Poke Check (Harrisburg Railers #4) in RJ Scott

Feb 13, 2018 Amanda rated it it was amazing

With Poke Check, VL Locey and RJ Scott have delivered another fantastic collaboration in the Harrisburg Railers series. I loved Stan from the moment he showed up on the page in an earlier book and could not wait to learn more about the gentle giant Russian goalie. Reading about his struggles with the English language (especially the American sayings - the beeline and birdline conversation is hysterical), and with understanding this country that is so different from Russia was especially profound With Poke Check, VL Locey and RJ Scott have delivered another fantastic collaboration in the Harrisburg Railers series. I loved Stan from the moment he showed up on the page in an earlier book and could not wait to learn more about the gentle giant Russian goalie. Reading about his struggles with the English language (especially the American sayings - the beeline and birdline conversation is hysterical), and with understanding this country that is so different from Russia was especially profound in today’s political and social climate. Stan is sweet and kind yet fierce and protective, a compelling character with a heart so broken it broke my own in sympathy. When Erik, the Swedish hockey player who loved him then left him, shows up as the Railers’ newest wingman, Stan’s world is shaken again. Erik is a devoted father trying his best to be everything for his son and his team in the midst of a divorce, a move to a new city, and coming face to face with the man he left but never stopped loving. Stan and Erik love each other deeply and their relationship is both sweet and oh-so-steamy! These two men do not have it easy finding their way back to each other, but I enjoyed every minute of the journey. Little Noah is a happy addition to the story, and I loved watching Stan fall in love with his little rabbit just as surely as he loves Erik. The peripheral characters are prominent in this book as well, and I am always excited to see how things are going with the couples from prior books. I also enjoyed the hockey quite a bit and am happy to see the Railers doing so well. I hope we see them achieve their Stanley Cup dreams in future books.

This book is a poignant reminder that sometimes a second chance is all we need to finally get it right. These two authors consistently deliver novels that read so easily and flowing it sounds like one voice rather than two individuals contributing... the mark of a successful collaboration for sure. I cannot wait for more from them and the Railers!

Poke Check can be read as a standalone, but I recommend enjoying the entire series from the beginning as each book is fantastic. Men loving men, friends, family, and hockey - what else could you ask for?? ...more

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Feb 08, 2018 Tracy Cox rated it it was amazing

This is my favorite book so far. Ever since I met Stan in the first book I was hoping he would get his own book. This book exceeded my expectations for it. Stan and Erik make the perfect couple. I loved being in Stan head and seeing how he struggles to take American. I loved this book and highly recommend you go read the whole series.

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Dec 10, 2018 SoCalBookReviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs_prolific_docs

I’ve been waiting for Stan’s book since we first met him in book one. He’s the huge Russian who speaks unintentionally funny English that leans towards quotes of pop culture. Stan is one of the best, funniest and most fascinating characters in this series.

Russia’s strong homophobic stance has Stan worried about being “out”, as his family still lives there, which is completely understandable in a really horrible way. I cannot fathom why some people, including entire countries, are so closed-mind ...more

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