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Edging Coach
Retired hockey star Jack Showalter is ready for a new taking over as head coach of the disastrous Abbotsford Grizzlies and turning their horrific season around.
Except Jack isn’t the Grizzlies’ only mid-season acquisition.
Blueliner Devon Jarvis just wanted a no-strings hookup the night before his first practice with his new team. He didn’t expect the silver fox from the app to be such an eager submissive. He didn’t expect to want more than a single, first-name-only night.
He definitely didn’t expect to walk into the locker room and recognize his new coach.
Now Jack and Devon are struggling to focus on hockey while the chemistry sizzles between them. They need to forget everything they did together that one amazing night. They need to pretend they didn’t get a taste of what they’ve both been desperate to find.
Yeah, right, like that's happening.
Except Jack isn’t the Grizzlies’ only mid-season acquisition.
Blueliner Devon Jarvis just wanted a no-strings hookup the night before his first practice with his new team. He didn’t expect the silver fox from the app to be such an eager submissive. He didn’t expect to want more than a single, first-name-only night.
He definitely didn’t expect to walk into the locker room and recognize his new coach.
Now Jack and Devon are struggling to focus on hockey while the chemistry sizzles between them. They need to forget everything they did together that one amazing night. They need to pretend they didn’t get a taste of what they’ve both been desperate to find.
Yeah, right, like that's happening.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
About the author
Gabbi Grey
96 books288 followersGabbi lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
June 3, 2026
MM romance | Hockey romance | Bdsm | Age gap (43/25) | Forbidden romance | Coach/Player | Forced proximity | Yearning | Edging | Whip & Flogger
Okay, debo admitir que este libro me gustó muchísimo, pero como estos días he estado rozando un bloqueo lector gigantesco, lo fui leyendo súper despacio jaja.
Devon y Jack son todo lo que está bien! Su relación fue tan hermosa que no podía evitar chillar en cada una de sus escenas juntos. Me encantó cómo las autoras fueron tejiendo poco a poco su historia para que todo encajara a la perfección y terminara en ese final feliz. Sin dudas, ambos personajes me fascinaron por igual, ¡no sabría elegir a uno solo como mi favorito! jaja.
Muero por leer más de ellas. Es un libro que está sumamente bien escrito y que recomiendo un montón. Definitivamente voy a seguir explorando sus historias.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
Okay, I have to admit I really loved this book, but since I’ve been on the verge of a massive reading slump lately, I ended up reading it super slowly, haha.
Devon and Jack are everything that is right with this world! Their relationship was so incredible that I couldn’t help but squeal during every single one of their scenes together. I loved how the authors slowly wove their story so that everything clicked perfectly into place for a happy ending. Honestly, I adored both characters so much that I couldn't possibly pick a favorite! haha.
I am dying to read more from these authors. This book is beautifully written, and I highly recommend it! I will definitely be checking out more of their work.
Okay, debo admitir que este libro me gustó muchísimo, pero como estos días he estado rozando un bloqueo lector gigantesco, lo fui leyendo súper despacio jaja.
Devon y Jack son todo lo que está bien! Su relación fue tan hermosa que no podía evitar chillar en cada una de sus escenas juntos. Me encantó cómo las autoras fueron tejiendo poco a poco su historia para que todo encajara a la perfección y terminara en ese final feliz. Sin dudas, ambos personajes me fascinaron por igual, ¡no sabría elegir a uno solo como mi favorito! jaja.
Muero por leer más de ellas. Es un libro que está sumamente bien escrito y que recomiendo un montón. Definitivamente voy a seguir explorando sus historias.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
Okay, I have to admit I really loved this book, but since I’ve been on the verge of a massive reading slump lately, I ended up reading it super slowly, haha.
Devon and Jack are everything that is right with this world! Their relationship was so incredible that I couldn’t help but squeal during every single one of their scenes together. I loved how the authors slowly wove their story so that everything clicked perfectly into place for a happy ending. Honestly, I adored both characters so much that I couldn't possibly pick a favorite! haha.
I am dying to read more from these authors. This book is beautifully written, and I highly recommend it! I will definitely be checking out more of their work.
May 21, 2026
**4.5**
Wow, this book gives you so much. It's a great hockey romance, the intensity between the MC's sparks from the first page, and the 🔥 scenes are just ... hot damn. One of my favourite things to read is when the dynamic is the opposite of the 'norm'. In this case you have the younger hockey player who is the experienced Dom, and the older coach who is the Sub having all of this for the first time.
Devon and Jack fit together so perfectly, which is what causes their problems when they discover that Jack is Devon's new coach the day after their first night together. Both are still high off of what they shared and it's a crash back down to earth they first see each other in the locker room. It's fine though, they just won't do anything else, and they didn't know before.... Ha, yeh okay, like that's going to work with the insane chemistry they have and the need that they fulfill perfectly for each other.
Despite knowing better and their jobs being in danger, they cannot stop. I'll give them their dies, they do try. Kind of. But these two men together, and not just in scenes. On the phone, trying to just have normal conversations, or doing their best to stay away. Their need for each other, the comfort and safety they provide through words, touch, and intentions is crazy hot.
Of course, with it being a forbidden relationship, things get tense and someone, somewhere knows something which is never a good thing, but it all works out for them in the end.
Devon's hurt broke my heart with the grief he still lives with from the loss of his mother when he was twelve, and Jack's divorce turns out to have been more than just an amicable split.
Strong emotions. Insanely hot scenes together. Great hockey minds.
This book is a fantastic read and I cannot recommend this enough! There are definitely other characters that I would love the chance to read get their own story but it also stands perfectly on its own. I do also want to say that the safety and consent discussions around the BDSM is a great and important addition, especially with Jack being so new to it all.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Wow, this book gives you so much. It's a great hockey romance, the intensity between the MC's sparks from the first page, and the 🔥 scenes are just ... hot damn. One of my favourite things to read is when the dynamic is the opposite of the 'norm'. In this case you have the younger hockey player who is the experienced Dom, and the older coach who is the Sub having all of this for the first time.
Devon and Jack fit together so perfectly, which is what causes their problems when they discover that Jack is Devon's new coach the day after their first night together. Both are still high off of what they shared and it's a crash back down to earth they first see each other in the locker room. It's fine though, they just won't do anything else, and they didn't know before.... Ha, yeh okay, like that's going to work with the insane chemistry they have and the need that they fulfill perfectly for each other.
Despite knowing better and their jobs being in danger, they cannot stop. I'll give them their dies, they do try. Kind of. But these two men together, and not just in scenes. On the phone, trying to just have normal conversations, or doing their best to stay away. Their need for each other, the comfort and safety they provide through words, touch, and intentions is crazy hot.
Of course, with it being a forbidden relationship, things get tense and someone, somewhere knows something which is never a good thing, but it all works out for them in the end.
Devon's hurt broke my heart with the grief he still lives with from the loss of his mother when he was twelve, and Jack's divorce turns out to have been more than just an amicable split.
Strong emotions. Insanely hot scenes together. Great hockey minds.
This book is a fantastic read and I cannot recommend this enough! There are definitely other characters that I would love the chance to read get their own story but it also stands perfectly on its own. I do also want to say that the safety and consent discussions around the BDSM is a great and important addition, especially with Jack being so new to it all.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Read
June 22, 2026A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I loved this story and was thrilled with how multi-layered it was. The reversed power dynamic of younger Dom/older sub is always fun to experience. Also, the hockey was front and center, which I crave in a sports romance. The coach/player dynamic was obviously a power imbalance, so I enjoyed the flipped script of Devon leading and guiding Jack sexually, despite the age gap, because there’s a huge experience gap between them when it comes to sex. Jack has mainly been a serial monogamist, and Devon has hardly had any committed adult relationships. Yet, Devon has thoroughly embraced his Dom side, and trained to be a good Dom, while Jack has had negative experiences with kink, except with Devon, whom he trusts implicitly.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I loved this story and was thrilled with how multi-layered it was. The reversed power dynamic of younger Dom/older sub is always fun to experience. Also, the hockey was front and center, which I crave in a sports romance. The coach/player dynamic was obviously a power imbalance, so I enjoyed the flipped script of Devon leading and guiding Jack sexually, despite the age gap, because there’s a huge experience gap between them when it comes to sex. Jack has mainly been a serial monogamist, and Devon has hardly had any committed adult relationships. Yet, Devon has thoroughly embraced his Dom side, and trained to be a good Dom, while Jack has had negative experiences with kink, except with Devon, whom he trusts implicitly.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
May 26, 2026
MY OPINION: I finished this book before bed one evening and found myself thinking about it throughout the night and the next morning. This book stuck with me.
There are some tropes here that instantly make you want to read it: age gap, hockey, and coach/player. The story didn’t disappoint on any of these. The age gap is addressed, but is not an issue; they see the years between them and move on. The coach/player situation is a big problem, though, because of League rules and the perceived power difference on the ice. But that dynamic is very different in the bedroom.
Jack had needs he didn’t know how to address until he met Devon. And like his sub Devon has needs that Jack can fulfill, it’s a perfect combination that these men are constantly craving, wanting, addicted to. When Devon uses his toys to make Jack submit, it’s perfect for them both.
BDSM is all bedroom play, not lifestyle, and mostly impact play. Jack has a praise kink, and together they find what they need. The spice is graphic, but there aren’t a lot of scenes. The story focuses on them trying to quit each other, fighting their feelings, and playing hockey.
There is a lot of hockey in this book, and overall it’s a very emotionally driven story. I knew the characters and felt the angst. Great men in a weird situation. They navigate it the best they know how. There are a few friends, but they don’t play a huge part. Be prepared, this is a long book, on my Kindle, 462 pages. As a Gabbi Grey fan, it was written wonderfully, and L. A. Witt’s fingerprints were included. I really liked the book and am glad I invested in it. A lot of depth to the story, those extra words add that depth that shorter books doesn’t always have. Pick it up and read it, you’ll be glad you did.
There are some tropes here that instantly make you want to read it: age gap, hockey, and coach/player. The story didn’t disappoint on any of these. The age gap is addressed, but is not an issue; they see the years between them and move on. The coach/player situation is a big problem, though, because of League rules and the perceived power difference on the ice. But that dynamic is very different in the bedroom.
Jack had needs he didn’t know how to address until he met Devon. And like his sub Devon has needs that Jack can fulfill, it’s a perfect combination that these men are constantly craving, wanting, addicted to. When Devon uses his toys to make Jack submit, it’s perfect for them both.
BDSM is all bedroom play, not lifestyle, and mostly impact play. Jack has a praise kink, and together they find what they need. The spice is graphic, but there aren’t a lot of scenes. The story focuses on them trying to quit each other, fighting their feelings, and playing hockey.
There is a lot of hockey in this book, and overall it’s a very emotionally driven story. I knew the characters and felt the angst. Great men in a weird situation. They navigate it the best they know how. There are a few friends, but they don’t play a huge part. Be prepared, this is a long book, on my Kindle, 462 pages. As a Gabbi Grey fan, it was written wonderfully, and L. A. Witt’s fingerprints were included. I really liked the book and am glad I invested in it. A lot of depth to the story, those extra words add that depth that shorter books doesn’t always have. Pick it up and read it, you’ll be glad you did.
June 27, 2026
DNF @ 37%
The intro was a mix of decent spice and way too long expo dumps and internal monologues from both Jack and Devon.
The story did a good job showing Jack and Devon trying to fight their desires, even though I didn't quite understand why exactly meither of them couldn't quite keep it in their pants. The given reason was that they were just that sexually compatible, but I wish there was something sentimental that made them irresistible to each other.
I didn't understand the focus on Hairs as a character? It felt like nearly every chapter needed to highlight this randomass side character and give us small tidbits of unnecessary info as if he was someone important, but I didn't give a shit? Who actually cares if he was an asshole that drank a lot and had sex often when it didn't have a direct connection to Jack and Devon's dynamic?
Ok, I felt like this book was telling two different stories with the same named characters between chapters. In Jack's chapters, we see him acknowledging that doing things with Devon was a bad idea and just barely winning against his more base desires but managing to stay away from him, but then in Devon's POV chapters, Jack's always the one reaching out and acting desperate. This literally happens so much. Why spend a chapter emphasizing that Jack was trying to hold strong when he just fails off page and gives in to contacting Jack? Freaking show him losing in his chapter to show us readers his turning points rather than having it always happen out of sight and in Devon's chapters.
I had to give up when Jack's last chapter showed him setting up a hookup and ending with the desire to "hopefully get over Devon" but then in the next chapter, he's right back to texting Devon as if he wasn't even trying to keep his distance. I'm done with the rubber banding. 2 stars.
The intro was a mix of decent spice and way too long expo dumps and internal monologues from both Jack and Devon.
The story did a good job showing Jack and Devon trying to fight their desires, even though I didn't quite understand why exactly meither of them couldn't quite keep it in their pants. The given reason was that they were just that sexually compatible, but I wish there was something sentimental that made them irresistible to each other.
I didn't understand the focus on Hairs as a character? It felt like nearly every chapter needed to highlight this randomass side character and give us small tidbits of unnecessary info as if he was someone important, but I didn't give a shit? Who actually cares if he was an asshole that drank a lot and had sex often when it didn't have a direct connection to Jack and Devon's dynamic?
Ok, I felt like this book was telling two different stories with the same named characters between chapters. In Jack's chapters, we see him acknowledging that doing things with Devon was a bad idea and just barely winning against his more base desires but managing to stay away from him, but then in Devon's POV chapters, Jack's always the one reaching out and acting desperate. This literally happens so much. Why spend a chapter emphasizing that Jack was trying to hold strong when he just fails off page and gives in to contacting Jack? Freaking show him losing in his chapter to show us readers his turning points rather than having it always happen out of sight and in Devon's chapters.
I had to give up when Jack's last chapter showed him setting up a hookup and ending with the desire to "hopefully get over Devon" but then in the next chapter, he's right back to texting Devon as if he wasn't even trying to keep his distance. I'm done with the rubber banding. 2 stars.
Did Not Finish
May 29, 2026DNF at 23%
Just smut with interludes of « we absolutely can’t, but we have zero impulse control so we’re doing it anyway » 🙄🙄🙄
Just smut with interludes of « we absolutely can’t, but we have zero impulse control so we’re doing it anyway » 🙄🙄🙄
May 26, 2026
I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
4.25*
Really enjoyed. There’s passionate insta-lust, a surprise forbidden relationship, lots of angst, and lots of giving in despite knowing better. It’s a fully fleshed out story with ups and downs, emotional growth, building trust, loving sacrifice, and a more realistic HEA that still feels joyous and satisfying.
I do have a few gripes. A lot of the early plot relies on the first insta-lust scene that we’re only told about after. I had trouble with that. Jack is a respected 43 year old ex-hockey player, but he behaves like a smitten teenager, essentially because that off-page scene is so explosive for him. It’s hard to rationalize Jack’s behavior when we don’t see the event that sets him down a path of (kink) self-discovery. It’s not really until the MCs spend solid time together later in the book that I bought into their connection being truly special. Then I was all in.
Conversely, it’s not surprising for 25 year old Devon to make impulsive decisions about sex with his coach, but it is surprising that he’s a walking, talking, BDSM best-practices handbook. He’s a bit preachy about it, too. I had trouble believing the full depth of his knowledge and skills mastery. For his age and being a full time professional hockey player, it just feels like a big sell. Apparently, he’s spent significant time in BDSM training and honed his abilities to a high degree, from precision whip targeting, to elaborate shibari suspension. Yes, of course it’s possible, but it’s so hard to believe from someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes hockey with a slammed travel schedule, exercise routines, practices, games, etc. 🤷♂️
Speaking of, the book is packed with hockey talk. I’m sure many will love that, but I got lost. 😂 I enjoy hockey books and I’m learning more about the sport, but so many of the different penalties, calls, stats, and lingo fly over my head. So just know going in, this is a real hockey book.
Misc. thoughts:
-Devon handles Jack’s fear of bondage really well and I’m thankful for it. The scenes are pretty amazing. Jack’s description of how he feels while bound honestly opened my mind in a way I hadn’t thought of before and I love that.
-The end of their trip together is beautifully heart wrenching. Big emotions from both and it’s such an opportunity that they have to close the door on.
-There are no on page sex scenes with Devon topping Jack. Off page scenes are talked about afterward, but we’re never shown one. It’s so odd.
-Love Jack riding to the rescue. He puts his whole heart on the line. It’s a beautiful scene with complicated feelings that ring true.
-I really rooted for Amy and I’m glad that the influence of women is prominent in the story for both MCs.
-As someone in the US, I liked the informative Canadian propaganda and subtle digs at backward-thinking. 😂 Made me chuckle several times.
I loved loved the epilogue. It wraps things up with excitement, possibility, and hope. There’s the acknowledgment of hard work ahead, but they’re on the right path and so happy together. Their open, honest affection for each other made my heart happy. ❤️🔥
4.25*
Really enjoyed. There’s passionate insta-lust, a surprise forbidden relationship, lots of angst, and lots of giving in despite knowing better. It’s a fully fleshed out story with ups and downs, emotional growth, building trust, loving sacrifice, and a more realistic HEA that still feels joyous and satisfying.
I do have a few gripes. A lot of the early plot relies on the first insta-lust scene that we’re only told about after. I had trouble with that. Jack is a respected 43 year old ex-hockey player, but he behaves like a smitten teenager, essentially because that off-page scene is so explosive for him. It’s hard to rationalize Jack’s behavior when we don’t see the event that sets him down a path of (kink) self-discovery. It’s not really until the MCs spend solid time together later in the book that I bought into their connection being truly special. Then I was all in.
Conversely, it’s not surprising for 25 year old Devon to make impulsive decisions about sex with his coach, but it is surprising that he’s a walking, talking, BDSM best-practices handbook. He’s a bit preachy about it, too. I had trouble believing the full depth of his knowledge and skills mastery. For his age and being a full time professional hockey player, it just feels like a big sell. Apparently, he’s spent significant time in BDSM training and honed his abilities to a high degree, from precision whip targeting, to elaborate shibari suspension. Yes, of course it’s possible, but it’s so hard to believe from someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes hockey with a slammed travel schedule, exercise routines, practices, games, etc. 🤷♂️
Speaking of, the book is packed with hockey talk. I’m sure many will love that, but I got lost. 😂 I enjoy hockey books and I’m learning more about the sport, but so many of the different penalties, calls, stats, and lingo fly over my head. So just know going in, this is a real hockey book.
Misc. thoughts:
-Devon handles Jack’s fear of bondage really well and I’m thankful for it. The scenes are pretty amazing. Jack’s description of how he feels while bound honestly opened my mind in a way I hadn’t thought of before and I love that.
-The end of their trip together is beautifully heart wrenching. Big emotions from both and it’s such an opportunity that they have to close the door on.
-There are no on page sex scenes with Devon topping Jack. Off page scenes are talked about afterward, but we’re never shown one. It’s so odd.
-Love Jack riding to the rescue. He puts his whole heart on the line. It’s a beautiful scene with complicated feelings that ring true.
-I really rooted for Amy and I’m glad that the influence of women is prominent in the story for both MCs.
-As someone in the US, I liked the informative Canadian propaganda and subtle digs at backward-thinking. 😂 Made me chuckle several times.
I loved loved the epilogue. It wraps things up with excitement, possibility, and hope. There’s the acknowledgment of hard work ahead, but they’re on the right path and so happy together. Their open, honest affection for each other made my heart happy. ❤️🔥
May 22, 2026
I tried to love this, but, I’m afraid it didn’t quite hit for me. It has a lot of enjoyable moments, both with each character and with hockey. But despite the evening out of the power dynamic between coach-player and the younger player dominating the older coach, it made me too uneasy as far as the risk to their careers to buy into it.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for forbidden romance. But something about Jack the older coach, who is responsible not only for Devon but the entire team, being the one constantly caving and begging for Devon’s attention (after they’ve mutually agreed they will stay away from each other, with Devon taking the lead even there and being stronger), it didn’t feel authentic. He’s the coach and the older man, and he can’t keep it in his pants for more than a day? A week?
I don’t know…it felt immature rather than respecting the boundaries Devon kept setting and they agreed to. The unevenness of that, despite Devon eventually giving in whenever Jack called or texted or whatnot, gave me the impression that Jack’s newly awakened needs were more important to him than Devon’s reputation and career…he kept putting himself first, and that didn’t say falling in love to me.
There is still a lot to entertain, with the games, the travel, secondary characters, a truly annoying antagonist (Hairs, ugh, even his nickname is gross! 😂), and I still had good times reading the story. The steam is steamy! But I kept being able to put it down, and I think it was that discomfort up front, with Jack seeming unable to control himself and continually pulling Devon into sex that just kept nagging at me wrong.
HEA. Coach-hockey player forbidden romance, age gap, younger dom-older sub. No OM action; OM drama from one trying to do as the other suggests and find someone else to play with, but, it quickly goes nowhere bc they can’t stop thinking about each other. And a sour note for Me, Devon’s bestie tells us alllll about how Devon learned to dom by using him as his practice sub/bottom, and I was not there to hear about it. Please stopit. Others won’t care, but, it stomped on my incestuous friend group nerves. 🤷♀️ Me, just ignore. Still pretty much safe for me, though that other-potential-partner seeking had my gut churning for a hot minute. Recommended, but, not my favorite from either author, they each have stories that resonated much more wonderfully for me.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for forbidden romance. But something about Jack the older coach, who is responsible not only for Devon but the entire team, being the one constantly caving and begging for Devon’s attention (after they’ve mutually agreed they will stay away from each other, with Devon taking the lead even there and being stronger), it didn’t feel authentic. He’s the coach and the older man, and he can’t keep it in his pants for more than a day? A week?
I don’t know…it felt immature rather than respecting the boundaries Devon kept setting and they agreed to. The unevenness of that, despite Devon eventually giving in whenever Jack called or texted or whatnot, gave me the impression that Jack’s newly awakened needs were more important to him than Devon’s reputation and career…he kept putting himself first, and that didn’t say falling in love to me.
There is still a lot to entertain, with the games, the travel, secondary characters, a truly annoying antagonist (Hairs, ugh, even his nickname is gross! 😂), and I still had good times reading the story. The steam is steamy! But I kept being able to put it down, and I think it was that discomfort up front, with Jack seeming unable to control himself and continually pulling Devon into sex that just kept nagging at me wrong.
HEA. Coach-hockey player forbidden romance, age gap, younger dom-older sub. No OM action; OM drama from one trying to do as the other suggests and find someone else to play with, but, it quickly goes nowhere bc they can’t stop thinking about each other. And a sour note for Me, Devon’s bestie tells us alllll about how Devon learned to dom by using him as his practice sub/bottom, and I was not there to hear about it. Please stopit. Others won’t care, but, it stomped on my incestuous friend group nerves. 🤷♀️ Me, just ignore. Still pretty much safe for me, though that other-potential-partner seeking had my gut churning for a hot minute. Recommended, but, not my favorite from either author, they each have stories that resonated much more wonderfully for me.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
May 30, 2026
Gabbi Grey is one of my favorite authors, and I can always count on her books being a great, satisfying read. This one was no exception. I am not as familiar with L. A. Witt as an author, but these two hit it out of the park in my opinion. When Jack and Devon met, neither had any idea who the other was—just first names on a one night hook-up that blew both their minds. Finding out that Jack is Devon’s new head coach on the team he was traded to creates all sorts of problems. Both are aware that this is a relationship that cannot continue, but the pull is strong, and each knows exactly how to ground the other and give what is needed. The way they fit together is obvious in their interactions and is very believable to my mind. I think many readers could identify with meeting someone you know you shouldn’t want but the pull is almost impossible to ignore, and I felt that from both men. There were times I had tears in my eyes as they tried to figure out a way to be together without destroying each other or their careers, and as they confronted their own feelings and what would be needed to give up and do “the right thing”. Both characters were realistic and relatable, and I was rooting for them to find a way to be together without destroying their careers or causing problems for the team. I was happy to see someone get his just desserts.
There is a lot of BDSM D/s dynamic with primal play, edging, bjs and some bondage, but always following the rules for consent, safe words, frequent checking in, and aftercare. But there was actual love-making too, outside of the BDSM playtimes which demonstrated the strength and commitment to each other to try to find a path forward. I thought the meeting Jake had with another Dom was enlightening and demonstrated good communication in a situation that Jake wasn’t as comfortable with, and it really reinforced the amount of trust needed between a Dom and sub to be a successful pairing.
I found the story fast paced, it kept me engaged and invested in these two getting together for a long term relationship, and I was very satisfied with the ending. I hope there may be more books coming from this duo in the same hockey world. There were some possible future main characters, I thought, waiting in the wings to tell their own story. Time will tell.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is a lot of BDSM D/s dynamic with primal play, edging, bjs and some bondage, but always following the rules for consent, safe words, frequent checking in, and aftercare. But there was actual love-making too, outside of the BDSM playtimes which demonstrated the strength and commitment to each other to try to find a path forward. I thought the meeting Jake had with another Dom was enlightening and demonstrated good communication in a situation that Jake wasn’t as comfortable with, and it really reinforced the amount of trust needed between a Dom and sub to be a successful pairing.
I found the story fast paced, it kept me engaged and invested in these two getting together for a long term relationship, and I was very satisfied with the ending. I hope there may be more books coming from this duo in the same hockey world. There were some possible future main characters, I thought, waiting in the wings to tell their own story. Time will tell.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Edging coach
By: L.A. Witt & Gabbi Grey
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
It’s shouldn’t work but it thrives!
In another amazing book by L.A. Witt and author Gabbi Grey we get an amazing forbidden romance. Couch and player and complete roll reversal. It shouldn’t work, younger player, dominate vs submissive and so much respect for each other. The chemistry is perfect page after page. The authors write with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some have quick witted story lines that are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors blurb: Retired hockey star Jack Showalter is ready for a new challenge: taking over as head coach of the disastrous Abbotsford Grizzlies and turning their horrific season around.
Except Jack isn’t the Grizzlies’ onlymid-season acquisition.
Blueliner Devon Jarvis just wanted a no-strings hookup the night before his first practice with his new team. He didn’t expect the silver fox from the app to be such an eager submissive. He didn’t expect to want more than a single, first-name-only night.
He definitely didn’t expect to walk into the locker room and recognize his new coach.
Now Jack and Devon are struggling to focus on hockey while the chemistry sizzles between them. They need to forget everything they did together that one amazing night. They need to pretend they didn’t get a taste of what they’ve both been desperate to find.
Yeah, right, like that's happening.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
Gifted by GRR for an early read and review.
By: L.A. Witt & Gabbi Grey
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
It’s shouldn’t work but it thrives!
In another amazing book by L.A. Witt and author Gabbi Grey we get an amazing forbidden romance. Couch and player and complete roll reversal. It shouldn’t work, younger player, dominate vs submissive and so much respect for each other. The chemistry is perfect page after page. The authors write with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some have quick witted story lines that are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors blurb: Retired hockey star Jack Showalter is ready for a new challenge: taking over as head coach of the disastrous Abbotsford Grizzlies and turning their horrific season around.
Except Jack isn’t the Grizzlies’ onlymid-season acquisition.
Blueliner Devon Jarvis just wanted a no-strings hookup the night before his first practice with his new team. He didn’t expect the silver fox from the app to be such an eager submissive. He didn’t expect to want more than a single, first-name-only night.
He definitely didn’t expect to walk into the locker room and recognize his new coach.
Now Jack and Devon are struggling to focus on hockey while the chemistry sizzles between them. They need to forget everything they did together that one amazing night. They need to pretend they didn’t get a taste of what they’ve both been desperate to find.
Yeah, right, like that's happening.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
Gifted by GRR for an early read and review.
May 28, 2026
This book was exactly what you can expect from Gabbi and L.A. Witt. Age gap, kink and so much love.
I’ve always loved the one-night stand trope but when said one-night stand crashes into your daily life, I love it even more.
Jack and Devon had the most intense night of their lives. Devon gave Jack things he never knew he craved and left him wanting more. Jack had never been seen the way Devon saw and fulfilled him.
His main regret was not getting the stranger’s name that had turned his world upside down and the one he wanted to have a repeat with.
Being traded to a new team and wanting some release, Devon met the most perfect submissive. The way Jack gave himself to Devon was the most perfect thing. He wanted to have him for more than just one night.
Both of their wishes were granted when they find out they’ll be working together as coach and player. The shock of finding out that Jack had slept with one of his players tilted his world on its axis. He knew then that they could never have a repeat of their night again.
But even knowing they couldn’t get involved, staying away from each other was impossible. One night wasn’t enough for Jack. He needed Devon to dominate him in the way only he knew how. He had never felt so safe and free than when he was with Devon.
Devon was just as into Jack as Jack was into him. He knew what would happen to both of their careers if they were found out. And that terrible moment comes when Devon is put in a situation where he’s basically damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t come out.
But Jack wasn’t going to let anyone ruin Devon’s chances of being a pro player. He took matters into his own hand and defused the situation the best way he could. Devon was the most important person to him and nothing would change that.
“𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝒾𝒹𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝑒𝒽𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝒸𝓁𝑜𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝒹𝑜𝑜𝓇𝓈. 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝐼 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊.”
I really, really loved Devon and Jack. I loved that that the younger man was the Dom. Jack needed someone to show him that what he desired was perfectly normal and that there was no shame in it. Devon gave Jack his power back after what he went through with his ex and I loved him for it.
I hope we get more than just this book because I’m really curious about the Vancouver’s captain🤭
I’ve always loved the one-night stand trope but when said one-night stand crashes into your daily life, I love it even more.
Jack and Devon had the most intense night of their lives. Devon gave Jack things he never knew he craved and left him wanting more. Jack had never been seen the way Devon saw and fulfilled him.
His main regret was not getting the stranger’s name that had turned his world upside down and the one he wanted to have a repeat with.
Being traded to a new team and wanting some release, Devon met the most perfect submissive. The way Jack gave himself to Devon was the most perfect thing. He wanted to have him for more than just one night.
Both of their wishes were granted when they find out they’ll be working together as coach and player. The shock of finding out that Jack had slept with one of his players tilted his world on its axis. He knew then that they could never have a repeat of their night again.
But even knowing they couldn’t get involved, staying away from each other was impossible. One night wasn’t enough for Jack. He needed Devon to dominate him in the way only he knew how. He had never felt so safe and free than when he was with Devon.
Devon was just as into Jack as Jack was into him. He knew what would happen to both of their careers if they were found out. And that terrible moment comes when Devon is put in a situation where he’s basically damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t come out.
But Jack wasn’t going to let anyone ruin Devon’s chances of being a pro player. He took matters into his own hand and defused the situation the best way he could. Devon was the most important person to him and nothing would change that.
“𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝒾𝒹𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝑒𝒽𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝒸𝓁𝑜𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝒹𝑜𝑜𝓇𝓈. 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝐼 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊.”
I really, really loved Devon and Jack. I loved that that the younger man was the Dom. Jack needed someone to show him that what he desired was perfectly normal and that there was no shame in it. Devon gave Jack his power back after what he went through with his ex and I loved him for it.
I hope we get more than just this book because I’m really curious about the Vancouver’s captain🤭
May 28, 2026
3.25
I continue to have a weird relationship with L.A. Witt's writing. I love her stories and her mentions of social programs around veterans, disabled people, mental and physical health. But every single time it ends up feeling like a teacher presenting a lesson instead of working with the story. It fells like color mixing that ends up showing the initial colors on the canvas. (I just read Facing Leeward and all the time I wanted that kind of blending in Edging Coach)
In a funny way, this book is the exact opposite of An English Bear in Berlin, the book I previously read before this. That one starts slowly and sweetly while this one hits you with the physical relationship and two characters that have to learn to be together because of their attraction to each other.
Something that frustrated me here was the repetition. There are a lot of reminds of the characters' first interactions, using the same words and images, to the point it got frustrating.
And the ending was a bit too put together.
At the same time, there is a decision made here similar to something that happens in If It Makes You Happy and, honestly, I am not sure how I feel about it. It makes more sense here, but I still don't like it. I really wish characters talk more and decide together when they are in a relationship.
To be honest, the current book was never going to work for me. Half the time I was shouting at Devs to be nice. (Should I remind anyone this book describes a bdsm relationship?)
I continue to have a weird relationship with L.A. Witt's writing. I love her stories and her mentions of social programs around veterans, disabled people, mental and physical health. But every single time it ends up feeling like a teacher presenting a lesson instead of working with the story. It fells like color mixing that ends up showing the initial colors on the canvas. (I just read Facing Leeward and all the time I wanted that kind of blending in Edging Coach)
In a funny way, this book is the exact opposite of An English Bear in Berlin, the book I previously read before this. That one starts slowly and sweetly while this one hits you with the physical relationship and two characters that have to learn to be together because of their attraction to each other.
Something that frustrated me here was the repetition. There are a lot of reminds of the characters' first interactions, using the same words and images, to the point it got frustrating.
And the ending was a bit too put together.
At the same time, there is a decision made here similar to something that happens in If It Makes You Happy and, honestly, I am not sure how I feel about it. It makes more sense here, but I still don't like it. I really wish characters talk more and decide together when they are in a relationship.
To be honest, the current book was never going to work for me. Half the time I was shouting at Devs to be nice. (Should I remind anyone this book describes a bdsm relationship?)
June 2, 2026
Edging Coach by Gabbi Grey & L.A. Witt was everything I wanted from a hockey romance and more.
The chemistry between Jack and Devon is immediate and undeniable. What starts as an unforgettable one-night stand quickly turns into a nightmare scenario when they discover they're now coach and player on the same team. The forbidden relationship angle created so much tension because neither of them wants to risk their careers, yet staying away from each other proves impossible.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was how it flipped expectations. Devon is the younger, experienced Dom, while Jack is older and exploring this side of himself for the first time. Their dynamic felt incredibly natural, and I loved how much emphasis was placed on communication, trust, consent, and creating a safe space for exploration. It wasn't just about attraction—it was about understanding each other on a deeper level.
Beyond the romance, both men carried emotional baggage that added depth to their story. Devon is still dealing with the loss of his mother, while Jack's divorce left more scars than it initially appeared. Watching them support each other through those struggles made their connection feel even stronger.
The angst hit just right. The constant push and pull between what they wanted and what they knew they shouldn't do kept me hooked, and when the inevitable complications arrived, the emotional payoff felt well earned. Their relationship was passionate, intense, and full of genuine care for one another.
This book delivers age gap, forbidden romance, emotional growth, hockey, and a beautifully developed relationship. Add in fantastic chemistry and a realistic but satisfying HEA, and it made for a truly enjoyable read. Definitely one I'd recommend to fans of hockey romance and character-driven stories.
The chemistry between Jack and Devon is immediate and undeniable. What starts as an unforgettable one-night stand quickly turns into a nightmare scenario when they discover they're now coach and player on the same team. The forbidden relationship angle created so much tension because neither of them wants to risk their careers, yet staying away from each other proves impossible.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was how it flipped expectations. Devon is the younger, experienced Dom, while Jack is older and exploring this side of himself for the first time. Their dynamic felt incredibly natural, and I loved how much emphasis was placed on communication, trust, consent, and creating a safe space for exploration. It wasn't just about attraction—it was about understanding each other on a deeper level.
Beyond the romance, both men carried emotional baggage that added depth to their story. Devon is still dealing with the loss of his mother, while Jack's divorce left more scars than it initially appeared. Watching them support each other through those struggles made their connection feel even stronger.
The angst hit just right. The constant push and pull between what they wanted and what they knew they shouldn't do kept me hooked, and when the inevitable complications arrived, the emotional payoff felt well earned. Their relationship was passionate, intense, and full of genuine care for one another.
This book delivers age gap, forbidden romance, emotional growth, hockey, and a beautifully developed relationship. Add in fantastic chemistry and a realistic but satisfying HEA, and it made for a truly enjoyable read. Definitely one I'd recommend to fans of hockey romance and character-driven stories.
June 2, 2026
3.25⭐️
I enjoyed Edging Coach, just not as much as expected. I definitely didn’t expect to take over a month to finish it given all the elements I enjoy. Witt has hooked me on her hockey romances. I really like the MCs, and the sexual chemistry is palpable. Jack’s submissive/masochistic awakening is well done, and the reason he and Devon have an affair makes sense (in a vacuum).
And yet. I just could not invest in the speed/recklessness of their relationship. I like some anticipation in forbidden stories, or if they get to it immediately, the stakes aren’t detrimentally high. Had this been teammate/teammate then Jack and Devon’s marginal attempts to stay away from each other wouldn’t be so bad. Maaaaybe teammate/coach in the majors.
But this? The scrutiny Jack is under simply as a mid-season replacement coach x the microscopic scrutiny he's been subjected to his entire career for being gay? Their affair could fuck-up Devon’s chances to get called up? The fact that they get clocked IMMEDIATELY and have close calls that scare them? It’s just too messy and mindless for me. It doesn’t help that Jack and Devon’s “I love yous” don’t quite feel earned; their loving desperation feels more like emotional attachment from extreme Dom/sub and sexual compatibility.
The narrative surrounding Devon and Jack’s interlude also doesn’t hit. I love the team fun, brotherhood, and camaraderie in Witt’s hockey books, but here team interaction/games are lacking. Despite the list of career killers, there’s no tension/actual sense of stakes. So instead of being maddened but still waiting with baited breath, I’m maddeningly bored. The antagonist is negligible and the resolution anti-climactic. I will say that Witt and Grey sell the intensity of each man’s need, especially Jack’s. That boy is on Devon’s run hard.
I enjoyed Edging Coach, just not as much as expected. I definitely didn’t expect to take over a month to finish it given all the elements I enjoy. Witt has hooked me on her hockey romances. I really like the MCs, and the sexual chemistry is palpable. Jack’s submissive/masochistic awakening is well done, and the reason he and Devon have an affair makes sense (in a vacuum).
And yet. I just could not invest in the speed/recklessness of their relationship. I like some anticipation in forbidden stories, or if they get to it immediately, the stakes aren’t detrimentally high. Had this been teammate/teammate then Jack and Devon’s marginal attempts to stay away from each other wouldn’t be so bad. Maaaaybe teammate/coach in the majors.
But this? The scrutiny Jack is under simply as a mid-season replacement coach x the microscopic scrutiny he's been subjected to his entire career for being gay? Their affair could fuck-up Devon’s chances to get called up? The fact that they get clocked IMMEDIATELY and have close calls that scare them? It’s just too messy and mindless for me. It doesn’t help that Jack and Devon’s “I love yous” don’t quite feel earned; their loving desperation feels more like emotional attachment from extreme Dom/sub and sexual compatibility.
The narrative surrounding Devon and Jack’s interlude also doesn’t hit. I love the team fun, brotherhood, and camaraderie in Witt’s hockey books, but here team interaction/games are lacking. Despite the list of career killers, there’s no tension/actual sense of stakes. So instead of being maddened but still waiting with baited breath, I’m maddeningly bored. The antagonist is negligible and the resolution anti-climactic. I will say that Witt and Grey sell the intensity of each man’s need, especially Jack’s. That boy is on Devon’s run hard.
May 20, 2026
Abbotsford, British Columbia is the home of the Grizzlies, the farm club for Vancouver’s NHL team. Jack Showalter is a retired American hockey star, the first openly gay player in the NHL. While a shoulder injury put him out of competition, he still has a lot to offer, and he’s come to Abbotsford to take over as their new head coach. The Grizzlies are having a horrible season, and the former coach was a jerk.
Devon Jarvis has just been traded to the Grizzlies from Toronto’s farm team which no one can understand. Devon had been playing since before he was old enough to lace his own skate and he’s a phenomenal talent. It was supposed to be a hookup the night before the both reported to the club. Neither knew the other, neither knew they were both hockey stars. Jack didn’t know Devon was into kink and he also didn’t know that he’d been looking for a Dom since he divorced his husband. They both had a hard time controlling their faces when the met the next morning at the rink. Devon wasn’t out and they both knew that an inappropriate relationship between a coach and one of his players would tank both of their careers. But they couldn’t stop. There would always be a few homophobic players on any team although BC was a gentler place to live and work. And there were certainly plenty of homophobic NHL fans. Unfortunately, there would always be players who would do anything, literally anything, to tank another player’s career if it meant they could get ahead.
I’ve only recently come to enjoy a few really good hockey stories and it seems every author thinks they need to write a hockey romance now, because….But LA Witt tells very powerful stories and teaming up with Gabby Grey on this one made it come together in the best way
Devon Jarvis has just been traded to the Grizzlies from Toronto’s farm team which no one can understand. Devon had been playing since before he was old enough to lace his own skate and he’s a phenomenal talent. It was supposed to be a hookup the night before the both reported to the club. Neither knew the other, neither knew they were both hockey stars. Jack didn’t know Devon was into kink and he also didn’t know that he’d been looking for a Dom since he divorced his husband. They both had a hard time controlling their faces when the met the next morning at the rink. Devon wasn’t out and they both knew that an inappropriate relationship between a coach and one of his players would tank both of their careers. But they couldn’t stop. There would always be a few homophobic players on any team although BC was a gentler place to live and work. And there were certainly plenty of homophobic NHL fans. Unfortunately, there would always be players who would do anything, literally anything, to tank another player’s career if it meant they could get ahead.
I’ve only recently come to enjoy a few really good hockey stories and it seems every author thinks they need to write a hockey romance now, because….But LA Witt tells very powerful stories and teaming up with Gabby Grey on this one made it come together in the best way
May 25, 2026
I was definitely torn between enjoying this book and not enjoying it since there was a lot of things I liked, but there were a few parts that I didn't quite enjoy the romance with. Jack and Devon's chemistry was definitely there from the get-go, and the hockey aspect added to the entertainment value. I also enjoyed that the story didn't follow the typical romance curve that is found in other books out there like this with Devon being the more experienced and Jack being the one in the dark, as usual.
The relationship between the coach and the player as such wasn't for me. I'd love to be involved in a forbidden romance, but this one was a bit nerve racking because the stakes were always so high. On a few occasions, I felt I had to question myself as to the speed at which Jack gave in when they tried to distance themselves from him, as he was in charge and a great responsibility lay with him. It wasn't as if there wasn't any attraction between them, but it made for a slightly uneven emotional dynamic in the relationship.
However, even despite that I found this story very readable and entertaining. The hockey scenes were fun, the side characters were very personable and the emotional moments of Devon's grieving and Jack's past relationship were not forgotten. I also liked the way that the book dealt with communicating and consenting in the BDSM side of the relationship as they were both respectful and well thought out.
I didn't love it for myself, but I can definitely see why other readers would love it, so overall, it wasn't a perfect read for me but it was definitely a wonderful read for some. I enjoyed spending time with these characters, it was emotional, steamy, full of tension, from my point of view, even with my frustrations.
ARC READ
The relationship between the coach and the player as such wasn't for me. I'd love to be involved in a forbidden romance, but this one was a bit nerve racking because the stakes were always so high. On a few occasions, I felt I had to question myself as to the speed at which Jack gave in when they tried to distance themselves from him, as he was in charge and a great responsibility lay with him. It wasn't as if there wasn't any attraction between them, but it made for a slightly uneven emotional dynamic in the relationship.
However, even despite that I found this story very readable and entertaining. The hockey scenes were fun, the side characters were very personable and the emotional moments of Devon's grieving and Jack's past relationship were not forgotten. I also liked the way that the book dealt with communicating and consenting in the BDSM side of the relationship as they were both respectful and well thought out.
I didn't love it for myself, but I can definitely see why other readers would love it, so overall, it wasn't a perfect read for me but it was definitely a wonderful read for some. I enjoyed spending time with these characters, it was emotional, steamy, full of tension, from my point of view, even with my frustrations.
ARC READ
May 20, 2026
★彡 𝟓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒! 彡★
Two of my favorite authors are co-writing a book? Instant pre-order/one-click! I was so excited to read Edging Coach after I learned that Gabbi Grey and LA Witt were co-writing it and I wasn’t one bit disappointed.
Edging Coach is a great story with a few different romance tropes: forbidden relationship (player/coach), BDSM (sadist/masochist), age-gap and it has hockey! What was supposed to be an anonymous one-time hook-up ended up with them finding out that they were coach/player working for the same team. They knew it wasn’t right, and they did try to fight it, but the chemistry between them just wouldn’t be denied.
I loved everything about this story. At around 100,000 words it’s not short but I still managed to read it in only one day. I haven’t read very many BDSM stories with MCs who have a sadist/masochist relationship and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it but it was actually very mild (IMHO). (The idea of liking pain makes me shudder a bit personally, but I’m not one to judge what someone else likes.) All of the scenes were absolutely consensual and I loved that Devon always made sure that Jack was completely comfortable with everything that they did together.
This story really touched my emotions, especially when things looked like they might not go too well for Jack and Devon’s relationship. I was happy that a particularly bad actor got what he deserved. I don’t know if this is the start of a series or not but I think Gabbi and LA did a fantastic job writing this book together and would absolutely read any other collaborations they do together.
Two of my favorite authors are co-writing a book? Instant pre-order/one-click! I was so excited to read Edging Coach after I learned that Gabbi Grey and LA Witt were co-writing it and I wasn’t one bit disappointed.
Edging Coach is a great story with a few different romance tropes: forbidden relationship (player/coach), BDSM (sadist/masochist), age-gap and it has hockey! What was supposed to be an anonymous one-time hook-up ended up with them finding out that they were coach/player working for the same team. They knew it wasn’t right, and they did try to fight it, but the chemistry between them just wouldn’t be denied.
I loved everything about this story. At around 100,000 words it’s not short but I still managed to read it in only one day. I haven’t read very many BDSM stories with MCs who have a sadist/masochist relationship and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it but it was actually very mild (IMHO). (The idea of liking pain makes me shudder a bit personally, but I’m not one to judge what someone else likes.) All of the scenes were absolutely consensual and I loved that Devon always made sure that Jack was completely comfortable with everything that they did together.
This story really touched my emotions, especially when things looked like they might not go too well for Jack and Devon’s relationship. I was happy that a particularly bad actor got what he deserved. I don’t know if this is the start of a series or not but I think Gabbi and LA did a fantastic job writing this book together and would absolutely read any other collaborations they do together.
May 23, 2026
A SWEET, STEAMY FORBIDDEN LOVE STORY WITH A BIT OF ANGST!💕🏒🪢
L.A Witt is a new to me author but Gabbi Grey not and the way they wrote this book together was incredible like one mind, one hand!
It started with an anonymous hookup in the same hotel which lead to something they both never knew they needed!
“I’ve trusted you from the start”
They were like two separated souls that came together that first night, trust and touch definitely played an important role from the start!
It took me a while to get used to the dynamic of Jack Showalter 43 and Devon Jarvis 25 but as you get to know Jack, you realise why he needs a Dom that’s a sadist as an awakened masochist with a Merinthophobia ( fear of being tied up) but Devon is not just a sadist- he knows when to check in with his Sub, how to use safe words and consent, when to do after care which includes lots of cuddling, kissing and touch!
Devon’s rope play was so sensual, slow and safe- just what Jack needed as his ex husband sure did a number on him regarding unsafe kink!
They were imperfectly perfect together!
The teams support was beautifully depicted with both Captains and teammates showing their support!
There is always a fly in the ointment but they do get over that hurdle gracefully and tactfully!
A sweet epilogue follows them into their unknown future with poignant moments and surprises!
I hope this turns into a series as I would love to know more about the other teammates!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
L.A Witt is a new to me author but Gabbi Grey not and the way they wrote this book together was incredible like one mind, one hand!
It started with an anonymous hookup in the same hotel which lead to something they both never knew they needed!
“I’ve trusted you from the start”
They were like two separated souls that came together that first night, trust and touch definitely played an important role from the start!
It took me a while to get used to the dynamic of Jack Showalter 43 and Devon Jarvis 25 but as you get to know Jack, you realise why he needs a Dom that’s a sadist as an awakened masochist with a Merinthophobia ( fear of being tied up) but Devon is not just a sadist- he knows when to check in with his Sub, how to use safe words and consent, when to do after care which includes lots of cuddling, kissing and touch!
Devon’s rope play was so sensual, slow and safe- just what Jack needed as his ex husband sure did a number on him regarding unsafe kink!
They were imperfectly perfect together!
The teams support was beautifully depicted with both Captains and teammates showing their support!
There is always a fly in the ointment but they do get over that hurdle gracefully and tactfully!
A sweet epilogue follows them into their unknown future with poignant moments and surprises!
I hope this turns into a series as I would love to know more about the other teammates!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2026
This book is written by two authors that I enjoy and I was looking forward to reading it. I was happily not disappointed. I really enjoyed this book. This is the story of Jack Showalter and Devon Jarvis. This story takes place in Abbottsford British Columbia where the farm team for Vancouver’s NHL team, the Grizzlies is located. Jack is a retired American professional hockey player whose hockey injury led to his retirement. He is also openly gay. And he is a mid-season replacement for the new head coach for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies season has been terrible and Jack is hoping that he can help change that around. Devon is an amazing hockey player with a lot of talent. And he has just been traded from Toronto's farm team to The Grizzles. Both are new to town and accidentally hook up the night before reporting to their new jobs. I can not stress enough how much I enjoyed the scene where Devon and Jack see each other in the locker room and recognize who they are. Meeting a hook up the next morning would be awkward enough, but when you realize that you are a coach and player. That takes it to at least ten other higher levels of awkward. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I loved watching their chemistry and relationship develop. I really enjoyed this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2026
4.5 stars - Gabbi Grey is a new author for me, but L.A. Witt has been an auto read foe me since she came onto the scene many moons ago. Throw in a good hickey story with a side of kink, and I was ready to rumble.
This story is about Jack, an older retired player, now coach, who learns he has a bit of a kink fetich when he has a hookup with Devon, who he later finds out is one of his players.
The two quickly decide they must cease and desist for the good of their careers, but the intense draw and chemistry has them giving in a bit here and there.
I loved watching Jack get to explore hos new love for kink and how Devon was the extra piece that made it all work for him. Turns out it isnt just any dom he needs.
I also enjoyed the power dynamics here. Jack is the older of the two, but Devon is the more experienced, at least where the kink is concerned. It was nice to see Jack helping Devon achieve that next level in his hockey as well. They really were both good for each other in different ways that balanced things out.
The hockey gets fairly technical in this story, and as a huge fan myself, I found that refreshing, and I never felt like it was too much. Very well done.
All in all, this was another winner for me, and I hope there is more to come from this writing duo.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Review of advance copy
I don't generally go for stories where the relationship involves an athlete with a coach, a teacher with a student or some other sort of power imbalance that will blow up in their faces if they're caught together, but I like both of these authors so I decided to give this story a try. I did not spend as much time wondering/dreading when they'd get caught as I thought I would which I will attribute to the way this story was written. As soon as Jack and Devon see each other in the locker room they know they can't be together and they spend a large portion of the story doing their best not to. Jack learning about kink and becoming comfortable with who he is was some really well written character growth that I enjoyed very much (though I would have liked more interactions with Sanjay). Devon was already much more settled in his skin at the start so his character growth was more about emotions and coming to terms with his feelings for Jack (which I also enjoyed reading about). The end of this one was quite satisfying and worked out better than I had expected it to which was a delight. Definitely worth checking out if you want some hockey romance with a bit more angst from the taboo element.
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
Review of advance copy
Review for Edging Coach by Gabbi Grey & L.A. Witt
Ok, another fun and great story full of BDSM and kink. I love Gabbie Grey & L.A. Witt's writing style. I have read the separate ones and now together and loved, loved them. You have Jack, who is a retired hockey player who is now ready to become a coach. Going in as the head coach with a team, the Abbotsford Grizzlies, who haven't been doing so great. They have had a disastrous season and are in need of some help. Devon is an add-on halfway through the season and just wants to have fun the night before he meets his new teammates. Yes, you're right; his hookup was with the new coach, Jack. If being his coach wasn't hard enough, he is submissive. He never in his wildest dreams would have thought this would happen. It was fun to see these two grown men try to figure out their way around what they were going to do after seeing each other again. They do try to just work on bringing their team up, but they just can't keep their thoughts or hands off each other. I am a lover of a good BDSM book with some fun kinks, and this book fulfilled that. Once I read the last word, I wanted to go back and re-read the first one, along with this one again, lol. I can't wait for more from this series/world.
Nicole Harvey
Ok, another fun and great story full of BDSM and kink. I love Gabbie Grey & L.A. Witt's writing style. I have read the separate ones and now together and loved, loved them. You have Jack, who is a retired hockey player who is now ready to become a coach. Going in as the head coach with a team, the Abbotsford Grizzlies, who haven't been doing so great. They have had a disastrous season and are in need of some help. Devon is an add-on halfway through the season and just wants to have fun the night before he meets his new teammates. Yes, you're right; his hookup was with the new coach, Jack. If being his coach wasn't hard enough, he is submissive. He never in his wildest dreams would have thought this would happen. It was fun to see these two grown men try to figure out their way around what they were going to do after seeing each other again. They do try to just work on bringing their team up, but they just can't keep their thoughts or hands off each other. I am a lover of a good BDSM book with some fun kinks, and this book fulfilled that. Once I read the last word, I wanted to go back and re-read the first one, along with this one again, lol. I can't wait for more from this series/world.
Nicole Harvey
May 23, 2026
Sadist meets masochist – let the BDSM games begin!
Coach Jack Showalter was a famous hockey player in his day. He was also a trail blazer. He was the first player to come out as gay and later to get married to his lover once gay marriage was accepted. But, after his playing days were over, his need to “play nice” to everybody’s rules was also over. His husband became his Ex and at 43yo Jack was looking for a new challenge. He gets his new life when the Abbotsford Grizzlies need a new coach and they too need a new beginning from their atrocious losing streak. The Grizzlies are getting a new defenseman 25yo Devon Jarvis. The night before their first practice, two gay men meet and have a wonderful evening. The next day these same two men meet as Coach of the Grizzlies and its new defenseman. Can they keep their relationship as a one-night-stand? Coach has found what was missing in his marriage and Devon has found something he did not know he needed. So many possibilities. There is also a bit of intrigue in the form of a jealous player. If you like gay sports romance with lots of intimate details, you will want to check out this book. I volunteered to review it through Gay Romance Reviews.
Coach Jack Showalter was a famous hockey player in his day. He was also a trail blazer. He was the first player to come out as gay and later to get married to his lover once gay marriage was accepted. But, after his playing days were over, his need to “play nice” to everybody’s rules was also over. His husband became his Ex and at 43yo Jack was looking for a new challenge. He gets his new life when the Abbotsford Grizzlies need a new coach and they too need a new beginning from their atrocious losing streak. The Grizzlies are getting a new defenseman 25yo Devon Jarvis. The night before their first practice, two gay men meet and have a wonderful evening. The next day these same two men meet as Coach of the Grizzlies and its new defenseman. Can they keep their relationship as a one-night-stand? Coach has found what was missing in his marriage and Devon has found something he did not know he needed. So many possibilities. There is also a bit of intrigue in the form of a jealous player. If you like gay sports romance with lots of intimate details, you will want to check out this book. I volunteered to review it through Gay Romance Reviews.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Retired hockey star Jack used to play hockey, but now he’s starting a job as a new coach for the Grizzlies, hoping he can turn their season around for the better.
Devon Jarvis just wanted to let loose a bit the night before he started playing with his new team, which is exactly what happened.
The next day they both realize that they are working for the same team... which is fine, they can just pretend nothing happened. It was just one night, so they can go over it, right?
“How the hell do I do my job when every time I look at him, I see everything I didn’t know I was craving?”
They... just *can’t* stay away from each other... Hot hot hot!
They tried to stay away from each other... as it could have caused great problems with both their careers (with the power imbalance), but it was just too hard... *pun intended*
I loved how Jack learned more about himself & what he liked, and how Devon came to terms about his feelings...
This was a nice hockey book with some D/s, where the person who seems dominant in real life ends up needing to be more submissive at night.
I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
Devon Jarvis just wanted to let loose a bit the night before he started playing with his new team, which is exactly what happened.
The next day they both realize that they are working for the same team... which is fine, they can just pretend nothing happened. It was just one night, so they can go over it, right?
“How the hell do I do my job when every time I look at him, I see everything I didn’t know I was craving?”
They... just *can’t* stay away from each other... Hot hot hot!
They tried to stay away from each other... as it could have caused great problems with both their careers (with the power imbalance), but it was just too hard... *pun intended*
I loved how Jack learned more about himself & what he liked, and how Devon came to terms about his feelings...
This was a nice hockey book with some D/s, where the person who seems dominant in real life ends up needing to be more submissive at night.
I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
A coach/player, age gap (43/25), D/s story - OMG, these two! I was on tenterhooks, would they stop hooking up?! The stress of getting caught!
I enjoyed this. It’s a longer book than I typically read and I liked the extra depth and development you see in the relationship between Jack and Devon. They hook up the night before realising they’re work mates and spend the majority of the book trying to deny their attraction and feelings with varying degrees of success. There’s yearning and emotions and sneaking around - hence my anxiety!
I’ve read a few older sub/younger dom books, and I liked how it was done here, the dynamic suited both personalities and I liked how Devon helped Jack discover this side of himself.
The last third of the book I was really invested in. Choices are made and there’s some outside interference that affects the situation which I thought was handled really well.
A worthy conclusion to Jack and Devon’s story, this doesn’t look to be a series but I’d be interested in some of the side characters HEAs and seeing these two again.
I received an ARC, this is my honest review.
I enjoyed this. It’s a longer book than I typically read and I liked the extra depth and development you see in the relationship between Jack and Devon. They hook up the night before realising they’re work mates and spend the majority of the book trying to deny their attraction and feelings with varying degrees of success. There’s yearning and emotions and sneaking around - hence my anxiety!
I’ve read a few older sub/younger dom books, and I liked how it was done here, the dynamic suited both personalities and I liked how Devon helped Jack discover this side of himself.
The last third of the book I was really invested in. Choices are made and there’s some outside interference that affects the situation which I thought was handled really well.
A worthy conclusion to Jack and Devon’s story, this doesn’t look to be a series but I’d be interested in some of the side characters HEAs and seeing these two again.
I received an ARC, this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very different hockey romance. Who knew that one of the, now retired, stars of the hockey world was a submissive? Certainly not the man he hooks up with the night before he starts in his new role as head coach for the Abbotsford Grizzlies.
And the man he hooked up with for a night of fun? Devon Jarvis is a mid-season acquisition to the team so of course the night before he begins his first training session with them he wants a night of fun.
It's the morning after which comes with the biggest surprise for them both. When Devon walks into the Abbotsford Grizzlies locker room the next day he is not expecting to see his hot encounter from the night before. Moreover he is not expecting that hot encounter to be his new coach. With the chemistry between them sizzling from the outset they are going to have to find a way to focus on the game. The only problem is when you know you've found exactly what you've been looking for in another person it becomes impossible to ignore the reality that they are right there...
Can the pair use their chemistry to spark life into the Grizzlies?
And the man he hooked up with for a night of fun? Devon Jarvis is a mid-season acquisition to the team so of course the night before he begins his first training session with them he wants a night of fun.
It's the morning after which comes with the biggest surprise for them both. When Devon walks into the Abbotsford Grizzlies locker room the next day he is not expecting to see his hot encounter from the night before. Moreover he is not expecting that hot encounter to be his new coach. With the chemistry between them sizzling from the outset they are going to have to find a way to focus on the game. The only problem is when you know you've found exactly what you've been looking for in another person it becomes impossible to ignore the reality that they are right there...
Can the pair use their chemistry to spark life into the Grizzlies?
Review of advance copy
I’m honestly heartbroken that I had to DNF this one because the book itself was genuinely so good. I went into it without really checking the genre properly because I usually pick up books by L.A. Witt without a second thought, and her writing has never disappointed me. The problem wasn’t the story at all—it was simply that I’m personally not into kink/BDSM-heavy romances, and this book involves a lot of that dynamic.
That said, I still made it halfway through because the characterization was absolutely incredible. Jack and Devon felt so real, the chemistry was intense, and the emotional moments had that signature tenderness L.A. Witt writes so beautifully. The storyline was engaging, the pacing worked, and I could completely see why so many readers would love this. Even though it wasn’t the right fit for my tastes, I can still appreciate how well-written and emotionally layered it was. Honestly, based purely on the quality of writing and characterization, this is still a 5-star book for me.
That said, I still made it halfway through because the characterization was absolutely incredible. Jack and Devon felt so real, the chemistry was intense, and the emotional moments had that signature tenderness L.A. Witt writes so beautifully. The storyline was engaging, the pacing worked, and I could completely see why so many readers would love this. Even though it wasn’t the right fit for my tastes, I can still appreciate how well-written and emotionally layered it was. Honestly, based purely on the quality of writing and characterization, this is still a 5-star book for me.
Review of advance copy
Hockey coach, and former player, Jack is in a hotel, about to start a new head coaching job. He reaches out for a hookup via an app, and has the night of his life. The next morning, he discovers that the anonymous hookup is none other than Devon “Devs” Jarvis, a new defensive line player who’s ended up in Abbotsford as part of a complex multi-player trade. O. M. G. Can you say workplace hookups are forbidden? Especially when they could look like an older coach taking advantage of a younger player. Add in the Dom/sub dynamic between the two…
This is a fascinating story, exploring how two people find each other – and try to figure out a way to be together against steep odds. I really appreciated how the BDSM culture was addressed honestly, with the “safe, sane, consensual’ motto clearly paramount in the relationship between Jack and Devs. The solutions aren’t easy – or easily employed – especially after a blackmail attempt is made. I recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fascinating story, exploring how two people find each other – and try to figure out a way to be together against steep odds. I really appreciated how the BDSM culture was addressed honestly, with the “safe, sane, consensual’ motto clearly paramount in the relationship between Jack and Devs. The solutions aren’t easy – or easily employed – especially after a blackmail attempt is made. I recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2026
I was looking forward to this book since I love a good age-gap/forbidden relationship story. And this was a good read overall. Devon, especially, was fantastic. He came across as mature, thoughtful, and genuinely caring when he set boundaries meant to protect both of their careers, even while suppressing his own want and desire for Jack. That internal conflict felt believable and grounded, and it made it easy for me to want him to have that HEA.
On the other hand, Jack made me want to scream. Even when he knew the boundaries were for the best, he couldn't stop himself from stepping on them. Yes, Devon could have continued to say no. And yes, they're both fully grown adults. But something about Jack just didn't sit right with me. It made the push-and-pull feel more frustrating than it should have. But that could just be me.
That said, I still enjoyed the story. The premise was compelling, the kink was well done, and I would still recommend the book to anyone.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
On the other hand, Jack made me want to scream. Even when he knew the boundaries were for the best, he couldn't stop himself from stepping on them. Yes, Devon could have continued to say no. And yes, they're both fully grown adults. But something about Jack just didn't sit right with me. It made the push-and-pull feel more frustrating than it should have. But that could just be me.
That said, I still enjoyed the story. The premise was compelling, the kink was well done, and I would still recommend the book to anyone.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by either author. I rate this book 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. The only problem with a cowritten book is that it's impossible to determine which aspects I liked or disliked to attribute to which author. There was a lot to like about Jack and Devon's story. The plot was interesting and the dramatic tension held all the way through. I've always enjoyed a D/s age gap story where the younger man is the Dom. Devon was a particularly caring, considerate Dom in all the best ways. Jack's sense of ethics made him admirable, and it was very satisfying to see them work through Jack's past trauma and achieve their hard-won HEA. However, some scenes were choppy and poorly paced, especially the scenes involving Mickey. Some felt like they were added later in the writing process, and I felt those could have been written better. However, overall this is a good story that makes me eager to read more by these authors.
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