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A steamy romance between a player and a referee breaks all the rules but will it destroy their careers?

Five different cities in eight years — Logan’s never had the chance to settle in one place. He’s the guy who fills in gaps on teams as a temporary fix and is traded at year’s end because no one wants to keep a thirty-year-old rental after he’s outlived his usefulness. When he’s called up to the Rebels, he knows it’s his last run in the NHL. Now, he must decide if it’s worth carrying on with the weight of his secrets around his neck for one more year. He’s never had a love that mattered, his career is nearly done, his ex-wife is remarrying, his sex life is drier than a desert, and abruptly, Logan’s had enough. He craves one night to ease the frustration, and hooks up with someone tall, dark, and dangerous in the bathroom of a club. The sex is off the charts, but it’s one and done, until Logan realizes exactly who he slept with and understands how dangerous it is to play games with secrets.

Being a referee is in Webber’s blood, and it’s a job he loves. Sure, sometimes he’s called dirty names—by fans, coaches, and players—or must insert himself between two massive men trying to pummel each other. Some nights, he’s knocked on his ass. Other times, he might take a puck to a tender spot. But despite all the hazards and name calling, there is no place he wants to be than on the ice. If only his love life was as settled. It’s hard to find someone willing to put up with his travel schedule, and even if he found Mr. Right, how would he juggle a romance when he’s never home? A chance hookup while officiating a game in Boston should be a simple matter of scratching that itch, but he couldn’t be more wrong. Unfortunately, that one-night stand—while memorable—turns his sedate life upside down in ways he could’ve never foreseen. When the penalty for love is losing everything he’s worked hard for, is it a price he’s willing to pay?

ebook

First published March 17, 2023

67 people are currently reading
193 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Scott

309 books2,715 followers
RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release

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5 stars
186 (40%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Dani.
1,695 reviews327 followers
May 18, 2023
There was so much potential here but it just fell flat and was massively rushed.

I've been looking for a player/ref book for ages but this was disappointing. Again in this series the two MCs just suddenly fall in love with no real build up, just a lot of sex then boom we're told they're 'in love' 🙄

The conflicts were also rushed and unbelievable and the end was so abrupt, it's just suddenly the epilogue and no real story of what actually happened after the relationship was revealed, which left me feeling like what was actually the point of the story. It genuinely felt more like a plot outline than an actual book 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,007 reviews443 followers
March 5, 2023
My favourite couple in this series so far and a novel take on the forbidden love aspect of professional sport.

I adored both Logan and Webber, they were not only on fire between the sheets, but they also connected off the ice through their interests and the desire they both had to find someone to settle down with.

The idea of Logan being a rental, someone who gets sold on a short-term contract to fill a particular space on a team was an interesting way to use a different dynamic for an ice hockey romance.

And Webber being a referee made it even more interesting and drove up the tension from what might happen if their relationship was discovered.

It was on the way to it being a 5* review but I felt the big "dramatic moment" element needed slightly more build-up for it to have the full effect.

The event itself is fine, I just would have liked more in the storyline to give depth apart from the initial reference and a throwaway line or two later.

I also wanted more of the initial fall-out after said event although I very much appreciated what happened then as a demonstration of the lifelong effects.

My favourite thing about this narrative though was Logan's unfailing belief that he'd found "his one" and that he would do whatever and wait however long it took for Webber but without it ever coming across as a weakness.

Overall Rental is another excellent addition to this writing duo's long catalogue of ice hockey romances and to this series of more unusual style relationships in particular

#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Paul.
433 reviews46 followers
March 20, 2023
OMG! What a way to wrap up a story arc! This book made me stupidly happy and there were happy tears more than one time :-)

Logan and Webber were a hoot to follow through the story and while they didn't always make the smartest decisions, let's face it, don't we all sometimes just jump and then try to figure out where we're going to land? LOL! Webber's family was heartwarming and so supportive. The epilogue was the perfect icing on the perfect cake.

If you've been reading the hockey books from this duo, you definitely don't want to miss this one and while I think reading the other books in the series will give you a better understanding of the world these amazing authors have created, this could be picked up as a standalone and I believe you will still get hooked!

***RECOMMENDED***
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
819 reviews
March 4, 2023
Webber and Logan's story was a wild, emotional ride on an out of control rollercoaster!
We get intense heat, hard hockey playing, a wonderful growing relationship between two hot men who cannot stay away from each other despite the possible repercussions if they are discovered.
Decisions/mistakes are made and some aren't thought through all the way. But throughout this entire story, we are given insight into Webber and Logan's growing love for each other which was awesome.
A few times I may have conveyed to the authors something along the lines of "Seriously? What are you doing to me?!"
We get to meet Webbers brother, mom and dad and I just need to express how much I love them!
Things happen, both scary and wonderful.
I don't want to really give anything away. The reader needs to experience them first hand when they read this like I did.

I give 5/5 jars of creamy peanut better.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Dan.
1,743 reviews50 followers
March 8, 2023
It's quite surprising that on the 20th book in an expanded universe VL and RJ still manage to insert newness into the stories. This is the first time we see someone outside of the players and coaches, and a first with interacting with the world of the referees. Webber and Logan go through the kind of angsty romance that turns out to be super satisfying in the end, partly because it doesn't come without a cost.
Another gold star to the duo!
Profile Image for Sharing The Book Love.
919 reviews16 followers
March 21, 2023
So I learnt a new term being zebra but great to see a referee in any sport get a story.

Webber and Logan take us on an emotional journey as forbidden love grows between them. This is a heartwarming and loveable story with drama and fits perfectly in this series.

This is book 6 in the series, could be read as a standalone but honestly you want to read them all.
Profile Image for deborah lawson.
206 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2023
It is about time that a zebra got a major story-line.

I’m a huge fan of this entire series, but this is one of my favorites. It’s back to all hockey, all the time, and I loved it. A super quick, fun, low-angst read with an engaging plot and characters.
Profile Image for Heather MMRomanceReviewed.
1,736 reviews87 followers
March 17, 2023
What happens when you figure out that the one night stand you had was with someone you should stay away from... you don't keep going back... or do you...

Rental starts out steamy and ends up sweet... well paced and with a few twists and turns it was a quick read that held my attention and left me wanting more... I know we're finished with the Boston Rebels chapter, but I can't wait to see where the next series takes us! Although there were a number of familiar faces in the story, it can easily be read standalone.

4.5 stars rounded up
1,304 reviews33 followers
September 11, 2024
okay. could have been (a lot) better.

It was a bit frustrating because the love story is great. But the story was undercooked. The ingredients and setting were wonderful. But it was as if the story were told in shorthand? Or maybe a second draft? With the occasional sentence which did not include English grammar?

I wish the two authors had put the manuscript in a drawer for a couple of months and then fleshed it out more. Serious stuff happens to the MCs, and we are briefly told about it in passing. at fast forward.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,248 reviews23 followers
March 17, 2023
I absolutely loved Webber and Logan, the chemistry and tension between them is both immediate and off the charts, yet they know that seeing each other would be frowned upon by the powers that be. Fate has a wicked sense of humour, throwing them together time and again, and it's getting too hard to keep their hands off one another, and to stop themselves from kissing each other senseless This is such an emotional story, both guys have a lot to lose, and have to decide whether or not they're willing to risk it all for love. It contains the full gamut of emotions, hot sex, undying love, and heartache fill each page as the plot is addressed . It's not your typical romance, and although the ending is a HEA, it doesn't really work out as Logan and Webber would've liked. Still, it's well written, with well developed characters and a story full of love, that flows.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,001 reviews147 followers
September 11, 2023
This was a good ending for the series overall. We saw a bit of Logan in the previous book, but this was our first time really getting to know him. He was almost 31, had an older sister Chloe and 2 nieces, and was bisexual and recently divorced from a woman. I thought we’d see more of his family, but we only saw him talk to his sister once. He tried a couple other times but didn’t really get to speak to her. He was a rental so he moved a lot and was used to not putting roots down.

I liked Webber a lot. He was 40, had a fraternal twin Trevor, and was falling in his dad’s footsteps by being a referee. We saw his brother 3 times total I think. I’ve found that family and friends weren’t very prevalent in the book. It was mostly focused on the couple and then some internal/external drama. I will say that Verne creeped me out when Logan was signing his shirt. It didn’t surprise me that he was unhinged.

This was an entertaining, but I also didn’t feel a super strong connection to either of these characters. While I liked the storyline, it would have been nicer to have them together more often even while remaining a secret. I also would have liked to see them introduce their significant others to their family. I’m not sure Logan’s sister even knew he was bisexual. Maybe 3.5 out of 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Toni K.
630 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2023
I began reading one hockey book by these authors, where two players jumped from a first kiss into a full-on D/s relationship without so much as a "by your leave", and quit. Three years and a very dry March where nothing held my attention to the end, I decided to give them another chance. My mistake. Logan and Web fuck twice in bathrooms, have a coffee date, and after one more fuck, "I desired to be with him for the rest of my days". Uggggh, what? What the what? Why? Why do you want to be with that person that you don't know for the rest of your days??? You started talking two weeks ago! These authors produce 20 books per year, and have not managed to introduce a relationship yet, a human connection. It's dry, cold and even the sex is lacking intimacy. Greatly disappointed.
2,859 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2023
Rating: 4.75 🌈

R. J. Scott and V.L. Locey take their Boston Rebels series out on a grand story, one that’s my favorite of the group. In a fitting way, they do it by giving us two perspectives we as hockey’s fans and LGBTGIA hockey romance readers don’t often get, one of the professional NHL referee and the other of a type of player called a “Rental”. A rental is a really good player who’s brought in just to fill a spot for a part of a season or maybe a year. But not great enough , young enough, whatever, to sign permanently. They play for many teams over the course of their careers.

In Rental, Scott and Locey give us the gift of getting to get a feel for what it’s like working as a professional Ref, and as a Rental. As a Rental, walking into a locker room , having that lack of commitment to any team or not feeling of being a part of a team dynamic. Something so instrumental in a team’s development and success. For a NHL ref it’s the constant movement and commitment to the sport as fans ideas on the refs themselves. It’s their personalities and perspectives on the sport, and how they are put together as Referees teams on the rink.

I felt like I had such a strong connection to both men , Webber and Logan, and a real understanding of their emotional state when they met at that bar.

That Scott and Locey love and understand the sport of hockey as they do shows in every beautifully crafted character, on all the fast paced scenes on ice, the emotionally demanding nature of the game as delivered through heartfelt moments of pain , loss, and passion of winning. It’s those of physical beauty of the players and the crushing bruising of the brutality of the game too.

Both authors deliver that so seamlessly. Here we get all that threaded through a heated forbidden romance between Webber Kelty, NHL Ref, 40’s closeted from Georgetown, Ontario, and Logan Mackie, out gay , a rental replacement for the beloved hurt Dunny Dunkirk , as the Rebels are making a run for the playoffs .

It’s a story that’s got all the right elements and depth. Great characters, passion, hidden romance, secrets, and everything on the line.

Plus it has so many fantastic characters from other series that pop up during the playoffs to create extra fun.

My tiny quibble is that there’s a small storyline that comes in towards the end that feels unnecessary. There’s so many great aspects to this book that are grounded in reality or things that have a firm foundation that the authors laid down, that this other element feels flimsy by comparison.

It’s a fabulous book and fast engaging read without it. It adds extra drama. But that’s like saying, ok we had 47 cherries on top, not enough. Let’s add 3 more. Ok Done.

Either way, this is a marvelous book and a fantastic way to see the Boston Rebels out. Now onto the next series.

I’m highly recommending Rental (Boston Rebels Book 6) by R. J. Scott and V.L. Locey.


Boston Rebels series:
- [x] Top Shelf #1
- [x] Back Check #2
- [x] Snowed #3
- [x] Royal Lines #4
- [x] Blade #5
- [x] Rental #6
Profile Image for Heather York.
Author 5 books53 followers
April 15, 2023
After a poll the authors took in their Facebook group I had a feeling we'd be seeing this trope sooner rather than later. It's an obvious trope that has potential to create intense drama and yet not as obvious as one might think because I never really gave much thought to it. After reading Rebel, I can see the lasting ramifications of a player/ref relationship and not just a current game/season scenario but it could put an unwanted spotlight on the ref's past games. RJ Scott & VL Locey do a wonderful job balancing obvious and "HOLY CRAP! I didn't expect that!"

I've said it before, I'll say it again, and I'm sure I'll say it even more in the future but I'm not a hockey person. I do love baseball and there are players who get traded from team to team wherever there is a need which I can't even begin to imagine how that screws with your psyche, your sense of belonging both as a team player and as a human needing a place to call home. Through Logan Mackie(who we first met in Blade briefly) as Moral "Dunny" Dunkirk's replacement we get to see just how difficult that can be for an athlete. It is definitely not easy but Logan just wants to help whichever team he's with the best way he can.

What can I say about Webber Kelty, NHL ref? Closeted, older, career ref, known for fairness, and now he suddenly finds himself at a crossroads when his masked club hook-up is on the ice at one of his games. Speaking of that masked club hook-up, what a way to start a story, an unforgettable experience for both men and the readers. *fanning self* I digress, back to Webber. All he wants to do is his job, a job that is often disrespected in all sports. Don't ask me my opinion of referees because let's just say it is not always favorable. We definitely need more Webbers in games/matches in the athletic world.

Put these two together and the chemistry, well it's off the charts which we learn very early on but there is more than just the physical chemistry. Their hearts, once opened up are so perfectly meshed you can't help but cheer for them. Did I want to smack them a few times and scream "JUST TELL SOMEONE!"? Of course, but where is the fun in that? We have to have some hiccups or Rental would be a very short pamphlet instead of a great piece of storytelling.

I think it's safe to say a few of those hiccups are just downright bad but they not only give insight to the main characters but the team, family, and the fans as well. I won't say more to the plot but I do want to say how much I enjoyed cheering for a ref for once instead of screaming at my television "oh come on! Are you blind or just stupid?"😉.

Rental is brilliant all the way around. Heat, drama, hockey, romance, friendship, more heat, familiar faces, passion, and just a touch of suspense(I won't spoil). Definitely worthy of Scott & Locey's Hockey Universe stamp. Rental may be their 30th story but there is not an ounce of tired storytelling within and I hope it continues for years because there is potential for many tales yet to be told.
Profile Image for Kendra Patterson.
998 reviews12 followers
March 15, 2023
ARC received from the authors for an honest review.

Logan is a rental that has been brought to the Rebels to fill in a vacant spot. He's always moving from place to place, so he hasn't had a chance to settle down. When he first arrives in Boston he has an itch to scratch and finds it in the most spectacular way. Nothing beats anonymous, hot sex in a bathroom. But unlike times before this doesn't scratch his itch, it makes the itch stronger. It only becomes complicated when he realizes that his anonymous hook-up is a hockey ref, that he will be coming into close contact with.

Webber is a long time hockey referee that learned the game from his father. This is his life and all he eats and drinks. Only after having the best hook-up he's ever had does he start to yearn for what his parents and brother have. Maybe having that someone special to come home to isn't so far fetched. When he realizes that his hot hook-up, the man he can't stop thinking about, is the new hockey player for the Rebels, does his thoughts of a future look dim.

The problem with falling in love is that sometimes you don't do what's best for the whole; you do what's best for yourself. Logan and Webber for once do what is right for them. Their anonymous relationship is going along well until someone snaps a pic of them having coffee. What is actually an innocent photo, soon becomes the so-called "proof" of poor integrity. Will Logan and Webber weather the storm or will they both lose everything? Also there's someone in the background with bad intentions that isn't ready to let things go. What happens when everything hits the fan?

Logan and Webber had great chemistry. You can feel it from their first hook-up to the end. The story is good and well thought out. I wanted more time spent on them as a couple, more time spent with the baddie and more time spent on the team coming to terms with this "betrayal". I think if the book was longer these things could've been more fleshed out. Lastly there were many times that I had a hard time knowing who was talking/thinking because there wasn't specific "Logan said or Webber said". Maybe the authors thought that the chapter heading stating a MC name would make it clear but to me it wasn't. All in all a good book in a really good series.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,804 reviews40 followers
March 16, 2023
So, so, so good and HOT!! 🔥🔥

I’ve been reading this writing duo’s books since the first one they wrote together back in 2017. I’m actually at the point where I’m pretty sure I know who is writing each main character. 😊 Prior to reading their first book I didn’t know a thing about ice hockey but if RJ writes a book, I’m reading it. Their partnership also led me to become a fan and follower of V.L. Locey’s books. So, in the last 5 years I’ve now read more hockey romances than I ever could have predicted. You know what? I still don’t really know anything about hockey but that doesn’t matter one bit; I love reading hockey romance written by several favorite authors I now follow.

You will enjoy Rental more if you’ve read the other books in this series but I think it would do OK as a standalone as long as you are aware that characters from previous books are featured in this one. I’m not going to waste your time restating the blurb because it’s spot on. The writing is tight without a lot of filler and that is only one of the things I like about what these two write. Telling a great story in a short novel isn’t something that all writers can do well.

I laughed and I cried while reading Rental. Logan and Webber probably could have been a bit smarter when it came to their romance but then the story wouldn’t have been as good. 😊 Once the inevitable happened I was fighting tears and ultimately lost the fight. That’s a sure sign for me that I’m loving what I’m reading.

I loved how supportive Webber’s family was and also how the Rebels supported Logan after they got over the shock of certain events. There was one heart-stopping scene that I wasn’t quite prepared for but I knew it would all work out in the end because RJ and V.L. always give their men the HEAs they so richly deserve.

The epilogue, set eighteen months in the future, was the perfect ending to a wonderful story.

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
430 reviews3 followers
March 17, 2023
Rental is the latest installment in the Boston Rebels books. I have really enjoyed this latest spinoff series from the original Harrisburg Railers, but I heard a rumor that this might be the end of a six-year, nearly 30 books-long labor of NHL love.

I enjoyed the premise of this book. I enjoyed the fact that the forbidden romance was with a referee, *gasp*! The action on the ice was fantastic as always and kept me entertained. I even enjoyed our MCs, Logan and Webber… individually.

I just could not get into the romance aspect of this story. Conversations were mentioned, texts were mentioned, but these all happened off-page. Due to this, I didn’t really get any kind of attachment to the relationship as it ‘developed.’ We did get to see a very limited interaction between the two when they weren’t having extremely hot sexy times, but not enough to justify the level of feelings that the two felt for each other so quickly.

However, the story that evolved around the ‘romance’ was good, and it made this a quick and pleasing read. We got to see the tension and emotions brought about by keeping damaging secrets to a team’s reputation, on an off the ice, and how several of our favorite players handled the pressure when it all came to a head. The twist at the end was foreshadowed, but I could take it or leave it. I felt that the result in the epilogue kind of opened up a whole new arc that could be followed if desired, and it was a sensitive subject, so I wasn’t sure how to feel about that last bit.

Overall, it was a decent read. I enjoyed reading about Logan’s position as a rental, even though it made me a bit sad for him. The characters’ love and dedication to their careers were strong, but their love for each other was stronger. In the end, they found a different way to do what they loved, and I think their lives will be happier for it.

Happy reading!

* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,181 reviews7 followers
April 3, 2023
I have really enjoyed this series, I do love these hockey players, and I was definitely intrigued by this book, I mean a player and a ref, yes please and I think RJ and V.L. really delivered! Their story was an emotional one, there is a lot going on with these guys and what all they face because they fell in love.

Logan is a hockey player, a rental in fact, he’s a player that gets traded regularly to help teams and fill positions. He doesn’t really ever feel like a part of the team though and he’s hoping to finish out his career in Boston. Webber is a well known and well respected referee and he loves his job. The two meet totally by chance in a bar one night, neither man knowing who the other is and they have a smoking hot hookup without even knowing names. It isn’t until they see each other again on the ice, for a game that realization of what happened hits them. It also doesn’t help that they can’t stop thinking about each other.

I really liked these two together, I thought they had a great connection and I was really rooting for them. It’s definitely a complicated situation they are in and the dilemmas they face, especially given that Logan’s team is trying to make it through playoffs and take a shot at the Stanley Cup. There’s a lot of back and forth and a lot of tension, but their feelings are just undeniable. I definitely felt that and in turn felt for them.

Definitely a roller coaster of emotions and lot of angsty feels and I really enjoyed it. Their story takes some interesting turns and these two really have to look at what is really important for them and make some big decisions. In the end, I was very happy and liked the way it came together for them. Definitely a great addition to this series.
Profile Image for Marion.
1,819 reviews
March 19, 2023
A strong finish to this series. These authors names are synonymous with great hockey stories and they have reached that standard once again. This is the story of Logan and Webber. Logan is a 30 year old professional hockey player. He has played on five different teams in eight years. He is what is called a "Rental". Teams that have shortfalls due to injuries and such, pick up a rental to help them out for just that year. Is it no wonder that he doesn't really feel like anyplace is home. The night before he is to report to the Rebels to play, he goes out and blows off some steam. That leads to a one night stand of sorts that shakes up his world. Webber is umpire in the NHL. The job is in his blood. His father was a referee as well. While he loves his job, sometimes he wishes that he had someone to come home to. So beforer a game in Boston, he goes out and scratches an itch with a stranger. One and done. No harm, no foul. Until he sees that stranger on the ice at his official game that he is refereeing. Shocked to see the Rebels newest player, Logan. This is their story. The connection and chemistry between these two just flows off the page. Knowing that they are playing with fire; that it could cost them their career still can't keep these two apart. I absolutely loved that this is a referee and player story. There is definately hockey throughout this book, but it is a love story first and foremost. I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to the next series by these authors.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading).
797 reviews17 followers
March 24, 2023
Rental is the sixth installment of RJ Scott's and VL Locey's MM ice hockey romance series, Boston Rebels. I always look forward to every new book in any of the authors' MM ice hockey series. I love the sport, the fun, the fun characters and, of course, the love!

Rental feels like it is a bit different to other books in the series. However, Webber and Logan aren't your usual characters either. Logan is a hockey player who knows that he is coming towards the end of his NHL career, not because he has moved from team to team (which is why he is a "Rental"), but because he is getting older. Webber is a passionate referee and prides himself on his work. Because both men have led transient lives for a majority of their careers, neither have had time for relationships. But their lives change after they have a one night stand, not knowing that they could professionally met up. And if anyone found out anything, that could lead to a hell of a lot of complications. The thing is, now they have met, there is a magnetic attraction between the men, the chemistry is off the charts and as a reader you just know that these guys will be perfect for each other once they defeat their obstacles.

I don't want to give away spoilers but I really enjoyed how these two tackled their issues, and how they were ultimately resolved. While it is a HEA ending, by the end both men had made compromises for where their careers took them and how they make things work together. It's romantic and it feels real. Logan and Webber have great chemistry and I hope to see them pop up once in a while in future books. A salifying ending and just a great read over all.
Profile Image for Janette.
879 reviews22 followers
March 18, 2023
I’ve been with RJ Scott & V.L. Locey from the very first Railers hockey book, and I can honestly say, in this expanded hockey universe, this is one of the stories I’ve enjoyed the most. There’s a hot hockey player, an NHL ref and a potential scandal - what more do you need? The nature of this forbidden romance, their impossible situation, and a hefty dose of heart-wrenching emotion create a story that’s impossible to put down.

In fact, it’s so compelling and captivating, I read it in a single sitting. There was no way to stop once the events were in motion; the forbidden nature of their relationship made it impossible to relax and get comfortable, instead I was perpetually terrified they’d be found out and everything would fall apart. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy for them - their connection and their feelings for one another were undeniable - but there’s so much at risk.

Overall, I enjoyed everything about this one from the set up, to the growing connection between Logan & Webber, to the depth and complexity of emotions, to the resulting conflict & fall out. Logan & Webber are genuine guys who’re easy to like, making them easy to root for. It doesn’t hurt that they share an intense connection, out of control attraction and white hot chemistry. That first encounter…WHEW. 🔥🔥🔥 From that moment I knew this one was going to be good.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Profile Image for Anne Barwell.
Author 23 books108 followers
March 26, 2023
I love these authors’ hockey books and am already a fan of the Boston Rebels. I enjoyed Logan and Webber’s story, with its mix of romance and hockey with a splash of danger and suspense. It was great catching up with the team again too. I love the way the team comes together as family.

I loved Logan and Webber and their determination to stay friends. I loved how their connection right from the beginning is way more than physical, and quickly develops into more. I enjoyed the angst in the story as they try to sort out things out while keeping their hearts intact.

I liked their relationships with family, especially Webber’s friendship with his twin, Trevor, which as someone who is a parent to twins, rang true. Webber’s parents are great. I loved the conversation between him and his dad.

The suspense part is well written, tense, and unexpected. I also liked that it never occurred to either Webber or Logan that there might have been an alternative to their situation that would have prevented a lot of problems.

I don’t watch sport so that the authors have hooked me into their hockey world, and loving their description of the games says a lot. I love the references and appearances/crossovers with the Railers too, and the Rowes.

The epilogue and HEA are perfect for these guys.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
March 15, 2023
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the sixth book in this series, but also brings in friends from other hockey teams who we know and love! I would recommend you read all the goodness, but should you choose to start here, you can definitely still enjoy the story as a stand alone.

I really enjoyed this completely new (to me) take on the illicit romance. One which calls into question ethics on a large scale, and inevitably involves more than just in-house politics ... this could be huge! The referees and linesmen in a hockey story tend to be overlooked, or the cause of a wrong call against our favourite player ... but here, one of them is front and centre of a player's mind and emotions - and viceversa ... wow !

I loved how we get to read their differing viewpoints, yet can see that their hearts and integrity - as well as their lust and passion. Really engaging, sexy and fun read.

Wicked Reads Review Team
432 reviews11 followers
March 20, 2023
I've been a fan of both authors for a long time and they never disappoint. Although this book is part of the series it can be read as a standalone. Even if you are not so much into hockey you'll probably be after reading their books or at least want to learn more about it - I know that happened to me years ago when I read my first hockey MM romance (by another author) but since then I'm searching for hockey themed books and that I've read every single book written by RJ Scott and VL Locey says a lot. This is probably the best book in this series besides Snowed, which can be read as a standalone too although Rental features many characters from their other hockey books and series that I'm fairly certain you'll want to read more about. If you aren't sure where to start I'd suggest that you start with Harrisburg Railers series - that's where I got hooked and never looked back. There's a lot of things I loved about Rental. The conflict between demands of MC's jobs and their sizzling attraction and growing feelings is portrayed very well, I loved the humor. What I missed was more on page conversation between the two. Nevertheless it was a page turner and kept my attention all the way.
Profile Image for Stacey.
434 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2023
While I’ve read other books by these authors, this is the first one I’ve read in the Boston Rebels series. That being said, I feel it works as a standalone and will be ok reading this one if you haven’t read the others.

What was supposed to be a one-night stand turns into more when Logan and Webber run into each other again on the ice; Logan is a hockey player for the Rebels, while Webber is a referee for the league. Their romance is hot and heavy from the start, and I thought they worked well as a couple. They’ve become one of my favorite couples that I’ve read about lately. I also enjoyed getting to read a book involving a referee, as most sports romances focus on the players.

There’s a low level of angst in the story. Considering their jobs, I was expecting more, but appreciated that wasn’t the case. I will say that I wished readers got to see more of the fallout rather than there being a time-jump, although I did enjoy getting to see what the couple was up to after-the-fact.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy provided by the authors**
Profile Image for Elle Kay.
387 reviews
March 17, 2023
Webber and Logan’s story is just *Chef’s Kiss*. With a unique premise (the rental player and the referee), this tale rockets along effortlessly. From their unusual meeting (used masks, anyone?) to the inevitability of their relationship, Scott and Locey weave a rollicking story.

Plenty of hockey action will keep sports romance enthusiasts hooked. But it’s the hearts of these two men, seemingly so different, that layer the emotionality on and warm the reader’s heart.

While quietly commentating on the world in the age of social media, where nothing much is ever truly private, the book escalates to heart-thumping action.

Appearances from previous couples in the Boston rebels world add continuity for long-time readers, but this novel could be enjoyed as a standalone. That being said, with 30 hockey romances under their shared belt, why not dive into these authors’ hockey worlds completely?

5 stars.
206 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2023
Logan has been brought in as a Rental. I’d never heard that definition before. Logan has arrived in Boston and he’s at odds. So blowing off steam seems like the thing to do. He finds an incredibly good looking man and proceeds to hook up with him. Problem solved or so he thought. Little did Logan know but his hookup is the referee in his first game Boston. Damn, that couldn’t get any worst. Only it does. Both he and Webber have incredible chemistry and compatibility. They both know that what they are doing is wrong but they literally can’t stay away from each other. As I said their chemistry is off the chains hot. They do try to break it off but it’s so difficult to find someone who you relate to and they both want each other so bad. I wasn’t sure what I was going to get. What you will get are two men who realize how much they want each other and a relationship. Their relationship wasn’t without some hiccups and stumbles but their HEA was so worth it.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,264 reviews53 followers
March 20, 2023
This is the sixth book in the series. This one intrigued me because it's the first time I've read a romance with a ref and a hockey player. It was a whole new dynamic of forbidden. Right from their first night together Logan and Webber have burning hot chemistry. They know how forbidden their love affair is, but you can't deny the true connection they have. Some really unexpected events happen that had me gasping. I felt for these two because though how they went about it was wrong, love is precocious and meaningful. I love Webber's family. Makes me wish more people could have that in their life. Logan's nieces are too cute! This title fits perfectly because Logan is was we call a rental. Traded a lot for a short time to help the team reach their ultimate goal, but hard on the player because you can't create a true bond with a team. That's what makes his connection with Webber all that more special!
Profile Image for Amy.
373 reviews24 followers
March 13, 2023
I’ve loved the Boston Rebels series from the beginning and book #6 did not disappoint! Logan and Webber were insanely hot on their one night hookup. What are the chances one would be an NHL player and one would be NHL referee??? The pull towards each other is hard to stop, the texting, the calls, keep it on the down low, it will be alright…right? Until it’s not 🥺

This was a fantastic book with Logan and Webber getting to know one another, they were smoking hot 🔥but when their affair is published and Stanley Cup playoffs are involved who will stand by them? The book was written very well with highs and lows, friends and family, emotions that ran hot and cold. I loved it! Definitely a must read in the series!!!
Profile Image for Amy.
384 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2023
Hockey romance is a favorite of mine and Rental is another example of this writing duo's love for the sport. They both know hockey well and hockey romance readers get the benefit. (Adding romance to a sport I love is a wonderful thing.)

I loved the hockey action and enjoyed the very unlikely (and forbidden) pairing of the referee and an active player. Plus, the unusual casting of the player to be a rental was a new twist. I liked the length of the book because I haven’t had the time to read super lengthy stories, but the last quarter of the story kind of jumped out at me in a surprise. I am looking forward to whatever series comes next. (4.5 stars)
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