The hometown hockey hero and his best friend’s brother…

Vinnie

Hockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.

So I’m going home to Elmwood.

But I’ll tell you what I’m not gonna do—I’m not going to coach my buddy’s junior hockey league. No chance. I don’t know how to deal with kids, and besides, the other coach—who happens to be my best friend’s brother—hates me. With reason.

That may be old news, yet something tells me we’re going to have to deal with the past.

And that’s almost as scary as coaching teens.


Nolan

No, I don’t hate Vinnie, but he drives me nuts.

He’s cocky, goofy, selfish, and yeah…after all these years, I’m still attracted to him. But I’m a responsible adult now. I run my family’s business, and with the help of my ex, I’ve made Elmwood Diner into a New England institution.

So maybe my life isn’t particularly exciting at the moment, and maybe Vinnie isn’t the worst. Nonetheless, I have no desire to rekindle a friendship with the hockey hero who no doubt will be on the first flight out of town the second he gets bored or gets a better offer.

And I’m not coaching with him. No way.

Ugh…

I can’t believe I’m doing this again.

How was it?

I’ve read many Lane Hayes books, some of which I have not taken the time to review, but I now know what I’m getting into. The books are usually short and sweet, easy to read or great to listen to and have a cozy feel to them. They seem to capture slices of life well but I’ve rarely wanted to revisit them. So they’re often great in the moment even if they’re kind of forgettable.

This story worked for me because the small-town setting and the characters’ backstories were done right. Nolan and Vinnie’s personalities and history evoke strong emotions, enough to get you invested in their story knowing the drama and the angst would be at a minimum. Nolan is very easy to relate to while Vinnie just seems lucky Nolan is still hung up on him. It does feel like we have a fair amount to fill in when it comes to the development of their romance which I didn’t mind since I don’t need a play-by-play of everything.

In the end, You, Again is sweet and enjoyable to listen to Russo does a great job with the narration.

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