The Call-Up by K.C. CarmichaelMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Three and a half stars.
Brandon Bouchard is living in the shadow of his gregarious older brother Ander who is the goalie for the Buffalo Blizzards, the team that have already won the Stanley Cup once, while Brandon is still playing college hockey. Then his big chance comes, six weeks before the end of the NHL season he's called up to play for the St Louis Mules. Only problem is ... its the team where Ryan Christianson plays, Brandon's crush when he was fourteen years old and Ryan was billeted with Brandon's parents.
Already apprehensive and scared that he will be sent back to the college team before he's even played a game, or worse that he screws up so badly that he's sent down in disgrace, things don't go well when the first thing out of Ryan's mouth is 'Baby Bouchard' - now he's got an embarrassing nickname straight from day one.
For his part, Ryan has worked hard to hide the fact that he is gay from his teammates and the attraction he feels to Baby Bouchard should be avoided at all costs ... shouldn't it? But with Anders telling Brandon to call Ryan, and telling Ryan to look after his baby brother it seems like family and the fates are bringing them together.
I enjoyed this, but not as much as The Kennedy Effect, maybe I subconsciously felt that calling him 'Baby' Brandon gave too much of a older guy/younger guy vibe when they are only a few years apart in age?
Anyway, lots of hockey stuff that went right over my head, a chance to see Connor and Gavin again, and the Mules are a great team. Can't wait to see what the hints at the end of the book could mean for the next book.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
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