Coach Stare Down

For Puck's Sake, Book 6

By: Crea Reitan

Narrated by: Shawn K. Jain, Simon Dornet

All it takes is just one look.

Adak

After a series of relationships where I've been made to feel inadequate because of my asexuality, I've made the sole focus of my life my coaching career. I love hockey—the chill of the ice, the fast-paced, high-stress game. I love the fans and the atmosphere. The energy. Now that I'm coaching in the NHL, I feel a sense of serenity and comfort with life. All that's left is to get my team to the Stanley Cup.

A series of unfortunate injuries has riddled the Bobcats into a serious funk. The frustration that my boys feel echoes through me, and after one of the most horrible plays I've ever witnessed, I turn my back on the ice—only to catch his eyes. Suddenly, I know what I've been missing. In a sea of over 15,000 faces, I found the one I've been waiting my entire life for.

There's sadness in his eyes that's only overcome with the fear behind it. Nothing will stop me from making Oren mine and giving him the life and love he deserves. Nothing.

Oren

My life is shit. I'm the pariah of my family, for hell knows why. All I want is to get away. But I tried once—at nineteen, I ran, and my father, with his buddies on the police force, dragged me home. I've since been dragged down into submission.

But then I meet his eyes, and everything inside me just… shifts. Adak takes a chance on me, and I think that perhaps my father has finally met a wall he can't barrel through to keep control. That is until he starts blasting his hate everywhere.

I wouldn't blame Adak if he chose to leave. This is his career on the line. His image and reputation. Am I worth it?

This is an LGBT+ story with content for mature listeners.

©2024 Amber Reitan writing as Crea Reitan (P)2025 Podium Audio

Love the story

Love the story, huge fan of the author, but the one narrator speaks as if he’s giving a lecture. Everything is monotone, no infliction, no life, it’s just not what I prefer for an audio book.

I wasn’t expecting these two.

This book was my first asexual book. As I’ve seen many post from the author stating that this one had low heat and people were complaining about it. I for one was very happy with everything about this one. I wasn’t sure what to expect bc I normally go for spice but these two had a different kind of need that wasn’t sexual but more of what I felt like was an emotional understanding. And that was perfect for them both. I wanted to get to know Adak after Rake and Egon and I’m glad I gave it a chance. It broadened my education on this particular sexuality and helped me understand that I don’t always have to have heat to get a good book all around. I loved how Oren began to find his true self and embrace who he really wanted to be. I would’ve loved to know what he decided to do with his career. I loved how Adak didn’t have to feel guilty bc of who he was. Oren was understanding and was getting to know himself as well.

most unique

most unique story I have ever listened to. Never had a story about asexual person
very sad story about family abuse or control. outstanding job. Will check out more of your books. thank you

Great story

I really enjoyed this story the realness of the situations made it even better. Due to the many books i have listened to i completely ignored the bad reviews they are completely invalid in my opinion. I enjoyed this book and what it had to give given Adak is asexual the book is a good listen even with no spice the sweet moments and how he takes care of him make up for it. I recommend this one. I cant wait to see whats next.

Good overall but

I don’t mean this in a disrespectful way but while I was really interested and invested in the asexual representation, to me it didn’t feel right that Oren would never ever get to experience intercouse and was more or less reinforced into the situation/relationship by needing saving from his home life.