Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Playing the Man
SERIES: Watkins Glen Gladiators
AUTHOR: V.L. Locey
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 192 pages
RELEASE DATE: September 21, 2024
BLURB:
If only getting back into playing shape were as easy as falling in love…
Tanner LaBrie—aka Fossie to his teammates—is feeling every bit of his thirty-eight years. His shoulder aches when it’s cold, his arms need to be longer to see the crossword puzzle app on his phone, and his knees are incredibly unhappy about the abuse they’ve taken. During one of the final games of the regular season, one of his weary joints decides to give way. The need for surgery is not a surprising one for Tanner. He’s been putting it off for years, but escaping the knife is not an option now. Post-surgery rehab is a son-of-a-gun, but if Tanner is anything, it’s stubborn. Just ask any of his ex-boyfriends. So when his therapist suggests finding a local yoga group, he scoffs at first. Unsure of how he would fit in with the gals in leotards, he nonetheless signs up for a class at his local gym where the teacher is not at all the person listed on the signup form. Not that Fossie is complaining when Keyshaun Williams, the enigmatic and sexy gym owner, shows up with a floral exercise mat, some whale song CDs, and a smile that nearly erases how out of place the defenseman feels.
Keyshaun Williams is living the life he has always dreamed of…for the most part. His new business is a huge success, his family is happy and healthy, and his sister—the only somewhat straight triplet—is a few weeks away from giving birth to twins while his brother is about to open a franchise of Williams Wellness in Buffalo. Yep, life is looking pretty darn great for the former Army dietician/Golden Gloves boxer. Great aside from the quiet house he goes home to every night. Being a few years on the other side of thirty has him seeking someone to settle down with, raise a family, maybe adopt some dogs or raise some goats. Heck, maybe dogs and goats. A man could dream, right? And yes, dreamy would describe the towering, mature, stunningly attractive D-man for the local hockey team who has, it seems, signed up for a senior yoga class that Keyshaun is leading as his sister nests and eats far too many chocolate-covered jalapenos. Tanner LaBrie ticks all his boxes as well as a few he didn’t even know he had. Maybe those long looks the hockey player has been shooting his way for months means Tanner is interested in more than achieving the perfect camel pose?
Playing the Man is a low-angst, small-town, queer hockey romance starring a rehabbing hockey player, a personable gym owner, a fitness center filled with snoopy seniors, meddling but well-meaning siblings, rescue dogs, tons of namaste, and one barktastic happy ever after.
REVIEW:
Note: There are some fairly large spoilers here for the previous books in the series, but technically this can be read as a standalone. I recommend the previous books in the series and reading them in order though since a) they are all good books in their own right and b) the dynamics of the previous book couples and the team are part of those books that lend context to this story.
This is the story of Fossie and Keyshawn who we’ve met in previous books in this series. Keyshawn is part owner (with his family) of a gym in Watkins Glen that the local hockey team frequent. When Tanner (Fossie to his teammates) needs to rehab, he looks to the gym for some yoga to help his recovery. Keyshawn, the hot and sweet man who teaches the yoga class in place of his sister who is VERY pregnant 🙂 Let the games begin.
These two flirt a bit, but Fossie is on the shy side. Keyshawn is in a great spot in his life and he’s looking for more than hookups. He’s surprised at his attraction to Tanner, but in a good way 🙂 As the men get to know each other, it seems that they have more in common than they think. Also there seems to be a vested interest on the part of a lot of other parties that these two get together 😉 It’s so much fun to watch all the support from lots of quarters. Perhaps this rehab is the start to a new life and love.
This story is a just a lovely low-angst slow-burn relationship between two adults that is a pleasure to watch. Both men are ready for something more. I really appreciated the rather organic way their relationship evolved. Fossie was adorable with this rather shy demeanor. Both families in this book supported (and yes maybe meddled a bit) this couple. Loved all the characters and couples from the previous books showing up for this one. As usual there are plenty of both funny and tender moments. All the animals get there due as well 🙂 The wedding adding another lovely aspect and special oomph to this story as well. Highly recommended. Fans of this series will absolutely love this book.
RATING: 
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