The Nature of the Game

Stick Side, Book 2

By: Amy Aislin

Narrated by: Adam Lawrence

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Six years ago, an ultimatum forced Dan Greyson to make a choice that cost him everything he loved most. One of those things? His boyfriend, hockey player Ashton Yager.

Now that they’ve crossed paths again, Dan isn’t about to let the opportunity slip away. Ash’s reappearance in his life is just the catalyst Dan needs to escape the rut he’s fallen into and win back Ash’s trust and love.

Ashton Yager, once burned and now a little bit shy, didn’t mean to publicly come out as bisexual. But now that he has, he’s got to deal with the consequences, including the fact that it might’ve cost him his NHL contract.

With his job on the line, he needs to keep his head down, work hard, and play the best hockey of his life. Rekindling things with Dan? That’s not exactly keeping a low profile. It’s also never going to happen, not after Dan walked away once without an explanation.

When a hurricane forces Ash to seek shelter out-of-state, he and Dan find themselves in the same B&B, where old feelings resurface. But with everything Ash has on the line, does he dare play with fire again?

©2019 Amy Aislin (P)2022 Amy Aislin

Amazing

I absolutely loved this contemporary sports romance.

Such a great book with a solid storyline and great characters.

I eagerly look forward to reading more from this author.

A definite recommend

A very entertaining read

I really enjoyed this one, I had a really good time reading it and the audiobook was absolutely lovely too, it was just so great and I enjoyed every seconds I spent listening to this one.

Second chance romances are one of my favourite trope in books and I just loved how this one was done, it was everything I love and want out of the trope.

*I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion.*

A loving second chance romance

A sweet story rife with miscommunication and an interfering mother who needs a good *witch* slap! There were several times I wanted to yell at both MCs in both present and the flashbacks to just freaking communicate already but I could also understand why it would have been so hard for both men. I loved the story and it was great to see Dan and Ash in such a great place by the end of the story. This was a new to me narrator and I enjoyed what he brought to the story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.

Freedom from the past for the future

Ash and Dan meet and fall in love, but Dan’s mother blackmails him to stay in the family business. He severs his relationships to protect his brother and Ash, but neither of them know why.

Now, 6 years later, Dan’s brother, Mitch, has a boyfriend who’s on the same hockey team as Ash, and he and Ash both feel the draw between them.

Ash has a hard time trusting Dan, but sees how he’s changed, is alone and sad, with all the changes leading back to their parting.

Dan finally comes full circle, telling Ash all that happened, realizing his own mistakes, and showing Ash he won’t repeat them. Even his Mom’s newest threat doesn’t work.

Well written story, with chapters from 6 years previous and the present. Each character has grown, and now Dan is ready to do what he wants, no longer influenced by his Mom’s threats. Ash is a sweetheart, working with a youth centre and facing coming out to become a role model.

I received this free ARC, and am glad to provide my honest review in appreciation.

Audiobook

A winning MM hockey romance

I read the book and was thrilled to see it out on audio. I enjoy the second-chance romance trope and this one doesn’t disappoint. The angst-level is higher than in some of the author's other books, but it is appropriate for the characters and what they’re going through. And the sex flashback is one of the funniest I’ve read, while fitting these two characters perfectly. The narrator starts out a little flat, but it’s worth hanging in there, because it doesn’t take him long to hit his stride. I love the series, and enjoy seeing the characters again in future books. I recommend both the book and the series.

Hard-fought HEA

The Nature of the Game is a romance featuring a love-burned hockey star, an artist trying to escape family exploitation, a perfectly timed hurricane, and a second chance to make things right. Ash never knew why Dan left him at the airport when their relationship was ready to take off, and Dan never had the courage to get out from under his mother's malicious manipulations. Unexpected circumstances force them together again, and each has the chance to reminisce, showing the reader a side-by-side progression of their first relationship with the one currently in motion. The character development is rich and rewarding, and the HEA is hard-fought and well-deserved. Lots of colorful side characters (including cameos from other book couples) make for an entertaining read. The audio, narrated by Adam Lawrence, is spectacular. He does a great job not only with differentiating characters' voices but with pacing and emotion as well. It is a listen to be savored!

Disclaimer: I received an audio copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

Loved!

I had previously read and loved this book and when the option was presented to listen, I jumped on it. I absolutely love Ash and Dan and their second chance romance. It was sweet with some angst and a lovely happily ever after. Highly recommended.

On point!

Story is heartfelt and beautiful ❤️😢 made me cry. Really connects on me. Love Dan & Ashton find their way back to eachother

Second chance romance with a sweet ending!

I absolutely love a good second chance romance story and The Nature of the Game is one of my favorite! I love Dan and Ash's chemistry, even after spending so many years apart. There is just something so sweet about seeing two people who are meant to be together find their way back to each other! It was great getting to see some of our favorite characters from the first book and see just how well they are still doing in the future, plus there are so many characters introduced now that I can't wait to see how else will get their own book in the future! The narration was excellent and I will happily listen to this narrator again in the future! Wonderful characters who just pull at your heart and great storylines that are engaging and sweet!

Second chance love story

This is a MM romance second chance story for Dan Greyson and Ice Hockey player Ashton Yager. My two favourite things in the world MM romance and ice hockey. This is book 2 in the Stick Side Series, set in the ice hockey world in Florida. I really felt sorry for Dan, his life controlled and blackmailed by his “Business Obsessed” mother. This book contained flashback to the start and end of their first relationship six years prior. Ash is such a goofy and loveable guy. This story finishes with a HEA and has great side characters.
I was given an ARC to listen to a review