Shane
I study elite athletes: their focus, their flaws, their fire. But Patrick Callahan? He’s a category of his own. Too loud, too confident, and way too hot to be safe for science. He’s all swagger and sweat and reckless charm. Tracking his heartbeat was easy. Keeping mine under control? Impossible. Now I’m kissing this bi-curious jock in dark corners and pretending this isn’t the most unprofessional thing I’ve ever done. He’s not just messing with my research—he’s messing with my heart. If I’m not careful, he might break it.
Patrick
I agreed to let the shy nerd shadow me for a psych project. Discovering the range of my sexuality and falling for him was never part of the plan. But Shane—my sweet, brilliant, rule-following Shane—has no idea how much I crave him. He thinks I don’t see how he stares when I stretch after practice, or how red his ears get when I take off my shirt. He thinks I’m just a jock with no heart. I’ll show him just how wrong he is. I’ll make him feel it—on the ice, in my bed, and everywhere in between. Because once I’ve got him, I’m keeping him.
‘Rules of Play’ is the captivating third installment in ‘The Saints of Westmont U’ series, blending the intense world of hockey with a tender romance. This story introduces us to Shane, a nerdy scholar whose fascination with emotional regulation leads him to study Patrick, a hot-headed hockey player. Through his research, Shane learns not only about Patrick’s athletic prowess but also about his heart.
The concept behind Shane’s thesis is intriguing: how emotional regulation impacts an athlete’s performance and mental state. As Shane shadows Patrick through every drill, game, and personal moment, he discovers much more than he anticipated. The dynamic between the two characters, who come from vastly different worlds, begins to evolve. Their playful teasing is both endearing and leads to unexpected feelings.
What makes ‘Rules of Play’ particularly engaging is the slow-burn romance that develops against the backdrop of hockey. Shane is openly gay and finds himself irresistibly drawn to Patrick, who starts questioning his feelings for Shane. The interactions they share are both entertaining and heartfelt, reflecting their stumbles and triumphs in finding love. The appearance of beloved characters from previous books adds an extra layer of nostalgia for readers, connecting their stories in a meaningful way.
‘Rules of Play’ beautifully captures the journey of love amid the backdrop of an athletic environment. With engaging characters and a compelling narrative, it promises readers a delightful romance that culminates in a satisfying happily-ever-after.
About The Author
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader. Hayden’s mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels that gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters. His stories are sweet but naughty.
The first book in the Boys of Hudson Burrow review: The Cinderella Prince.
The second book in the Boys of Hudson Burrow review: Romeo vs Romeo.
The third book in the Boys of Hudson Burrow review: Beauty and the Billionaire.
The fourth book in the Boys of Hudson Burrow review: Mad for Madison.
Another Review of Hayden Hall: Mingle All the Way
Another Review of Hayden Hall: Faking Ever After
The first book in the Saints of Westmont U review: Edge of Temptation.
The Second book in the Saints of Westmont U review: Cost of Redemption.
