The Games We Play Series by Taylor McNiff, Anna Zabo, Cari Z., Ann Gallagher, L.A. Witt, Rikki Leighton, Kaje Harper, Aries France

Blurb coming soon - bisexual awakening, mental health rep, hockey romanceThe Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season, and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!

Drake Williams was the up-and-coming young player on the Pittsburgh Lions, racking up points like a star. Now in his third season, his star has fallen and his scoring touch is gone. The puck hates his stick, and he’s more liability than asset. No other team in the major league wants him. When the Lions waive him, he’s sent to the Greensburg Otters—proof of how far he’s dropped.Greensburg feels like a million miles from Pittsburgh rather forty... moreDrake Williams was the up-and-coming young player on the Pittsburgh Lions, racking up points like a star. Now in his third season, his star has fallen and his scoring touch is gone. The puck hates his stick, and he’s more liability than asset. No other team in the major league wants him. When the Lions waive him, he’s sent to the Greensburg Otters—proof of how far he’s dropped.Greensburg feels like a million miles from Pittsburgh rather forty. But when Drake unexpectedly finds a queer biker bar off the beaten path, he thinks he might survive his time in the minors, especially when Jon, the bar’s sexy owner, flirts with him. That is, until the next morning, when he’s re-introduced to Jon as Jonny Eriksson, team captain of the Otters.Jon Eriksson’s got the hockey IQ but not the hands or the wheels for the big league, and that’s fine. He likes the Otters. Of course he knows who Drake is, and he’s intrigued by the distraught, young player. Jon knows Drake’s the real deal—a star in the making—and will only be on the Otters long enough to recapture his game. It’s Jon’s duty to help rekindle that love for the game.That’s not all that gets ignited, though. Soon enough, they’re tangled into each other’s life in a way Jon’s never felt before. But what happens to their smoldering love once Drake is recalled to the Lions?The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season, and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere! less

Marek Stetina is so close to getting called up to majors, he can taste it. Maybe he wasn’t a number one draft pick like his brother, and maybe he’ll never be a Hall of Famer like his father, but he’s almost made it.Right up until a serious injury puts his hockey dreams—major league or otherwise—on ice.Up-and-coming MMA star Carson Wrede’s career—hell, his entire life—has been off the rails ever since a mishap during a fight put him in the hospital... moreMarek Stetina is so close to getting called up to majors, he can taste it. Maybe he wasn’t a number one draft pick like his brother, and maybe he’ll never be a Hall of Famer like his father, but he’s almost made it.Right up until a serious injury puts his hockey dreams—major league or otherwise—on ice.Up-and-coming MMA star Carson Wrede’s career—hell, his entire life—has been off the rails ever since a mishap during a fight put him in the hospital. Now he’s trying to find his balance again, both literally and figuratively. With each passing day, his chances of returning to the cage grow slimmer… as do his chances of paying that growing pile of medical bills.Maybe a TBI support group isn’t the most romantic place to meet someone, but Marek and Carson can’t complain. While their worlds seem to be crumbling around them, they lean on each other through endless setbacks and frustration.But is this just two guys helping each other through a tough time? Or is the connection between them real, honest love?And is that love enough to see them through some unavoidable decisions about the careers they once lived for?The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season, and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere! less

The Games We Play, Book 1Theo Mathis doesn’t regret defying the general manager during his brief stint on the Seattle Rainiers last season. The rainbow tape on his stick cost him dearly, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat… even though it means he’ll never get called up from the minors again while that GM is at the helm.Then a flood of injuries leaves Seattle desperate for players, and Theo gets called up after all. But he’s provoke the GM again, and he will regret it... moreThe Games We Play, Book 1Theo Mathis doesn’t regret defying the general manager during his brief stint on the Seattle Rainiers last season. The rainbow tape on his stick cost him dearly, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat… even though it means he’ll never get called up from the minors again while that GM is at the helm.Then a flood of injuries leaves Seattle desperate for players, and Theo gets called up after all. But he’s provoke the GM again, and he will regret it.Except stick tape wasn’t the only line Theo skated over, and the temptation to cross it again has nothing to do with spite.Equipment manager Christian Hayes has had that hot minor league player living rent-free in his head ever since they hooked up last year. It wasn’t love, but it was fun, and he wishes they could do it again because they want to—not as an act of rebellion. If Christian’s dad ever finds out, there will be hell to pay. But it’s a non-issue, since his dad—the team’s GM—has vowed to never call up that player again no matter how bad the team needs him… and he doesn’t even know Theo and Christian hooked up.Now Theo’s back in the Rainiers’ locker room. They don’t dare risk a rematch—they both value their careers too much. All they have to do is ride this out for a few games until Theo’s sent back down. Easy enough. Right?But their mutual attraction refuses to be ignored.And it looks like Theo’s going to be staying a while.The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere! less

RILEY My last relationship couldn't survive the secrecy of being queer in the PHL. Sure, the league isn't outright hostile to out players anymore, but you never know if a bad apple runs in your circle. From town to town and then team to team, you learn to hold those cards close to your chest. That’s how I’ve lived the last thirty years of my life until Griffin Foster comes barreling in like the hotheaded goalie he is... moreRILEY My last relationship couldn't survive the secrecy of being queer in the PHL. Sure, the league isn't outright hostile to out players anymore, but you never know if a bad apple runs in your circle. From town to town and then team to team, you learn to hold those cards close to your chest. That’s how I’ve lived the last thirty years of my life until Griffin Foster comes barreling in like the hotheaded goalie he is. He’s young, reckless, and makes me want a life I’ve never been convinced I can have. He lights a fire under me to be a better player, to tackle the ghosts haunting my past. But when I push too hard and an old injury flares up, all that ambition goes up in flames. Face to face with the love of my life, can I open myself up to give him what he deserves, or will I lose him for good? GRIFFIN I’ve always been out and proud and not willing to compromise for anyone—until I lock eyes with defenseman Riley Easton in the weight room mirror after being traded to the Hornets. One look and my resolve flies out the window. What harm is a closet when you’ve got the flickering flame of a star-crossed passion to keep you company? When Riley goes down on that ice and is given a career death sentence, there’s no pretending what we are is fun and indulgent anymore. Riley has given me a home, not just with the team, but within himself, and I'm not willing to let that go. I just need to convince him that we’re worth fighting for, even if the person he has to fight is himself. Cherry Picking is an emotion-packed, teammates to lovers, secret relationship romance between a goalie who’s used to getting what he wants and a defenseman who won’t let himself believe he deserves it. The Games We Playis a multi-author minor league hockey romance series. All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere. less

Jake Radovitz is finally figuring himself out again. After he accidentally injured a friend so badly during a tournament that it ended the guy’s MMA career, Jake shied away from the mat and their friendship. Now he’s inching back into that world, working alongside his friend and coaching young fighters.Ethan Bernier is trying his level best to prove that he’s ready to move up from the farm team to the NAPH. He’s playing hard, he’s playing well… and he’s playing with some newfound grit... moreJake Radovitz is finally figuring himself out again. After he accidentally injured a friend so badly during a tournament that it ended the guy’s MMA career, Jake shied away from the mat and their friendship. Now he’s inching back into that world, working alongside his friend and coaching young fighters.Ethan Bernier is trying his level best to prove that he’s ready to move up from the farm team to the NAPH. He’s playing hard, he’s playing well… and he’s playing with some newfound grit. Unfortunately, a humiliating attempt at fighting turns him into the joke of the league.When a teammate suggests fighting lessons, Ethan agrees. Anything to avoid a repeat of that embarrassment.But it’s really, really hard to focus on the instruction when the fighting coach is the hottest man Ethan has ever seen.And now Jake is struggling to teach this cute student who’s making him face the bisexuality he’s tried to ignore.Even as their careers pick up steam, maybe they can have it professional success, strong friendships… and love they won’t have to hide from their fans.The Games We Play - Season 2 is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere! less

CallumI've wanted to play pro hockey since I was nine years old. That's when my grandfather looked at an angry, hurting, orphaned kid and said, "A sport might be a good way for you to work some of that out." Sadly, in the Under-11s division, punching people wasn't part of the game, which is how I ended up a goalie, to keep me out of temptation's way. Well, plus I'm good at it.Now I'm in the PHL, and have the second-best record (and yes, the most penalties) of any goalie in the league... moreCallumI've wanted to play pro hockey since I was nine years old. That's when my grandfather looked at an angry, hurting, orphaned kid and said, "A sport might be a good way for you to work some of that out." Sadly, in the Under-11s division, punching people wasn't part of the game, which is how I ended up a goalie, to keep me out of temptation's way. Well, plus I'm good at it.Now I'm in the PHL, and have the second-best record (and yes, the most penalties) of any goalie in the league. I'm aiming for the NAPH and when I make it, I'm going to pay off my grandfather's mortgage and get the family store back out of debt. I'm not going to let anything derail me, not my high-school crush moving in next door, nor my least-favorite uncle showing up. But sometimes determination isn't enough to keep life going my way.ZekeI joined the Vancouver police department to honor my military dad after he passed and do good in the world. But a long stint undercover left its marks, and now suddenly I'm the guardian for my twelve-year-old half-brother. I'm rethinking everything about my life, and scrambling to fit a bereaved pre-teen into my shift work. Only help from my elderly neighbor, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and his hockey player grandson, Callum, lets me keep my head above water.My attraction to Callum is a whole other problem. I'm trying hard not to let my appreciation for red hair and strong muscles and blunt honesty get out of control. Because Callum's gay but he's definitely not out and not looking for a relationship. We're just convenient. I'm not going to be the one to mess up his single-minded drive toward the top professional league. Until the day he comes to me, asking for help, and everything changes.The Games We Play - Season 2 - is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere! less

Part of The Games We Play seriesA small-town, slow-burn MM romance full of hockey, heart, and second chancesRoe MonroeTaking a lap in hockey purgatory wasn’t in my plan, but I guess even hockey players don’t plan on blowing out a knee, much less picking up some bad habits on how to deal with the injury.Fox River Falls wasn’t in the plan either, a town where gossip spreads faster than a slapshot and the local coffee shop doubles as a soap opera set... morePart of The Games We Play seriesA small-town, slow-burn MM romance full of hockey, heart, and second chancesRoe MonroeTaking a lap in hockey purgatory wasn’t in my plan, but I guess even hockey players don’t plan on blowing out a knee, much less picking up some bad habits on how to deal with the injury.Fox River Falls wasn’t in the plan either, a town where gossip spreads faster than a slapshot and the local coffee shop doubles as a soap opera set.I’m here to earn my way back to the NHL—not to flirt with the grumpy carpenter who hates everything I stand for.Too bad his kid worships me, his scowl kind of turns me on, and his quiet, steady belief in me? Yeah, that’s dangerous.I’m not here to stay. But he’s making me want things I swore I’d given up on.Gabe ThatcherI build things with my hands, raise my kid, and avoid the gossip that Fox River Falls loves so well.Roe Monroe is exactly the kind of trouble I don’t want, don’t need.He’s cocky, chaotic, and everything I swore I wouldn’t let near my son—or my heart.But he sees something in me I stopped believing was there. And when he looks at me, I forget my name.Somehow, he fits into the life I thought I was building alone.The Games We Play Season 2 is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere! less