Goaltender Interference is the fourth in the Penalty Box series by Ari Baran.

If you’ve read any of Ari Baran’s work before then you know they can write some angst. And some hockey. And more. Their books always stand apart to me for reasons I can’t fully articulate but it’s in the absolutely best ways.

We see Aiden retiring from hockey having had a successful NHL career in New York as a goalie. What he doesn’t expect on a night out is to come face to face with his ex Matt, who is the captain for Montreal. They haven’t spent time together in close to 10 years. And therein lies our story.

This second chance romance demands emotional investment. There are some rough patches for Matt and Aiden, as they navigate their new relationship - mainly due to Aiden’s adjustment to his retirement and his acknowledgement of how his mental health has impacted him/continues to impact him.

It’s very raw, and as can be the case with mental health issues, challenging - because sometimes others think they can see the issue and want to fix it, and while the person wants to fix it too, feels utterly helpless to do so … Matt as a character through this is incredible in his staunch commitment to Aiden, while Aiden continues to struggle and his growth and process stalls and falters.

The book also explores the dynamics of Aiden and Matt’s relationships with their friends and family who all have discrepant views about the viability of their relationship. And it so very real.

“Aiden was drifting through the water without any direction or anchor”.

I felt absolutely wrecked when I read this book and was beyond chuffed to be sent an early copy by the author and publisher.

Like every Ari Baran book, this was absolute delight. No one writes hockey romance like they do. It was especially lovely as a fan of their previous books to see some character cameos, though this book works as a stand alone. I had a blast.

I've really enjoyed this series, and this book was no exception. I devoured it gleefully, and I expect other readers will, too.

I kind of felt as if some of the pacing was weird. Part of that is due to it being a second-chance story: the MCs don't need to get to know each other, because they already do. Even so, it seemed to me that we had zero emotional growth/movement (especially on Aiden's side) for a long, long time, and then boom, the eureka moment and everything was, if not solved, at least well on its way. In spite of that quibble, again, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and would recommend it.

My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

I swear; every book in Ari Baran's Penalty Box series is somehow better, full of more heart than the last and Goaltender Interference is no exception! I was SO EXCITED when this ARC showed up and once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! Matt and Aiden's second chance romance, their history, the way they pined for each other GOT ME. I cried, I laughed - like with all of Baran's books, there is an exploration of the difficulty of humanness (in this case, overcoming shared heartbreak and figuring out what to do when your dream is done) that perfectly tempers the charm and antics and creates depth in what at surface level seems like just another cute story. I really appreciated the way depression and supporting someone who is depressed were explored and when we got to the HEA, wow was I a happy camper. Anyway, of all of Ari Baran's extremely lovable little guys, these are perhaps the most lovable. I can't wait for this to warm your heart when it comes out in January!

In Goaltender Interference, it's the goaltender himself who is interfering, in his own ability to move his life forward. Aidan has just retired from the NHL. He's having a rough time trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life, and he's depressed. Then, the guy he loved and messily broke up with 10 years ago shows up at his door. Their reunion does not help him get out of his depression, but it does kick off an emotionally detailed, honest, and engrossing novel.

I love this book, it was SO good, and I don’t know if I can ever read it again because Aiden’s depression is JUST TOO REAL. There was a lot of ugly crying while reading this tonight. (In a good way! It was cathartic! But oh my god, TOO REAL.)

When I got the email that this book was coming to NetGalley I ran to download it. I sped through the rest of Baran's work and was super thrilled to have another one! I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and I loved the depiction of a special interest and how difficult it was for Aiden to find something to replace that. Overall I really enjoyed! Please check it out!

Is this my favourite in the series? Yes!
Am I completely and uttterly obsessed with Aiden and Matt? Yes?

This is a second chance romance that is unlike any other book. This is the story of two men who are soulmates.

When they accidentally run into each other after Aiden retires from hockey, it sets off a series of encounters that are so hot and tragic and agonizing.

I was completely undone by this book.

I am simply not right in the head for these men
I would go into war with them
I will love them forever
I am unhinged
I am broken by them

If you don’t love this book I really won’t understand.

Thank to Ari for letting me read your book. Thanks NetGalley too!