Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Hey friends! So, how has this week been treating you? I just realized how many books I have on my TBR thanks to Sinners & Stardust last month and a trip to The Book Mill in Fall River, MA. Adding 25 new books to my collection has left my bookshelf overflowing! That is in addition to the six advanced books sitting in my queue that I have the privilege of sharing with you all.

Starting with the soonest to be released, I have Power Play by Mel McCabe. This book is thanks to NetGalley, Tantor Media, and Mel McCabe. This indie title is available now in digital and paperback, but I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of the audiobook to share with you today.

This book starts off with Kellan, whose home life is a lot. His stepdad left, and he is helping out his mom and younger siblings the best he can. He is also a hockey player for a Division I college team on a scholarship. He dreams of making it to the pros after he graduates, but he has a lot on his plate. Between hockey, his senior year, and the overnight job he needs to keep so he can help support his family, his grades start slipping. His coach requires him to get a tutor so he does not lose his eligibility.

Then we have Bennett “Wells” Wellington III, who works as a tutor because he absolutely loves it. He has a strict rule, though, about who he will, and in this case will not, tutor or hook up with. That includes student-athletes. Wells came to Radford to earn his family’s respect after coming out as a gay man, which they did not approve of.

When Kellan shows up for tutoring and is assigned to Wells, he realizes that Wells is not who he expected. Wells, for his part, has a hookup there when Kellan arrives! He is angry with Kellan for bullying him in high school, and did it to get a reaction from Kellen, but he does not expect Kellan not to remember him at all. He is going to make Kellan’s life hell, even if Kellan is everything he has ever wanted. That is, as long as he can resist him, especially when Kellan may not be who Wells thought he was after all.

Simon Dornet and Kevin Earlywine are the narrators for this novel, and they do a spectacular job voicing Wells and Kellan. I loved the dynamic between these characters, and without the expert storytelling from these voice actors, I am not sure this story would have been as enjoyable. They truly bring the tension, emotions, and chemistry between Wells and Kellan to life and are a big part of the reason I am giving this story 5 stars.

If you are a sports romance fan, especially a hockey romance fan, this is the perfect book to get you through your slump while waiting for the next season of Heated Rivalry. Also, did I mention it is spicy? The power dynamics between this hockey star and his tutor are perfect. I also loved getting to know the depth of these characters, what they have gone through, the baggage they carry, and how they are stronger because of it.

If you are looking for a great hockey romance on audiobook, pick this one up when it releases on Tuesday, September 15th.

Until next time, my friends, have a great weekend full of 5-star reads!