Off Season

Chicago Thunder, Book 2

By: Jodi Oliver

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese, Liam DiCosimo

Ethan

Finding out my ex-fiance is the best man at my cousin's wedding is the cherry on top of my problems.

I can't turn up alone, so finding a fake boyfriend is the only option.

My relationship with Jacob isn't supposed to be real, but he gets me in a way nobody ever has and now I'm questioning everything.

After nearly two decades in the NHL, retirement is nearing and I have no idea who I am outside of hockey.

I need to focus on winning one last Cup, not falling in love.

Jacob

Ethan Parkes became my savior when he offered me a deal that would solve all of my problems. So when he asked me to be his fake boyfriend for a wedding in England, I jumped at the chance.

Besides, so what if I already have a crush on him?

When we give into the chemistry between us, he tells me we only have the off season. But I'm determined to show him that he's more than just a name on a jersey, even if it could cause my heart a world of hurt.

Off Season is a friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine hockey romance. With a touch of hurt/comfort, a ten-year age gap, interfering teammates, and all the found family vibes. It is book two in the Chicago Thunder series and can be listened to as a standalone.

©2024 Jodi Oliver (P)2024 Podium Audio

One of the best of this kind of book that I've read lately

The characters were developed well. The storyline was lovely pay attention that this does have adult only sex. And hats off to the narrator/actors they make the book because reading it on paper just wouldn't be the same.

Couple goals.

I still have 2 more books to read ( I started with 5 and then I went to book 1... weird order, as always ), but I think this one has the potential to be my fav from the series.

Holly Molly I DID NOT EXPECT THIS. Idk why I didn't expect to love Jacob as much as I did, but dang if I am not happy I was surprised.

Ethan... I knew I'd like his broody asz, no surprise there, but Jacob, idk... he did nothing wrong in the other books and somehow... anyways, he is PERFECT and AMAZING and I am glad he proved me wrong.

This story was different in pace with 1 and 5 since the story mostly takes place in the off season... it's basically in the title so no spoilers here.

If there is something that I love in a romance... 3 things: hockey, Chicago, the characters traveling to Europe. Idk what's with these 3 but... yeah. AND WE HAVE ALL 3 OF THEM IN THIS BOOK. Ofc it is a 5✨️, how could it not?

I digress, again... Ethan and Jacob, ah... the same old fake boyfriends turned friends to benefits turned lovers. What can go wrong? Well... in this series, NOTHING, nothing will go wrong because these stories are drama free for the most part, good communication ( for the most part ), a world where everyone can love whoever they want and we don't have to worry about a scandal. What more can you ask for? See? Perfect.

I love these two, and I love how their love story started with that friendship foundation that made this whole thing even more powerful long term. These two are made for each other, but tbh, it's like in any other romance... BUT they really are. Like... their love languages are matchy-matchy and OMG that is goals.

As always, the found family is top tier, the cameos are hilarious a F and if I wouldn't have started with Elliot's book I would've been waiting on pins and needles for his book. The snippets are delicious.

So, yeah... I absolutely loved this book. I would re-read ( re-listen ) to it countless times, which will probably happen, and, yeah, 5 stars. These two... ugh, couple goals.

Off Season

This was a good book with a sweet storyline. The intense grump (Ethan aka "E") and the ray of sunshine (Jacob aka "J") collided and their energy was palpable, lovable, and endearing. An added bonus was that the "Thunder found family vibes" were rampant throughout this book, which made me smile a lot.

Ethan and Jacob's chemistry was magnetic, pulling them together in all the best ways. Their desire for each other was passionate and sensual, which led to some spicy moments. 🌶 Their kindness, compassion, care, vulnerability, honesty, communication, and support paved the way to truly reveal themselves to each other. They proved that their pasts, filled with hurt and loss, did not prevent their hearts from opening to the possibility of being seen, accepted, appreciated, and loved wholly and authentically so.

Ethan and Jacob found a way to their Happily Ever After (HEA) together as husbands and fathers to be. When their HEA finally came to frution, I was delighted. I enjoyed reading this book, and I would recommend it.

Communication is Key to Love

I was thrilled when I saw a book was written for Ethan and Jacob. Their journey was slow in progressing but came together absolutely wonderfully. The team and their significant others helped make the story energetic with laughs and loyalty. The ending gave my heart a happy jolt.

I love this series!

In this book both MCs are struggling with past hurts that prevent them from committing to others, even as friends. I appreciate that while both are really attracted to one another it wasn’t an insta-fix or insta-love. While this book is likely a stand alone, I’d suggest reading/listening to the first book before this one.