Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes, but Goalie Interference was just an okay read for me. Ryu and Emmitt are competitors. They both want the top position, and they both want to be on the ice for the playoffs. There is some back and forth in the very beginning, but other than that, I never really got the enemies to lovers vibe. That fierce sense of rivalry is there, and they both want to win. They wouldn't be valuable players if they didn't, but I just never got that animosity that comes with being enemies. The big, angsty problem is what I expected, and we get lots of moping on both sides, maybe a little too much moping. There is some wit and fun, mostly when Emmitt and Ryu are interacting with the team, particularly Morley. I absolutely love the fun-loving Morley. Given the circumstances, the relationship isn't public knowledge, and Ryu isn't even out, but that isn't a cause for worry here, which was refreshing in this type of romance. I will add that for those who want gameplay, this one gives us plenty of that. As the team heads into the playoffs, the play gets more and more exciting, and the authors do an excellent job of drawing you into the game. In the end, Ryu and Emmitt do have good chemistry, and their story is certainly plenty steamy, but it lacks the highs and lows of enemies turning into lovers while they fight every step of the way. It is certainly worth the read, and I'll be interested to see what's next for this series - I'm secretly hoping Morley gets a turn soon. As for this one, it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but it did keep me entertained with its engaging characters and gameplay.

This is book #2, from the series Hat Trick.  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  To avoid spoilers, and to better understand the series I recommend reading this series in order intended by the authors.  You can catch the review for Off The Ice, the first book in this series, by clicking here: OFF THE ICE REVIEW.

Emmitt has the opportunity to move up to the NHL, when a trade gives him the ultimate chance.  Not having as much family support as he would have liked - he still gives it his all.  Then he finds out there is a catch.  

Ryu is already a successful goalie who gives his team everything he has.  Then the challenge is given to work harder or lose your place.  This is normal for the NHL, but what he does not expect is to be attracted to his nemesis.  If only he could make the feelings go away.....

Such an exciting and well paced story.  I love the banter, the humor, and so much more.  The heat starts out sizzling and grows till it is almost a complete bonfire.  I was not able to put the book down, and eagerly read this in one sitting.  I give this a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review, by Netgalley and its publisher.

Off the Ice pretty lighthearted for an in the closet romance. There is some angst, but it's overcome much more quickly than I would've expected, and the story focuses on the romance between Tristan and Sebastian as they get to know each other and find their footing in the relationship. Seb comes off as a bit snobbish and a lot judgmental in the beginning, but as things progress, that all plays a part in the story. So, while I wasn't crazy about him at first, he did grow on me, and I ended up liking both characters. They're also really good together with each bringing out better qualities in the other. That said, the story was still just a middle of the road read for me. The romance works, but in terms of tropes, there is really nothing here to set this one apart from a sea of others like it. All in all, Off the Ice is an easy, laid back story that makes for a pleasant feel-good read.

If you like seafaring stories this is a great one to read. It's action packed and pretty much the entire story is set out on the water, in either the tugboat or car carrier.

I really wish they would make this into a series. I'd love to go on more salvages with the Gale Force crew.

*I received this ARC from the Penguin Random House First-to-Read program in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!