Blurb:

The hockey player, the figure skater, and the roommate situation…

GUS

No one throws a party quite like I do. Technically, I could have graduated three years ago, but I love Smithton, I love hockey, and the team needs a good captain with a positive outlook. That’s me. I love this town, and it loves me.

Well, except for my roommate.

Rafe doesn’t like me at all—total mystery. I’m a nice guy. Ask anyone. He’s the one with stick-in-the-mud-itis. Or maybe the nonstop partying is too much for him. It’s definitely taking a toll on me, and I’m trying to do better ’cause in a twist, Rafe’s not so bad.

He has a great smile, pretty eyes, cute dimples, and—

Oh, man. I think I have a situation.

RAFE

This cannot be happening. I’m a competitive figure skater with goals and big plans. How did I get saddled with a party-boy hockey-hero for a roommate?

Oh, yeah. I mistakenly assumed the captain of the hockey team would be goal-oriented. Wrong. Gus and I have nothing in common, and I have no idea how I’m going to survive a year of this.

But oddly enough, we’re good together in a crisis. So good, I’m beginning to wonder if we could be something serious. Something more than a couple of athletes playing the roommate game.

The Roommate Game is an MM light-angst, college hockey romance featuring a fun-loving captain, a serious figure skater, and a chance at forever.

AVAILABLE NOW

Prior Reading: recommended but not essential
Genre: contemporary, college, sports
Tropes: Hockey, college, opposites attract, roommates

*****

Excerpt:

“Okay, well…I got two ideas for you. Favorite karaoke song and best series you’ve ever binged.”

“That sounds like ‘how to look desperate in under five seconds’ advice.” He made a buzzer sound. “Try again.” 

“Nope. I’ve given you gold, Johannsen. Work with it. Everyone has a karaoke story and or a show they freaking love and can’t shut up about. Get him talking while you’re practicing your spins or something. I guarantee you’ll have your opening to ask him out. How do you feel about sriracha?” I held up a bottle. 

“I like it…sparingly. Too much changes the taste of whatever you’re eating.” 

“True, but I like spicy food. I went to this karaoke bar where they served the hottest wings ever. Ty put my name on the list to sing a Britney Spears song. My mouth was on fire and I could barely whisper into the mic, let alone sing.” 

Rafe’s lips twitched with humor as he pushed the cart and perused chicken breasts. “Which song?” 

“ ‘Toxic.’ I was supposed to make my voice extra deep and Ty was gonna go high, but those damn wings lit a fire in my throat. I won’t be ordering those any time soon. It’s a great bar, though. Hey, we should go sometime. What are you doing next Friday?” I winked. “See what I did there?” 

He added chicken to our now half-full cart and grinned. “That was impressive.”

“Thank you. If you need another pep talk, I’m here for you, but I’ve got do-or-die playoff games next week and—” 

“I’m fine.”

“I know you are. I believe in you, Rafester.”

He blushed, then grumbled about the sodium in a bottle of soy sauce. I was a little insulted that he thought I’d buy his faux-grouchy routine. I’d been privy to the real grump, so I could tell the difference. But I didn’t call him out on it ’cause whether he’d realized it or not, Rafe had let me in.

*****

Review:

Gus has been a pretty terrible roommate but he’s been using his party lifestyle to self-medicate, hiding his issues and his conflict over his future with drugs and alcohol. (I really want to know how he did so well in both his classes and on the ice all things considered.) But he’s finally at the point where things have to change and I really appreciate that Hayes had him getting professional help, not just powering thru on his own. That also has him becoming a better roommate to Rafe.

I don’t know how Rafe lasted as long as he did – the drunken parties, missing food, and messy house … but it’s good thing all around that he’s willing to give Gus another chance. Because it gives him a chance to see the funny, caring man inside. Even if he’s so clueless as to why Rafe may not be his biggest fan 🙂

But Sober Gus takes all the enthusiasm of Party Gus and applies it in positive ways. He’s so fun and I love how he brings Rafe along on all sorts of fun adventures, working to help him get out of his head for a bit. And it doesn’t take long for a crush to form. Who can blame him tho the way Gus throws himself full body into everything and that includes being a friend, then friend with benefits.

The newest from Hayes is a slow burn, low angst, sweet “enemies” to lovers situation. I loved these two together – Gus with his big personality & even bigger heart hiding his issues and Rafe with his quiet support and self doubt. Once again Hayes shows finesse with characters, plot, and pacing, delivering a feel good read.

*****

Author Info:

Lane Hayes  lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.
She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!
Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

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