I’ve read the other books in this series and this one didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed it and look forward to continuing to read more from this author. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

this books was so steamy and sweet. The two main characters were actually perfect for each other. A great addition to the series!

In this 4th Game Changer’s romance, Veteran goaltender Eric Bennett is divorced, facing the end of his career, and ready to make changes in his life—like finally acknowledging that he’s bisexual. The last spurred by a strong attraction to Kyle, a younger man he met through Scott and Kip (Game Changer). Kyle is gun-shy of relationships with older men and coming off a big crush on Kip, but Eric is everything he’s drawn to. They are exactly what the other needs if they could just get past their fears and talk. I genuinely appreciate the way Reid spins her relationships throughout this series allowing for discovery, growth, and real lasting love. Oh, and of course, Ilya!!! Looking forward to more in the series!

I really loved this latest installment in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series. This one features Eric, a 41 year old goalie who is coming to terms with his bisexuality, and Kyle, a 25 year old student/bartender in love with his best friend Kip (from book one of the series). I love bisexual rep in books and I loved Eric to bits. He is wonderful, and he and Kyle have great chemistry together.

The main conflict is their age difference, and I actually wouldn’t have minded the way it was drawn out if it had resolved without the ~ drama at the end- this was a case where less would have been more and it would have felt much more authentic and less rushed and forced. That’s the only reason this isn’t a five star book - it’s another great book in a great series.

I am seriously loving all things from the Game Changers series! Yummy hockey player sexual exploration with an age gap. *sigh*

We first met Kyle and Eric Bennett in Game Changer (book 1 in the series). Kyle was the flirty bartender who became friends/hit on Kip. Eric or "Benny" was the goalie on Scott's NHL team and close friend. Now we're back in New York with the Admirals team (about 2-1/2 years after Scott epic on-ice coming out)

Eric "Benny" Bennett at 41, is a seasoned goalie staring down the barrel of retirement. Because, in hockey 41 is ancient, even for a goalie. Eric has done absolutely everything to try to keep his body in pristine condition- he's a vegetarian, he does intensive yoga every day, he doesn't drink- you name it, Eric is all over that mess. But his calm and controlled life was recently dealt an upheaval when his wife of many (many) years decided the flame was gone. He is about 1 year out from his divorce and he's realizing how lonely his life has become. Also, now that he's been exposed more so to Scott Hunter's out and fabulous lifestyle and he is no longer coupled- he can start to explore the entirely un-experienced aspect of his bisexuality. Problem is, he has no idea how to get back into the dating game, and even less so of how to do that with a man.

Kyle has the unfortunate discomfort of being helplessly in infatuation (lust/crush/love- pick your poison) with one of his best friends. Also, that man (Kip) just so happens to be madly in love with his fiance, the NHL superstar Scott Hunter and has not only a very manly fairytale romance going on but only has eyes for Scott. Kyle has been hurt badly in the past and just his luck his heart has, yet again, chosen a horrible love situation for him.

Kyle and Eric are thrown together in multiple situations and their mutual attraction and appreciation for each other's company contribute to Kyle agreeing to show Eric the male-relationship and bedroom ropes as it were. Their chemistry is really very good and I enjoyed the slight power D/s play they had going. Kyle really was the yang to Eric's yin.

I was a bit frustrated with the continuous internal hedging on what the other might want. I am not a fan of the lack of communication plot tension troupe. Although, I will admit, here it was believable. Kyle had very real relationship issues with dating an older man. Eric felt the 15 year age gap was too much for Kyle plus he just didn't know how relationships with men worked or how to really communicate with Kyle. But, the chemistry was undeniable and they did work it out in the end... even if it did take longer than I wanted. I do wish we could have seen more of them dating and working out after they DTR (defining the relationship) happened.

All in all, I really enjoyed the book. There were some great cameos (yum, Ilya). And, in case you were worried, even though this is a bit of a sex practice book, the romance aspect of it is still very nicely at a slow burn pace. Definitely recommend this series and cannot wait for more.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Cuteness overload
Although "Common Goal" is part of a series of gay NHL stories by Rachel Reid it can totally be read as a stand-alone - and it should be read if you like a bit of age-gap romances, cuteness, sexy hockey players and snarky conversations.
In the story you get to meet Kyle (25) and Eric (40/1) who know each other because of common friends. While Kyle is an art grad student, Eric is the star goalie of the New York Admirals hockey team who is recently divorced and is currently figuring out his sexuality. Kyle is supporting him in this venture - in every way possible.
It's a cute, sexy, plausible enough and well-written story, so you can't put your book down until the very last page. Meaning also: the development of the relationship between Kyle and Eric as well as the (possible) HEA take their time and as the eReader pages ticked by I was afraid there might not be a HEA at the end waiting for the reader. So, it had me on edge and I might have lost some nerves over it!
My one big point of critique is that there are some scenes, conversations and thoughts that I would have loved to read in more detail (e.g. the day spend hiking, the weeks after the hiking); sometimes the leaps in time were too big and could have been filled with more detail and information about the characters' thoughts and feelings. It would have added to the character development, although the characters are lovely and well-rounded, lovable and credible in every way. Especially Eric found his way into my heart.

It's not a story we haven't read before but it has its own moments which similar stories don't have and it is so well-written and warm that it doesn't matter to read just another age-gap-story with two perfect MCs (Seriously, who wouldn't?). I had fun reading it, I enjoyed every page of it and so, I can only recommend it.

”If Kyle had one weakness—and he didn’t; he had many—it was confident, attractive older men. Also, confident, attractive younger men. Also, men.”

This book was wonderful!!! I absolutely loved the dynamic between Eric and Kyle. It was low angst, playful, endearing, and so much fun to read. I would rank this book right underneath Heated Rivalry, because let’s be real, no one can beat Shane and Ilya. Speaking of those two, I adored all the scenes we got with them (mostly my boy Ilya who’s the most loveable jerk ever) in addition to the amount of Scott and Kip we got!! This book really made me appreciate those two a lot more.

Both the friendships and the romance were really strong in this book. Eric’s friendship with Scott was so precious and heartwarming and I love how supportive they were of each other. I enjoyed the conflicted friendship Kyle had with Kip and how it developed over time. I also just really appreciated the Admiral’s hockey team and how protective and supportive they were of their teammates!!! I like seeing how Rachel writes these team dynamics, especially when they’re dealing with protecting minorities and stepping up to stop any kind of harassment.

I’m so excited to see where the next books in this series take us, and to finally get another Shane and Ilya book in the future, because everyone needs more of them in their life.

This is the second book in the Game Changers series. Although there are some links between the various books, with previous (and future) characters popping up, these are really standalone stories. This time there was quite a bit about the couple from the first book, but having not read it, I didn't really know much about them.
Kyle and Eric have quite a sweet relationship. They are doing their best to not get involved. Kyle knows that he hasn't got the best track record when it comes to relationships with older me and is doing his best to avoid men like Eric. Eric can't help but feel that fifteen years is too big an age gap and that he shouldn't be interested in Kyle. It doesn't help that he's also coming to terms with the fact that he plans to retire from hockey and this will be his last season.
The more time that Kyle and Eric spend together, the clearer it becomes that they really are perfect together. I don't really want to give the wrong idea here. When I say that they are sweet together, this still has plenty of heat and sex. It's just that the two characters are quite sweet with one another as they fall in love, even though they are trying their hardest not to fall for each other, it's clear that it's a lost cause and that they cannot resist. I enjoyed this latest instalment in the Game Changers series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another great addition to the Game Changers series. Reading book 1 will give you more background for the story but it’s not necessary.

Highly enjoy this series, and this book. Great UST in the beginning and I really enjoyed Kyle’s personality coupled with Eric’s.

Thank you Carina Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

I love how Rachel Reid can take an oh so common trope and then give it a refreshing update to make it feel like you're reading something totally new.

Here it's a "fear over the age gap" between the two men making both wary and unwilling to admit feelings are developing.

And, in spite of the fact that a lack of communication is usually one of my most hated plot tension points, here it was absolutely believable.

We've met both main characters before. Eric is the goalie for book one's Scott Hunter and Kyle is Scott's fiance Kip's friend and workmate.

Both have very real reasons for why the 15 year age gap between them is a stumbling block.

This is also, bizarrely considering just how hot and steamy it gets, a slow burn romance.

But it completely works. Eric is facing retirement and, a year on from his divorce, has been thinking about exploring his bisexuality.

Kyle has been badly hurt by an older, married man, and the fall out from that is still smarting seven years later.

What I loved most about this book was the powerful juxtaposition between the two men in bed - where Kyle lets loose on all his control needs and Eric is a willing participant - and in their daily lives which are very much an equal exchange of stimulation conversation between adults with so much in common.

It's funny seeing from the outside what everyone else knows, that they are a perfect partnership if only they can get over themselves.

Rachel Reid skilfully weaves the tensions right past the annoying 75% plot point 😉 and almost to the very end before bringing things to a very satisfying conclusion.

I received an e-ARC of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin.

I've read and enjoyed the first three books in this series so I was excited to continue with this book. And I was happy to see more of both guys in this book as they were each best friends with the two guys from Game Changers, book one in the series.

Crushes feature heavily in this book. Kyle has a crush on Kip (from book one), who is madly in love with his fiance and off limits. Eric is immediately intrigued by Kyle and it develops into a crush pretty soon. Then as Kyle gets to know Eric, he gets a crush back. But Eric is way older and feels like he's not good for Kyle so he doesn't tell him how he feels. Kyle's been hurt by an older guy before so he's not going to put himself out there with Eric.

There's a lot of conflict that could have been cleared up by them talking to each other, but it also made sense that neither of them wanted to put themselves out on a limb to have the feelings conversation so I wasn't too bothered by it. Another critique is there wasn't as much chemistry between them as there has been in other books in the series (hard to beat Shane and Ilya from book 2), but they were very believable as friends.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and I give it a solid 4 stars. I really like Rachel Reid's writing. There was one character that I feel like was set up to continue the series so I will be interested to see where it goes from here.

*Review to be posted to my Instagram as well.*

I adored this book. I have loved all of Rachel Reid's books and this one did not disappoint.
Eric Bennett has been the goalie for the New York Admirals for years, and he's starting to feel that it's time for retirement. Kyle Swift is a bartender at a gay bar that Eric has started going to with his friends. When the two meet through mutual friends, they hit it off immediately. The only issue is: they have an age gap of about 15 years. They start a friends-with-benefits fling, but when sparks fly, will they be brave enough to admit their feelings?

I absolutely loved Eric and Kyle. I'm not always a fan of slow-burn romance, but their chemistry was through the roof and made it worth it. Their friendship was so solid and compelling. Also, the angst that came from the age-gap and from them denying their feelings really brought the emotion.
I loved all of the cameos from other characters throughout the series, especially from Ilya. I also love how Rachel wrote the friendship between Eric, Scott, and Carter. They were so supportive of each other and weren't afraid to get emotional.
All in all, this was a really fun, steamy book with great characters and great chemistry.

If you love an age gap friends to lovers m/m romance, slow burn but with some sexy teaching moments, and great cameos (hello Ilya 💕), and of course hockey - you’ll love this book!

It’s a solid mm romance, with some great steam, and a couple that clicked.

It was sweet at times, sexy as well, and I think anyone loving this genre will enjoy it.

Common Goal was a love story between a seasoned hockey goalie on the brink of retirement, and a younger bartender/college student. The age gap was a hurdle that both characters struggled with at times. Also the first half of the book was a bit slower, it was more about figuring things out, getting to know each other, until the second half when it got SEXY.

The book was full of great friendships, Eric’s team especially was just wonderful, and I love what the author did with this series. Although I wasn’t drawn into this book as much as I hoped I would, overall the book and the couple were a solid addition to the series.

And I’m also not embarrassed to admit that Ilya scenes were my favorites, he is so in your face obnoxious and a know it all, and he’ll always be my favorite character in this series.

4.5 stars/Best of 2020

O. M. G.
(There will be NO spoilers in this review. Just gushing.)

As much as I love LOVE love Heated Rivalry (definitely in my top five sports romances of all time), the Game Changers series has been a bit of a mixed bag. I wasn't crazy about Game Changer - and almost didn't read Heated Rivalry because of it, and Tough Guy was enjoyable but a bit too slow and talk-y. So I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Common Goal. Friends, it's terrific and almost as good as Heated Rivalry. I'm still #ShaneLovesIlyaforever...but Eric and Kyle are coming in HOT.

Eric Bennett is 41 years old and he never forgets it - not on the ice, not in the locker room with his much younger teammates, not at home, and not when he's admiring a much younger man he can't seem to resist staring at (lusting over). Eric knows retirement is just around the corner and just the thought of life after hockey makes him sad. He loves his sport and his teammates (the fictional NY Admirals), but he's lonely. Although his divorce a year ago was mostly painless, facing retirement with no one to share it with stings. He's ready to finally start dating again, and this time, he’s determined to date a man. Unfortunately, the one he has his eyes on has his eyes on someone else. Besides, he's much too young for Eric anyway. Ahem.

When Kyle Swift moved to NYC, his wealthy parents couldn't get him out of their small Vermont hometown fast enough. A scandalous affair with a much older man threatened to ruin their carefully cultivated reputation, and they jettisoned Kyle with barely a backwards glance. Fortunately, their largesse (guilt money) provided Kyle with a comfortable apartment, tuition, and the ability to live without worrying about making ends meet. When Common Goal begins, he's part way through a masters in Ancient History at Columbia University, and works alongside Kip Grady (Game Changer; Scott Hunter's fiance) - whom he not-so-secretly pines after. He knows there's no hope of a relationship with Kip, and he's determined to get over him. But bartending at Kip's engagement party with a room full of handsome, sexy, STRAIGHT hockey players probably isn't the best way to do it.

When Eric spots Kyle working the bar at Kip's engagement party, he can't help feeling a secret thrill. Kyle is hot, and he likes to flirt. Eric thinks there might be a mutual interest, but he isn’t sure how or what to do about it. Besides, Kyle seems to flirt with every man he meets. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to keep him off his mind, and learning that they have a shared interest in art and history only intensifies his attraction to the other man. But after finding ways increasingly creative ways to spend time with Kyle, it soon becomes clear that Kyle doesn’t feel the same about him.

Yeah, right. Kyle is interested in Eric. If Kyle had one weakness—and he didn’t; he had many—it was confident, attractive older men. Also, confident, attractive younger men. Also, men. But when he spots him wearing a wedding ring, he reminds himself to keep his distance. He has a history of chasing after the wrong kinds of men, and he doesn’t plan to add Eric to his list of mistakes.

Oh friends, Ms. Reid does such a lovely job setting up these two lonely, wonderful men. Kyle eventually discovers Eric isn’t married, and then Eric confesses he’s bisexual, and...well, I’m not going to tell you. Suffice it to say, Eric is desperately attracted to Kyle, and way out of his depth navigating gay dating. When Kyle offers to help him in the bedroom and out of it, their “friendship” becomes something bigger and better than either man expected.

Common Goal is fun, funny and totally sexy. Eric and Kyle make a lovely couple, and their physical attraction to each other is off the charts. I loved every moment we get to spend with them, and it’s such a treat to watch them fall in love. Ms. Reid imbues each of their interactions with small kindnesses, vulnerability, laughter, and just terrific chemistry. Both men are supremely well characterized. Eric, one of the best NHL goalies for eighteen years, struggles to reconcile the end of one life with the beginning of another. He’s up for the challenge, but the confidence and skills he brought to the ice can’t help him navigate what it feels like to fall passionately, wildly in love with someone he doesn’t think is “right” for him. He doesn’t like the loss of control or the age difference between him and Kyle, and he tries (in vain) to resist his feelings for him. Meanwhile, Kyle has been so far unlucky in love. He knows what he wants (a hot older man JUST LIKE ERIC), but doesn’t believe someone as mature, successful and amazing as Eric could want a person with his past. Their age difference only increases Kyle's desire for Eric, but the closer he grows to him, the more he knows he can’t teach Eric to be gay for someone else. Le sigh.

While I definitely think the best parts of this novel are the ones with Eric and Kyle falling in love with each other, the cameos from Scott, Kip, Ilya and Shane are equally awesome. Ilya is THE BEST character in the series, and when he shows up at Kingfisher’s (the bar where Kip and Kyle work) and orders a Scott Hunter for himself and a virgin Scott Hunter for Eric...well, it’s priceless. He has no filter, is totally on to Eric right from the get-go, and loves to give Scott shit. OMG. I love him. The secondary characters and old man jokes are the best.

This book is SO great.

Why not five stars then? It’s too short! Look, I love a great epilogue (I DO!), but this book needed at least one more chapter. Eric and Kyle finally get together...and then the book ends. I needed more dates, and more loved-up scenes. These two are brilliant together, and I just wish there was more. OF EVERYTHING.

Sexy, funny, romantic. One of the best romances of the year. Get it.

I love this series so much! Devoured like comfort food in winter. To be honest, I wasn't too fond of Tough Guy, but Common Goal had me laughing out loud and feeling lots of feelings. Cameos by our favourites were also particularly fabulous!

Common goal was enjoyable and fun. This series can pretty much go on forever and I'll be alright with that!

Great read! Looking forward to more of these, especially the future installment with Shane and Ilya at the helm.

I'd like to thank Carina Press and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I truly love this series and the next installment did not disappointment I would recommend if you're looking for

-a hockey sports romance
-friends to lovers m/m romance
-age gap
-a slow burn that pays off with plenty of steam
-glimpses of the characters we love from the previous books
-fun mocktails
-some fake dating and flirting

Kyle and Eric both had to deal with their pasts in order to admit their feelings for each other. A bit more of a slow burn than the other books in the series (I would read in order to get the most but they are interconnected standalones) but the steam is there in the second half. Another fun, sexy hockey romance. Can't wait for the next book!

Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 5 stars

Trigger warnings: homophobia

I was approved for an ARC on Netgalley and finished the book hours later! I really enjoyed the book, and I loved checking in with characters from the previous books. Basically every time Eric and Ilya interacted, and I had to stop and take a moment. Eric and Kyle are also great together. There were obstacles towards their relationship, but it was overall low stakes in a way that was nice given the *gestures wildly* not low stakes nature of the rest of the world. It also introduced one of the characters from the next book, and I'm excited for his story!

This is a great book for fans of the first book in the series, Game Changer. The story is satisfying and manages to both stand on its own and support the greater world that's developed in this series. I highly recommend checking out Rachel Reid if you haven't already, especially if hockey romances are your thing!

Nobody, absolutely nobody creates chemistry like Rachel Reid. Yet another perfect romance from Reid. PERFECT. I devoured this in one sitting. I cannot wait to see what she creates next.

I loved this book. I had no idea it was part of a series. Luckily, I wasn’t lost in the previous relationships and characters. Kyle, the student/bartender, and Eric, the hockey player, were adorable together. You cannot help cheering them on. I loved how there wasn’t too much drama. My only somewhat complaint was the ending. I wanted more! I want to go back and read the previous books. Overall, I would recommend this book!


I received the ARC from Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.