Next Season by Lane Hayes

The injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…

RILEY

My time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the rumors: he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.

Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion. It’s a doozy too—the kind that’s going to keep me off skates for a while.

Which is how I end up in a small New England town in the middle of nowhere Vermont, eating every meal at a diner where a grumpy chef from Quebec makes haute cuisine… and burgers. Jean-Claude is funny and charming and—

Okay, I have a crush on a gay man.

This is a new one.

JEAN-CLAUDE

Confused straight men are entertaining. But Riley is… fascinating, sexy, and curiously vulnerable. His injury has rocked his confidence a bit, so perhaps he’s in need of a friend. Any friend. Even moi.

I’m an unlikely choice, but maybe he just likes my tuna salad.

No… I think it’s me.

And though I’m happy to help him explore his bisexual curious side, I have career concerns of my own. See, the things I love most about Elmwood seem shaky and uncertain, but not Riley. He’s solid and genuine. Suddenly, this temporary secret liaison feels more real than anything in my life.

I need more than this season. I want it all. With Riley.

Next Season is an MM bisexual-awakening romance featuring a grumpy chef, an injured hockey player, and a big HEA in a small town where anything can happen.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Elmwood Stories!
For book one, You, Again, click HERE.
For book three, Holiday Crush, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US) Narrated by Nick J. Russo
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and it will be richer if you read them in order but I am sure you could go back and catch up should you be impatient to start this right away.

Riley had a horrible accident in a game, and though many question whether it is time for him to retire, he wants to go out on his terms, not due to injury. However, a serious concussion that is affecting his vision, is not to be ignored, and he goes to spend time in Elmwood with his old friend, Vinnie, so that he can heal. There he meets Jean-Claude, JC, who is the chef at Nolan's family diner.

These two men form an unlikely friendship – both a little on the grumpy side, both at a bit of a decision point in their careers, and both finding out that it is not too late to fall in love!

Another very enjoyable installment.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Next Season is the second book in The Elmwood Stories series.

Riley was hit hard on the ice and received a horrible concussion. Everyone thinks he's going to retire but Riley isn't ready to leave the game he loves. He especially doesn't want to go out like this. When his parents are hovering just a bit too much, Riley jumps on the chance to go to Elmwood to heal when Vinnie calls offering Nolan's house for him to stay. Riley is all about superstitions and when he finds out the very interesting French chef at the diner makes amazing tuna salad, he has this crazy idea that it helps reduce his headaches. It has nothing to do with the man he finds completely intriguing for reasons he doesn't quite understand.

Jean-Claude once dated Nolan and followed him to Elmwood to help him change the diner into what it is now. Something about the mountain of a hockey man calls to JC. He wants to help him get better and he knows he shouldn't be flirting but he just can't seem to stop himself. JC agrees to let Riley explore the bicurious feelings he's having but keeping it between the two of them. Riley isn't ready for everyone to know what he's feeling and jumping out of a closet he had no idea he was in.

I so loved this couple, they were really my favorite of this series. Seeing how JC was able to help Riley come to terms with his sexuality and where his career could go. The chemistry was chart topping and they were just so sweet together.

 

 

LANE HAYES loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions and/or were winners in the 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, and 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards.

She loves red wine, chocolate, and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

Connect with Lane Hayes!

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Facebook Group: Lane's Lovers

 

 

ARC Provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Next Season (The Elmwood Stories #2) by Lane Hayes to read and review.