This was pretty much all of the things I look for when I want to read a Hockey romance. There was no big “in the closet” trauma, the intimate scenes are more about the feelings and connections than “tab A into slot B”, and the pining was delicious.

The pacing was a bit slow in the middle and I was kinda lost on what the overall structure was intended to be, but that didn’t massively detract from my enjoyment of the book.

Nate and Zach are likable characters and I found myself wanting to see those wild boys make it. I don’t enjoy romances that happen in a vacuum and imply “all we need is each other” and I therefore really enjoyed the team dynamic of the people and families around Zack and Nate.

I can say nothing about the quality of the hockey in the book because I’m “one of those” people who like hockey as a setting for a romance, but don’t know much about it. It is what it is.

Good romance, nice team dynamic, happy me.

This was a fun read! I honestly wish I’d read the first book in this series before going on to Delay of Game, but I didn’t realize it was a series until I’d already started the book :( Still, it can be read as standalone, there are just some clear callbacks that I think would make more sense if you read book 1.
Also, one thing I felt, and I’ve seen other reviewers remark on, is that it was a little hard to determine where the perspectives shifted between the two characters. I prefer dual POV, but it has to be clear who’s mind we’re in!
Overall, though, I enjoyed this book, and I’d definitely read more from this author.

I fell in love with Zach and Nate in the glimpses of them in the background of Game Misconduct (any characters who dress up as Captain America and The Winter Soldier for Halloween are automatically going to be favourites of mine), so I was really excited for this book and to read more about their relationship.

I loved the partnership they’ve developed by the end, and the connection they share. Nate is the tightly wound, anxious Captain who needs Zach to help him unwind and find confidence in himself, whilst Zach has a reputation for partying too hard and needs Nate to believe in him on the ice. They strike up an accidental ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement that’s filled with miscommunication and mutual pining, set against an exciting backdrop of their team's journey through the season. I really loved all of the ice hockey and the team dynamics that we get to see—and beloved characters returning from the first book.

My only problem with this book is that it feels too cramped—Zach and Nate’s story could easily have been spread across two books. The main bulk of development, Zach going from partying so hard that he gets traded to earnestly wanting to win the cup for Nate, all happens off page. We get a timeskip that glosses over how they become friends and I really wanted to see more of that initial friendship unfolding.

But overall, I loved it and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved the premise and the MC were engaging. I really felt for Nate in dealing with his anxiety and I loved Zach's almost golden retriever enthusiasm. They had such a great connection whether it was as friends or lovers. That all being said, the pacing stuttered a little for me about 3/4 of the way through. It was still an enjoyable read but I got frustrated with the miscommunicaiton/lack of communication (though it did fit their charcters).

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Game Misconduct. Delay of Game is not Game Misconduct. I still loved it. Some light spoilers ahead.

In Delay of Game, Nate and Zach are teammates on Philadelphia's pro hockey team. Zach is a recovering party boi. Nate has anxiety. Both of them, but mostly Zach, use the word "bro" a lot; there is a hierarchy of bros. Nate and Zach are best bros. They're also hopelessly attracted to one another, but instead of talking about it they drunkenly hook up, and then keep hooking up under the superstitious guise that they've started winning because they're banging now, and to stop would obviously result in losses. Duh. Why else would they keep having sex? Because they love each other? Shut up, you do.

My main issue with this book was that the central conflict revolves around a non-/mis-communication, which is one of my least favorite types of conflict. Boys, just talk to each other already! Set aside your pride and/or anxiety, and use your freaking words. Jesus. Ugh.

Where Game Misconduct is raw and rough edges, Delay of Game is oh-so-soft and tender. It's a low-angst, low-stakes, very sweet friends to lovers hockey romance. Like Game Misconduct, though, Delay of Game confronts serious mental health issues, and to some extent the lack of treatment for mental illness in pro hockey, which I greatly appreciated. Also like Game Misconduct, Delay of Game deals in vibes over plot, which, for me, is ideal in a hockey romance (and, if I'm being honest, most romances). Ari Baran excels at developing flawed and lovable characters and building chemistry between them, and this results in relationships that are believable -- that I find myself rooting for and then thinking about long after their books are over.

Oh, and there’s a deliciously domestic Mike and Danny cameo. Yes, please.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I had a lot of fun reading this!! I haven’t read the first in the series so I a was definitely missing some background info, but it can technically be read as a standalone. The only drawback for me was that sometimes jumping between the two character perspectives was not clearly defined. I stockpile romance novels with Jewish mcs/love interests and this is a great addition. Would recommend to people who like queer romance or sports romance.

*Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.*

The book didn't grab me and pull me in. I also had a very hard time telling when the perspective changed from character a to character b. Wasn't enjoying reading the book, so decided against going any further.

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Adores for the free electronic Advanced Reader.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

"You don’t have to be anxious about me. You’re the most important person in the world to me too. I thought that was obvious? I thought you knew?”

Oh, my heart! I love these hockey boys so much 😍🥰

Delay of Game by Ari Baran is book 2 in the Penalty Box series, releasing November 14th. This is my first time reading Ari Baran, but it won't be my last!

Zach Reed is a hockey hotshot. A king on the ice, he's a Cup winner and living the high life. But too much partying, drug use and sleeping around with various women and men - exploits pictured in the press - leave him traded to the worst team in the league.

Two years later, he's best friends with the Cons team captain, Nate Singer, and the team is on the rise. And Zach is determined to win Nate a Cup.

But when his 'straight' captain kisses him and the pair spend a drunken night together, everything changes for the best friends.

But these hockey boy - gah! - I love them, but I really really wanted to knock their heads together at times! Their hook-ups become a good luck charm, a pre-game ritual... Come on boys! I swear, they were killing me, but I loved the journey!

Nate and Zach have so much love for each other, but they don't always have love for themselves. Neither truly see their worth, particularly Nate, who suffers badly from anxiety and body dysmorphia. I just wanted to hug him so badly 🥺

Sadly, our boys end up inadvertently hurting each other. I had hoped they'd talk to each other quickly, but it was a few painful months 😭

On first reading, I was quite annoyed with them that they didn't just talk to each other instead of letting their misunderstanding get in the way of the relationship. I couldn't read fast enough to get them back together, and I was so thankful when they finally talked to each other. But on reading over the separation again and seeing what they each felt about themselves, I can see how each of these guys didn't have belief in themselves. Neither saw how special they are or how they could be loved or wanted by anyone else.

It hurt my heart to see Nate and Zach's inner insecurities, as they each thought they weren't good enough... the truth is they were perfect for each other.

"Jesus, Nate, you have no f*cking clue, do you?"

“About what?”
“Like how special you are. How important to the team you are, to me, like— how f*cking hot you are.”


There was a significant time jump at the beginning of the book and I would have loved at least one chapter to see Nate and Zach becoming best friends, instead of jumping two years forward, but it didn't detract from how much I loved the book.

There was a scene when they reconnected where Zach listed everything he loved about Nate, and I swear, it's so utterly beautiful and breathtaking. Not to mention that every time Zach called Nate baby, that I just melted 🫠😍 My heart jumped and butterflies flew every single time 😍

If you love hockey romance, this is one to read!

Many thanks to the publishers Carina Press and to Netgalley for allowing me to arc read Delay of Game.

#Bookstagram #comingsoon #arcread #Netgalley #carinapress #delayofgame #aribaran #hockeyromance #mmromance #lgbtreads #outNovember14th

Delay Of Game is book 2 in the Penalty Box series by Ari Baran. Nate and Zach are such a good couple and you can see how they bring out the best of each other.

4/5 stars. I liked the dynamic between Nate and Zach, they were very much opposites attract while still being friends-to-lovers. I took one star off because the miscommunication could have easily been avoided and felt like a weak attempt at creating conflict. There was also third act break up due to that miscommunication which feels a little overdone in romance at this point. It was nice to see Zach's growth from the beginning of the book to the end. I would have loved to seen more of Nate and Zach's feelings towards each other on page and more of them falling in love. There were parts of the book that moved really slow and other parts that were a bit too quick I would have liked more detail.

Also Bea is the best character!! I would love to read a book just about her!

J'avais eu un coup de coeur pour le 1er tome, notamment pour la qualité de la plume de l'auteur, du coup, j'étais impatiente de lire la suite, consacrée à un autre couple. Malheureusement, l'essai n'a pas été transformé, et j'ai eu bien du mal à aller au bout de ma lecture.

On est dans un classique friends-to-lovers, avec deux meilleurs amis et coéquipiers qui se mettent à fricoter ensemble sans trop se poser de questions (enfin en leur for intérieur si, mais entre eux, c'est des "bro" et des "buddy" à la pelle, galipettes en guise de porte bonheur avant les matchs et bières/pizzas sur le canap une fois leurs petites affaires conclues).

Si dans le 1er tome, j'avais été bluffée par la plume de l'auteur, et par la différence de caractère entre les personnages qui transparaissait à travers l'écriture, là ça a été tout le contraire, je n'ai vu aucune différence entre les pov, et bien souvent, je confondais les deux personnages, qui ont des personnalités et des peurs assez similaires et finalement interchangeables.

C'est dommage, parce que le pitch, bien que classique, est sympa, et c'est une dynamique que j'aime encore assez bien lire, mais la magie n'a pas opéré pour moi. Et puis une partie de l'histoire nous est dite, mais pas montrée, et ça, c'est vraiment quelque chose que je n'aime pas. Je lis une romance pour voir la relation évoluer, pas pour qu'on me dise (ou laisse sous entendre) qu'il s'est passé des choses, sans me les montrer.

Une déception donc ...

Friends to lovers hockey romance. Misses the mark a bit in character and relationship development, but its entertaining enough with likeable characters.

*I received a free advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Well now. That was fun. Good to read a book that doesn't shy away from the smutty fun times, even in between those scenes. The last 20% of this book could have used a bit of trimming down, imho, but overall I felt and enjoyed the connections between the two guys, as well as the surprisingly open and accepting (tho desperately excluded) friends group surrounding them. I also like that it wasn't enemies-to-friends which these things tend to be, but rather friends-to-something-more, which felt fresher and also helped build the intimacy/connections between them.

I should say, when I read books like this I enjoy them - but loving them seems weird. I think the fairest way to say it is this: I enjoyed reading it and if you like this kind of fun, then you'll enjoy this too, but I'm not pressed to re-read it or recommend it to every passing gay.

Very few things infuriate me more than unnecessary miscommunication or a third act break up for no good reason. 'Delay of Game' has both, plus so much more that frustrated me from the beginning. I was hoping after the massive time jump from the prologue to chapter 1 that it would get better, but then something else I don't like would keep happening: starting off with a massive time jump, then, it was feeling like everything is super surface level with no real depth to the story, plot, or characters. Then, there's the miscommunication. Then, there's the third act break up. Also, this is a hockey sports romance and there's barely any on page hockey playing, which was disappointing. Almost everything with the exception of the sex scenes just didn't work for me personally, but at least the sex was hot.

Because 'Delay of Game' has so many things I don't like in a story there was unfortunately very little chance I was ever going to end up enjoying it, obviously your mileage may vary.

LGBTQIAP+ | Romance | Sports

Second in the Penalty Box M/M hockey series, this is a best friends to lovers romance with two characters who recognize their close bond but are slow to the realization that it is turning into something more. Nate and Zach's story is a slow-burn journey well worth taking. I look forward to more from this author.

Delay of Game is another fantastic queer hockey romance from Ari Baran. This friends to lovers, opposites attract story also has strong anxiety rep, Jewish rep, lots of spice, and hockey too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Reed and Nate have been teammates for three years, and besties for most of that time. Sure, Reed partied too much at the beginning of his career, but now he’s dedicated to winning. Nate is an effective captain of this once losing team, but his anxiety doesn’t give him a chance to enjoy his success. And while Reed quietly embraces his bisexuality, Nate has no clue why things didn’t work out with his fiancée. But soon their late night chats and plutonic sleepovers turn into something more. And when they end a losing streak right after they cross the line, it makes perfect sense when Reed says they should keep hooking up, just for good luck. Any superstitious hockey player would agree, right?

Nate and Zach balance each other well. There is clearly an impressive level of trust between them. Nate’s overwhelming anxiety is relatable, as are Zach’s attempts to do something nice and romantic for him. Nate is clearly dealing with lots of issues, including low self esteem, social awkwardness and some body dysmorphia. And it was great to read about Nate’s Jewish family and their role in his life. Ari Baran is one of the best at including diverse voices in hockey romance.

There is some miscommunication between this pair though. While it’s frustrating that they just won’t talk to each other, it feels realistic, especially in regards to Nate. Just like in real life, people don’t always behave the way you think they should.

Delay of Game is a wonderful standalone queer hockey romance. Ari Baran once again creates a story that expertly combines serious themes with diverse characters that the reader can’t help rooting for. I can’t wait to see what Ari writes next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

M/M hockey romances have been all the rage in recent years. Some are remarkable, like Rachel Reid's supremely well-done Heated Rivalry (sexy plus creative narrative structure plus Ilya = perfection), some like Taylor Fitzpatrick's Thrown Off the Ice (which she wisely categorizes as a love story, not a romance) are a darker exploration of toll the sport on the body and mind, some are just fun like Him, a bi-awakening journey by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy, and some are not for me.

Ari Baran's Delay of Game belongs among the good ones. It's not as dark as the first in their series, Game Misconduct , but it’s as well-written, a friends-to-lovers journey featuring the anxious, dedicated team captain, Nate, and lovable himbo and reformed party boy, Zach. Neither can believe that the other might actually want more than a friends-with-benefits situation: Nate, because his anxiety and body dysmorphia lead him to believe that he’s not enough in any way for the gorgeous Zach, and Zach because his fun-loving persona and wild past leave him feeling too stupid and too flighty for anyone, much less someone as wonderful as Nate.

There is a big misunderstanding/miscommunication, which I have less and less tolerance for these days. I like the character of Bee, though I know reviewer reactions to the idea of a professional female hockey player vary, perhaps based upon how much you care about hockey in real life (which I don't). The stakes don't feel as high as they did in Game Misconduct , but that makes for an easier read. I do wish that Nate’s relationship with Judaism had been explored in more depth beyond the slurs and a throwaway line about food restrictions. Other than that, Delay of Game is an excellent read.

CWs: body dysmorphia, anxiety

Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Adores for the ARC.

Game Misconduct was the first, Delay of Game was the second and I have to say I hope Ari Baran keeps showing up with books that compare!

I have read Games Misconduct I don't know how many times, and before this review I read Delay of Game twice. Once the day after I received a copy from the author via netgalley months ago, and once in the past few days as a refresher and reassure myself I felt the same way about it. Yep, can confirm!

Delay of Game occurs in the same hockey world as Game Misconduct, with both of the MC's playing on the same team as one of the characters from Game Misconduct. There's crossover of some characters as a result, and we see the growth of them as the Penalty Box series is progressing.

Here we have Zach who was traded three years prior to the Cons and Nate who is the captain, having been at the team for 8 years, through some pretty lean times. Zach and Nate are chalk and cheese as far as characters, players, and personalities go but they are the strongest of 'bros' (there is a fair bit of bro'ing aand dude'ing). In fact, their bro-ness has morphed into a relationship with neither intending, recognising, or acknowledging it. I won't go further into the plot but the book explores Zach and Nate as individuals and their multifacted relationship, against the backdrop of the Cons team and the competition for the Cup.

I don't usually read many reviews before I read a book or before I write my own reviews. But I have seen there are a couple with comparisons to Game Misconduct commenting upon how different the two books are. I agree with this but for mind, it's in no way a negative thing. It illustrates the depth and breadth of the author's writing where these very different characters each have distinct voices and experiences. Their (Baran's) attention to hockey as well (not my skill set, that's for sure) is just the right mix with the rest of the story, just enough detail to show they know exactly what they're talking about, whilst the reader is not bogged down in game-time so it doesn't overshadow everything else.

Where Game Misconduct was edgey, gritty, and tinged with well-placed aggression and violence, Delay of Game is softer, bittersweet, and really angsty. There is great discrepancy between the two books as to the development of the character's romantic relationships and the resolution of any issues within them, and against the broader backdrop of the series because it's reflective of the differences between them.

Delay of Game is about two bisexual players (though they aren't initially identifying as such) - Zach's character arc relates to his professional and personal redemption from bad boy of the league, and Nate as the good guy, lives with crippling anxiety and depression, despite being a league stalwart. There is significant miscommunication (and a lack thereof) which could be frustrating for some (and I admit not a favourite of mine) but it's well-placed for these two, and around this there are other aspects and issues that play out.

'On the ice, the nasty little voice in his head was too busy to speak up' (Nate to himself)

'How do you know when you're, like, dating someone' (Zach to Jammer)

All the stars for Delay of Game. Loved it!

Mein Leseerlebnis

Lasst mich ganz ehrlich sein: Nach dem Prolog war ich am Zweifeln, ob das Weiterlesen überhaupt Sinn macht. Denn Zachs Verhalten – einer unserer Helden – hat mich schon etwas schockiert. Er ist kurz davor zugedröhnt Sex zu haben und ich fand ihn in diesen Szenen alles andere als anziehend oder sympathisch.

Der Rest vom Roman spielt gut zwei Jahre später und Zach hat sein Verhalten komplett verändert. Das hat mich ungemein erleichtert und dazu bewogen, ihm und seiner Liebesgeschichte eine Chance zu geben.

Nach dem Einstieg in den Roman findet man eine eher ruhige Liebesgeschichte wieder, die über den Verlauf einer Eishockey-Saison spielt.

Es war schön die beiden Hauptcharaktere näher kennen zu lernen und zu sehen, wie sich ihre Beziehung so langsam veränderte. Der Mittelteil zog sich zwar etwas, gut lesen lies sich der Liebesroman trotzdem. Ein paar Seiten weniger hätten dem Buch insgesamt aber vielleicht doch gut getan (nur so 20 Seiten).

Im Roman gibt es ein paar Kapitel, in denen es Probleme in der Liebesbeziehung gibt, das war in dieser Form meiner Meinung nach nicht notwendig. Auch weil sich diese Phase etwas zog und den Hauptcharakteren die Chance genommen wurde, ihre Beziehung weiter zu vertiefen. Auch gab es in diesem Teil des Buches weniger humorvolle Szenen als zuvor, diese habe ich etwas vermisst.

Insgesamt hat mir das Buch ein gutes, unterhaltsames und teils auch emotionales Leseerlebnis geboten. Ich bin mit der Liebesgeschichte wesentlich besser zurecht gekommen, als noch mit dem ersten Teil in der Buchreihe und würde mich über einen dritten Teil freuen.

🖤🖤🖤 1/2

Für wen?

Wer eher ruhige Liebesromane mag, in denen aus besten Freunden ein Paar wird, für den könnte die m/m hockey romance etwas sein.

"Delay of Game" by Ari Baran is an emotionally charged and steamy friends-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of professional hockey.

Nate Singer and Zach Reed are teammates on the same hockey team, but they couldn't be more different. Nate is the responsible team captain, dedicated to following the playbook and leading the team to victory. On the other hand, Zach has a reputation as a bad boy, and his past antics have landed him on the team with the worst record. Despite their differences, their friendship has grown over the years, making them a formidable duo both on and off the ice.

When the team hits a rough patch, Nate and Zach decide to blow off some steam by finding someone for a casual hookup. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they end up in each other's arms. This moment ignites a deeper connection between them, one that goes beyond friendship and threatens to change everything.

The chemistry between Nate and Zach is electric and sizzles off the pages. Their journey from friends to lovers is beautifully portrayed, and readers will be invested in their relationship from the start. Baran excels at capturing the emotions and vulnerabilities of the characters, making their love story feel authentic and heartwarming.

While "Delay of Game" is a steamy romance, it also explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and self-discovery. Both Nate and Zach are complex characters with their own struggles and insecurities, and their growth throughout the story is both relatable and touching.

The hockey backdrop adds excitement and tension to the narrative, and fans of sports romance will appreciate the attention to detail in the game scenes.

Overall, "Delay of Game" is a captivating and heartfelt romance that combines sizzling chemistry with emotional depth. Ari Baran has crafted a story that will have readers cheering for Nate and Zach's love story as they navigate the challenges of both the hockey rink and matters of the heart.