Game Misconduct

Baran’s red-hot m/m debut kicks off with longtime rival hockey enforcers Michael Sato and Danny Garcia getting into a fight outside a bar that leads unexpectedly to sex right there in the alleyway. Gay Japanese American Mike wants to keep hockey and sex separate and vows not to let the encounter throw off his game, but provocative texts and Snapchatting with bisexual Latino Danny keep him intrigued and their on-ice fights quickly start to feel like foreplay. Video sex finally sends Mike over the edge; he can no longer deny that he and Danny are “combustible” together, even if he still wants to punch Danny in the face whenever they meet in person. Baran offers plenty of action both on the ice and between the sheets, but as the guys get closer, Danny’s heavy drinking starts to cause problems with both Mike and his own teammates. As Danny worries about his post-hockey career, his training skills help Mike improve his game. The sex may be rough, but the romance that develops out of it is surprisingly tender. This will scratch the itch for readers waiting for Rachel Reid’s next Game Changers novel. Agent: Deirdre Knight, Knight Agency. (May)