Book Description 

After moving back to his hometown ten years ago, Riley Tuck thought he had left his major league hockey career—and his broken heart—far behind. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, it brings ex-teammate and former best friend with benefits Adam Sheppard back into his life.

Coming to the small town of Avery River, Nova Scotia, might have been a mistake. Adam’s not sure he’ll ever win back Riley’s trust after the way they left things—and the attention he’s getting as a huge hockey star isn’t exactly helping. Yet the chemistry that crackles between them is undeniable, even now.

As Adam helps Riley navigate his grief, long-buried feelings start to resurface. But they’ll have to square off with their complicated past if they’re going to have a real shot at a new beginning.

My Review 

I’ve been a fan of Reid’s books for years, so I was very excited about the opportunity to read this new standalone novel. What sets this book apart from her previous books is that there is very little actual hockey, although it is still very hockey centric. 

Hockey star Adam shows up at his former best friend/teammate Riley’s father’s funeral without being invited, which means that Riley must not only contend with his grief, but also his conflicting feelings about Adam reappearing in his life after over a decade since they last spoke to each other after parting on acrimonious terms. 

Riley lets Adam back into his life, and begrudgingly realizes that he appreciates having the guy around. They have some deep conversations about their shared past, the reasons why Riley left hockey, and what Adam can do to make amends for the way he treated Riley. 

And wow, Adam treated Riley horribly in the past. They dismissed their hookups as shenanigans and bros being bros, but then Adam got married because he didn’t want to admit to the world—or even himself—that he was gay. 

That is a LOT to process, but they get through it, and they resume their relationship. The resolution to their problems comes a bit too neatly, but sometimes, escapism is exactly what we need in the world. Riley is such a sweetheart, but it’s harder to like Adam because of how he treated Riley in the past. He’s willing to put in the work to make amends, and that counts for something. 

I would absolutely recommend The Shots You Take. I love that this book is a love letter to Nova Scotia, and the way in which this book is different from Reid’s previous books. Reid remains one of my favorite authors, and I’m already looking forward to her next book. 

I received a digital ARC of this book from Carina Adores/NetGalley.