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Game Changers #4
Common Goal
New York Admirals goalie Eric never thought his friends-with-benefits arrangement with much-younger Kyle would leave them both wanting more…
Veteran goaltender Eric Bennett has faced down some of the toughest shooters on the ice, but nothing prepared him for his latest challenge—life after hockey. It’s time to make some big changes, starting with finally dating men for the first time.
Graduate student Kyle Swift moved to New York nursing a broken heart. He’d sworn to find someone his own age to crush on (for once). Until he meets a gorgeous, distinguished silver fox hockey player. Despite their intense physical attraction, Kyle has no intention of getting emotionally involved. He’ll teach Eric a few tricks, have some mutually consensual fun, then walk away.
Eric is more than happy to learn anything Kyle brings to the table. And Kyle never expected their friends-with-benefits arrangement to leave him wanting more. Happily-ever-after might be staring them in the face, but it won’t happen if they’re too stubborn to come clean about their feelings.
Everything they both want is within reach… They just have to be brave enough to grab it.
Veteran goaltender Eric Bennett has faced down some of the toughest shooters on the ice, but nothing prepared him for his latest challenge—life after hockey. It’s time to make some big changes, starting with finally dating men for the first time.
Graduate student Kyle Swift moved to New York nursing a broken heart. He’d sworn to find someone his own age to crush on (for once). Until he meets a gorgeous, distinguished silver fox hockey player. Despite their intense physical attraction, Kyle has no intention of getting emotionally involved. He’ll teach Eric a few tricks, have some mutually consensual fun, then walk away.
Eric is more than happy to learn anything Kyle brings to the table. And Kyle never expected their friends-with-benefits arrangement to leave him wanting more. Happily-ever-after might be staring them in the face, but it won’t happen if they’re too stubborn to come clean about their feelings.
Everything they both want is within reach… They just have to be brave enough to grab it.
333 pages, ebook
First published September 21, 2020
3955 people are currently reading
23443 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Reid
13 books8,027 followersRachel Reid is the pen name of Rachelle Goguen. She chose it because it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen!
Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players. Her Game Changers m/m hockey romance series is available from Carina Press.
Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.
Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players. Her Game Changers m/m hockey romance series is available from Carina Press.
Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,668 reviews
November 29, 2020
Let's be honest here, nothing can surpass the greatness that is Heated Rivalry (I mean, it made my all-time favorites list, so enough said!), but Common Goal is solidly the second best in the series, and is a powerhouse romance in it's own right.
First of all, we get an age gap, sexuality discovery story with a hockey player MC. That combo can only mean greatness, in my book. Rachel Reid sure know how to tick my boxes!
The MCs were charming, even if they weren't as dynamic as some of the other pairings. Eric was a very interesting character, and I fell for him right away. I loved how intelligent he was, and I adored his love of fine art. I was an art history double major in college, and a man who can appreciate and invest in art is big draw for me. He was an older MC, shyer and on the edge of retirement, and I liked his quiet, introspective nature.
Flirty Kyle was a great counter to Eric, and I thought they had great chemistry together. My only wish is that they had more page-time as a couple since a lot of their back and forth felt like work that could have been solved with better communication. I wanted more couple moments. There were also some times where the book felt a little sluggish, but those moments were few and far between.
Common Goal was a sweet, lovely romance, even if Ilya stole the show whenever he made a cameo. The writing and character development made the story a win, even if it had some plot flaws (communicate!!). I think all fans of the Game Changers series will be pleased, and I can't wait to see what Rachel Reid comes up with next.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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First of all, we get an age gap, sexuality discovery story with a hockey player MC. That combo can only mean greatness, in my book. Rachel Reid sure know how to tick my boxes!
The MCs were charming, even if they weren't as dynamic as some of the other pairings. Eric was a very interesting character, and I fell for him right away. I loved how intelligent he was, and I adored his love of fine art. I was an art history double major in college, and a man who can appreciate and invest in art is big draw for me. He was an older MC, shyer and on the edge of retirement, and I liked his quiet, introspective nature.
Flirty Kyle was a great counter to Eric, and I thought they had great chemistry together. My only wish is that they had more page-time as a couple since a lot of their back and forth felt like work that could have been solved with better communication. I wanted more couple moments. There were also some times where the book felt a little sluggish, but those moments were few and far between.
Common Goal was a sweet, lovely romance, even if Ilya stole the show whenever he made a cameo. The writing and character development made the story a win, even if it had some plot flaws (communicate!!). I think all fans of the Game Changers series will be pleased, and I can't wait to see what Rachel Reid comes up with next.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
September 1, 2020
3 solid i still liked some parts stars.
It is me and not the book.
Here we are, book 4 in the Game Changer series. It's been quite a ride. This is the story of Eric and Kyle. I don't remember Kyle, apparently he is Kip and Mariah's friend from book 1.
This ended up being just okay for me. I wish i had enjoyed it more but that didn't happen. Too bad we can't love them all.
Eric is a Golie- I liked Eric enough. He was an okay, average guy, nothing special to make him outstanding in this series.
Kylie is a Bartender/Student- Hmm! I still don't know where i stand with Kyle. I really tried to connect with him, but i couldn't. His crush for Kip did not help at all. It seemed so forced and out of place.
There were some good moments especially when Ilya appeared on page. This guy is everything.
The banter between the characters was good, kept me entertained throughout.
The chemistry between Eric and Kyle felt okay and off at the same time. The sex scenes felt like sex tutorials. The age gap betwen them became a constant hurdle that took me out of the story sometimes. Eric is 41, Kyle is 25, why is it so hard to get the age thing out of the way and enjoy yourselves? I will never understand why people are always hung up on their age, as long as you are both adults, this should not be an issue.
Overall this was okay but not it! I guess i am still waiting for that Heated Rivalry spark.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
It is me and not the book.
Here we are, book 4 in the Game Changer series. It's been quite a ride. This is the story of Eric and Kyle. I don't remember Kyle, apparently he is Kip and Mariah's friend from book 1.
This ended up being just okay for me. I wish i had enjoyed it more but that didn't happen. Too bad we can't love them all.
Eric is a Golie- I liked Eric enough. He was an okay, average guy, nothing special to make him outstanding in this series.
Kylie is a Bartender/Student- Hmm! I still don't know where i stand with Kyle. I really tried to connect with him, but i couldn't. His crush for Kip did not help at all. It seemed so forced and out of place.
There were some good moments especially when Ilya appeared on page. This guy is everything.
The banter between the characters was good, kept me entertained throughout.
The chemistry between Eric and Kyle felt okay and off at the same time. The sex scenes felt like sex tutorials. The age gap betwen them became a constant hurdle that took me out of the story sometimes. Eric is 41, Kyle is 25, why is it so hard to get the age thing out of the way and enjoy yourselves? I will never understand why people are always hung up on their age, as long as you are both adults, this should not be an issue.
Overall this was okay but not it! I guess i am still waiting for that Heated Rivalry spark.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
January 9, 2026
Obviously I ate this up. I loved Eric & Kyles story and their dynamic, the fake dating/friends with benefits trope was fun but the miscommunication was KILLING me by the end 🤭🫣. It was really nice to get to know Kyle after his presence in Scott & Kip's book as he was such a good side character and definitely didn't disappoint! Also the Ilya cameos were everything!!!
December 21, 2025
Reading my old reviews of this series is so hilarious sometimes because I remember how HARD I DIDN’T FUCK WITH KIP AND SCOTT, but after watching the show, I lowkey want them??? Ahhahaha am I okay??
🤣🤣🤣🤣
ALSO FUCK ERIC, IM DEDUCTING A STAR BECAUSE I FUCKING HATE YOU 🤭
There’s edging…. Like the fun sort, pleasure and restrict…. Pleasure and restrict….
AND THEN THERE’S EDGING… where the mc’s are so obviously into each other but don’t sort their fucking dumb shit out until like 93% in….
R u kidding me???
PAINFULLLLLLLLL AF MY DUDES
Listening to Eric’s boo hoo 😭 all the time about his age was draining af. Stfu mate, you are 41 with a 6 pack WAAAAHHHHHH you big fucking baby
The MCs sometimes go long periods without speaking, for NO reason, or for silly fucking goose reasons 🤡🤡🤡
I do slightly feel bad for poor old Eric in this series, but I can see why this is everyone’s most eh book in this collection.
But tbh, I thought it was hot when they smashed and I like this books Ilya cameos, and even though I thought kip/scott are as interesting as a fart in a jar, I liked their inclusion and relevance to this book. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
3 stars for book and 1 extra for Ilya cameos 🎉
🤣🤣🤣🤣
ALSO FUCK ERIC, IM DEDUCTING A STAR BECAUSE I FUCKING HATE YOU 🤭
There’s edging…. Like the fun sort, pleasure and restrict…. Pleasure and restrict….
AND THEN THERE’S EDGING… where the mc’s are so obviously into each other but don’t sort their fucking dumb shit out until like 93% in….
R u kidding me???
PAINFULLLLLLLLL AF MY DUDES
Listening to Eric’s boo hoo 😭 all the time about his age was draining af. Stfu mate, you are 41 with a 6 pack WAAAAHHHHHH you big fucking baby
The MCs sometimes go long periods without speaking, for NO reason, or for silly fucking goose reasons 🤡🤡🤡
I do slightly feel bad for poor old Eric in this series, but I can see why this is everyone’s most eh book in this collection.
But tbh, I thought it was hot when they smashed and I like this books Ilya cameos, and even though I thought kip/scott are as interesting as a fart in a jar, I liked their inclusion and relevance to this book. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
3 stars for book and 1 extra for Ilya cameos 🎉
November 19, 2021
2.5 stars rounded down.
💫 contemporary sports romance (hockey).
💫 friends ➙ friends-with-benefits ➙ lovers.
💫 age-gap romance (41/25).
💫 lots of entertaining banter.
💫 enjoyable appearances of characters from the other books (yes, i’m mostly talking about Ilya).
this was okay-ish, but honestly, most of the books in this series just don’t even come close to Heated Rivalry. in my opinion, almost all of the couples are just missing that ✨spark✨ that Shane & Ilya had together.
this wasn’t a bad book at all, but i didn’t particularly care about either of the characters tbh. i didn’t hate them or anything, but my feelings for them stayed lukewarm at best throughout the entirety of the book.
the main conflict in this book was the age-gap between the mcs. it was definitely the main thing holding them back from being in an actual relationship and giving into their feelings and honestly it got old pretty quickly. but that’s just what happens with a lot of age-gap romances i guess lol.
💫 contemporary sports romance (hockey).
💫 friends ➙ friends-with-benefits ➙ lovers.
💫 age-gap romance (41/25).
💫 lots of entertaining banter.
💫 enjoyable appearances of characters from the other books (yes, i’m mostly talking about Ilya).
this was okay-ish, but honestly, most of the books in this series just don’t even come close to Heated Rivalry. in my opinion, almost all of the couples are just missing that ✨spark✨ that Shane & Ilya had together.
this wasn’t a bad book at all, but i didn’t particularly care about either of the characters tbh. i didn’t hate them or anything, but my feelings for them stayed lukewarm at best throughout the entirety of the book.
the main conflict in this book was the age-gap between the mcs. it was definitely the main thing holding them back from being in an actual relationship and giving into their feelings and honestly it got old pretty quickly. but that’s just what happens with a lot of age-gap romances i guess lol.
February 28, 2021
This was just ok for me.
After reading my GR friends' reviews, I knew it wouldn't be my favourite. It took me a while to warm up to the characters at least a little bit. The connection between them wasn't the most believable and there was too much focus on age difference. Their arrangement dragged a bit, there was lack of communication and the ending wrapped up too fast.
The audiobook was enjoyable.
After reading my GR friends' reviews, I knew it wouldn't be my favourite. It took me a while to warm up to the characters at least a little bit. The connection between them wasn't the most believable and there was too much focus on age difference. Their arrangement dragged a bit, there was lack of communication and the ending wrapped up too fast.
The audiobook was enjoyable.
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February 4, 2022
Common Goal is book four in the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid. This is Eric and Kyle’s book.
Eric (Benny) Bennett is forty one years old and is the goalie for the New York Admirals. Eric has been divorced from his wife for a year now. It was an amicable divorce but still, has taken it’s toll on Eric, trying to figure out his life. Even though Eric was married to a woman, he has always known he was bi. Now, at this point in his life, he’d like to explore the part of him he always kept quiet. But he has no idea how to even begin.
Kyle Swift is a twenty five year old grad student. He also works as a bar tender at the Kingfisher, a popular gay bar. Kyle is attracted to older men and can’t deny how beautiful Eric is. But he has also had his heart broken by letting himself fall for older men who didn’t feel the same way.
Eric is on the cusp of retirement, yet another big change in his life. He is feeling his age and even though he is overwhelmingly attracted to the gorgeous bar tender, he’s too young. But when Kyle offers to help him learn his way in the gay dating scene, Eric agrees. And when those lessons take a turn for a sexier kind of lessons, Eric is more than on board. But he can’t let himself feel anything more than friendship for Kyle. He’s too young and it wouldn’t be fair.
“Maybe he could be a little more adventurous. The kind of guy who hosted fun parties and who maybe opened the door, just a crack, to let a little chaos into his life.”
Eric leads a very structured life and Kyle’s life is pretty much the opposite. I loved the way Kyle was able to get Eric to loosen up just a little bit. But Eric was so convinced he couldn’t be enough for Kyle. And Kyle, try as he might, could not stop the feelings from developing for the sexy goal tender.
This was a super sexy, sweet story. Eric had so many changes all of a sudden in his life. For someone who depended so much on structure, this was difficult for him. But even more so, he struggled with allowing himself to be happy, to opening his heart and taking a chance. Together, these two were so hot. We’ll just say that Kyle is a VERY good teacher. Now all they have to do is open their hearts and take a chance.
The next book in the series is Role Model, Troy Barrett’s book. I’ve already read it and loved it. Yes, I read the series out of order. Now I’m all ready for the upcoming release of book six, The Long Game, which is a continuation of Shane and Ilya’s story. I couldn’t be more excited about getting more of these two!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Eric (Benny) Bennett is forty one years old and is the goalie for the New York Admirals. Eric has been divorced from his wife for a year now. It was an amicable divorce but still, has taken it’s toll on Eric, trying to figure out his life. Even though Eric was married to a woman, he has always known he was bi. Now, at this point in his life, he’d like to explore the part of him he always kept quiet. But he has no idea how to even begin.
Kyle Swift is a twenty five year old grad student. He also works as a bar tender at the Kingfisher, a popular gay bar. Kyle is attracted to older men and can’t deny how beautiful Eric is. But he has also had his heart broken by letting himself fall for older men who didn’t feel the same way.
Eric is on the cusp of retirement, yet another big change in his life. He is feeling his age and even though he is overwhelmingly attracted to the gorgeous bar tender, he’s too young. But when Kyle offers to help him learn his way in the gay dating scene, Eric agrees. And when those lessons take a turn for a sexier kind of lessons, Eric is more than on board. But he can’t let himself feel anything more than friendship for Kyle. He’s too young and it wouldn’t be fair.
“Maybe he could be a little more adventurous. The kind of guy who hosted fun parties and who maybe opened the door, just a crack, to let a little chaos into his life.”
Eric leads a very structured life and Kyle’s life is pretty much the opposite. I loved the way Kyle was able to get Eric to loosen up just a little bit. But Eric was so convinced he couldn’t be enough for Kyle. And Kyle, try as he might, could not stop the feelings from developing for the sexy goal tender.
This was a super sexy, sweet story. Eric had so many changes all of a sudden in his life. For someone who depended so much on structure, this was difficult for him. But even more so, he struggled with allowing himself to be happy, to opening his heart and taking a chance. Together, these two were so hot. We’ll just say that Kyle is a VERY good teacher. Now all they have to do is open their hearts and take a chance.
The next book in the series is Role Model, Troy Barrett’s book. I’ve already read it and loved it. Yes, I read the series out of order. Now I’m all ready for the upcoming release of book six, The Long Game, which is a continuation of Shane and Ilya’s story. I couldn’t be more excited about getting more of these two!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
dnf
September 21, 2020Audio 4.5 Stars
Story dnf @ approximately 75%
The fact that I'm DNFing in the middle of sex scene says it all. I just don't care anymore.
Story dnf @ approximately 75%
The fact that I'm DNFing in the middle of sex scene says it all. I just don't care anymore.
April 10, 2021
Do you continue to pick up books in the Game Changers series because you want Ilya cameos? Because hi, it me.
"Ilya Rozanov wants to hang out with you tonight? At a gar bar?"
"Apparently."
"That guy is so weird."
Just kidding. I'm also here for the hockey and the romance. And surprising no one, in a series of hockey romances, we had both here.
Dating a much younger man would pretty much make him a walking midlife crisis, and Eric really didn't want that kind of attention. He couldn't stomach the idea of being a recently divorced man rebounding with a pretty young thing. And then there was the fact that Kyle was a man.
This was definitely the strongest in this series post, and pre, HEATED RIVALRY, and I'm so relieved about that. The dynamic of this couple, the age gap and the fact that it's the older man needing guidance as he explores his hitherto unexplored attraction to men, was so sweet without ever getting into book one levels of sucrose. I think what really helped this romance for me was that I believed in the friendship that was the foundation for what later bloomed. And, honestly, the first kiss? Heart eyes. Pure heart eyes. This is actually one of those romances where I was less into the hot and heavy scenes and more into the burgeoning affection between the leads.
"Not that I'm not happy for Scott, but I've been thinking about my own wedding, I guess."
"You can remember back that far?"
"Shut it."
"I forget. Was Holly a war bride? Was she your nurse after the Germans shot you?"
"All right, I'm going home."
As I'm forever saying, I'm a sucker for an ensemble, particularly when it's a sports team ensemble. These players? I adore them. There were so many hilarious little moments and yes, as I teased above, Ilya was at the center of a lot of those funnies. Getting those moments with him, particularly when sharing page time with Hollander, and knowing we're finally getting a sequel? I'm trying to cram my expectations into a small box but it's hard, yo.
"Who knew Rozanov had such a big heart?"
"I had a hunch. I think he might secretly be a big softy."
"He does a damn good job of hiding it."
Back to COMMON GOAL, I want to mention how awesome it was to see dialogue about consent and expectations about intimacy between two men because even in m/m romances I don't think that's really talked about. Safety, protection? Sure. But feeling obligated to put out, or return the favour, especially if you aren't comfortable or as enthusiastic as you might have been? We love to see that. Also the discourse around the validity of bisexuality even if you haven't explored part of that spectrum? Fabulous.
Toronto was a team of weirdos. <– this quote isn't included for any context, it just made me laugh
Overall, I had a really good time with this read and would definitely recommend fans of this series who may (or may not) have been a little less enthusiastic about book three, particularly in the wake of Ilya and Hollander, to give it a go. I was also about to suggest those missing hockey to dive face first into this to get your fix but hockey is, like, back now? But weird? In August? 2020 man, it keeps on keepin' on.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
----
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
"Ilya Rozanov wants to hang out with you tonight? At a gar bar?"
"Apparently."
"That guy is so weird."
Just kidding. I'm also here for the hockey and the romance. And surprising no one, in a series of hockey romances, we had both here.
Dating a much younger man would pretty much make him a walking midlife crisis, and Eric really didn't want that kind of attention. He couldn't stomach the idea of being a recently divorced man rebounding with a pretty young thing. And then there was the fact that Kyle was a man.
This was definitely the strongest in this series post, and pre, HEATED RIVALRY, and I'm so relieved about that. The dynamic of this couple, the age gap and the fact that it's the older man needing guidance as he explores his hitherto unexplored attraction to men, was so sweet without ever getting into book one levels of sucrose. I think what really helped this romance for me was that I believed in the friendship that was the foundation for what later bloomed. And, honestly, the first kiss? Heart eyes. Pure heart eyes. This is actually one of those romances where I was less into the hot and heavy scenes and more into the burgeoning affection between the leads.
"Not that I'm not happy for Scott, but I've been thinking about my own wedding, I guess."
"You can remember back that far?"
"Shut it."
"I forget. Was Holly a war bride? Was she your nurse after the Germans shot you?"
"All right, I'm going home."
As I'm forever saying, I'm a sucker for an ensemble, particularly when it's a sports team ensemble. These players? I adore them. There were so many hilarious little moments and yes, as I teased above, Ilya was at the center of a lot of those funnies. Getting those moments with him, particularly when sharing page time with Hollander, and knowing we're finally getting a sequel? I'm trying to cram my expectations into a small box but it's hard, yo.
"Who knew Rozanov had such a big heart?"
"I had a hunch. I think he might secretly be a big softy."
"He does a damn good job of hiding it."
Back to COMMON GOAL, I want to mention how awesome it was to see dialogue about consent and expectations about intimacy between two men because even in m/m romances I don't think that's really talked about. Safety, protection? Sure. But feeling obligated to put out, or return the favour, especially if you aren't comfortable or as enthusiastic as you might have been? We love to see that. Also the discourse around the validity of bisexuality even if you haven't explored part of that spectrum? Fabulous.
Toronto was a team of weirdos. <– this quote isn't included for any context, it just made me laugh
Overall, I had a really good time with this read and would definitely recommend fans of this series who may (or may not) have been a little less enthusiastic about book three, particularly in the wake of Ilya and Hollander, to give it a go. I was also about to suggest those missing hockey to dive face first into this to get your fix but hockey is, like, back now? But weird? In August? 2020 man, it keeps on keepin' on.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
----
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
December 28, 2025
really loved the sex scenes in this, SUPER hot and a little different than the sex in other rachel reid books. namely, the dirty talk from kyle.
was kind of missing the relationship development here beyond the sex/shared interest in art though.
was kind of missing the relationship development here beyond the sex/shared interest in art though.
December 30, 2025
giggling and kicking my feet through this entire series it's fine i'm fINE
September 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this one, though not as much as I enjoyed Heated Rivalry. I am afraid nothing will surpass that one anyway...
Still, in each book, we get hot hockey players falling in love, and what is not to love about that!! Damn I love hockey players and I will confess... the goalies are definitely my favorite. They are a brand all on their own.
Now I wasn't a real fan of the slow-going pace in this on and the pushing and pulling that came with it, but we can't love them all the same and I especially like how this author has made all the books so different from one another.
That said, I loved the age gap and the sexual discovery in this one... it was delicious.
So even though, this wasn't my favorite in the series, I still very much enjoyed it and I can't wait for more. Keep em coming, please!!!
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
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July 25, 2020
If you love an age gap friends to lovers m/m romance, slow burn but with some sexy teaching moments, and great cameos (hello Ilya 💕), and of course hockey - you’ll love this book!
It’s a solid mm romance, with some great steam, and a couple that clicked.
It was sweet at times, sexy as well, and I think anyone loving this genre will enjoy it.
Common Goal was a love story between a seasoned hockey goalie on the brink of retirement, and a younger bartender/college student. The age gap was a hurdle that both characters struggled with at times. Also the first half of the book was a bit slower, it was more about figuring things out, getting to know each other, until the second half when it got SEXY.
The book was full of great friendships, Eric’s team especially was just wonderful, and I love what the author did with this series. Although I wasn’t drawn into this book as much as I hoped I would, overall the book and the couple were a solid addition to the series.
And I’m also not embarrassed to admit that Ilya scenes were my favorites, he is so in your face obnoxious and a know it all, and he’ll always be my favorite character in this series.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog
Follow me on Bookstagram
It’s a solid mm romance, with some great steam, and a couple that clicked.
It was sweet at times, sexy as well, and I think anyone loving this genre will enjoy it.
Common Goal was a love story between a seasoned hockey goalie on the brink of retirement, and a younger bartender/college student. The age gap was a hurdle that both characters struggled with at times. Also the first half of the book was a bit slower, it was more about figuring things out, getting to know each other, until the second half when it got SEXY.
The book was full of great friendships, Eric’s team especially was just wonderful, and I love what the author did with this series. Although I wasn’t drawn into this book as much as I hoped I would, overall the book and the couple were a solid addition to the series.
And I’m also not embarrassed to admit that Ilya scenes were my favorites, he is so in your face obnoxious and a know it all, and he’ll always be my favorite character in this series.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog
Follow me on Bookstagram
August 25, 2020
I love this series so much; it's a comfort read for me. It's smart. It's sexy. And (most importantly) it's got Ilya!
He seems to turn up in every installment to deliver the chuckles, though he was not flying the Chuckle Ship solo this time. Eric "Benny" Bennett's teammates also delivered in the levity department, something that's always a win for me.
As much as I liked Benny and Kyle Common Goal started off slow for me. The push/pull thing is not one of my favorites. I like my MCs to use their words. These two gets points for using words they just used the wrong ones. Not great but points for effort.
However, what turned the tide was Benny being willing to embrace his bisexuality for the first time in his life at 41. I'm a sucker for sexual discovery plus I really liked Benny. He's not a character that leaps off the page like Ilya or one that you want to mummify in bubble wrap like Ryan but he's just... good people. Genuine. Loyal. Humble.
He wants a relationship, someone to share his life with and because he's such a good person he feels the 16 year age difference between he and Kyle would be shortchanging Kyle. Thus the push/pull betwixt what he thinks is the "right" thing to do and what he actually wants begins.
Rest assured, he wants Kyle with the force of a Cat-5 hurricane.
Kyle even though he's still kind of rebounding from his unrequited crush on Kip quickly turns into Team Benny's #1 fan. Maybe it was too quick but then again Benny is well, Benny so... I get it and what's more, Kyle counterbalances Benny superbly. He's just exuberant enough to bring out Benny's playful and adventurous sides and they have just enough in common to make me buy into their well-suitedness.
To get the ball rolling, Kyle offers to be a "mentor" in all things gay. Let me just say, the sex is... SKYROCKETS IN FLIGHT!!!!!!!!! AFTERNOON (and evening. and morning) DELIIIIiiiiiiiiIIIIIIIiiiiiiiiiIIIIiiiiiIIGHT!!!! Bossy top, edging, a little bondage, begging... *bites fist*
Their connection builds slowly and it took me a while to invest but once I did I enjoyed their journey.
Alongside Benny and Kyle's journey, what I liked a lot again were the secondary characters. I felt like I really got to know (and like) Scott in this one and the whole Maria-n-Matti Jalo thing... can I get a short on this? Do I need to beg? Though if there's one thing I crave in a sports romance it's team dynamics and those were on point in Common Goal! The whole locker room scene was funny and heartwarming... perfection.
Bottom line: Reid delivered again and I can't wait to see what's in store for us in Game Changers #5.
*cough*Dallas Kent*cough*
C'mon! It would be the greatest twist to ever twist!
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
He seems to turn up in every installment to deliver the chuckles, though he was not flying the Chuckle Ship solo this time. Eric "Benny" Bennett's teammates also delivered in the levity department, something that's always a win for me.
As much as I liked Benny and Kyle Common Goal started off slow for me. The push/pull thing is not one of my favorites. I like my MCs to use their words. These two gets points for using words they just used the wrong ones. Not great but points for effort.
However, what turned the tide was Benny being willing to embrace his bisexuality for the first time in his life at 41. I'm a sucker for sexual discovery plus I really liked Benny. He's not a character that leaps off the page like Ilya or one that you want to mummify in bubble wrap like Ryan but he's just... good people. Genuine. Loyal. Humble.
He wants a relationship, someone to share his life with and because he's such a good person he feels the 16 year age difference between he and Kyle would be shortchanging Kyle. Thus the push/pull betwixt what he thinks is the "right" thing to do and what he actually wants begins.
Rest assured, he wants Kyle with the force of a Cat-5 hurricane.
Kyle even though he's still kind of rebounding from his unrequited crush on Kip quickly turns into Team Benny's #1 fan. Maybe it was too quick but then again Benny is well, Benny so... I get it and what's more, Kyle counterbalances Benny superbly. He's just exuberant enough to bring out Benny's playful and adventurous sides and they have just enough in common to make me buy into their well-suitedness.
To get the ball rolling, Kyle offers to be a "mentor" in all things gay. Let me just say, the sex is... SKYROCKETS IN FLIGHT!!!!!!!!! AFTERNOON (and evening. and morning) DELIIIIiiiiiiiiIIIIIIIiiiiiiiiiIIIIiiiiiIIGHT!!!! Bossy top, edging, a little bondage, begging... *bites fist*
Their connection builds slowly and it took me a while to invest but once I did I enjoyed their journey.
Alongside Benny and Kyle's journey, what I liked a lot again were the secondary characters. I felt like I really got to know (and like) Scott in this one and the whole Maria-n-Matti Jalo thing... can I get a short on this? Do I need to beg? Though if there's one thing I crave in a sports romance it's team dynamics and those were on point in Common Goal! The whole locker room scene was funny and heartwarming... perfection.
Bottom line: Reid delivered again and I can't wait to see what's in store for us in Game Changers #5.
*cough*Dallas Kent*cough*
C'mon! It would be the greatest twist to ever twist!
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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June 24, 2024
|| 2.5 stars ||
I didn't go into this with the highest expectations, and at first I was very pleasantly surprised with how much I liked the dynamic. After all, I love a good age-gap romance, and especially if it’s the older guy who is pursuing and pining for the younger guy. It’s just so much better in my opinion.
Eric was honestly giving Kyle heart-eyes the entire time, and I couldn’t help but feel giddy about it. The way he was pining for him, adoring everything about him, thinking about him constantly, wanting him so much: it was extremely swoon-worthy.
But, I can definitely see how the ‘miscommunication’ in this can be very annoying: both men think that the other finds them either too young or too old, so they tip-toe around their romantic feelings for the entire book. They don't get over it until the very end.
I personally wasn’t bothered by it at first: I actually thought it helped create some nice angst and the possibility for longing from both sides (but mostly Eric).
However, it went on for way too long, and it really started to get on my nerves. The moment it became annoying for me was when they started hooking up. I was like: how hard can it really be to say that you’d like to actually date the person you’re regularly having sex with?? It's so dumb that it took them the whole book to just come out and say it, and even then it took them a break-up to accept it and actually get together.
I wasn't really invested in either of these characters, although I liked them well enough. I just got annoyed by their stupid situation, which made it hard for me to care.
They had quite an interesting sex dynamic with Kyle (who's younger) taking control in the bedroom while Eric obeyed. There was lots of edging involved.
I could see why Eric would like this, since he usually had to and wanted to be in control when it came to all other aspects of his life, so it might be a nice change for him to give that control up for a little bit.
However, I do think there was far too much sex in this book and it definitely took away from the relationship development. From the moment they started having sex with each other it was obvious that a lot of the tension went away, and most of their interactions revolved around hooking up with each other. It wasn’t nearly as cute or interesting.
I have to say that the whole thing simply started to feel rather repetitive.
I definitely preferred the first half of this book. I preferred it by a lot.
'Game Changers' series:
1. Game Changer - 2.0 stars
2. Heated Rivalry - 5.0 stars
3. Tough Guy - 3.5 stars
4. Common Goal - 2.5 stars
6. The Long Game - 4.0 stars
I didn't go into this with the highest expectations, and at first I was very pleasantly surprised with how much I liked the dynamic. After all, I love a good age-gap romance, and especially if it’s the older guy who is pursuing and pining for the younger guy. It’s just so much better in my opinion.
“Why do you like older men?”
“I guess it has something to do with the way I feel when I’m with them. They make me feel powerful. Like I’m irresistible and they would do anything to please me. It’s a rush.”
Kyle had just described the vague fantasies that had been overwhelming Eric for months. He wanted to please Kyle. He wanted to spoil him rotten and have Kyle reward him for it however he chose to. He wanted this stunning young man to conquer him and leave Eric gasping for more.
Eric was honestly giving Kyle heart-eyes the entire time, and I couldn’t help but feel giddy about it. The way he was pining for him, adoring everything about him, thinking about him constantly, wanting him so much: it was extremely swoon-worthy.
But, I can definitely see how the ‘miscommunication’ in this can be very annoying: both men think that the other finds them either too young or too old, so they tip-toe around their romantic feelings for the entire book. They don't get over it until the very end.
I personally wasn’t bothered by it at first: I actually thought it helped create some nice angst and the possibility for longing from both sides (but mostly Eric).
However, it went on for way too long, and it really started to get on my nerves. The moment it became annoying for me was when they started hooking up. I was like: how hard can it really be to say that you’d like to actually date the person you’re regularly having sex with?? It's so dumb that it took them the whole book to just come out and say it, and even then it took them a break-up to accept it and actually get together.
I wasn't really invested in either of these characters, although I liked them well enough. I just got annoyed by their stupid situation, which made it hard for me to care.
They had quite an interesting sex dynamic with Kyle (who's younger) taking control in the bedroom while Eric obeyed. There was lots of edging involved.
I could see why Eric would like this, since he usually had to and wanted to be in control when it came to all other aspects of his life, so it might be a nice change for him to give that control up for a little bit.
However, I do think there was far too much sex in this book and it definitely took away from the relationship development. From the moment they started having sex with each other it was obvious that a lot of the tension went away, and most of their interactions revolved around hooking up with each other. It wasn’t nearly as cute or interesting.
I have to say that the whole thing simply started to feel rather repetitive.
I definitely preferred the first half of this book. I preferred it by a lot.
'Game Changers' series:
1. Game Changer - 2.0 stars
2. Heated Rivalry - 5.0 stars
3. Tough Guy - 3.5 stars
4. Common Goal - 2.5 stars
6. The Long Game - 4.0 stars
January 10, 2026
Would’ve loved this to have been a good 100 pages shorter. A novella would have been enough for these guys to get their story and to give us some sneaky peeks of Ilya being the beautiful, perceptive Yoda that he is. I found myself skimming, especially through the sex scenes, the attempt to spice it up with some handcuffs was pretty meh. The long winded miscommunication and Eric worrying about the age gap was pretty tiresome, followed by a rushed, too easy resolution. This is a nice way to make the most of the entire series but it was a total snooze fest at times.
Fun for a group buddy read through the Game Changers series but I wouldn’t pick this up again.
Fun for a group buddy read through the Game Changers series but I wouldn’t pick this up again.
January 1, 2026
3.5⭐️
PRIMER LIBRO DEL AÑO!!!! MIS NIÑOS GAYS NO ME DECEPCIONARON.
sorprendida por el odio que tiene este libro, lo encontré adorable!
PRIMER LIBRO DEL AÑO!!!! MIS NIÑOS GAYS NO ME DECEPCIONARON.
sorprendida por el odio que tiene este libro, lo encontré adorable!
July 27, 2020
This one had a lot of my pet peeves. So it's a testament to the author and her writing capabilities that I liked this one as much as I did.
I found the back and forth (internally) very frustrating (pet peeve #1). A simple conversation would've solved a lot. As a result, there was really no on page time for these two as a couple (pet peeve #2).
I am also not a super big fan of the whole "let me help you get some experience" plot. We all know how that goes.
Despite that, I really liked Benny and Kyle. I liked the supporting characters. There was good banter and dialogue. And I'm always a fan of the sexual exploration.
So while this particluar story-line was not my favorite, the author remains a favorite and despite my complaints I did enjoy this one!
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I found the back and forth (internally) very frustrating (pet peeve #1). A simple conversation would've solved a lot. As a result, there was really no on page time for these two as a couple (pet peeve #2).
I am also not a super big fan of the whole "let me help you get some experience" plot. We all know how that goes.
Despite that, I really liked Benny and Kyle. I liked the supporting characters. There was good banter and dialogue. And I'm always a fan of the sexual exploration.
So while this particluar story-line was not my favorite, the author remains a favorite and despite my complaints I did enjoy this one!
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 23, 2020
I am a total sucker for age gap romance. It’s one of my favourite tropes, so picking this one was a no brainer.
Here the age gap between Eric and Kyle is 16 years, and it’s everything I’d hope for in a romance with this theme.
Eric has got all the classic issues associated with it: feeling like a dirty old man, guilt over ‘ruining’ Kyle’s future with a boring old guy like him and so on. He thinks he has got to be the ‘responsible one’ and turn Kyle down.
While Kyle definitely has a thing for older guys. He adores more mature, confident men, and Eric is all that but also the “perfect blend of distinguished and shy”. Just – Kyle’s been hurt far too often and falling for Eric seems far too easy. Because they have more in common than either thought possible.
There’s a lot of pining and yearning on both sides, for most of the book actually, if I think about it now. It takes these guys pretty much till the end of the book to talk about their real feelings. As much as I loved all the emotional back and forth, I think this was drawn out for too long. And I would have liked a more in depth-conversation between the two men after their ‘admission’. (at about 90%).
Another one of my favourites are firsts, and Kyle introducing Eric to the joys of gay sex involves quite a considerate amount of heat and sizzle. The added kink totally worked for me here, as did their ‘role reversal’ in the bedroom.
All in all a great read I thoroughly enjoyed (and there was hardly any hockey in it!), even if the ending seemed a bit rushed, particularly after all that pining!
Here the age gap between Eric and Kyle is 16 years, and it’s everything I’d hope for in a romance with this theme.
Eric has got all the classic issues associated with it: feeling like a dirty old man, guilt over ‘ruining’ Kyle’s future with a boring old guy like him and so on. He thinks he has got to be the ‘responsible one’ and turn Kyle down.
While Kyle definitely has a thing for older guys. He adores more mature, confident men, and Eric is all that but also the “perfect blend of distinguished and shy”. Just – Kyle’s been hurt far too often and falling for Eric seems far too easy. Because they have more in common than either thought possible.
There’s a lot of pining and yearning on both sides, for most of the book actually, if I think about it now. It takes these guys pretty much till the end of the book to talk about their real feelings. As much as I loved all the emotional back and forth, I think this was drawn out for too long. And I would have liked a more in depth-conversation between the two men after their ‘admission’. (at about 90%).
Another one of my favourites are firsts, and Kyle introducing Eric to the joys of gay sex involves quite a considerate amount of heat and sizzle. The added kink totally worked for me here, as did their ‘role reversal’ in the bedroom.
All in all a great read I thoroughly enjoyed (and there was hardly any hockey in it!), even if the ending seemed a bit rushed, particularly after all that pining!
Read
January 16, 2026I despise the name Eric but my door is open for a similar man to come sweep me off my feet.
July 26, 2020
I love how Rachel Reid can take an oh so common trope and then give it a refreshing update to make it feel like you're reading something totally new.
Here it's a "fear over the age gap" between the two men making both wary and unwilling to admit feelings are developing.
And, in spite of the fact that a lack of communication is usually one of my most hated plot tension points, here it was absolutely believable.
We've met both main characters before. Eric is the goalie for book one's Scott Hunter and Kyle is Scott's fiance Kip's friend and workmate.
Both have very real reasons for why the 15 year age gap between them is a stumbling block.
This is also, bizarrely considering just how hot and steamy it gets, a slow burn romance.
But it completely works. Eric is facing retirement and, a year on from his divorce, has been thinking about exploring his bisexuality.
Kyle has been badly hurt by an older, married man, and the fall out from that is still smarting seven years later.
What I loved most about this book was the powerful juxtaposition between the two men in bed - where Kyle lets loose on all his control needs and Eric is a willing participant - and in their daily lives which are very much an equal exchange of stimulation conversation between adults with so much in common.
It's funny seeing from the outside what everyone else knows, that they are a perfect partnership if only they can get over themselves.
Rachel Reid skilfully weaves the tensions right past the annoying 75% plot point 😉 and almost to the very end before bringing things to a very satisfying conclusion.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Here it's a "fear over the age gap" between the two men making both wary and unwilling to admit feelings are developing.
And, in spite of the fact that a lack of communication is usually one of my most hated plot tension points, here it was absolutely believable.
We've met both main characters before. Eric is the goalie for book one's Scott Hunter and Kyle is Scott's fiance Kip's friend and workmate.
Both have very real reasons for why the 15 year age gap between them is a stumbling block.
This is also, bizarrely considering just how hot and steamy it gets, a slow burn romance.
But it completely works. Eric is facing retirement and, a year on from his divorce, has been thinking about exploring his bisexuality.
Kyle has been badly hurt by an older, married man, and the fall out from that is still smarting seven years later.
What I loved most about this book was the powerful juxtaposition between the two men in bed - where Kyle lets loose on all his control needs and Eric is a willing participant - and in their daily lives which are very much an equal exchange of stimulation conversation between adults with so much in common.
It's funny seeing from the outside what everyone else knows, that they are a perfect partnership if only they can get over themselves.
Rachel Reid skilfully weaves the tensions right past the annoying 75% plot point 😉 and almost to the very end before bringing things to a very satisfying conclusion.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 23, 2021
"I'm so glad you're in my life. I'm sorry it wasn't sooner."
Kyle placed a hand on Eric's cheek and gazed at the man who had finally been worthy of his heart. "You saved your best years for me, gorgeous."
i can't believe i read 4 sports romance books straight. definitely an experience. i'm giving this 4 stars but might reduced it to 3 stars later on. if you read this review with the same rating, well, it means my head finally at peace with what i felt with this book. no really wow factor in this but at the same time i highly enjoyed it. a win, honestly. as for the characters, i loved eric 'benny' bennett and his exploration to his bisexuality. on the other hand, i enjoyed kyle's character but overall he felt generic/okayish to me. like fabian in tough guy, i didn't really feel any attachment with kyle. honestly, what's with these hockey men falling for the most generic people? eric carried this story from start to finish. this is a age-gap romance story with a friends-with-benefits twist. my only niggle in this was how i read the 'i'm too old' dialogue for like most chapters. i get it already! i know this book is an age-gap too but the abundance of being reminded the age of the characters, especially eric, got me eye rolling so many times. i love him but i wished he stopped way earlier with this. age-gap romances are like one of my go-to reads but this one with its constant reminder of the character's age made me struggle a bit. the romance got held back most of the time with this shit.
so far, my ranking!:
1. Heated Rivalry - are we even surprised at this point? excited for the sequel!
2. Game Changer - tropey as hell but i ate all that shit up! loved scott hunter! for me, complete opposite of rozanov.
3. Common Goal
4. Tough Guy - a bit meh but tolerable.
overall, just read Heated Rivalry. the others pale in comparison to it. or if you're planning to read this series, read HR last! only if you're okay being spoiled with the other mcs' HEA.
September 9, 2020
I'm totally going to be the buzzkill.
'Common Goal' definitely starts off strong. I quite liked the set-up.
Facing the end of his career, goaltender Eric Bennett doesn't quite know what to do with his future. But he does know that he finally wants to explore the part of himself he's suppressed for too long - his attraction to men.
One man in particular catches his eye - younger bartender Kyle Swift. And the feeling's more than mutual!
So begins a flirtation that, with some time and patience, turns into Gay Sexing 101. Let me say - hot.
Kyle's an excellent teacher, and Eric's an oh-so-eager student.
Beyond the hot sex, the two men also find it easy to connect emotionally. They have a lot of similarities, despite the age gap.
And this is where the stumbling block hit for me - the age gap was such a thing.
I understood where Eric was coming from, but the constant and repetitive back-and-forth just took me out of the book.
It also emphasized how one-sided the relationship was - everything that happened or didn't happen was based on what Eric wanted, or the timeline Eric set. Though I liked Eric, I couldn't help but feel that a sweetheart like Kyle deserved better.
And while Eric did make a grand gesture right at the end, there wasn't enough page time for the two as a couple for me to really buy it or change my perception of their relationship.
Oh well, just not my jam. Your mileage may vary!
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
'Common Goal' definitely starts off strong. I quite liked the set-up.
Facing the end of his career, goaltender Eric Bennett doesn't quite know what to do with his future. But he does know that he finally wants to explore the part of himself he's suppressed for too long - his attraction to men.
One man in particular catches his eye - younger bartender Kyle Swift. And the feeling's more than mutual!
So begins a flirtation that, with some time and patience, turns into Gay Sexing 101. Let me say - hot.
Kyle's an excellent teacher, and Eric's an oh-so-eager student.
Beyond the hot sex, the two men also find it easy to connect emotionally. They have a lot of similarities, despite the age gap.
And this is where the stumbling block hit for me - the age gap was such a thing.
I understood where Eric was coming from, but the constant and repetitive back-and-forth just took me out of the book.
It also emphasized how one-sided the relationship was - everything that happened or didn't happen was based on what Eric wanted, or the timeline Eric set. Though I liked Eric, I couldn't help but feel that a sweetheart like Kyle deserved better.
And while Eric did make a grand gesture right at the end, there wasn't enough page time for the two as a couple for me to really buy it or change my perception of their relationship.
Oh well, just not my jam. Your mileage may vary!
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
September 21, 2020
4 Stars!
This one has to be my second favorite in the series so far. My number one favorite still belongs to Heated Rivalry.
I was really hoping that Kyle would end up in one of these books. He had a part in book one and I ended up liking him.
Kyle has a thing for older men. They just really do it for him. He hasn't had much luck with them in the past though and one in particular really messed up his life and his heart. Now he's more cautious and has tried to stay away from the men he's most attracted to. But one man keeps coming around and catching his eye. But that man is a hockey player and has wedding ring on his finger. So he should be way off limits but Kyle is pretty sure this guy is interested. Though Kyle has no interest in starting anything with a married man. Not again.
Eric has come to a couple big decisions after a year of being divorced. One: He is ready to retire. Two: He is ready to explore his attraction to men. Both are scary endeavors for him. He doesn't have any idea what life holds for him after hockey but he knows it's time to hang up the skates. When it comes to dating men, there is only on man who keeps catching his eye. Kyle.
Kyle and Eric have different reasons why they are weary about starting anything with each other. Eric because he is hung up on the age difference. But he admits to himself that he has feelings for Kyle. Kyle knows who he is and how he is and just knows he will probably be the one heartbroken at the end.
These were the perfect match. Eric is just so refined and put together where Kyle is flirty and still unsure about his future. Eric is shy, quiet, and a bit lonely. Kyle is more laid back, outgoing, and free spirited. They were completely opposites which completely made them work. They had amazing chemistry.
As usual in these stories it takes them a bit to get it right. But I didn't mind the wait nor the story of how they got there.
Happy reading dolls! xx
I was given an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This one has to be my second favorite in the series so far. My number one favorite still belongs to Heated Rivalry.
I was really hoping that Kyle would end up in one of these books. He had a part in book one and I ended up liking him.
Kyle has a thing for older men. They just really do it for him. He hasn't had much luck with them in the past though and one in particular really messed up his life and his heart. Now he's more cautious and has tried to stay away from the men he's most attracted to. But one man keeps coming around and catching his eye. But that man is a hockey player and has wedding ring on his finger. So he should be way off limits but Kyle is pretty sure this guy is interested. Though Kyle has no interest in starting anything with a married man. Not again.
Eric has come to a couple big decisions after a year of being divorced. One: He is ready to retire. Two: He is ready to explore his attraction to men. Both are scary endeavors for him. He doesn't have any idea what life holds for him after hockey but he knows it's time to hang up the skates. When it comes to dating men, there is only on man who keeps catching his eye. Kyle.
Kyle and Eric have different reasons why they are weary about starting anything with each other. Eric because he is hung up on the age difference. But he admits to himself that he has feelings for Kyle. Kyle knows who he is and how he is and just knows he will probably be the one heartbroken at the end.
These were the perfect match. Eric is just so refined and put together where Kyle is flirty and still unsure about his future. Eric is shy, quiet, and a bit lonely. Kyle is more laid back, outgoing, and free spirited. They were completely opposites which completely made them work. They had amazing chemistry.
As usual in these stories it takes them a bit to get it right. But I didn't mind the wait nor the story of how they got there.
Happy reading dolls! xx
I was given an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2024
arc sent to me by publisher for honest review
Basically whenever I find out there’s a new book in the Game Changer series I always think “yes, go on forever”. I still think that after this most recent addition.
I will be honest and say I don’t typically gravitate towards romances with an age gap. The age gap between the two main characters, Eric and Kyle, is 16 years. Eric just turned 41 and Kyle is 25. This does have an impact on the plot as Eric is painfully aware of their age gap, especially as he is considered ‘old’ by hockey standards. Another factor to it is how Kyle is typically attracted to older men. Couple this with an experience where he was groomed by his married boss at 18, this creates a certain amount of conflict.
I have mixed feelings with how the age gap was handled While Eric does treat Kyle as his equal for the whole book, because he is thinking a lot about their age gap, and Kyle at times too, you as the reader is made to think about it. Both of them aren’t initially completely comfortable with it at first and that affects the reader as well. In the end, I did think this was a better handled age gap romance, although I still will probably not revisit the trope much.
I did overall really like this book. One thing that I did really enjoy was the appearance of other characters, mostly Kip and Scott from the first book in the series and following their engagement. Kip and Scott remain my favourite couple in the series and this book has really made me want to reread the first book (as well as Heated Rivarly).
I think this was an overall good book. I liked seeing Eric embrace his bisexuality after his recent divorce with his wife. I really do love this series and I’m looking forward to more overall.
Basically whenever I find out there’s a new book in the Game Changer series I always think “yes, go on forever”. I still think that after this most recent addition.
I will be honest and say I don’t typically gravitate towards romances with an age gap. The age gap between the two main characters, Eric and Kyle, is 16 years. Eric just turned 41 and Kyle is 25. This does have an impact on the plot as Eric is painfully aware of their age gap, especially as he is considered ‘old’ by hockey standards. Another factor to it is how Kyle is typically attracted to older men. Couple this with an experience where he was groomed by his married boss at 18, this creates a certain amount of conflict.
I have mixed feelings with how the age gap was handled While Eric does treat Kyle as his equal for the whole book, because he is thinking a lot about their age gap, and Kyle at times too, you as the reader is made to think about it. Both of them aren’t initially completely comfortable with it at first and that affects the reader as well. In the end, I did think this was a better handled age gap romance, although I still will probably not revisit the trope much.
I did overall really like this book. One thing that I did really enjoy was the appearance of other characters, mostly Kip and Scott from the first book in the series and following their engagement. Kip and Scott remain my favourite couple in the series and this book has really made me want to reread the first book (as well as Heated Rivarly).
I think this was an overall good book. I liked seeing Eric embrace his bisexuality after his recent divorce with his wife. I really do love this series and I’m looking forward to more overall.
December 23, 2025
3.75 stars
June 17, 2023
Reread June 17, 2023
Such a nice comfort read and am still loving me some Eric & Kyle!
*****************************
(sports romance, bi-awakening, age gap, retiring hockey goalie, graduate student)
“For a moment Eric didn’t say anything. He just stared intently at Kyle, as if he was unlocking all his secrets with his eyes. His lips were still twisted into that amused little smile, and Kyle had no idea what was happening right now. His dick was into it, though. His dick was always into unavailable men, so it could fuck off.”
There's something about a hot, older, intelligent man that I can't resist and Eric Bennet delivers that in spades. Forty-years-old, recently divorced and on the verge of retiring as a star NHL goaltender, he's attracted to men but has never explored this side of his sexuality. Eric is self-assured, calm and so damned sexy. But he also shows enough vulnerability to make him an approachable character, one that you can empathize with.
I love that Eric is confident enough to accept his attraction to Kyle from the very beginning. He wants to be around Kyle and the attraction itself isn't a source of discomfort for him; what really bothers Eric is their fifteen year difference. He's afraid that people will view him as an example of a cliched midlife crisis—pursuing a much younger man after his wife of many years left him.
Kyle Swift is a twenty-five-year-old art history grad student. He also bartends at the Kingfisher where Kip (book 1) also works. Kyle has a weakness for older men and he offers to give Eric sexual instruction so he can explore what it's like to be with a man. But he vows to himself not to get emotionally entangled with Eric. Kyle's been burned before in the past by an older man and is determined to protect himself this time around.
Eric and Kyle feel perfect together, yet they spend a lot of time masking their true feelings for each other. Eric doesn't have the emotional makeup to be fuck buddies; he's a true relationship guy. And the more he experiments sexually with Kyle, the more he falls for him. Likewise, while Kyle tells himself he doesn't want to get emotionally involved, deep down he really wants a relationship with Eric. But his past experience has left him wary, and Eric is convinced that their age difference is an insurmountable problem.
Eric's sexual awakening offers steamy moments galore. It's fun to watch a sexually inexperienced, older man discover his submissive side at the hands of an assertive younger man. Edging. Toys. Light bondage.
“Eric was breathing hard, and Kyle let him believe he’d won for a second, then pulled the toy away. Eric whimpered as his cock jerked angrily against his stomach, red and shiny with lube.”
The MCs behave like idiots at times (ok, a lot) when it comes to addressing their feelings. The dreaded miscommunication issue rears its ugly head, but it still didn't detract from my sheer enjoyment of their relationship. In the end, the pairing of a seriously ripped, sophisticated hockey player—did I mention he's also an art connoisseur—and a sexy grad student proved irresistible.
Such a nice comfort read and am still loving me some Eric & Kyle!
*****************************
(sports romance, bi-awakening, age gap, retiring hockey goalie, graduate student)
“For a moment Eric didn’t say anything. He just stared intently at Kyle, as if he was unlocking all his secrets with his eyes. His lips were still twisted into that amused little smile, and Kyle had no idea what was happening right now. His dick was into it, though. His dick was always into unavailable men, so it could fuck off.”
There's something about a hot, older, intelligent man that I can't resist and Eric Bennet delivers that in spades. Forty-years-old, recently divorced and on the verge of retiring as a star NHL goaltender, he's attracted to men but has never explored this side of his sexuality. Eric is self-assured, calm and so damned sexy. But he also shows enough vulnerability to make him an approachable character, one that you can empathize with.
I love that Eric is confident enough to accept his attraction to Kyle from the very beginning. He wants to be around Kyle and the attraction itself isn't a source of discomfort for him; what really bothers Eric is their fifteen year difference. He's afraid that people will view him as an example of a cliched midlife crisis—pursuing a much younger man after his wife of many years left him.
Kyle Swift is a twenty-five-year-old art history grad student. He also bartends at the Kingfisher where Kip (book 1) also works. Kyle has a weakness for older men and he offers to give Eric sexual instruction so he can explore what it's like to be with a man. But he vows to himself not to get emotionally entangled with Eric. Kyle's been burned before in the past by an older man and is determined to protect himself this time around.
Eric and Kyle feel perfect together, yet they spend a lot of time masking their true feelings for each other. Eric doesn't have the emotional makeup to be fuck buddies; he's a true relationship guy. And the more he experiments sexually with Kyle, the more he falls for him. Likewise, while Kyle tells himself he doesn't want to get emotionally involved, deep down he really wants a relationship with Eric. But his past experience has left him wary, and Eric is convinced that their age difference is an insurmountable problem.
Eric's sexual awakening offers steamy moments galore. It's fun to watch a sexually inexperienced, older man discover his submissive side at the hands of an assertive younger man. Edging. Toys. Light bondage.
“Eric was breathing hard, and Kyle let him believe he’d won for a second, then pulled the toy away. Eric whimpered as his cock jerked angrily against his stomach, red and shiny with lube.”
The MCs behave like idiots at times (ok, a lot) when it comes to addressing their feelings. The dreaded miscommunication issue rears its ugly head, but it still didn't detract from my sheer enjoyment of their relationship. In the end, the pairing of a seriously ripped, sophisticated hockey player—did I mention he's also an art connoisseur—and a sexy grad student proved irresistible.
September 28, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars
I've sat on this review for a few days, not really knowing what to say. Because I liked parts of it but I didn't LOVE any of it. Ok, I take that back. I loved every scene stealing moment with my favorite Russian, Ilya. I wanted more of him. I had to tell myself, "Self, this is not Ilya's book. Simmer down." But he's just the best and I will unapologetically love him forever. 😍 If you are reading this and haven't read Heated Rivalry, drop what you are doing and read it now! In fact, I went and reread it AGAIN after finishing this. It is one of my biggest go to comfort reads. Just a note, I think any of these books could be read on their own.
So is it me and not the book? Am I doomed to be disappointed with any non Ilya books in the series? I have tried twice to read book one and couldn't finish either time. But then I did really like book four. So perhaps not doomed. I don't know. Maybe my expectations were too high. Or it could have been my mood. It's been weird lately. But put this in the overall, like but not love category for me. 🤷🏻♀️
There was something missing for me. I didn't feel the connection between the guys outside of the bedroom. And even then, I grew bored and skimmed some scenes. I think too much focus was put on the age gap. I could maybe understand better if Kyle was 18. But he's in his 20's. He's a grown man. There was too much time spent on that and it was tiring.
I'll definitely read the next one. If only for some possible Ilya moments. 😉
I've sat on this review for a few days, not really knowing what to say. Because I liked parts of it but I didn't LOVE any of it. Ok, I take that back. I loved every scene stealing moment with my favorite Russian, Ilya. I wanted more of him. I had to tell myself, "Self, this is not Ilya's book. Simmer down." But he's just the best and I will unapologetically love him forever. 😍 If you are reading this and haven't read Heated Rivalry, drop what you are doing and read it now! In fact, I went and reread it AGAIN after finishing this. It is one of my biggest go to comfort reads. Just a note, I think any of these books could be read on their own.
So is it me and not the book? Am I doomed to be disappointed with any non Ilya books in the series? I have tried twice to read book one and couldn't finish either time. But then I did really like book four. So perhaps not doomed. I don't know. Maybe my expectations were too high. Or it could have been my mood. It's been weird lately. But put this in the overall, like but not love category for me. 🤷🏻♀️
There was something missing for me. I didn't feel the connection between the guys outside of the bedroom. And even then, I grew bored and skimmed some scenes. I think too much focus was put on the age gap. I could maybe understand better if Kyle was 18. But he's in his 20's. He's a grown man. There was too much time spent on that and it was tiring.
I'll definitely read the next one. If only for some possible Ilya moments. 😉
February 18, 2025
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series of hockey romances continues with Common Goal, the fourth book in the set and easily one of the best. It’s a gorgeous May/December romance between a silver-fox goalie close to retirement, and a bartender sixteen years his junior; it’s tender, funny, emotional and hot as hell – and don’t be surprised if it makes an appearance on my Best of 2020 list. I loved it.
New York Admirals Goalkeeper Eric Bennett is approaching his forty-first birthday and has reached the decision that this season will be his last. He’s in good shape and still playing well, but the career of a professional athlete is tough on the body and Eric wants to quit while he’s ahead and walk away while he can still walk! The trouble is that he doesn’t have much of an idea as to where he wants to go from here, and in addition to that, he’s struggling with being newly single following his divorce a year earlier from his wife of sixteen years, and with his sexual identity. He’s always known he’s attracted to men as well as women but had chosen to ignore that side of himself; he’d been happily married and had no reason to think about it. But now, with high-profile players like team captain Scott Hunter (Game Changer) openly out and proud and about to marry his fiancé, and other athletes being open about their sexuality, Eric is re-examining his choices. Facing a huge life change in terms of his career – and a lonely retirement – maybe it’s time to make another change and finally start to live as his truest self. But he’s been out of the dating game for such a long time, he isn’t sure how to go about dating anyone, let alone dating a man for the first time.
Grad student Kyle Swift is twenty-five and works as a bartender at The Kingfisher, a local gay bar that has grown in popularity since Scott Hunter started frequenting it. Kyle came to New York following an experience with an older, married man that left him badly burned and continues to haunt him, even seven years later. After that, he vowed to steer clear of older men, but they do it for him in a way most younger men don’t – and although he’s noticed Eric the few times he’s been into the bar with Scott, Kyle reminds himself that while Eric is exactly his type, he’s also exactly the type of man he shouldn’t allow himself to fall for any more.
On the night of Scott and Kip’s engagement party, Kyle’s resolve is tested when Eric actually initiates a conversation with him. The older man’s confidence is hard to resist, especially when it seems as though Eric might actually be flirting with him, and they chat for a while, discovering a mutual love of art and books and travel. By the end of the evening, Kyle is cursing a universe that has thrown this gorgeous, perfect and completely off limits man into his path, and Eric is wondering just how much of a mid-life crisis stereotype he’s become by even contemplating dating a man so much younger than he is.
What follows is a sexy, slow-burn romance (with an emphasis on the ‘burn’ because – phew! *fans self*) which starts out as Kyle offering to teach Eric a few things in a safe, non-judgmental way about the world of dating (and having “sexy times” with) men, but which ends up becoming so much more than ‘just’ a physical relationship. In fact, it’s clear to the reader very early on that there’s no ‘just’ about it when it comes to these two; they’re a perfect match on every level – intellectually and physically – but although they’re generally honest with each other, they’re both struggling with baggage and preconceptions that make it difficult for them to open up about how they really feel.
Both characters are genuine, good people who are extremely likeable and very well-drawn, and the chemistry between them is electric. Eric is – it seems to me – a pretty atypical sportsman hero; he’s got a degree in English from Harvard, he’s a connoisseur of fine art, and he’s well-travelled; I liked that he was so keen to fully embrace his bisexuality and really appreciated his quietly introspective manner and self-awareness. He knows that what he’s really looking for is companionship and someone to share his life with; not that the hot sex he’s having with Kyle isn’t all sorts of amazing, but Eric has never been one for casual sex. He wants more than that, but is concerned that his being so much older than Kyle is somehow unfair to him, thinking that Kyle really should be with someone closer to his own age. He’s also worried on his own account – a recent divorcé dating a pretty young thing is going to make him look like the worst kind of dirty old man.
The age-gap isn’t so much of an issue for Kyle; he has a history of falling for the wrong men, usually older men who only see him as a fun time, and part of him thinks he’s not good enough for a sophisticated, cultured man like Eric. His outgoing nature is the perfect counterpoint to Eric’s more cautious one, and the author does a great job of developing their relationship out of the bedroom – where they clearly have a lot in common and enjoy each other’s company as equals – as well as in it – where Kyle takes the lead and Eric is only too happy to let him. But Kyle’s doubts are as difficult to overcome as Eric’s, and unless one of them can find the courage to risk laying his heart on the line, they might end up missing out on the best thing ever to happen to either of them.
If I have a complaint about Common Goal, it’s that perhaps the age-gap hand-wringing goes on a little too long, and the lack of communication that piled up was frustrating, but in the end, they were only minor irritants. Reader favourites Ilya and Shane make cameo appearances – mostly Ilya who, of course, steals pretty much every scene he’s in, with his wicked sense of humour and arseholic-but-impossible-to-dislike personality – and we also get to see Scott and Kip finally tie the knot. Rachel Reid’s writing is accomplished and direct, the dialogue is sharp, and the sex scenes, besides being superbly written, are integral to the character and relationship development rather than being there for the sake of it. If you’re following the Game Changers series then you definitely won’t want to miss Common Goal; it’s warm and tender and charming (and, did I mention hella sexy?) and I finished it with a happy sigh and a fond smile on my face. Definitely one for the keeper shelf.
Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series of hockey romances continues with Common Goal, the fourth book in the set and easily one of the best. It’s a gorgeous May/December romance between a silver-fox goalie close to retirement, and a bartender sixteen years his junior; it’s tender, funny, emotional and hot as hell – and don’t be surprised if it makes an appearance on my Best of 2020 list. I loved it.
New York Admirals Goalkeeper Eric Bennett is approaching his forty-first birthday and has reached the decision that this season will be his last. He’s in good shape and still playing well, but the career of a professional athlete is tough on the body and Eric wants to quit while he’s ahead and walk away while he can still walk! The trouble is that he doesn’t have much of an idea as to where he wants to go from here, and in addition to that, he’s struggling with being newly single following his divorce a year earlier from his wife of sixteen years, and with his sexual identity. He’s always known he’s attracted to men as well as women but had chosen to ignore that side of himself; he’d been happily married and had no reason to think about it. But now, with high-profile players like team captain Scott Hunter (Game Changer) openly out and proud and about to marry his fiancé, and other athletes being open about their sexuality, Eric is re-examining his choices. Facing a huge life change in terms of his career – and a lonely retirement – maybe it’s time to make another change and finally start to live as his truest self. But he’s been out of the dating game for such a long time, he isn’t sure how to go about dating anyone, let alone dating a man for the first time.
Grad student Kyle Swift is twenty-five and works as a bartender at The Kingfisher, a local gay bar that has grown in popularity since Scott Hunter started frequenting it. Kyle came to New York following an experience with an older, married man that left him badly burned and continues to haunt him, even seven years later. After that, he vowed to steer clear of older men, but they do it for him in a way most younger men don’t – and although he’s noticed Eric the few times he’s been into the bar with Scott, Kyle reminds himself that while Eric is exactly his type, he’s also exactly the type of man he shouldn’t allow himself to fall for any more.
On the night of Scott and Kip’s engagement party, Kyle’s resolve is tested when Eric actually initiates a conversation with him. The older man’s confidence is hard to resist, especially when it seems as though Eric might actually be flirting with him, and they chat for a while, discovering a mutual love of art and books and travel. By the end of the evening, Kyle is cursing a universe that has thrown this gorgeous, perfect and completely off limits man into his path, and Eric is wondering just how much of a mid-life crisis stereotype he’s become by even contemplating dating a man so much younger than he is.
What follows is a sexy, slow-burn romance (with an emphasis on the ‘burn’ because – phew! *fans self*) which starts out as Kyle offering to teach Eric a few things in a safe, non-judgmental way about the world of dating (and having “sexy times” with) men, but which ends up becoming so much more than ‘just’ a physical relationship. In fact, it’s clear to the reader very early on that there’s no ‘just’ about it when it comes to these two; they’re a perfect match on every level – intellectually and physically – but although they’re generally honest with each other, they’re both struggling with baggage and preconceptions that make it difficult for them to open up about how they really feel.
Both characters are genuine, good people who are extremely likeable and very well-drawn, and the chemistry between them is electric. Eric is – it seems to me – a pretty atypical sportsman hero; he’s got a degree in English from Harvard, he’s a connoisseur of fine art, and he’s well-travelled; I liked that he was so keen to fully embrace his bisexuality and really appreciated his quietly introspective manner and self-awareness. He knows that what he’s really looking for is companionship and someone to share his life with; not that the hot sex he’s having with Kyle isn’t all sorts of amazing, but Eric has never been one for casual sex. He wants more than that, but is concerned that his being so much older than Kyle is somehow unfair to him, thinking that Kyle really should be with someone closer to his own age. He’s also worried on his own account – a recent divorcé dating a pretty young thing is going to make him look like the worst kind of dirty old man.
The age-gap isn’t so much of an issue for Kyle; he has a history of falling for the wrong men, usually older men who only see him as a fun time, and part of him thinks he’s not good enough for a sophisticated, cultured man like Eric. His outgoing nature is the perfect counterpoint to Eric’s more cautious one, and the author does a great job of developing their relationship out of the bedroom – where they clearly have a lot in common and enjoy each other’s company as equals – as well as in it – where Kyle takes the lead and Eric is only too happy to let him. But Kyle’s doubts are as difficult to overcome as Eric’s, and unless one of them can find the courage to risk laying his heart on the line, they might end up missing out on the best thing ever to happen to either of them.
If I have a complaint about Common Goal, it’s that perhaps the age-gap hand-wringing goes on a little too long, and the lack of communication that piled up was frustrating, but in the end, they were only minor irritants. Reader favourites Ilya and Shane make cameo appearances – mostly Ilya who, of course, steals pretty much every scene he’s in, with his wicked sense of humour and arseholic-but-impossible-to-dislike personality – and we also get to see Scott and Kip finally tie the knot. Rachel Reid’s writing is accomplished and direct, the dialogue is sharp, and the sex scenes, besides being superbly written, are integral to the character and relationship development rather than being there for the sake of it. If you’re following the Game Changers series then you definitely won’t want to miss Common Goal; it’s warm and tender and charming (and, did I mention hella sexy?) and I finished it with a happy sigh and a fond smile on my face. Definitely one for the keeper shelf.
January 8, 2026
3.5
I strugle a little, as with any other that wasn't focus on Ilya and Shane...
I liked the story but i feel like something was missing... It's a great story, cute, sexy and beautiful, but iy's not so good or funny or deperate sexy as Rozanov and Hollander!
Unlike the other books, this one left me wanting more. When I saw you were on Epilogue I felt something was missing... and make up sex was missing :P
I strugle a little, as with any other that wasn't focus on Ilya and Shane...
I liked the story but i feel like something was missing... It's a great story, cute, sexy and beautiful, but iy's not so good or funny or deperate sexy as Rozanov and Hollander!
Unlike the other books, this one left me wanting more. When I saw you were on Epilogue I felt something was missing... and make up sex was missing :P
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