The Shots You Take by Rachel Reid

My absolute favourite trope of all the tropes is second chance. I know it’s not for everyone, and I totally get why, but I love that with second chances, we often get a lot of character growth during the time in between — the longer the time the better.

The Shots You Take had the growth, and it was good growth, but good communication didn’t seem to be part of that growth. I had some issues with how Adam steamrolled Riley after a fairly fucking devastating loss. I know Riley shutdown and refused to interact with Adam, but you know what? He was allowed,

I think Adam showing up was actually the correct call, and could have been a great way to begin the process of healing their friendship/relationship, but he should have fucked off when he was told to and come back once some time had passed and Riley, and his family, had time to process the massive loss they just experienced.

As it turned out, Adam being emotionally inept, helped to move things along, but I’m still not over how completely oblivious Adam was. This has to be what they mean when they talk about hockey boys not being too bright right? One too many concussions for Adam?

It does feel like he requires a lot of minding, and I think Riley is a nurturer and is happy to take on the role he had when they were younger, and this time to be able to live in the light, and I’m actually super happy for him, but a little tiny part of me thinks he deserves someone better than Adam. The good news is that Adam also knows this, and I do feel like he will spend the rest of their time together proving that, so I’ll take it!

Overall I did enjoy this though, and as second chances go it was a great one. There was lots of chemistry and even though they were frustrating, they were likable characters. It’s just that one has clearly had one too many concussions!

Synopsis:

A sweet and sexy hockey romance about two ex-teammates and former best friends with benefits who are about to discover whether you can ever really have a second chance, from the USA TODAY bestselling author of Heated Rivalry and Time to Shine.

After moving back to his hometown ten years ago, Riley Tuck thought he had left his major league hockey career—and his broken heart—far behind. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, it brings ex-teammate and former best friend with benefits Adam Sheppard back into his life. 

Coming to the small town of Avery River, Nova Scotia, might have been a mistake. Adam’s not sure he’ll ever win back Riley’s trust after the way they left things—and the attention he’s getting as a huge hockey star isn’t exactly helping. Yet the chemistry that crackles between them is undeniable, even now. 

As Adam helps Riley navigate his grief, long-buried feelings start to resurface. But they’ll have to square off with their complicated past if they’re going to have a real shot at a new beginning.