Audiobook Review: Coach's Challenge (Scoring Chances #5) by Avon Gale


It’s been decades since blackmail forced Troy Callahan to retire from playing professional hockey, and he’s built a successful career behind the bench. When he’s offered the opportunity to coach the Asheville Ravens—the most hated team in the ECHL—he’s convinced that his no-nonsense attitude is just what the team needs to put their focus back on hockey. But Troy is disheartened when he finds out the Ravens have signed Shane North, a player known for his aggression—especially when Shane’s rough good looks have Troy thinking inappropriate thoughts about a player, even if he’s set to retire at the end of the season.

Shane’s career in the majors never quite took off. Wanting to quit on his own terms, Shane agrees to a one-year contract with the Ravens and finds himself playing for a coach who thinks he’s an aging goon, and with a team that doesn’t trust him, Troy, or each other. Despite his determination not to get involved, Shane unwillingly becomes part of the team… and is just as unwillingly drawn to the gruff, out-and-proud coach. As the Ravens struggle to build a new identity, Shane and Troy succumb to the passion that might cost them everything.

Listening Length: 6 hrs 50 mins
Narrator: Scott R. Smith


I think this might actually be my favourite series about mature (mostly) men! If you haven’t had a chance to read or listen to this series yet, definitely do it!!! Smith’s narration was just as smooth as ever. My only criticism is that Shane’s voice and Max’s (from Power play) are virtually identical, but when you have five books and a mostly male american character list, variety in voices would be hard.

This novel follows on from Empty Net, it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend at least reading/listening to that book first.

Troy is the new coach for the much hated Raven’s team and it's his job to help bring his team out of the previous coaches abusive tactics. Ex-NHL player Shane has been drafted for the Ravens this season as his last before retirement. He’s also not out due to the still homophobic feelings around gay athletes. That doesn’t stop him from pursuing his sexy as fuck coach though!

Both these men are mature aged, as in 45 and 36 and they act like it… well… except for all the risky semi public sex, but I was so not complaining about that! Like all the books in this series, they communicate and don’t run away from the problems that come up to bite them in the butts! So much delicious sex! All that ‘Coach’ dirty talk and fucking over a the office desk… mmm….

This book was a pleasure to listen to, quite literally. I’m dyyyyiiinnnng for Xavier’s story, I highly doubt it but I’m hoping for a MMM with River and his boyfriend!!!




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