Review: Back to Center by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood

Back to Center  (Mohegan U Hockey Book 2) 

by 

Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood

A Quail 5 Star Read

REVIEW

Wow!!!

Back to Center by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood is one of those books that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon all at once. It's a story of redemption, self-discovery, and unexpected love, with enough steamy romance to call for a fan or even an air-conditioning unit.

Eckie and Jack are two damaged men who find solace in each other's company. Eckie, a former college hockey player, has hit rock bottom, with a history of emotional and physical abuse by his parents, a failed attempt at professional hockey, and a stint in rehab. Jack, his assistant coach, has his own set of emotional scars, but he is a rock for Eckie, offering him a place to stay and a shoulder to lean on. Their relationship starts out as a tentative friendship, but it quickly becomes much more than that. They both have obstacles to overcome, including their age difference and Jack's position as Eckie's coach, but their love for each other is too strong to ignore. The authors have done an excellent job of creating complex, likable characters that you can't help but root for. Eckie is flawed and broken, but he is also resilient and determined. Jack is kind, patient, and loving, the perfect partner for Eckie's journey of self-discovery. The story is also a celebration of found family, with a cast of supporting characters who are just as endearing as the main characters. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Eckie and his son, Levi. It was heartwarming to see Eckie learn to be a father and watch his bond with his son grow stronger. Overall, Back to Center is a beautifully written, heartfelt, and funny book that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves MM romance, sports, and stories about redemption and healing. This book is a must-read, and I can't wait to see what Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood come up with next.

Back to Center adds value to at least two other books I have read that explore the theme of being gay in the sports world. "The Locker Room" by Amy Lane, and "Open Net" by V.L. Locey

Both of these books, like "Back to Center," explore themes of self-discovery, overcoming obstacles, and finding love and acceptance in unexpected places. They also delve into the challenges faced by LGBTQ athletes in a sports world that can often be hostile to their identities.

Back to Center is not a cheap thrill. I place this work high on the same literary chart as "The Front Runner" by Patricia Nel Warren. Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood simply excel at their skill; writing novels that defy the skill itself and by so doing, their works should be included in mandatory university reading at thesis level for master degrees.

This book gets 10 yelping stars out of 5 from me.

About the Authors

Joshua Harwood and his husband and co-author, Ryan Taylor, write gay romance with heat and heart. With twelve books and seven audiobooks to their credit, they have earned high praise for their exciting, sweet, steamy, and (mostly) low-angst stories. The BETHESDA BARRACUDAS HOCKEY series is a hit with readers and listeners, and their most recent series, MOHEGAN U HOCKEY, has been even more popular. The books are emotional reads, sweet and steamy with a little more angst.

Ryan and Josh began writing to celebrate their own romance and are passionate about telling authentic stories about other gay men who fall wildly in love and find their own “happily ever afters.” You can find their website at https://www.ryanandjoshth.com/. Find links to all their social media at https://linktr.ee/ryan.josh.