean-persona and I LOVE how Isaac is not afraid to tell Laurent that he has a problem. Or that he needs to get help.
I loved how their relationship evolved. I mean at the end of Power Play Laurent spit in Isaacs face. And Isaac has every reason to be mad at Laurent, and be like "I don't give a damn!". But then again he wouldn't really be Isaac. He grew so much as a character from Power Play to Empty Net and in this book he really shines. He knows when to push Laurent but also when he needs to give Laurent his space. Another aspect I really enjoyed was how they communicated with each other. Not always verbally, sometimes it's just a look or a gesture and they know what the other one needs.
"It was the nickname, Laurent figured, as he followed Isaac down the stairs. It made him feel like a different person, like someone who could maybe not be a disappointment. And oh fuck. Who was he kidding? It was going to end badly, just like everything else."
And to see Laurent slowly open up after what his father did.. I just want to squeeze hug him so hard! (But because I know he wouldn't like it I will refrain.) Of course it's not right what he did, and there's no excuse but then again he had to suffer years of physical and psychological abuse from his dad and just wanted to get his approval. I think that leads to stupid decisions in the moment.
Of course it was also great to see more of Misha and Max a couple of months into their relationship. They're so domestic! And don't get me started on the whole Misha - Isaac relationship. <3
Empty Net deals with a few heavier themes than the previous books and Avon handled each of them excellently. I'd say I'm sad that his story is finished now but you know Isaac.. he just won't stay quiet and I know this isn't the last we've seen of him.
To finish this gushing thing called review I can only recommend you to read these books. They have it all, great hockey, humour and adorable characters but also heartfelt moments and such beautiful relationships. Not just the romantic ones but also those between the teammates or the father son relationship between Misha and Isaac.
Seriously, if you haven't read these books, do it. You won't regret it.
September 7, 2016
I love this series and I loved this book ! Isaac Drake was something else ❤️ he was able to see through Laurent's gruff and obnoxious exterior and find the vulnerable and terribly abused boy. Isaac gave Laurent a chance and learned the ways to make him stop his negativity and critical self talk. This relationship was built on trust early on and it continued to grow into something beautiful. Misha & Max were awesome as the supportive cast and it was great being back with the team. I read this in one hit - couldn't stop !
May 8, 2017
4.5 Stars
Well, Avon Gale, you had me a little worried in the beginning. Not going to lie...Laurent was a hard pill to swallow at first. You're right when you say the kid's got more issues than The Hockey News.
Sure, Laurent's a hot mess, wrapped in a blanket of pain, but that is squarely because he has been "nurtured" (read that sarcastically, by the way) by a man who I'd like to see in a wood chipper. Damn, I hate Laurent's father.
However, when the story takes off, it takes off. I couldn't read the paragraphs or turn the pages fast enough, and loved Issac with every sentence and grew to love Laurent as the story went on. I love the fact that Isaac recognizes the signs of some of the issues Laurent has and encourages him to get the professional therapy help he needs. I love how much the two complement each other. I love getting to spend more time with Micha and Max. And I love, love, love Mrs. Bowen. Wow!! What an awesome character who shines in every scene she's in!
I love that Laurent really doesn't care about Isaac's past in any way, shape or form.
This story illustrates so well how important it is when you have a difficult character to have multiple POV. With the addition of the reader getting to see how Laurent's inner mind works, he's elevated from a flawed, irascible character to someone relatable. His pain, scars and, ultimately, his redemption is so much the sweeter for being able to be inside his head.
In the end, even though I love Isaac so much, I think I love Laurent just a little bit more because he had so far to grow.
The hurt/comfort here is so good. Sure, there were a few scenes that time jumped and I really would have liked to have read more, but overwhelmingly I love the story.
This series just flat does it for me. I can hardly wait for the next one!
RECOMMENDED!
Advanced Review Galley copy of provided by in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at .
Well, Avon Gale, you had me a little worried in the beginning. Not going to lie...Laurent was a hard pill to swallow at first. You're right when you say the kid's got more issues than The Hockey News.
Laurent smiled. “I still don’t understand why you’re bothering with me,� he said, honestly. “I can’t be that hot that I’m worth all this effort. I’m a jerk, I don’t know if I’m attracted to you, and I have literally no idea how to behave around other people.�
“Well, first of all you are that hot. But believe me, that’s not enough. Not for a date, anyway,� Isaac said. “And I don’t know, Saint. I guess I just feel like somewhere in there, there’s somebody worth knowing.
Sure, Laurent's a hot mess, wrapped in a blanket of pain, but that is squarely because he has been "nurtured" (read that sarcastically, by the way) by a man who I'd like to see in a wood chipper. Damn, I hate Laurent's father.
However, when the story takes off, it takes off. I couldn't read the paragraphs or turn the pages fast enough, and loved Issac with every sentence and grew to love Laurent as the story went on. I love the fact that Isaac recognizes the signs of some of the issues Laurent has and encourages him to get the professional therapy help he needs. I love how much the two complement each other. I love getting to spend more time with Micha and Max. And I love, love, love Mrs. Bowen. Wow!! What an awesome character who shines in every scene she's in!
I love that Laurent really doesn't care about Isaac's past in any way, shape or form.
“You’re the only person I’ve ever met who made me not want to be who I am. So look. Whatever you had to do to become that person, do you think I care? I live with someone every goddamn day who disgusts me, Isaac. Trust me. It’s not you.�
This story illustrates so well how important it is when you have a difficult character to have multiple POV. With the addition of the reader getting to see how Laurent's inner mind works, he's elevated from a flawed, irascible character to someone relatable. His pain, scars and, ultimately, his redemption is so much the sweeter for being able to be inside his head.
He held Isaac’s words close to him. He felt them seep into his blood and ease some of the coldness from a lifetime of his father’s disdain.
In the end, even though I love Isaac so much, I think I love Laurent just a little bit more because he had so far to grow.
Having someone tell him “you deserve someone like Isaac� was the secret dream of his hidden heart, and he wasn’t sure how to handle hearing it spoken out loud.
The hurt/comfort here is so good. Sure, there were a few scenes that time jumped and I really would have liked to have read more, but overwhelmingly I love the story.
This series just flat does it for me. I can hardly wait for the next one!
RECOMMENDED!
Advanced Review Galley copy of provided by in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at .
July 7, 2017
4.25 stars
Another book that I loved -- but I don't exactly have the words to explain on the why's. So you all just have to settle with other people's opinion instead.
The most important things that you need to know -- I loved Isaac Drake so much. I wanted to hug Laurent "Saint" Savoy almost throughout the book.
I loved the progress of their romance and relationship because there was a process from enemies to lovers that was BELIEVABLE for me.
I thought how Isaac dealt with Saint, the part where he told Saint what to do felt right.
I loved that Saint took steps to work on his issue, even if it was because he wanted to make Isaac happy -- because yes, sometimes you need other people's (a.k.a. professional) help with your issue.
I loved the team -- most especially Misha and Max (go Coach!).
I thought Avon Gale wrote demi-sexual character pretty well,
ALTHOUGH ... I also wish that . One of the reasons why I couldn't give higher rating just yet.
This whole series is a WINNER!!
Another book that I loved -- but I don't exactly have the words to explain on the why's. So you all just have to settle with other people's opinion instead.
The most important things that you need to know -- I loved Isaac Drake so much. I wanted to hug Laurent "Saint" Savoy almost throughout the book.
I loved the progress of their romance and relationship because there was a process from enemies to lovers that was BELIEVABLE for me.
I thought how Isaac dealt with Saint, the part where he told Saint what to do felt right.
I loved that Saint took steps to work on his issue, even if it was because he wanted to make Isaac happy -- because yes, sometimes you need other people's (a.k.a. professional) help with your issue.
I loved the team -- most especially Misha and Max (go Coach!).
I thought Avon Gale wrote demi-sexual character pretty well,
ALTHOUGH ... I also wish that . One of the reasons why I couldn't give higher rating just yet.
This whole series is a WINNER!!
May 21, 2017
I think this may be my favorite of Scott R. Smith's performances for the Scoring Chances series. I loved how he portrayed the tone of the story with its more emotional nuances, the passion and the humor, and how he showcased the different character voices.
Scott's narration continues to get better with each story.
Smith captures Laurent's inner turmoil so well in his tone and pacing, and does such a wonderful job bring Isaac to life. I wanted to hug this audio.
The hurt/comfort here is so good. I love the story. This series either in print or audio just flat out does it for me.
For my full review of the ebook, click here.
Audio copy of provided by in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at .
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March 11, 2021
� 5++ stars �
”Oh my God. This is an indie drama, and we’re at Sundance.� Isaac watched as the sun began to sink. It made the sky golden and threw a soft glow over the woods and the sparkling water. “I like you. That’s why I told you. Can you just deal with that?�
“Yeah. I can. And I like you, but I don’t like me. Can you deal with that?�
“Yeah. But don’t think I’m not going to try to make you stop being so emo all the time, sad panda that you are.�
“Good luck with that.� Laurent surprised Isaac when he leaned over and kissed him. His mouth was warm and tasted like marshmallows and was just a little bit sticky.
THIS WAS SO FUCKING GOOD!! 🥺🥺 all the stars for Laurent and Isaac! these two deserved the world and more, especially Laurent. I just wanted to hug him throughout the book tbh. Loved, loved this! I might end up on a reading binge with this series now because of how much this book got to me. 🤧❤️
”Oh my God. This is an indie drama, and we’re at Sundance.� Isaac watched as the sun began to sink. It made the sky golden and threw a soft glow over the woods and the sparkling water. “I like you. That’s why I told you. Can you just deal with that?�
“Yeah. I can. And I like you, but I don’t like me. Can you deal with that?�
“Yeah. But don’t think I’m not going to try to make you stop being so emo all the time, sad panda that you are.�
“Good luck with that.� Laurent surprised Isaac when he leaned over and kissed him. His mouth was warm and tasted like marshmallows and was just a little bit sticky.
THIS WAS SO FUCKING GOOD!! 🥺🥺 all the stars for Laurent and Isaac! these two deserved the world and more, especially Laurent. I just wanted to hug him throughout the book tbh. Loved, loved this! I might end up on a reading binge with this series now because of how much this book got to me. 🤧❤️
July 30, 2023
4.5 stars
SO good. This was former bully/enemies to lovers romance done so right. Laurent was not at all sympathetic to me at the start but the author did a great job with his redemption and healing arcs. No “love conquers all� here and no “trauma excuses bad behavior�, loved how he had to atone for how he harmed others, had to want help and the overall way his recovery was shown. Isaac remains an icon, I love that he’s so empathetic and steadfast even while being jaded and having a rough past. Their dynamic was so so sweet and understanding and awkward and I just ate it up. Avon Gale nailed those 2 characters. Also, the father son dynamic between Misha and Isaac????🥺🥺 literally everything to me, all their interactions made me so happy
If Avon Gale’s writing worked for me more, this would’ve been a 5 star read. But every time I was sinking into the book, there would be an awkward moment of dialogue or an unfunny joke or a weird sentence and it would take me out of the story. That’s been a consistent issue for me throughout this series tho, and even this book’s strong characters weren’t enough for me to overlook it.
After bad/mid experiences with books 1 & 2, really liking books 3 & 4, and having a good feeling about book 5, I wish I wasn’t such a completionist and had just skipped ahead.. either way, I’m so glad the latter half of this series has significantly improved.
SO good. This was former bully/enemies to lovers romance done so right. Laurent was not at all sympathetic to me at the start but the author did a great job with his redemption and healing arcs. No “love conquers all� here and no “trauma excuses bad behavior�, loved how he had to atone for how he harmed others, had to want help and the overall way his recovery was shown. Isaac remains an icon, I love that he’s so empathetic and steadfast even while being jaded and having a rough past. Their dynamic was so so sweet and understanding and awkward and I just ate it up. Avon Gale nailed those 2 characters. Also, the father son dynamic between Misha and Isaac????🥺🥺 literally everything to me, all their interactions made me so happy
If Avon Gale’s writing worked for me more, this would’ve been a 5 star read. But every time I was sinking into the book, there would be an awkward moment of dialogue or an unfunny joke or a weird sentence and it would take me out of the story. That’s been a consistent issue for me throughout this series tho, and even this book’s strong characters weren’t enough for me to overlook it.
After bad/mid experiences with books 1 & 2, really liking books 3 & 4, and having a good feeling about book 5, I wish I wasn’t such a completionist and had just skipped ahead.. either way, I’m so glad the latter half of this series has significantly improved.
September 2, 2016
Isaac might have just taken the number 1 spot as my favorite character in this series - damn, he's adorable.
This one constantly cracked me up with the banter between Isaac and Laurent - I grew up with 5 brothers and the way the author does the dialogue is just perfect. The relationships in this series are so well done.
Laurent is a very complex character and has some really heartbreaking issues, it was interesting to see how Isaac handled them all.
It was also fantastic to have more of Max and Misha - love those two.
Great book!
this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
This one constantly cracked me up with the banter between Isaac and Laurent - I grew up with 5 brothers and the way the author does the dialogue is just perfect. The relationships in this series are so well done.
Laurent is a very complex character and has some really heartbreaking issues, it was interesting to see how Isaac handled them all.
It was also fantastic to have more of Max and Misha - love those two.
Great book!
this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
August 21, 2016
I'm writing a review for Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends. I'll add a link when it's available.
5.0 glove saves � ♥♥♥♥� and all the kudos
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
5.0 glove saves � ♥♥♥♥� and all the kudos
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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