Role model

Reid keeps on scoring in her fifth hockey-themed Game Changers romance (after Common Goal), which kicks off as closeted Troy Barrett is traded to the Ottawa Centaurs. Troy is still reeling after confronting Dallas Kent, his former teammate and ex-best friend, over accusations that Dallas is a sexual predator. He's also reevaluating the homophobic persona and bad behavior their friendship brought out in him. Troy is initially ill-at-ease in Ottawa, but he has an ally in the team's captain, series regular (and Reid's charming secret weapon) Ilya Rozanov. He also soon develops a crush on the team's out and proud social media manager, Harris Drover. As Troy spends time with Harris, driving around looking at Christmas lights, the men silently acknowledge their attraction. But it takes a near-death experience for them give in to their passions. Obstacles to their happy ending come in subplots about Harris's heart condition and Troy's homophobic father, though these threads go slightly underdeveloped. Instead, it's Troy's need to figure out how to live authentically as an openly gay athlete that drives this gratifying coming-out story. Series fans will feel right at home. Agent: Deidre Knight, the Knight Agency. (Aug.)

Having burned bridges with his previous hockey team, Troy Barrett tries to find a new place with the Ottawa Centaurs. After an altercation between Troy and his former best friend Dallas Kent, Troy was traded for standing by the women who accused Dallas of sexual assault. Shy Troy hopes to keep his head down and his personal feelings and crushes to himself, but the very cute, very outgoing, and very out Centaur social media manager Harris Drover seems determined to not only help Troy's career, including taking a stand against sexual assault, but also to befriend him. Over frothy coffee drinks and conversations, Harris learns that Troy is more than just a stern, good-looking hockey player. When sparks ignite along with continued controversy over Troy's support of sexual assault survivors, can Troy and Harris find their happily ever after? Reid's fifth "Game Changers" romance takes on heavy themes of sexual assault, queer identity, and role models, without ever losing the heat and heart between her two leads. With a full team of hockey players to depict, narrator Cooper North is a star, making each character's voice distinct and memorable, including returning series favorites. VERDICT A wonderful listen, highly recommended for all library audio collections.--Elizabeth Gabriel