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A review by jacqueleenthereadingqueen
Trade Deadline by Piper Vaughn, Avon Gale
4.0
This is a m/m hockey romance so I was going in expecting all the angst and issues that go along with a possible closeted NHL player with an ego to go with his salary. I was wrong on both fronts. Daniel was bi and he by no means spent time hanging in the closet. He was also the sweetest and most thoughtful hockey player I've ever read. I adored his easy going personality and how he doted on his kids. Another thing in the win column for this one was how they portrayed his ex wife. Even though their marriage didn't work out Daniel and Tabby remained friends and co parents. She was extremely likable and friendly. It was a breath of fresh air from how ex's are usually portrayed as total wenches, especially if they happen to be women.
Micah on the other hand was a bit insecure for my tastes. He was constantly worried that Daniel was going to get traded off to some far away team that he was missing out on enjoying the here and now. Relationships aren't always easy, they take work. Daniel never gave any indication he wasn't willing to put that work in or that he would want to discontinue their relationship if it ended up they needed to do long distance for part of the year. If you love someone you don't let them go that easily.
Other than Micah's worries, there was basically zero drama between Micah and Daniel. Their reconnecting friendship organically moved into romantic territory. It never seemed rushed to me. Neither was the steam aspect. The major drama happening in the book was coming from Daniel's new hockey team, the Thunders. Team moves are tough, never mind the fact that the team has been hanging in last place for quite some time now. Morale isn't good. Daniel is hoping to change that and not everyone is as excited about his move as he is.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Micah's job at the aquarium and his adorable dolphin friend Silver. She's an injured dolphin who would never be able to survive outside the aquarium. The dolphin even has his own Instagram for selfies! How cute!! Though he and Micah are bonded, it made me happy that he does explain that Silver is not a pet. He is a wild animal living in his aquarium habitat for health reasons.
The book ends with a definite HEA. I was happy with how everything turned out. I think Daniel ended up exactly where he needed to be to have a happy, fulfilling life. It also didn't hurt that he knew he had Micah for the long haul no matter what happened.
** This book was provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review **
Micah on the other hand was a bit insecure for my tastes. He was constantly worried that Daniel was going to get traded off to some far away team that he was missing out on enjoying the here and now. Relationships aren't always easy, they take work. Daniel never gave any indication he wasn't willing to put that work in or that he would want to discontinue their relationship if it ended up they needed to do long distance for part of the year. If you love someone you don't let them go that easily.
Other than Micah's worries, there was basically zero drama between Micah and Daniel. Their reconnecting friendship organically moved into romantic territory. It never seemed rushed to me. Neither was the steam aspect. The major drama happening in the book was coming from Daniel's new hockey team, the Thunders. Team moves are tough, never mind the fact that the team has been hanging in last place for quite some time now. Morale isn't good. Daniel is hoping to change that and not everyone is as excited about his move as he is.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Micah's job at the aquarium and his adorable dolphin friend Silver. She's an injured dolphin who would never be able to survive outside the aquarium. The dolphin even has his own Instagram for selfies! How cute!! Though he and Micah are bonded, it made me happy that he does explain that Silver is not a pet. He is a wild animal living in his aquarium habitat for health reasons.
The book ends with a definite HEA. I was happy with how everything turned out. I think Daniel ended up exactly where he needed to be to have a happy, fulfilling life. It also didn't hurt that he knew he had Micah for the long haul no matter what happened.
** This book was provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review **