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I absolutely. Friggin. Loved. This! Bryce has lived for hockey since he was 14. Now at 34 he's been injured, and faces decisions about his career. He's also questioning his sexuality, having been told by others for years, including his ex-wife, that he's gay. But introspection is not his strong suit. When Dakota stops to help the hapless man with a tire, sparks fly and Dakota helps Bryce confirm that he is indeed, gay as a Pride parade. Dakota has known nothing but loss all his life. All the family he had is gone and the will, leaving him the property he's lived and worked on for so long, is lost. Imagine his surprise when he finds out Bryce's mother has inherited it.

It's a rather rocky road to romance (yes I'm fond of alliteration) but the physical pull between them is strong. Both also feel the emotional pull but Dakota's afraid to trust, Bryce isn't out and hasn't decided on continuing his career or not. The characterization is wonderful and enhanced with alternating POV's. I wouldn't really call this May/December, as the age difference is only 10 years. More than that, I loved the way they really talked about most things. They did hold back, especially Dakota, but it wasn't a miscommunication trope. They're helped along by wonderful secondary characters, like Dakota's sister Lori, Bryce's ex, Nikki and his mother Connie.

There's not really any hockey, other than a game they attend but the flavor is there. The sex scenes are intense and scorching, plentiful but not overwhelming and not filler. It's an utterly delightful, low-angst story, not overly sweet, with an upbeat plot line and uplifting ending. I cannot wait to read the next in this series.

*i received an ARC from the author. A review was requested but not required*