Rookie Moves
The Rookie Diaries
by Jodi Oliver
Blurb:
Colby
For almost ten years, the world of hockey has had their eyes on me, watching my every move.
Iโm projected to be the first overall pick in the NHL draft this summer, and have been nicknamed a franchise altering talent.
But with high praise comes a lot of pressure I canโt escape, and has resulted in me being a rookie in more ways than one.
The only problem is thereโs only one person I feel safe with, and I’m pretty sure there are rules about not crushing on your teammate.
Tyler
Ever since I met Colby, Iโve kept an eye on him. No one should have to put up with the pressure the world has laid on his gorgeous shoulders and the defeated look in his beautiful eyes.
But you shouldnโt notice these things about your teammates.
So when Colby asks me to teach him everything I know in the bedroom because Iโm the only one he feels safe with?
I should say no, but thereโs nothing I wouldnโt do for Colby McKay.
I shouldโve known it wouldnโt be as simple as a friends with benefits arrangement.
Available in KU
*****
Review:
I’m pretty sure I would go to battle for Colby McKay. He has such a big heart but there’s so much pressure on him. He’s so sweet but also so so guarded from years of having people want something from him, judging him, watching him. I admire him for wanting to experience a year of college before going into the draft, a chance to experience something normal before everything gets too big. He lucked out rooming with Stassie and I would love to have seen more of him with her, to see someone that cares about him for him. Someone he feels safe with. Like he does with Tyler.
Giant green flag Tyler. Who is so careful with Colby, making sure that he feels seen and has a soft place to land when things get difficult. Who is all about consent and making sure that Colby is comfortable, only doing things he wants to do, as they explore their desire for each other. Such a gentle soul and so supportive. But also one that needs some supporting of his own. He’s lived his life with certain expectations too, which may be why he understands Colby so well, and those expectations are about to come calling. But just as much as he sees Colby, Colby sees him too and understands how overwhelming the future can be.
Of course, as much as they talk up being friends-with-benefits there was no way they weren’t falling in love. There was already such a connection between them, which is why they were so comfortable with each other. Why Colby felt he could ask such a thing from Tyler. But of course it isn’t that easy. At the end of the school year their lives will be at a cross roads, facing paths that will likely take them in different directions.
I could not have loved this story more. It was so easy to read, with characters that just grabbed me and kept me going. It’s an emotional, spicy book without a lot of drama – a couple of places where things went sideways for them, especially towards the end. But overall it was so very sweet (with a good amount of heat of course) watching them fall in love, as much as they know that they shouldn’t ๐ It ends with a satisfying HFN, but I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next for them.
And there’s a hint at a new series coming with the Vancouver Steelheads, starting with Colby’s favorite player Beau Rousseau. Oliver has a lot of good things coming for us in 2027.
*****
Author Info:
Jodi Oliver is a British author who writes MM romance, happily ever after guaranteed. She loves donuts, dogs and ice hockey, and when she hasnโt got her head in a book or hiding in the writing cave, you can find her at an ice hockey game.
She lives in England but dreams of living in the Canadian countryside, with some highland cows and otters.
You can find her on Instagram @JodiOliverAuthor or in her Facebook reader group โJodi Oliverโs Sin Binโ
