Off the Bench Duet Series by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams

In hockey and love, timing is everything … Emmett “Coop” Cooper is the star captain of the Boston Bruins. But off the bench, he’s hiding a secret that could jeopardize everything he’s worked for. As a gay man and a virgin, he’s chosen to live his life in the closet, afraid of how the hockey world might react. However, one night, while visiting family out of town, everything changes when he meets a guy at a bar with a captivating smile he can’t ignore... moreIn hockey and love, timing is everything … Emmett “Coop” Cooper is the star captain of the Boston Bruins. But off the bench, he’s hiding a secret that could jeopardize everything he’s worked for. As a gay man and a virgin, he’s chosen to live his life in the closet, afraid of how the hockey world might react. However, one night, while visiting family out of town, everything changes when he meets a guy at a bar with a captivating smile he can’t ignore. Ford Mahoney is a recent college graduate with a haunted past. After destroying his relationship with a fellow student, he escapes from Boston after graduation to mend his broken heart. A chance encounter with a famous hockey player sparks hope of a fresh start, but when Ford learns Coop is friends with his ex’s new man, he keeps Coop in the dark, leaving the fate of their relationship on thin ice. With secrets buried deep, the excitement of a steamy summer fling provides a welcome distraction. But once they’re back home, Ford is forced to come clean, leaving him to wonder if he’ll ever break free from the chains of his past. And with a broken heart, Coop questions if love is worth the pain. But maybe it’s true; time heals all wounds. Hooking the Captain is book 1 in the Off the Bench Duet. Coop and Ford’s story concludes in Retaking the Shot, which is available to preorder now. less

“Ford, stay with me.”Those were the last four words Ford Mahoney heard Emmett Cooper utter before everything went dark. When Ford wakes up in the hospital, it doesn’t take long for him to realize he needs to confront the demons of his past. Meanwhile, the event of that night leaves Coop envisioning a better future for himself.As they both try to find their way, they can’t deny the bond they share. Yet, they struggle to fully embrace the love and acceptance they both deserve and crave... more“Ford, stay with me.”Those were the last four words Ford Mahoney heard Emmett Cooper utter before everything went dark. When Ford wakes up in the hospital, it doesn’t take long for him to realize he needs to confront the demons of his past. Meanwhile, the event of that night leaves Coop envisioning a better future for himself.As they both try to find their way, they can’t deny the bond they share. Yet, they struggle to fully embrace the love and acceptance they both deserve and crave.Tired of the back-and-forth, they decide to retake their shot at love, but continued obstacles with Coop’s best friend, Ford’s ex, and the person who once shattered Ford’s world threatens their newfound happiness.As they skate through life’s challenges together, Ford and Coop learn that sometimes you have to drop the gloves and fight for what truly matters.Retaking the Shot is book 2 in the Off the Bench duet. It is not a standalone novel. less