REVIEWED by Jen B.
TITLE: Rebound
SERIES: Pucks & Rainbows
AUTHOR: L.A. Witt
PUBLISHER: L.A. Witt
LENGTH: 429 Pages
RELEASE DATE: March 27, 2019
BLURB:
A forty-something single dad, a twenty-something hockey star, and a whole lot of baggage. No, this couldn’t possibly blow up in their faces.
Officer Geoff Logan has his plate full. His cop’s salary and Marine retirement aren’t enough to make ends meet. He’s got war wounds and demons that are in it for the long haul. His teenagers are, well, teenagers, plus they’re pissed that he left the boyfriend they loved. Can’t a guy catch a break?
Seattle Steelheads center Asher Crowe has it all. A seven figure salary. A literal house on a hill. A stable, loving relationship with an amazing boyfriend. At least, that’s what the world sees. Behind closed doors, he’s been living in a private hell, and when he finally works up the courage to end things, his boyfriend refuses to go quietly.
One call to the cops, and suddenly Geoff and Asher’s paths cross. But is the connection between them simple chemistry? Kindred spirits? Or just a pair of lonely hearts looking for a hot distraction?
And even if it’s more than physical, is there really a future for two men from such vastly different worlds? Especially when the past comes knocking?
Asher’s ex was physically abusive and controlling – completely opposite of what you would expect from a hockey player and something that is explained as the story unfolds. Geoff, on the other hand, dealt with financial differences and an ex that abused the power of having money by holding it over Geoff and using it to manipulate him through his children. Those very children (teenagers), were miserable to Geoff about him breaking things off with said manipulator. To their credit, Geoff pretty much shielded them from the details, so they never understood what had really been happening.
So, Geoff and Asher. Bit of an age gap, but these two just understood each other and respected their needs, etc. What starts out seeming like rebound develops into more as they actually take their time getting to know one another. They had great chemistry and I loved seeing them grow more and more comfortable and confident with each other – especially Asher and his being able to vocalize his wants/needs.
Needless to say, this was a very enjoyable series opener with some wonderful side characters. Geoff’s ex-wife and his partner were amazing, and I loved how Asher’s team stood by him before and after they got the whole story. I really hope we get to see them again in the following stories. The next one looks to be about some of the other Steelheads, so hopefully we will get to see more of Asher in action as well.
