Oh wow, this book is SOOO great! Fans of Rachel Reid are going to absolutely adore The Shots You Take!

Folks who enjoy Reid's hockey stories which are usually packed with ice action might be a bit surprised because The Shots You Take is mostly romance driven, and the main characters are actually retired hockey players. But personally, I'd be fine if all this author's future novels are centered on guys in their 40's! She totally gets this age group, and Riley and Adam's journeys are powerful and moving.

Rachel Reid does an incredible job with the slow burn, and when Adam and Riley finally get (back) together, the tension is scorching!!! And we fans know Reid writes one heck of a smoking hot physical romance scene!

I can't say enough how much I enjoyed Riley and Adam's story, and I hope Rachel Reid continues in this vein - The Shots You Take was absolutely fantastic!

Rachel Reid KILLED it with this book. She wrote about grief, mental health, and infidelity so beautifully and I loved watching Riley & Adam's second chance at love unfold right in front of my eyes. This book left me sobbing and I honestly don't have the words to say just how good it was. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Thank you so, so much to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance/Carina Adores for the arc of this book <3

MM Romance
Second Chance
1 Star ⭐️

DNF @ 72%

This is an arc. I don’t remember requesting this but I gave it a fair try despite not being the biggest Rachel Reid fan. I am one of the only people that didn’t love Heated Rivalry so most of you will take my review with a grain of salt but I’m going to be honest. I actually love second chance, right person wrong time angsty romances so I was actually looking forward to this once I learned what it was about and I did like it for a while until I didn’t.

Because…

I HATE ADAM! I hate Adam so much that nothing he can do will make me forgive him so I just cannot pick this book back up. In my eyes what he did to Riley was unforgivable. The way Adam made Riley feel in the past and the way he robbed him of ever having a positive future unless it included him sickened me. I was able to keep reading it for so long because this is slow burn city and there have been absolutely no sex scenes in the past or the present which I actually enjoyed plus Riley treating Adam like the piece of shit fuckhead that he is has been everything but unfortunately now that’s all about change. Adam has somehow weaseled himself back in when I don’t feel like he properly groveled. He was just annoying AF and wouldn’t go away and hasn’t even acknowledged the pain he caused Riley. I want to say so much more but I can’t because it’s technically an arc.

This is a Maya Angelou quote and while it’s kind of corny, it fits the whole idea of this book.

“At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”

And Adam deserves to rot in hell alone for how he made Riley feel. The fact he now gets a second chance is ridiculous. What did Riley get? Nothing! But Adam? Adam got to have it all. He lived Riley’s dreams while Riley fell apart and now he thinks he can show back up 12 years later when Riley is at his most vulnerable? Yah no.

The Shots You Take begins when Riley is drowning in grief and Adam, his ex-best friend and first (and only) love, slips back into his life determined to offer support and make amends for some seriously devastating decade-old mistakes.

What I loved most about this book was the emotional maturity these two forty-something men brought to the page—the patience that Adam had honed over the years, the support system that Riley had built for himself during that same time, and the way they consistently communicated with each other, even if it was Riley saying he wasn't ready to talk about something quite yet.

This book just landed with me, a perfect and heartfelt romance to read while curled up in an armchair, sending out strong don't-even-think-about-interrupting vibes to my family.

Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.

Very weird. Not reading like a romance novel, but a work of literary fiction. Opens with a funeral and so far is grief central with exactly zero romance tropes or other elements.

Thank you to Harlequin - Romance | Carina Adores, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the free electronic advance copy.

Rachel Reid’s "The Shots You Take" is a captivating sports romance that combines the thrill of hockey with a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and personal growth. With its engaging characters, well-crafted plot, and emotional depth, this novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and sports fiction.

The story revolves around Taylor Holloway, a talented hockey player who has recently been traded to the New York Admirals. Taylor is determined to prove himself on the ice and make a name for himself on his new team. However, his journey is complicated by his feelings for his teammate, the charismatic and confident Elias Wexler. As Taylor navigates the challenges of his new team and his burgeoning feelings for Elias, he is forced to confront his own fears, insecurities, and desires.

Reid excels at creating complex and relatable characters. Taylor is a compelling protagonist whose struggles with his identity and self-worth are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity. His journey of self-discovery and acceptance is both inspiring and poignant. Elias, on the other hand, is a charming and confident athlete who provides a perfect counterbalance to Taylor’s more introspective nature. Their chemistry is palpable from the moment they meet, and Reid skillfully develops their relationship with a mix of humor, tension, and heartfelt moments.

The supporting characters in "The Shots You Take" add richness and depth to the story. From Taylor’s supportive family and friends to the diverse personalities of his teammates, each character plays a significant role in the narrative. Reid’s ability to create a vibrant and engaging cast of characters is one of the novel’s standout features. These interactions highlight the importance of community and the impact that genuine connections can have on an individual’s life.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is its exploration of identity and self-acceptance. Taylor’s journey is not just about finding love but also about embracing his true self and overcoming the internal and external pressures that come with being a professional athlete. Reid handles these themes with nuance and care, offering readers a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of identity and the courage it takes to live authentically.

The depiction of hockey in "The Shots You Take" is both exciting and realistic. Reid’s detailed descriptions of the games, practices, and the camaraderie among the players bring the sport to life and add an authentic backdrop to the romantic storyline. The balance between the high-stakes action on the ice and the emotional depth of the characters’ personal lives creates a dynamic and engaging narrative.

Reid’s writing style is both engaging and evocative. Her prose is crisp and descriptive, capturing the intensity of the hockey scenes and the subtleties of the characters’ emotions. The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters’ personalities, adding authenticity to their interactions. Reid’s ability to convey emotion through her writing is particularly noteworthy, making the novel’s most poignant moments resonate with readers.

The plot of "The Shots You Take" is well-paced and intricately woven. Reid balances moments of high tension and action with quieter, introspective scenes that delve into the characters’ inner lives. Each chapter ends with a hook that propels readers forward, creating a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant. The progression of Taylor and Elias’s relationship is handled with care, allowing their feelings to develop naturally over the course of the novel.

Rachel Reid, again, masterfully crafted sports romance that offers a perfect blend of excitement, personal growth, and heartfelt romance. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and thoughtful exploration of identity and self-acceptance, it is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and sports fiction. Reid has created a story that is both entertaining and deeply moving, making "The Shots You Take" a standout addition to her body of work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have loved every book that Rachel Reid's written and this was no exception. The story was heartfelt and the setting was beautiful.

I feel like this is one of those books that's very divisive - you're either going to love it or hate it, with not a lot of in-between. I don't even like the second chance trope, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Then again, as another reviewer so aptly said, "I would read Rachel Reid's grocery list."

The Shots You Take is told in a dual timeline, with part of it being present day where Adam has come to see Riley upon the death of Riley's father, after over a decade of being estranged, and the other timeline being the past when these former besties were getting VERY close, if you catch my drift. The past timeline also jumps around a bit, with relevant backstory being revealed as it's pertinent to the action happening in the current timeline.

A lot of folks who dislike this book seem to feel that way because they can't forgive Adam for what he did in the past and find him irredeemable. I like to think it's never to late to turn your life around, and find that I can forgive Adam for being young and stupid and scared. I did some callous things in my 20's to protect my own heart (and ego) - we're all stupid in our 20's. Plus, I really love Adam's slow and cautious yet relentless diligence in showing Riley that this time, Adam can be trusted with his heart.

Definitely check out the content warnings for this one - death of a parent, pain and loss, homophobia, mental illness/depression, alcoholism. Don't be fooled by the cute illustrated cover, this one is pretty high angst.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/m contemporary romance
-second chance
-hockey romance
-mutual pining
-dual timeline

Rachel Reid just writes the most delicious yearning books with the right amount of angst.

really good. really sweet. the two guys are both flawed and flawless which is somewhat interesting (tho by the end they both just seem to be Brad Pitt level lol).

a bit spicy in places, tho also oddly reserved when it could have gone further / done more in those moments

and give Lucky his own spin-off, please.

What a great book to start the new year with. There’s just something about a hockey romance, especially when it’s cold and snowy outside.

Riley and Adam were best friends and teammates, until life pulled them apart and they became ex-friends and former teammates.

Now, several years later, Riley is back in his hometown after deciding to cut his career short for the sake of his mental health.

After Riley’s father passes away, Adam is back in town for the service, giving our two men an awkward reunion.

This book does a great job of confronting mental health and how it should be prioritized.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reading copy! This was my first Rachel Reid book and it was great! This is a MM hockey romance, BUT the characters are older, retired from hockey, and processing a lot of stuff. I don’t normally like second chance romances and hearing about how sad their “break up” and younger experiences were was challenging, but overall this book worked in a lot of ways. I loved that the main characters are older and reflecting on their life, I loved that the pace of the romance was slow since they were learning to trust each other, I loved how much they talked about mental health and grief, and I loved their love for each other. I think the only reason this does not get 5 stars from me is that the ending felt a little rushed and Adam’s treatment of Riley when they were younger was pretty cringe. But overall this was a great, sweet, thoughtful romance. I recommend this book for fans of Reid, hockey romance (though there is not much hockey in this), and LGBTQ+ romance.

The summary: Second chance romance between two retired hockey players. They used to be roommates (tehe) and teammates, hooked up (for a long time), and then it ended (poorly). The pair reconnect when Riley’s dad passes away and the guy Riley was in love with shows up to the funeral even though the pair haven’t spoken in something like 10 years.

What I liked: This is one of my favorite genres (m/m hockey romance). I love happy endings for two big dudes who are also pro athletes because it is not something we see in real life (and that makes me sad). And I love to see/read about them being the gentlest softest boys while also starting fights at center ice.

This isn’t my first Rachel Reid book, and having said that, it’s definitely in a different vein if, like me, you read Heated Rivalry first (but that’s not a criticism). This one has infinitely more feelings as our two MCs try to work through what destroyed their previous relationship.

Didn’t love: the timeline. This reads a little like a Hallmark film or rom-com in that everything is resolved in less than a week. I understand that there’s a built in time constraint, and never getting over the person who tore your heart into tiny pieces is a dangerous thing, but Riley’s dad just died. That’s a lot of emotions to manage and it made me a little uncomfortable.

Bonuses: I love when I can see inside both character’s heads (so I can yell at each of them for being a dummy). I also loved the way this story unfolded, how it jumped back and forth through time so we could understand how thoroughly in love/destroyed Riley was and how that led to him finding something else to love, without overwhelming us. I also love a redemption arc. Adam had a lot of work to do, in my mind's eye, to prove he was worthy of Riley after everything and, despite the brief window of time, I was satisfied by the effort he put in. I thought that they did a great job of mending old wounds in a healthy way as older and wiser MCs.

The Shots You Take is Rachel Reid at her BEST YET!

This heartwarming and deeply emotional story follows Riley and Shep as they navigate their way back into each other’s lives. A second-chance romance with layers of complexity, The Shots You Take doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult emotions. Grief is a central theme, with Shep’s return to Riley’s life prompted by his father’s passing. These heavy moments are handled with incredible sensitivity and authenticity, creating a narrative that feels deeply personal and relatable. Readers will find themselves connecting to the raw and poignant emotions woven throughout the story.

As a second-chance romance, this book delivers a deliciously slow burn that’s absolutely worth the wait. Riley and Shep’s journey is filled with high-tension moments that simmer and build, keeping readers hooked until the inevitable, deeply satisfying payoff. Along the way, Reid sprinkles in adorable and tender moments that will have you smiling through the tears. It’s a perfect balance of heartache, joy, and anticipation.

What sets this story apart is how much growth these characters undergo. Riley and Shep both have past wounds to heal and lessons to learn before they can truly come together. Their evolution feels genuine and earned, making their eventual reunion all the more impactful. Reid’s signature style of rich character development and emotional depth shines through in every scene.

If you’re a fan of Elle Kennedy, Hannah Grace, or Peyton Corinne, this book is a must-read. Rachel Reid’s ability to combine heartfelt storytelling with moments of levity and steam has never been better. The Shots You Take is undoubtedly one of her finest works yet, and it’s sure to become a favorite for romance lovers everywhere. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable tale!

Let me start by saying that I love this author! I like that she's not afraid to tackle complex aspects of relationships, and explore the ways that messy situations can resolve over time.
This is truly an "enemies to friends to lovers". My one criticism, is that I wish there was a little less back and forth through time, I wish we'd had one or two flashbacks, and then spent most of our time in the present. I get why she used that device, it's just not my favorite.
Still, overall it's fun to watch Reid's stories become even more complex!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes:
MM Romance
Hockey Romance (both are retired)
Ex-Teammates
MC’s in their 40’s
Second Chance Romance
Slow Burn
Spicy

Riley and Adam were best friends, roommates, and teammates in the NHL. They were also secretly lovers - but only when Adam is drunk and horny enough. But now it’s been 12 years since they’ve last spoken. Riley’s father has just passed away, and the last person he ever expected to see just walked into the funeral, Adam.

This was my very first book from Rachel Reid and I’m sorry I’m so late to the party! The Shots You Take was a beautifully written, tender story of two men in their 40’s who unexpectedly get a second chance to be with the love of their life.

Riley is really going through it in this book. He has some diagnosed mental health issues and formerly coped with drinking and sleeping pills. At the start, his father has just passed away and he is working through his grief for the majority of the book. I thought this was portrayed in a very real way. There is mention of Riley being in therapy and he does make a therapy appointment at one point in the book, but I do wish there was a little bit more about this on page. But that is just a personal preference/opinion.

Adam has recently come out to a select few people, divorced his wife, and is ready to make amends with Riley. I am glad that Riley didn’t give in right away to Adam when he showed up. Adam really had to work to get Riley to even talk to him, let alone listen to what he had to say. Let me just say, Adam is a lucky man. If I had been in Riley’s position, I don’t think I could have overlooked the way Adam behaved and things he said for years.

I loved how the story was intermixed with flashbacks from their decades long relationship to really show the growth, struggles, issues, and love between Riley and Adam. The overall pacing of the book was excellent and I don’t feel like there was ever a lag or dip in the flow of the story.

Absolutely loved the epilogue. Was a great way to tie up the story. I will for sure be looking for more books from Rachel Reid.

I was really looking forward to this one but I just didn't like so many things about it. The 12 year gap of talking, the cheating, and the bad apology were the worst part. I don't think Adam deserved Riley, but maybe he did since they hooked up while Adam was married. I just didn't like the miscommunication and the way Adam didn't respect Riley's feelings or really apologize for the pain he caused him. I do think grief was well represented. I DnF around 75%

💓When I got the email a million months ago inviting me to review this arc, I already knew what I wanted my first book of 2025 to be. A Rachel Reid romance is EVERYTHING I want to suffuse myself with on Day 1 of a brand new year, and the way The Shots You Take had me in its clutches from the very first sentence straight through to the very last full stop at the end of the acknowledgements means I got that bit of forecasting right! So props to me for ushering in the new year with victory energy, because this 5 star win was a deeply moving read and I loved all the smushy feelings it wrung out of me!💓

💙RR flashbacks legit burn my soul.... especially when there's so much achy tension in the present day povs. Young Riley and Adam were squeezing my chest and my brain melted from jedi-willing everything to turn out well for them both, even though i knew their HEA was guaranteed! I'm usually not fussed about tropes like second-chance or dead spouse etc, but ooof the way this story hit I can NOW see why second-chance romances take a certain amount of delicate manoeuvring and receptivity for it to work.💙

💗ngl it took me forever to write this review when it usually takes me seconds to blurt my feelings out. But i'm still so very sad for Riley losing his amazing dad...and also for his past heartache and for the harsh ending to his NHL career, all of which I'M still working through. This was fiction but it felt so real and i didn't know what to do with myself when it was done.💗

🩵Sad hockey players/Grieving Nova Scotians is just the most succinct and perfect way to describe everything that unfolded in this romance, and that description comes from Reid herself. There's forgiveness and wooing, Lucky, the most bestest doggo, tons of crying (both myself and Riley), cinnamon buns, a gorgeous garden and interior design that had me boosting my Pinterest manifestation boards!🩵

💞There was true loving after a life of beat downs, because breath in your lungs means it can still be taken away, by both pleasure and pain. I was so proud of Riley and the way he took his power back! And I loved Adam's resolve to win back the only man he ever loved! Theirs was a hard won HEA but it was all worth it in the end!💞

💖This book was triumph and tears, heartbreak and hope, dignity and healing, and i'm just so happy that i got to read -AND LOVE- something this beautiful and with such emotional resonance for my first book of 2025!💖

🏆🏒Rachel Reid remains the queen of my MM Hockey/hockey adjacent romance heart, and as an added bonus, i also love how i always fall more deeply in love with Canada after loving on one of Reid's heartfelt and immersive stories! and honestly who can blame me? North Shore Nova Scotia is simply stunning, and so was this sweet and sincere, small town achy romance I'm sure I'll be feeling for a very long time!🍁

An immense "THANK YOU" to NetGalley and Harlequin-Carina Adores for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I loved this book!

Riley and Adam hooked up regularly when they were best friends and rookies. But, neither being ready to come out or commit, Riley quit hockey and moved to his small Nova Scotia hometown, where he's been for a decade. Adam arrives to attend Riley's father's funeral and decides to stay to try to mend their relationship.

This book was so sweet and lovely. It has the emotional strength of a Cat Sebastian book, plus a hockey background and an extremely strong sense of place in small town Nova Scotia. The characters are lovely and both of their current and past mistakes feel realistic and forgivable. The book is sexy but also tinged with just the perfect amount of sadness. I can't wait for more from Rachel Reid.

I loved the way this fit in to the rest of Reid's books--what if, this one asks, the queer men of the NHL didn't come out during their careers? Adam and Riley's story is about grief and hope and it's delightful, warm, optimistic, and engagin.