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Take a Shot
Chris Kimball is good at keeping things to himself, but when he breaks his leg during a hockey game, he quickly realizes his biggest secret might be impossible to keep. It was hard enough being in love with his best friend and teammate, Tim Robineau, but when Tim takes care of him as he recovers, Chris’s feelings only grow stronger.Tim is aware that some people think he’s dumb, but they’re wrong. He’s just an easy-going guy who enjoys spending time with his team and friends—especially Chris. Tim has dated a lot of women who couldn’t understand that, and figures he’s cursed when it comes to love—but he’s not. He just doesn’t know it.Yet.
95 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2016
111 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Wayland
24 books697 followersSamantha Wayland has three great loves in life; her family, writing books, and hockey. She is often found apologizing to the first for how much time and attention is taken up by the latter two, but they forgive her because they are awesome and she clearly doesn’t deserve them.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
Sam lives with her family -- of both the two and four-legged variety -- outside of Boston. She is a wicked passionate New Englander (born and raised) who has been known to wax rhapsodic about the Maine Coast, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the sensible way in which her local brethren don’t see a need for directional signals (blinkahs!).
Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 98 reviews
October 17, 2018
5 In the Moment Awesome Stars!
Two. Words.
Sponge and bath
Here's some more words.
Friends to lovers
Gfy/ofy/bfy
MM virgins x 2
This is set in Wayland’s wonderful hockey universe and takes hurt comfort to a whole other level as Chris’s injury opens the way to some hard truths, confessions, and some oh so delicious discovery on both him and Tim’s part. Uh huh.
Seriously hot as fire and with a surprising amount of feels, humor, and cheekiness!
Best (almost) dollar spent in a long time and it just might be yours too if you want to indulge! Enjoy! Unf.
Two. Words.
Sponge and bath
Here's some more words.
Friends to lovers
Gfy/ofy/bfy
MM virgins x 2
This is set in Wayland’s wonderful hockey universe and takes hurt comfort to a whole other level as Chris’s injury opens the way to some hard truths, confessions, and some oh so delicious discovery on both him and Tim’s part. Uh huh.
Seriously hot as fire and with a surprising amount of feels, humor, and cheekiness!
Best (almost) dollar spent in a long time and it just might be yours too if you want to indulge! Enjoy! Unf.
March 9, 2020
4.5 Stars
Take a Shot is a damn near-perfect friends-to-lovers novella and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Set in Wayland’s mouthwateringly sexy ice hockey universe, this novella tells the story of best-friends, roommates and Ice Cat team mates Chris and Tim, as they go from friends to everything.
When Chris gets seriously injured on the ice, Tim’s emotionally knocked sideways by his fierce protective urges and desperate need to look after Chris in every way he needs. Seeing Chris hurting brings to the surface all sorts of feelings and desires in Tim, making him question their relationship and its potential for change. Thankfully, Tim is generally a carefree, slightly goofy sort, and the idea that he now feels something different for Chris, something more, does nothing but intrigue and excite him.
Being holed up in their apartment while he heals, Chris is exhausted and hurting, but Tim’s considerate caring and doting makes him all aflutter, questioning whether his long-term unrequited crush on his bestie might finally, and unexpectedly, be reciprocated. But Chris doesn’t open up too well, so it’ll take the confident and coxing nature of Tim to bring Chris right out of his head and help him realise everything he’s ever wanted with Tim might be in easy reach.
This was all too short, but I guess I felt that way because I was enjoying every second of Chris and Tim’s changing relationship. Their camaraderie and the strength of their friendship was easily felt from the first, so watching as they discovered a new, definitely sexier dynamic, was a blast to read, leaving me feeling all warm and fuzzy on the inside.
Although short in length, this was definitely one of my favourite stories set in Wayland’s Ice Cats universe and it was certainly one of the best representations of friends-to-lovers I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Plus, this was some hurt-comfort goodness right here, for those, like me, who LOVE that trope.
**Note: Originally released in the M/M hockey themed anthology, Changing on the Fly: A Hockey Charity Anthology.
Take a Shot is a damn near-perfect friends-to-lovers novella and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Set in Wayland’s mouthwateringly sexy ice hockey universe, this novella tells the story of best-friends, roommates and Ice Cat team mates Chris and Tim, as they go from friends to everything.
When Chris gets seriously injured on the ice, Tim’s emotionally knocked sideways by his fierce protective urges and desperate need to look after Chris in every way he needs. Seeing Chris hurting brings to the surface all sorts of feelings and desires in Tim, making him question their relationship and its potential for change. Thankfully, Tim is generally a carefree, slightly goofy sort, and the idea that he now feels something different for Chris, something more, does nothing but intrigue and excite him.
Being holed up in their apartment while he heals, Chris is exhausted and hurting, but Tim’s considerate caring and doting makes him all aflutter, questioning whether his long-term unrequited crush on his bestie might finally, and unexpectedly, be reciprocated. But Chris doesn’t open up too well, so it’ll take the confident and coxing nature of Tim to bring Chris right out of his head and help him realise everything he’s ever wanted with Tim might be in easy reach.
This was all too short, but I guess I felt that way because I was enjoying every second of Chris and Tim’s changing relationship. Their camaraderie and the strength of their friendship was easily felt from the first, so watching as they discovered a new, definitely sexier dynamic, was a blast to read, leaving me feeling all warm and fuzzy on the inside.
Although short in length, this was definitely one of my favourite stories set in Wayland’s Ice Cats universe and it was certainly one of the best representations of friends-to-lovers I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Plus, this was some hurt-comfort goodness right here, for those, like me, who LOVE that trope.
**Note: Originally released in the M/M hockey themed anthology, Changing on the Fly: A Hockey Charity Anthology.
June 26, 2018
Fans of Wayland will recognize secondary characters Alexei and Mike from her Crashing series.
Chris and Tim are best friend and teammates. Both are bi (I think?). In any case, labels don't matter here. Chris has been crushing on Tim for ages, and Tim finally realizes Chris is the only one who'll put up with him. Banter and dirty fun ensue.
The ending is abrupt, but this isn't a deep story, just a bit of friends-to-lovers goodness.
Chris and Tim are best friend and teammates. Both are bi (I think?). In any case, labels don't matter here. Chris has been crushing on Tim for ages, and Tim finally realizes Chris is the only one who'll put up with him. Banter and dirty fun ensue.
The ending is abrupt, but this isn't a deep story, just a bit of friends-to-lovers goodness.
September 18, 2019
I love best friends to lovers romances.
Chuck in an ice hockey team, clueless men, an injury, lots of hurt/comfort and I'm sold.
This Ice Cats novella is a great addition to the series and I loved Tim and Chris.
Chuck in an ice hockey team, clueless men, an injury, lots of hurt/comfort and I'm sold.
This Ice Cats novella is a great addition to the series and I loved Tim and Chris.
September 16, 2019
Una novella muy mona de jugadores de hockey, bonita y sexy, pero se queda muy en lo superficial al ser cortita.
March 27, 2021
I don't know why this book has lower avg ratings. only 3.77.
It was good. Maybe glossing over how 2 men suddenly goes from friends to lovers in 2 seconds flat, but hey, it's a novella. Chop chop.
Sex was pretty hot. Satisfied.
It was good. Maybe glossing over how 2 men suddenly goes from friends to lovers in 2 seconds flat, but hey, it's a novella. Chop chop.
Sex was pretty hot. Satisfied.
June 14, 2018
I love Samantha's stories, and this one was no exception. It was sweet, honest, hot, and so much fun. I love how open and loving Tim was, and I loved the awkwardness and shyness of Chris. Because of their shared history, their relationship felt natural and not at all rushed. I wholeheartedly recommend if you are looking for a m/m romance that is sexy and light.
March 18, 2020
Very cute short about two ice hockey players suddenly realizing they love each other. Or more that Tim realizes he has feelings for Chris, while Chris has been in love with Tim for ages.
I loved how this was angst free. A bit short perhaps, but exactly what I needed.
I loved how this was angst free. A bit short perhaps, but exactly what I needed.
July 7, 2023
Tim and Chris are roommates, teammates, best friends, and…more. I'm grinning from ear to ear just thinking about it all again. :)
These two guys are adorable, hilarious, and sexy as hell in this quick Samantha Wayland read. After Chris gets injured on the ice, Tim’s protectiveness kicks into high gear. His worry often turned into hilarious tantrums that made me laugh out loud.
It had been awhile since I visited Wayland's hockey world. It felt good to be back!
June 30, 2018
This author is my favorite hockey writing author so I was super excited to see this. It had been previously published in an anthology but I hadn't read it yet. Super sweet (& sometimes hot) friends to lovers story.
I love how easily Tim falls into their relationship once the nature of his feeling change for Chris. No drama, no self hate or second guessing, he's just immediately there for Chris.
Some cameos from Alexei and Mike from Crashing the Net and Callum and Rupert from Home and Away. You don't need to read those first though to read this. It's a standalone.
I love how easily Tim falls into their relationship once the nature of his feeling change for Chris. No drama, no self hate or second guessing, he's just immediately there for Chris.
Some cameos from Alexei and Mike from Crashing the Net and Callum and Rupert from Home and Away. You don't need to read those first though to read this. It's a standalone.
November 4, 2020
Don’t know how I missed this short story set in the Ice Cats verse! Sexy short between two teammates who become more. Loved the little cameo of Mike and Alexei too!!
January 11, 2021
3/5
My first book by Samantha Wayland. I will definitely check out more of her work. I have to assume that this was kind of a spin-off because they're so many gay and married hockey players.
This was a cute BFF to lovers. A bit tragic start, but it picks up and gets hot and steamy really fast. I kinda hated how fast this progressed and how quick they moved from straight to not but that’s always my complaints with novellas.
My first book by Samantha Wayland. I will definitely check out more of her work. I have to assume that this was kind of a spin-off because they're so many gay and married hockey players.
This was a cute BFF to lovers. A bit tragic start, but it picks up and gets hot and steamy really fast. I kinda hated how fast this progressed and how quick they moved from straight to not but that’s always my complaints with novellas.
June 26, 2018
A short novela. The characters are sweet and there is zero conflict. Some steam proportional to the length of the story.
A quick, no drama read for when you are in a mood for that kind of thing.
A quick, no drama read for when you are in a mood for that kind of thing.
April 15, 2023
(3.5 ★)
I really hate it when people say "man I wish this book was longer" when it's a fucking novella. Like.... 😵💫🫨🫨 It's like saying "I wish short was longer" 🤐
But this novella? Could've done one more chapter man.
I really hate it when people say "man I wish this book was longer" when it's a fucking novella. Like.... 😵💫🫨🫨 It's like saying "I wish short was longer" 🤐
But this novella? Could've done one more chapter man.
January 5, 2020
A fun and sexy short
I’m not much of a sports person - not at all, really - but I’ve discovered that I apparently really like hockey in romances. This one is short but adorable.
Seeing his best friend and roommate Chris get injured has Tim reassessing his feelings, and things heat up fast. Friends-to-lovers is fun because there’s already a history in place, and these two know so much about each other that the romantic aspect was the only piece missing from their relationship. It was both sweet and hot, and there were parts that made me giggle as well.
Now I need to go read the books featuring the side characters that were mentioned!
I’m not much of a sports person - not at all, really - but I’ve discovered that I apparently really like hockey in romances. This one is short but adorable.
Seeing his best friend and roommate Chris get injured has Tim reassessing his feelings, and things heat up fast. Friends-to-lovers is fun because there’s already a history in place, and these two know so much about each other that the romantic aspect was the only piece missing from their relationship. It was both sweet and hot, and there were parts that made me giggle as well.
Now I need to go read the books featuring the side characters that were mentioned!
September 21, 2018
Very hot
Best friends to lovers with a largely porn-y plot. I really like Samantha Wayland’s writing, so it is cute and romantic enough too.
Best friends to lovers with a largely porn-y plot. I really like Samantha Wayland’s writing, so it is cute and romantic enough too.
August 30, 2018
Thought I'd better read this one before the freebie Traded Out as lots of Sam's other couples appear in the freebie.
March 15, 2024
Problem z tymi krótkimi książkami w tej serii jest taki sam - są za krótkie, żeby coś porządnego z tego wyszło. W dodatku nie brakuje w nich seksu, co jeszcze bardziej spłyca samą historię. I żebym źle nie została zrozumiana - to naprawdę lekkie, łatwe, przyjemne i urocze książki. Tyle tylko, że po prostu wszystko w nich idzie po linii najmniejszego oporu, wszystko jest właściwie załatwiane i rozwiązywane od ręki, nie ma żadnych większych przemyśleń czy problemów, bo po prostu nie ma na to miejsca...
December 10, 2023
Good
3.75 ⭐️
Although this is not my favourite of the series, I really enjoyed Tim and the way he finally opened his eyes and went all in. There was no back and forth, he just carried on and I loved how open he was about it. It was great to see
3.75 ⭐️
Although this is not my favourite of the series, I really enjoyed Tim and the way he finally opened his eyes and went all in. There was no back and forth, he just carried on and I loved how open he was about it. It was great to see
September 1, 2018
3.5 to 4 stars
This is a novella about two best friends, room mates, and team mates on the Ice Cats. Tim is goofy, silly, laid back, and has only dated women (lots of women). Chris is reserved, awkward, and has been in love with Tim for years.
When Chris gets injured during a game, Tim is there to take care of him. Chris does not like needing help, but Tim enjoys taking care of him. Tim is kind and protective and very attentive. In some ways they are opposites, but in others they fit together well. And the closer they become, the more it becomes obvious that they have always been each other's priority.
This did not really have much conflict or negativity. But I did feel bad for Chris as he struggled with losing his independence. I liked that Tim was even more open than Chris about a change in their status, and did not do a lot of second guessing himself especially since he had never considered a relationship with a man before.
This is a short, cute, sexy, best-friends-to-lovers story. I enjoyed getting more with the Ice Cats and Rupert. I would have liked it to be a bit longer and in depth, but it was originally a novella in an anthology so it is understandable. I love this world and will keep visiting as long as she writes in it. And Chris and Tim are both part of the next free novella Traded Out so they are not going anywhere.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter
This is a novella about two best friends, room mates, and team mates on the Ice Cats. Tim is goofy, silly, laid back, and has only dated women (lots of women). Chris is reserved, awkward, and has been in love with Tim for years.
When Chris gets injured during a game, Tim is there to take care of him. Chris does not like needing help, but Tim enjoys taking care of him. Tim is kind and protective and very attentive. In some ways they are opposites, but in others they fit together well. And the closer they become, the more it becomes obvious that they have always been each other's priority.
This did not really have much conflict or negativity. But I did feel bad for Chris as he struggled with losing his independence. I liked that Tim was even more open than Chris about a change in their status, and did not do a lot of second guessing himself especially since he had never considered a relationship with a man before.
This is a short, cute, sexy, best-friends-to-lovers story. I enjoyed getting more with the Ice Cats and Rupert. I would have liked it to be a bit longer and in depth, but it was originally a novella in an anthology so it is understandable. I love this world and will keep visiting as long as she writes in it. And Chris and Tim are both part of the next free novella Traded Out so they are not going anywhere.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter
September 22, 2018
I love this author’s books! Short, sweet & sexy.
June 15, 2018
My Review:
Ooh, this is a quick read, but I loved reading it. It's a great friends to lovers story, and because it's friends to lovers, the quick build-up works. These two guys have been best friends forever so when the romance happens, it's believable.
There is an extraordinary event that pushes them to this point of becoming something more. Chris and Tim play for the same hockey team, but when Chris takes a bad hit, it breaks his leg leaving him so he has to rely on Tim for everything. That brings them closer together...a lot closer together since Tim is sleeping with Chris to keep an eye on him.
The thing is...Tim is straight, even though Chris has just been pretending not to have feelings for Tim. But remarkably, Tim is the more open of the two about a relationship developing.
I really enjoyed this book. Both Tim and Chris were fun characters. They were awesome together. I am a sucker for a wounded hero, so I liked the setup with Chris needing Tim to take care of him.
Pretty much everything in the story worked for me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was fast and the end was a tiny bit abrupt, but I loved the story and totally fell in love with these two guys. I loved getting to watch them fall in love with one another.
Ooh, this is a quick read, but I loved reading it. It's a great friends to lovers story, and because it's friends to lovers, the quick build-up works. These two guys have been best friends forever so when the romance happens, it's believable.
There is an extraordinary event that pushes them to this point of becoming something more. Chris and Tim play for the same hockey team, but when Chris takes a bad hit, it breaks his leg leaving him so he has to rely on Tim for everything. That brings them closer together...a lot closer together since Tim is sleeping with Chris to keep an eye on him.
The thing is...Tim is straight, even though Chris has just been pretending not to have feelings for Tim. But remarkably, Tim is the more open of the two about a relationship developing.
I really enjoyed this book. Both Tim and Chris were fun characters. They were awesome together. I am a sucker for a wounded hero, so I liked the setup with Chris needing Tim to take care of him.
Pretty much everything in the story worked for me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was fast and the end was a tiny bit abrupt, but I loved the story and totally fell in love with these two guys. I loved getting to watch them fall in love with one another.
March 28, 2021
4.5 stars!
Chris and Tim are teammates, roommates and best friends. Chris is more reserved, keeps things to himself and is in love with Tim. Tim is straight, a neat freak and loves his friend Chris...as a friend. Or does he? During a hockey game, Chris breaks his leg and seeks Tim for comfort, assistance, and reassurance. Tim takes care of Chris while he heals and loves doing it. Chris can't hide his feelings towards Tim anymore and Tim realizes quickly that things aren't as they seem between them. Where will their discovery of new feelings take them?
I loved this so much and wish it was 100 pages longer! I think some would be annoyed by how quick the relationship moved but since it was a short novella, it didn't bother me. I just wanted more hence the rating. I loved Chris and Tim and I loved their chemistry. This was a sweet, hot and lovely friends-to-lovers read.
Chris and Tim are teammates, roommates and best friends. Chris is more reserved, keeps things to himself and is in love with Tim. Tim is straight, a neat freak and loves his friend Chris...as a friend. Or does he? During a hockey game, Chris breaks his leg and seeks Tim for comfort, assistance, and reassurance. Tim takes care of Chris while he heals and loves doing it. Chris can't hide his feelings towards Tim anymore and Tim realizes quickly that things aren't as they seem between them. Where will their discovery of new feelings take them?
I loved this so much and wish it was 100 pages longer! I think some would be annoyed by how quick the relationship moved but since it was a short novella, it didn't bother me. I just wanted more hence the rating. I loved Chris and Tim and I loved their chemistry. This was a sweet, hot and lovely friends-to-lovers read.
June 20, 2018
Short and sweet!
I love the Moncton Ice Cats world she’s build. Absolutely loved Home & Away. So it was nice to get a really brief glimpse of Callum and Rupert here.
It was a sweet novella but I expected more. If this was an established couple, this short would have been perfect. But for a new couple, it oddly didn’t really establish much of the relationship as I would have expected.
Yes, they were best friends who lived together. But there should still be some adjustment period especially since Tim did not realise he was ever attracted to a man before Chris’ confession. So yeah, too smooth sailing to be believable.
Still very well written. Just, not as good as I know Samantha Wayland can be.
I love the Moncton Ice Cats world she’s build. Absolutely loved Home & Away. So it was nice to get a really brief glimpse of Callum and Rupert here.
It was a sweet novella but I expected more. If this was an established couple, this short would have been perfect. But for a new couple, it oddly didn’t really establish much of the relationship as I would have expected.
Yes, they were best friends who lived together. But there should still be some adjustment period especially since Tim did not realise he was ever attracted to a man before Chris’ confession. So yeah, too smooth sailing to be believable.
Still very well written. Just, not as good as I know Samantha Wayland can be.
July 2, 2018
4.5 stars - Oh how I love the Moncton Ice Cats! It was great to get to visit with them again. I even got to check in with Mike, Alexei, Callum, and Rupert! Tim and Chris were sweet. 1/2 star off because I wanted it to be longer. These guys deserve more than short stories. Would love to read about more Ice Cats and more in depth checks with the other guys.
December 1, 2019
Cute friends-to-lover story with two ice hockey players. I usually don't like sport stories as a rule, and I am not familiar with ice hockey (or ice anything here in sunny South Africa), but this was nice - low angst, likeable characters, believable romance. I would now read more of this author's books.
July 18, 2024
This was kinda cute although they completely ignored the very broken leg when it was time for sex.
And there was a very quick jump from 'never thought of being with a guy before' to 'I love you'.
Also, I loved the phrase 'neat-freak nudist'.
And there was a very quick jump from 'never thought of being with a guy before' to 'I love you'.
Also, I loved the phrase 'neat-freak nudist'.
June 27, 2018
3.75 stars
August 11, 2020
2.5 -3 stars
This ended abruptly, I'd love some kind of epilogue.
This ended abruptly, I'd love some kind of epilogue.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 98 reviews