Synopsis:
Time for distractions? Hardly.
A chance at making the playoffs? It’s a dream for NHL forward Taylor Cunningham that just might come true. If he can keep his eyes on the ball—ahem, puck. And study for midterms. Dakota Cotton, eleven years his senior, isn’t just a distraction, though—he’s everything Tay’s ever wanted.
Dakota has no interest in introducing someone who might not stick around to his four-year-old son. Been there, done that, with the divorce to prove it. But there’s something about Tay that hits all of the right buttons and has him wanting to take a chance.
As things heat up between them, and the pressure to succeed hits an all-time high, will they risk a shot at happiness or choke?
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Risking the Shot by Amy Aislin is the 4th book in her Stick Side MM hockey romance series. This book follows NHL player Taylor Cunningham and single dad Dakota Cotton who have great chemistry but struggle to decide if they can make space in their busy lives for each other.
“For reasons Dakota could’t name, Tay made him want to take a risk and let someone in.”
Taylor and Dakota are two very likable main characters. Tay is fun, kind, and highly responsible for a 23-year-old. He juggles being a professional hockey player and a paramedic student and is still quick to help out a friend or family member. His restlessness could be felt on the pages and the stress that came with it. I enjoyed him overall because he was a good guy who fell hard for Dakota and not just physically but emotionally as well. Dakota was his calm in the storm of his life where his brain could rest, and he could be at peace.
“If he wasn’t careful, he’d get so lost in Tay he wouldn’t be able to find his way back. Part of him didn’t want to.”
Dakota is also balancing more than one responsibility, besides being a single parent he works for a non-profit and decorates cakes but still manages to be kind, a loving father, and have a great sense of humor. His son Andy always comes first, and he’s constantly trying to make up for Andy’s mothers absence. Andy was also a wonderful character. He was adorable with his love of 3d puzzles and his lack of filter was entertaining. The three of them together was precious and made my heart warm and fuzzy.
“He might’ve had a crush on Dakota, but if he wasn’t careful, he’d end up falling for Andy too.”
Dakota and Tay have known about each other for several years which prevented this story from being an insta-love scenario. The pacing was well done and you felt that their relationship developed organically as both Dakota and Tay expressed not wanting it to just be physical. The sexual chemistry between them was on point and the things they did with whiskey was sexy as hell.
Risking the Shot is a very low angst romance filled with a steamy connection and sweet family dynamic. I’m looking forward to more books in the series, fingers crossed the next book is about Stanton and Xappa.
OnceUpon_A_BookDream 