I'd give this a straight 3 -- it was okay, but I didn't love it (which disappointed me).

What I liked:
~ Daniel and Micah -- both are great characters, and I enjoyed being in each of their heads throughout the story.
~ seeing Seb and Tristan again -- they are still my favorite pair of the series.
~ Micah's unique job -- I really enjoyed learning more about marine biology and how humans can intervene and help with marine mammals.

What wasn't as strong:
~ the chemistry between the two -- for me, it wasn't there at all. We're <i>told</i> that they still have feelings for each other, but I didn't really feel it. It was lackluster, to say the least, and it's a shame since both characters are great people.
~ the plot -- <spoiler>it didn't work for me having Daniel leave his beloved Venom only to completely falter on the new team. Now I get that it's realistic -- it probably happens far more often than we realize -- but I don't always read for reality. Instead, I want to see the improbable (though still possible) come true. Especially for someone as interesting as Daniel, I really wanted more. Even his new job wasn't fleshed out as much as it could have been. In fact, imo, that could have saved the weaker plot right there -- having him more involved with the kids and getting to see his enthusiasm grow on the page (instead of simply being told what was happening).</spoiler>
~ the tension -- for me, there wasn't any. It simply started and ended on a very even keel with no real ups and downs throughout.

I will still look for more of this series, simply because I thought the first one was so amazing. But the two after it were not nearly as strong (for me); hopefully the next one will return to the intensity of the first. :)

If you’ve read the Hat Trick series, you know that one of the leads in this novel, Daniel, is the quintessential nice guy, so maybe it’s not surprising that his romance is also very nice. Nice does not make for a riveting read, though.

Trade Deadline is a second chance friends-to-lovers romance. Fresh off winning the Stanley Cup, Daniel gets an offer to join the losingest team in the NHL. He decides to take the offer, in part because Daniel’s interested in the challenge of helping turn the team around, but also because it allows him to move back to his hometown in Florida. At the first game with his new team, Daniel meets up with his childhood bestie, Micah. Micah is thrilled to be reunited his friend and first crush (also first kiss!), and the two of them easily fall back into friendship. The attraction between them grows to the point that they decide to try dating, which is almost as effortless. The only shadow over their relationship is Daniel’s increasing unhappiness with his hockey team and what that might mean for his career.

That is literally the only conflict in the book. Daniel and Micah are both nice people. I enjoyed reading about the two of them together; they make a nice couple, with the only real fireworks being in the bedroom. The hockey is a problem, but one that’s ultimately not difficult to resolve. It’s all very low stakes, so the story doesn’t have a lot of tension.

Hockey lovers should be aware that the hockey action is also pretty low key. Daniel’s getting close to retirement, and that shows in the focus of the story. It’s definitely not an underdog makes good tale, either.

Overall, I liked the book, but it didn’t blow me away. I’m looking forward to the upcoming spinoff series, though, because it seems like one of my favorite secondary characters is going to get his own romance. I’m hoping for good things for him!

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

This is Daniel Bellamy’s story after winning the Stanley cup he gets an offer to join his hometown team which is the worst team in the league. He takes the offer to go back home. He reconnects with his best friend from his teenage years Micah who also made his dreams come true he is a marine biologist working for an aquarium and helping to rehabilitate injured marine mammals. They rebuild there friendship and begin to explore there feelings for each other now that they are adults and back together.

Daniel won all that’s to win in the NHL and when the opportunity is there to return to Miami to help out the Miami Thunder club, he’s in. Miami is home!

Micah is a marine biologist and works at the Biscayne Bay Aquarium. His Instagram tells him Daniel will return to Miami.
Micah and Daniel were best friends and share their first kiss. But hockey was Daniel’s biggest love.
Daniel was out of his league now with all the big NHL money, there’s a big chance Daniel wouldn’t recognize Micah at all after two decades. Ha!
After reconnecting they start more than only friendship.

“Every time he laughs, your face lights up. It’s like this automatic response, and it’s adorable.”

Micah's heart belongs to Daniel, he loves so many things about him. But he wants to keep distance. Because at the end Daniel will leave, for hockey, again.
He will never be the one to follow Daniel, he has his life and dream-job in Miami.

A friendly warm read, with mature characters, where ex’s are friends for life and involved.
Where friends and beautiful family are of importance.
What I missed was some kind of struggle, it did go all a bit too smoothly, some tension, struggle or fight would give it a bit more juice. The last part on the other hand was special. For the rest no complaints, it was a lovely story, thoroughly developed, with the most lovely main characters.

<b>I was kindly given an ARC of this book on Netgalley by the publisher.</b>
(I also pre-ordered it, and now have two copies, because I’m all about supporting my favorite authors)

The third installment of the Hat Trick series by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn is probably their sweetest book so far. The main characters, Daniel and Micah, are such good people, sweet and ever deserving of hugs that you wish for their HEA from page two. Four stars from me: it’s an enjoyable read, well written, well edited.

Daniel Bellamy is the former captain of the Atlanta Venom who signs a contract with the Miami Thunder, his hometown team; freshly divorced, he moves to Miami and his ex-wife and children with him. Micah Kelly works for an aquarium and manages a dolphin’s IG account in his spare time. The two used to be neighbors when they were children, shared their first kiss and then life got in the way and separated them; life also reunites them and makes them share a city again. They meet, they date, they end up happily ever after together. Daniel and Micah are such good people, stand-up guys, that this book has basically no drama at all: I found it endearing. There is no drama in their relationship because when you’re honest then things are going to be good - and in 2020, in such interesting times, I needed to read something so calm and adorable. It’s not that there’s no struggle, no choices to make to move forward with this relationship and this novel, but it’s all so transparent and handled maturely that it’s like a breath of fresh air.

The Hat Trick series is unlike any other hockey romance series I have ever read. It’s got this calm vibe, this honesty and lack of character flaws that it’s so pure. It’s what makes it special and I like it. This is the perfect novel for an end-of-summer afternoon, when you just want to sit in the shadow, drink some iced tea and enjoy the calmness of a backyard with crickets as the main soundtrack. You’re going to end up with a smile on your face - and then, if you are so inclined, you can go and have an ulcer because playoff hockey is on and the Tampa Bay Lightning are ruining your chances to see the age of 35.

3.5 Stars

Trade Deadline, the third book in the Hat Trick series is a sweet second chance romance. Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn once again deliver with a nice sports romance.

Daniel and Micah were once best friends and were each other's first kiss. Now reunited, this is their journey of renewing old friendships and developing a romantic relationship.

I love Daniel. He's a bisexual hockey player who moves to a new team for a meaningful challenge in his career. His ex wife and kids follow. The relationship he has with his ex is phenomenal and I admire them greatly for the way they are together. It's a nice change from the vile and bitter ex wife we often see in romances. And the kids are adorable.

The sports aspect of the story is well done, all about team dynamics, including motivation and jealousy. This book isn't heavy on the hockey though, rather about the team and Daniel's future with the team.

Micah's job at the aquarium makes for a fun read. There's dolphins, sea animals that are recovering from injuries, and a passion for sea life.

Written in alternating third person pov, the reader is gifted with both men's stories and feelings. The story revolves around Daniel's uncertain career future, and Micah's internal uncertainty about Daniel's place in his life. I loved it at the beginning, but found myself losing interest as it went on. It's okay, but rather slow at times.

If you are looking for a story about a closeted athlete and his struggles to come out, this is not that novel. This is a tale that has no emphasis on sexuality, as Daniel is happily out as bisexual.

Trade Deadline is a sweet second chance romance. Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn are a must read combo for me. I adore their hockey romances and this one is no different. They once again combo intriguing characters with a compelling storyline.

4.5 stars
This is the third book in the Hat Trick hockey series. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fabulous; the storyline was captivating; and the pace made it hard to put down. I have really enjoyed this series and can’t wait for the next book.

GAH

Adorable and light on the angst. Grown ups who deal with their concerns by GASP talking about them and not letting them fester. Childhood sweethearts to adult friends to lovers.

Bellzie has five rescue puppies because I needed more reasons to love him? Micah rescues marina animals because this story needed all the good things in the world.

Might be my favorite of the series. *glances at Ryu* maybe.

Trade Deadline by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn


Daniel Bellamy, who plays for the Atlanta Venom (the NHL team featured in the first two Hat Trick books) has been given the opportunity to play for the Miami Thunder. They aren’t the best team in the league (they’re closer to the bottom in terms of stats), but the Thunder is his hometown team.

As much as moving back to Miami is a dream come true, Daniel never thought he would reconnect with Micah Kelly, his childhood best friend AND his first kiss. Micah is all grown up and he works at the aquarium, and Daniel is still totally attracted to him.

This book is super cute. First of all, it was low-angst. The biggest stressor in the narrative is Daniel’s adjustment to playing for a new team. It’s clearly not what he was expecting, but he’s determined to make the most of it.

But as far as Daniel and Micah’s relationship, there was no obstacle to overcome and no misunderstanding that blew up into some big fight. Yes, there was a vague possibility that Daniel might not stay in Miami for hockey, and that would be a problem because it wouldn’t be easy for Micah to transfer to another aquarium. But I never had to suspend my disbelief that things wouldn’t work out for them; they never had to work for their HEA—they just stumbled into it.

And do you know what?

An easy book like this is exactly what I needed amidst all the real-life stress in the world. Watching those two dorks reconnect, and for Daniel to acknowledge his bisexuality was simply lovely. Daniel is divorced, and he and his ex-wife Tabby have such a healthy and productive co-parenting relationship. Conversely, Micah’s parents don’t speak to him because of his sexuality, but this is not a main plot point, and Micah does have support from his queer found family/friend group.

I would recommend Trade Deadline to fans of queer hockey books. This is the third book in a series, but it functions well enough as a standalone because Daniel is breaking away from the Venom to start a new life in Miami. However, fans of the series will appreciate Daniel’s old teammates popping up a couple of times throughout the book. Confession time: I haven’t actually read the first book in the series, but my interest has definitely been piqued and I’ll be adding it to my TBR.

I really enjoyed this story. A feel good second chance hockey romance with engaging MC and realistic conflicts. It definitely made me want to go read previous books in the series. I thought the interpersonal conflict was very realistic in that Micah was hesitant to discuss his fears but eventually did so it did not drag on too long. I also felt that it was realistic in how Daniel dealt with moving on from his marriage. The conflict between Daniel and his new team was an interesting twist and I loved how the author showed his frustrations about his inability to mentor and motivate. Very descriptive with steamy scenes and hot dirty talk. There's some fun in revisting their walkie talkies from their youth. Definitely recommend!

I do enjoy the way this hockey world keeps expanding with new characters and partnerships, and contracting as we see previous couples develop more.

Danny and his best bud from school Micah reconnect after many years, still holding secret unrequited crushes for each other. This makes their new friendship natural, and their next steps into dating seem possible. The angst mostly happens internally - Micah worried Bellzie will be traded suddenly, and Danny considering the right time for retirement.

Daniel's family are a great addition. I appreciated how supportive his ex wife is. I think moving with him to Florida was a huge step, but it allowed Micah a chance to bond with Daniel's children, and his job at a marine park, and all the dolphin stuff was really child-friendly.

I can see opportunities for new books in this series, and I hope there are more.

This one comes out tomorrow. Thanks Netgalley and Carina Press. I really did engage with this love story.

I loved it!

Trade Deadline is a great story about childhood friends who rediscover each other so it fits two of my most favorite romance tropes: friends-to-lovers and second chance stories.

Daniel and his wife had a very amicable divorce and they remain good friends. When he accepts a trade to the Miami NHL team, she and their two kids move as well. So, everything should be good for him but something stills feels like it's missing.

Micah and Daniel were friends before Daniel's family moved to give him a better chance to succeed at hockey. Micah has achieved his dream of working with dolphins and he is the head animal care specialist at a Miami aquarium. When is finds out that Daniel is moving to Miami he wonders if they will be able to reconnect.

I loved everything about this book. The audio performance by Kirt Graves was fantastic. His voice is easy to listen to and the different characters were easy to distinguish.

Daniel and Micah's connection really came through in the writing and narration. They resumed their friendship almost like no time had passed. Things aren't all smooth sailing, however. The trade to a new NHL team didn't go quite the way that Daniel had hoped and he has decisions to make that will affect his budding romance with Micah.

This has been such a great series and I'm sorry to see it come to an end.

An ebook review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book. An audio review copy was provided by Harlequin Audio.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

This is a m/m hockey romance so I was going in expecting all the angst and issues that go along with a possible closeted NHL player with an ego to go with his salary. I was wrong on both fronts. Daniel was bi and he by no means spent time hanging in the closet. He was also the sweetest and most thoughtful hockey player I've ever read. I adored his easy going personality and how he doted on his kids. Another thing in the win column for this one was how they portrayed his ex wife. Even though their marriage didn't work out Daniel and Tabby remained friends and co parents. She was extremely likable and friendly. It was a breath of fresh air from how ex's are usually portrayed as total wenches, especially if they happen to be women.

Micah on the other hand was a bit insecure for my tastes. He was constantly worried that Daniel was going to get traded off to some far away team that he was missing out on enjoying the here and now. Relationships aren't always easy, they take work. Daniel never gave any indication he wasn't willing to put that work in or that he would want to discontinue their relationship if it ended up they needed to do long distance for part of the year. If you love someone you don't let them go that easily.

Other than Micah's worries, there was basically zero drama between Micah and Daniel. Their reconnecting friendship organically moved into romantic territory. It never seemed rushed to me. Neither was the steam aspect. The major drama happening in the book was coming from Daniel's new hockey team, the Thunders. Team moves are tough, never mind the fact that the team has been hanging in last place for quite some time now. Morale isn't good. Daniel is hoping to change that and not everyone is as excited about his move as he is.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Micah's job at the aquarium and his adorable dolphin friend Silver. She's an injured dolphin who would never be able to survive outside the aquarium. The dolphin even has his own Instagram for selfies! How cute!! Though he and Micah are bonded, it made me happy that he does explain that Silver is not a pet. He is a wild animal living in his aquarium habitat for health reasons.

The book ends with a definite HEA. I was happy with how everything turned out. I think Daniel ended up exactly where he needed to be to have a happy, fulfilling life. It also didn't hurt that he knew he had Micah for the long haul no matter what happened.

3.5 Stars

While I adore most of the (recurring) characters in Gale/Vaughn’s third “Hat Trick” installment, to me TRADE DEADLINE wasn’t as cracking as the first in the series. Daniel “Bellzie” Bellamy was one of a prominent supporting characters in the previous books of Gale/Vaughn’s “Hat Trick” series. And as such I liked him a great deal, likewise his family - the ex and children, included.

What I felt missing was a certain oomph in the story. Daniel was comfortable with his own sexuality (so there was no drama in this department) and from the first he reunited with Micah, it was a given how he felt for him. Micah on the other hand wasn’t exactly confidence what the future would bring - what with their past and Daniel’s nature of work. BUT - here’s what I fumed about - there’s a lack of exploitation about it (despite both of them being a pair of adult). Much of the relationship is based of assumption(!) with either leading men forwent chances to raise the issues for something or other.

Daniel being in a new team also another interesting issue. Still, I felt there’s not much effort in exploring it other than on the surface. Of course, it wasn’t a total bummer for me. I loved how these two reconnected; Micah taking the step just with gesture and reciprocated by Daniel was among my favorite scene. But I guess the potential with their issue as well as Daniel’s job weren’t dug in deep enough.


Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Trade Deadline caught my attention for so many reasons.
It’s a:
💙 Sports
💚 Second Chance
💜 MM Romance
I love each individually so together I was in heaven.
Daniel is riding the high of his team’s Stanley Cup Win. Ten years playing hockey has left him a wealthy man. Recently divorced, he has an incredible relationship with his ex wife and the two work hand in hand raising their children. Deciding he needs a change, he accepts a trade to his hometown where he would like to spend his last years before retiring.
Micah is a marine biologist, he is a gay man, working his dream job. After being disowned by his uber religious family, Micah found solace in the LGBTQA community and the friend’s he made their are his extended family.
Micah and Daniel were childhood friends. They shared many experiences together, including their first kiss. They crushed hard on each other but grew apart when Daniel moved away to pursue hockey.
When Daniel returns home, the two reunite and the attraction between them is strong. They start dating and fall slowly, sexily and beautifully in love. With the support of their friends and family, Daniel and Micah get their much deserved happily ever after. TBR and Enjoy!

While still a hockey book, this one is very different from the previous books in this series. While not completely a stand alone, it definitely doesn't require full knowledge of the previous books in the series. I enjoyed the main character very much and I appreciated his story line of falling out of romantic love with his wife, even though they were still close friends. It allowed for one of my favorite tropes (second chances) to proceed with out feeling like his previous relationship was one of the main sources on conflict in the story. The other main character Micah is sweet and lovely. I appreciated how even though Daniel is an athlete it didn't focus so much on a season where his team is winning and everything is focused on a championship because it meant the story broke from the traditional athlete story line. Overall, Trade Deadline is worth a read especially if you are fans of the authors, hockey, or second chance romances.

I hate to say this but I was disappointed in this story. Yes, the characters were very well developed with full enriching lives. Each man had worked for and met the career goals he had as a child: Micah as a marine biologist and Daniel as a pro hockey player. They grew up together—until Daniel’s family moved to Chicago when he was a teen so he could pursue further training to develop his hockey skills. Once best friends, they quickly renewed their friendship now that Daniel has been traded to the Miami Thunder and lives in the Miami area near Micah. And now that Daniel has revealed he’s bisexual.

Here's the catch: I didn’t feel their thunder, er, their chemistry, at all. (Pardon my play on the Tampa Bay Lightning tag line, Feel the Thunder. I would be remiss in not saying that it was very unoriginal to name the Miami team the Thunder when three hours north is the highly acclaimed Tampa Bay Lightning team that uses that thunder tag.)

There was too much page time devoted to Tabby, Daniel’s ex-wife, who was the extreme opposite of the usual cranky ex-wives we read about. She was an angel, the perfect friend and the perfect mother to their perfect children, and even became a perfect friend to Micah. A little bitchiness would have gone a long way toward making her human.

Daniel’s issues with his new hockey team and his career goals took up most of the story. There was more narrative than dialogue and very little game time. Those games kept me glued to the story in the first two books in the series and were greatly missed in this one. There was some relationship building and a lot of internal debate by Micah about whether or not he could commit to someone who might leave him…again. With the trade deadline looming and the Thunder at the bottom of the rankings, Micah feared Daniel would leave the area and Micah’s job at a sea wildlife rescue was too unique and precious to him. But the struggles didn’t have a lot of power and though the men talked about it, it was only a so-so conflict. Even the final chapters where major decisions were looming were not so compelling as to make me read straight through. And in the previous books, I did just that. In fact, on the heels of the fantastic dynamic between Ryu and Army in Goalie Interference, this one didn’t even come near the same sexual or career-level tension.

Despite that, the epilogue was terrific and left me feeling very happy indeed. And the guest appearances by past Venom players and their partners were much appreciated. Trevor Morley deserves his own story. This big-hearted, loud, stalwart friend deserves his own man. Possibly that player named Sean who seems to bring out the worst in Trevor? Hmm, I smelled a setup for book four in that segment and I sure hope I’m right.

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series – and I would recommend that you read the earlier ones as they are excellent, and lead you to the point that Venom has won the Stanley Cup. Captain Daniel Bellamy is definitely delighted, but his career is nearing an end, and whilst he doesn't want to leave Venom, he recognises that he has one or two seasons left. When his hometown team in Miami offer him a good deal, he decides it is time to go home. This sets off a sequence of events which he could never imagine, but that in the end, turn out to be amazing!

Daniel's ex-wife chooses to move to Miami too with their children, so at least he will have family close by as he makes the transition to the bottom of the league Miami Thunders. Little did he expect to see his first-ever crush, Micah, though! As they still feel the attraction pinging. Daniel has to acknowledge that his future could be with this man. The journey is not simple, and I loved both the sport and the time we spend at the aquarium – what a great mix.

His hockey career is truly in the gutter; the Thunder team is just not gelling, and his experience, instead of helping, has set everyone on edge. Even after he tries to make peace with the captain, the atmosphere is not great... what is happening to the stellar career now? Thank goodness for his wonderful ex, his lovely children, and now Micah, for showing him what is what.

Very enjoyable, fun, sexy, and unputdownable read.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This story of a Stanley Cup winning captain who transfers to the league’s worst team as one last career challenge is unusual because the hockey element of the book is pretty depressing. Fortunately, the romance that blooms between Daniel and his childhood best friend is wonderful and definitely with a few lost hockey games.

Micah is probably the true hero of this book – and as a marine biologist rescuing dolphins and turtles, he might actually have an even better job than Daniel does. Micah is passionate and successful and the only flaw I can see is that he’s almost too perfect. But Daniel isn’t far off perfect either. As a hockey player at the end of his career, Daniel has accomplished every possible career goal. All he needs to do is work out a plan for his life after hockey.

I love the way Micah and Daniel’s childhood friendship translates into an adult connection that is pretty magical. I love the playful banter between these two and I love the way they are both so proud of each other for realising their childhood dreams.

I think my only reservation about this story is the fact that everything and everyone is almost perfect. Even Daniel’s ex-wife is amazing. My favourite Avon Gale hockey books involve slightly more flawed and more colourful characters. And while Daniel’s new team is a car crash, Daniel and Micah are squeaky clean. They even communicate like grownups. Daniel and Micah’s story is lovely and it would make an inspiring Hallmark movie. I just miss the grit, the attitude, and the humour I’ve come to expect from Avon Gale’s hockey writing.

the latest installment in the hat trick series, trade deadline finds daniel "bellzie" bellamy back in his home state of florida, playing for his league-worst home team, after years of success and a stanley cup win. micah kelly has no idea if his childhood bestie remembers him. do you forget your first kiss? maybe if you end up being a straight hockey player you blackout the past. it can't hurt to go to a game. there's no way daniel will recognize micah.

except he does. and it turns out that bellzie is not straight. he's bi, and those feelings that were forgotten years ago? come blazing back into the present. micah can't believe his teenaged dreams are coming true. but all of this is new to daniel, and how can he trust that it will work out. especially when it looks like daniel's time with the home team will be short.

these questions are all answered in a very satisfying way. i don't know if there are more installments planned in this series, but i hope so. i do adore these hockey players.

**trade deadline will publish on august 17, 2020. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/carina press in exchange for my honest review.

Lovely sports romance featuring a childhood-best-friends-and-crushes-reunite-and-fall-in-love-(again) storyline between two men who followed their dreams.

Content warnings include: tricky career choices and uncomfortable working environment, unprotected sex on-page (after discussion about it); mentions of animal rehabilitation due to accidental injuries, homophobic parents kicking out gay teen.

This was sweet and wholesome, with low drama and overall very feel good vibes.
Daniel was great in the previous books, the Venom's levelheaded captain, and I loved Micah too - especially his absolute cluelessness when it comes to sports.
The romance was straightforward, but not too fast, with Micah and Daniel reconnecting naturally and only through a dose of luck.

Tension is created mostly through issues with Daniel's job; he is a pro hockey player, who after being on the top team in the previous season switches to play on the team dead last in the league and moving to his childhood hometown. That's how he meets Micah, his childhood best friend and first crush, again.
Micah has his dream job too, as a manager at a marine animal rehabilitation aquarium where he oversees the animal treatment plans and gives tours. All scenes at his job were adorable.

Equally adorable were Daniel's kids. I loved that he had a great relationship with his ex-wife, who is also his close friend. He even referred to her as "one of his soulmates" once, which I loved - not just the idea that a soulmate doesn't need to be romantic or sexual, but also that you can have more than one.

There is a bit of insecurity and anxiousness over the relationship from Micah's side, but no miscommunication occurrs, and it's all talked out calmly.

I loved seeing Daniel's close friends, who are also the protagonists of the previous books in the series, Off the Ice and Goalie Interference. I would also have liked to see more of Micah's friends, who are new characters but seemed great.

My absolute highlight of the books were the Rumbles however, a hockey team consisting of 5 and 6-year-olds that Daniel volunteers to coach. They were THE CUTEST.

If you want a low stakes romance that is sweet and engaging, with sports and animals and cute kids on the side, then you'll absolutely love Trade Deadline!