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endemictoearth's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
bee_thebibliophile's review
4.0
Hockey and all kinds of domestic bliss, all wrapped up in one story. Empty Netter is a super sweet, super low angst hockey romance.
Blake Brennan is the first out professional hockey player but after coming out, his boyfriend broke up with him and his recent on-ice performance has left a lot to be desired and keeps him on his coach’s bad side and riding the bench while the backup goalie is playing. He’s been lonely but he’s not a hook-up guy, he’s a boyfriend guy, and stumbles into someone who could be the guy of his dreams on New Year’s Eve. Matthew Sawyer knows who Blake is when they run into each other, but he doesn’t let him know he’s his coach’s youngest son. After dropping out of college, he moves back in with his dad and starts a serving job but doesn’t have any idea what he wants to do long-term. He’s unenthusiastic about living with his dad and about his future prospects, but he finds himself drawn to Blake every chance he gets.
Even once Blake learns who Matthew really is, their connection can’t be denied - they keep coming together over and over, even when they’re both warned against it. They’re together for so much of the story that it lets them really get to know each other, grow together, support each other and make big, life-changing moves together. Blake continued to choose Matthew time after time, supporting him and making him feel important and Matthew was there for Blake despite his crazy schedule and cross-country move, being his cheerleader and support system through it all. They were really cute together and I felt like I really got to know both of them as individuals and as a couple.
I enjoyed how easy Blake and Matthew’s relationship was, but Matthew’s dad/Blake’s original coach just didn’t do it for me - the conflict there resolved itself a little too easily but there also wasn’t any real closure. Even with that, I thought this was such a sweet, easy read that made me smile and made it hard for me to put it down. Hannah Henry’s characters are incredibly endearing and I can’t wait to read what comes next!
Blake Brennan is the first out professional hockey player but after coming out, his boyfriend broke up with him and his recent on-ice performance has left a lot to be desired and keeps him on his coach’s bad side and riding the bench while the backup goalie is playing. He’s been lonely but he’s not a hook-up guy, he’s a boyfriend guy, and stumbles into someone who could be the guy of his dreams on New Year’s Eve. Matthew Sawyer knows who Blake is when they run into each other, but he doesn’t let him know he’s his coach’s youngest son. After dropping out of college, he moves back in with his dad and starts a serving job but doesn’t have any idea what he wants to do long-term. He’s unenthusiastic about living with his dad and about his future prospects, but he finds himself drawn to Blake every chance he gets.
Even once Blake learns who Matthew really is, their connection can’t be denied - they keep coming together over and over, even when they’re both warned against it. They’re together for so much of the story that it lets them really get to know each other, grow together, support each other and make big, life-changing moves together. Blake continued to choose Matthew time after time, supporting him and making him feel important and Matthew was there for Blake despite his crazy schedule and cross-country move, being his cheerleader and support system through it all. They were really cute together and I felt like I really got to know both of them as individuals and as a couple.
I enjoyed how easy Blake and Matthew’s relationship was, but Matthew’s dad/Blake’s original coach just didn’t do it for me - the conflict there resolved itself a little too easily but there also wasn’t any real closure. Even with that, I thought this was such a sweet, easy read that made me smile and made it hard for me to put it down. Hannah Henry’s characters are incredibly endearing and I can’t wait to read what comes next!
ladymacbeth2024's review
4.5 stars
Matthew and Blake are amazing, I'm glad I read their book.
From the start their relationship is based on simple meals, home dates, a lot of conversation and great sex, nothing fancy or superficial, no flaunting money: they're just two guys who connected at first touch and couldn't stay away from each other.
I really really loved how they were honest and open with each other and that there were no miscommunication whatsoever.
What prevented me from giving five full stars
Too much talk about Robbie, I kept thinking we would have had a scene with him regretting dumping Blake, but all that talk for nothing.
Matthew's father: he's the ultimate asshole and deserved a worse fate.
I'm going to read New Development soon: it's Brady story and part of it is set at Blake and Matthew's wedding.
Matthew and Blake are amazing, I'm glad I read their book.
From the start their relationship is based on simple meals, home dates, a lot of conversation and great sex, nothing fancy or superficial, no flaunting money: they're just two guys who connected at first touch and couldn't stay away from each other.
I really really loved how they were honest and open with each other and that there were no miscommunication whatsoever.
What prevented me from giving five full stars
Too much talk about Robbie, I kept thinking we would have had a scene with him regretting dumping Blake, but all that talk for nothing.
Matthew's father: he's the ultimate asshole and deserved a worse fate.
I'm going to read New Development soon: it's Brady story and part of it is set at Blake and Matthew's wedding.
tenou0's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
badhorsebinks's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
meadowslovesbooks's review
4.0
The story follows Blake Brennan, a professional hockey player who has recently come out as gay, and Matthew Sawyer, a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. When the two men meet, they quickly fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Matthew is Blake's coach's son.
The novel is well-written and engaging, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. Blake is a complex and likable character who is struggling to find his place in the world after coming out. Matthew is a kind and compassionate young man who is trying to find his way in life. The two men's relationship is heartwarming and believable, and the novel explores the challenges and joys of being in a same-sex relationship. I especially loved Blake's Cinnamon roll character. He was such a sweetheart. I also like the low angst plot.
Overall, Empty Netter is a well-written and enjoyable romance novel that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. The story is heartwarming and the characters are well-developed and relatable. I highly recommend this novel. I love the sports aspect too.
It's definitely one of my new favourite series and I'll be rereading it for sure!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The novel is well-written and engaging, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. Blake is a complex and likable character who is struggling to find his place in the world after coming out. Matthew is a kind and compassionate young man who is trying to find his way in life. The two men's relationship is heartwarming and believable, and the novel explores the challenges and joys of being in a same-sex relationship. I especially loved Blake's Cinnamon roll character. He was such a sweetheart. I also like the low angst plot.
Overall, Empty Netter is a well-written and enjoyable romance novel that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. The story is heartwarming and the characters are well-developed and relatable. I highly recommend this novel. I love the sports aspect too.
It's definitely one of my new favourite series and I'll be rereading it for sure!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
harrow_nash's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kjnrose's review
5.0
I am loving this series and this book was such a great addition to it. It's sweet and fluffy and insta-love with great characters and a wonderful story. It will grab your attention from start to finish.
noalrmall's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75