Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Against the Odds
SERIES: The Games We play – Season 2 Multi-Author series
AUTHOR: Kaje Harper
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 320 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 22, 2025
BLURB:
Callum
I’ve wanted to play pro hockey since I was nine years old. That’s when my grandfather looked at an angry, hurting, orphaned kid and said, “A sport might be a good way for you to work some of that out.” Sadly, in the Under-11s division, punching people wasn’t part of the game, which is how I ended up a goalie, to keep me out of temptation’s way. Well, plus I’m good at it.
Now I’m in the PHL, and have the second-best record (and yes, the most penalties) of any goalie in the league. I’m aiming for the NAPH and when I make it, I’m going to pay off my grandfather’s mortgage and get the family store back out of debt. I’m not going to let anything derail me, not my high-school crush moving in next door, nor my least-favorite uncle showing up. But sometimes determination isn’t enough to keep life going my way.
Zeke
I joined the Vancouver police department to honor my military dad after he passed and do good in the world. But a long stint undercover left its marks, and now suddenly I’m the guardian for my twelve-year-old half-brother. I’m rethinking everything about my life, and scrambling to fit a bereaved pre-teen into my shift work. Only help from my elderly neighbor, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and his hockey player grandson, Callum, lets me keep my head above water.
My attraction to Callum is a whole other problem. I’m trying hard not to let my appreciation for red hair and strong muscles and blunt honesty get out of control. Because Callum’s gay but he’s definitely not out and not looking for a relationship. We’re just convenient. I’m not going to be the one to mess up his single-minded drive toward the top professional league. Until the day he comes to me, asking for help, and everything changes.
The Games We Play – Season 2 – is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!
REVIEW:
It seems like I have suddenly taken a run at more sports related books. That tracks because I have been watch more sports with my friends lately too. I will say that these authors get it. And now I am understanding even more about the sports I’m newer to. That definitely includes hockey.
Callum wants one thing in life. To be drafted up to the NAPH! And he is doing everything on his power to be noticed. He is literally the one that is keeping their team alive this season. And even the coaches know it. But bad luck seems to be casting a perpetual rain cloud over him. First his good buddy/teammate announces he’s moving out to live with his girlfriend. Next a disaster in his apartment building has him has forced him to stay with his Grandpa clear across town. Then he learns that his high school crush has moved in Nextdoor to care for his 12 year old brother who is now orphaned and Zeke’s responsibility. His very out and gorgeous police officer neighbor. This makes staying deeply in the closet around Vancouver a problem. Because that attraction hasn’t dulled one bit in all these years. But real trouble starts when his dead-beat uncle, who has a major gambling problem, is released early from prison and winds up at the house he is sharing with his Grandpa. The same nasty-mouthed uncle that needled him about being an orphan and taking up all of his grandpa’s time.
Zeke is fresh off the worst undercover case. The things he witnessed were deeply disturbing and has him questioning his choice in careers. Especially since his much younger preteen half-brother is now his soul responsibility following his mom’s sudden death. The house may be paid for but there are still bills and young boys aren’t cheap to raise. Plus, moody preteens are hard work! Thankfully his elderly neighbor, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and his grandson, minor league hockey star goalie Callum, have volunteered to help with Jos. When a dared kiss ignites their fire, Zeke and Callum need to navigate this situation carefully. Because Callum is definitely not out and Zeke needs to make sure Jos comes first.
I loved that Author Kaje Harper took us to the minor leagues. Most authors tend to go for the top tier, the elite of the sport. I loved that she let us see into the lives of the struggling future stars. Yes, some players catapult to the top from the start. They are stars and everyone knows it. But working your way up to be seen and noticed. While trying to keep a roof over your head and belly full for you and your family was eye-opening. I loved that she didn’t gloss over the struggles that both men had. Callum being orphaned so young was a blessing because he somewhat understood Jos’s situation.
I was thankful when Callum finally started listening to Zeke. His uncle was in big-time to the bookie and this was a dangerous situation. I was fearful of them going after Grandpa. These were not men to play with.
I am looking forward to more books in this amazing series.
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