I enjoyed this one, but felt like it ended just when it was getting started. The characters were great and the setup had so much potential, I just wanted a little more. Heated Rivalry is still my favorite, but this one might come in second, despite the late climax.

Surprisingly… this was really really good. I'm almost shook since 'Tough Guy' was terrible and I had expected the same with this. Thank the reading Gods above for blessing this novel because I was ready to drop this like a hot potato.

'Common Goal' slow building romance initially won me over. I just couldn't help but root for Kyle and Eric's bubbling relationship. The chemistry, the sexual tension, and banter were everything. Though age gap romances are not a fan favorite of mine and I typically stray away from them—when it came to Eric and Kyle's relationship it just worked. I can't really explain it but it just did.

For the obviously reasons this was a better followup to the 'Game Changers' so there is still hope for this series. Fingers crossed 'Role Model' is a keeper too!

I absolutely fell in love with this story.
The novel follows Eric Bennett, the veteran goalkeeper of the New York Admirals, and Kyle Swift a barkeeper and grad-student. They met through multiple friends, Scott Hunter and Kip from the first book in the Game Changer series. Eric wants to explore his bisexuality after his divorce and Kyle is helping him discover the dating scene and they start to hook up.

I found this book such a fantastic addition to the Game Changer series. It was fun to see some of the characters again, especially Scott and Kip. I liked how the relationship between Eric and Kyle developed and that they were friends first before anything happened. I really enjoyed how they shared interests and how their relationship developed from there. I cannot wait for the next books in the series.

I was just kinda meh on Kyle and Eric being stupid

3.8
It was good and I loved Eric but also was like, would y’all just talk to each other?

”If Kyle had one weakness—and he didn’t; he had many—it was confident, attractive older men. Also, confident, attractive younger men. Also, men.”

This book was wonderful!!! I absolutely loved the dynamic between Eric and Kyle. It was low angst, playful, endearing, and so much fun to read. I would rank this book right underneath Heated Rivalry, because let’s be real, no one can beat Shane and Ilya. Speaking of those two, I adored all the scenes we got with them (mostly my boy Ilya who’s the most loveable jerk ever) in addition to the amount of Scott and Kip we got!! This book really made me appreciate those two a lot more.

Both the friendships and the romance were really strong in this book. Eric’s friendship with Scott was so precious and heartwarming and I love how supportive they were of each other. I enjoyed the conflicted friendship Kyle had with Kip and how it developed over time. I also just really appreciated the Admiral’s hockey team and how protective and supportive they were of their teammates!!! I like seeing how Rachel writes these team dynamics, especially when they’re dealing with protecting minorities and stepping up to stop any kind of harassment.

I’m so excited to see where the next books in this series take us, and to finally get another Shane and Ilya book in the future, because everyone needs more of them in their life.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4/5 ⭐️
3/5