The Book Boyfriend Addict

“I’m happy when I’m with you. I know it’s hard to tell.”

Casey’s smile was soft and unguarded. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Can I tell you a secret?”

Landon held his breath instead of answering.

Casey told him anyway. “I can tell. And it makes me feel good, making you happy.”

This book was the absolute sweetest! If you’re used to Rachel Reid’s spicier books from her Game Changers series, this one is a bit of a departure from that but, in my opinion, it was just as enjoyable (and still plenty hot!). It was sweet, sexy, funny, romantic, and will leave you feeling all sorts of warm and fuzzy when you’re done.

Scientifically speaking, Landon knew it wasn’t actual sunshine that was filling his chest, but it sure felt like it.

Landon Stackhouse had always been a bit of a loner and he didn’t plan on changing that when he was called up to the NHL to be the backup goalie for Calgary. But he also didn’t count on his new teammate, Casey Hicks, being relentlessly chatty and friendly, despite Landon’s strong “don’t talk to me” vibes. They were complete opposites but Landon couldn’t help but be charmed by Casey’s laid-back nature and his seemingly endless kindness so when Casey offered Landon a room in his house so he didn’t have to spend his time in Calgary in a hotel, Landon agreed. Their friendship formed fast after that and Landon soon found himself desiring Casey in a way he’s never felt before. Casey was more than on board with going from bromance to romance with Landon but Landon’s time in Calgary had an expiration date and Casey hoped that didn’t mean the same thing for his new relationship with Landon.

“I’m just saying. You’ve always been…more.”

Landon processed this. “But you did flirt with me.”

Casey smiled. “Yeah. I said I tried not to. I’m not made of stone, Stacks.”

Landon removed his hand from the pocket and held Casey’s hand directly instead. “I don’t know what I did to be more, but…I’m glad.”

“You didn’t have to do anything. You just had to walk into my life and, like, exist.”

Casey was the very definition of golden retriever energy. I loved his character so much. I laughed a lot while reading this one. The dude was a lot, but he knew he was a lot, but he was so darn charming that you couldn’t help but love him. Landon was the complete opposite, I wouldn’t quite call him a grump but he was very quiet and a little awkward and he couldn’t understand why someone as magnetic as Casey would have any interest in him. One of my favorite things in this book was seeing Landon realize his worth over the course of the story, as a friend, boyfriend, son, and professional hockey player. It was a lovely journey.

This book was a slow burn but I was having so much fun reading it that I didn’t even care. While it was never explicitly stated, Landon was definitely on the asexual spectrum (demi, if I had to guess) so he was much more reserved and tentative about sex. Casey was quite the opposite but he was so patient and kind with Landon as Landon explored what he was into. I thought this book was still hot even though there was less sex than a typical Rachel Reid book. The connection between Landon and Casey made their sexual encounters that much more intimate, in my opinion.

I also loved all the secondary characters and both Landon and Casey’s families, some of my favorite moments were when their families were all together. There was a lot of love and healing and the fact that it’s set during the holidays really amps up the coziness of this story. I had a big smile on my face for most of this story and even found tears in my eyes a time or two toward the end. The epilogue was just adorable. I totally fell in love with Landon and Casey and I think you will too!

This book will be available on 09/26/2023 but you can pre-order your copy now! A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

“That’s really sweet. And weird.”

“No shit, dude. You make me sweet and weird. That’s on you.”