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A review by dinohakari
The Husband Game by Brigham Vaughn
5.0
I'm so glad [a:Brigham Vaughn|7578712|Brigham Vaughn|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1388354321p2/7578712.jpg] write this new series... Spin off? Whatever! I missed their characters too much and it's a pleasure to read about them again even through brief cameos or mentions. It's what makes them more "real" It's silly, I know, because they are just characters in a some stories, but for us, the readers, they are friends who stay with us for a few hours every once in a while, bringing us solace or company, or whatever we need at that time. So yes, they are "real" to us.
With that said, let's talk about Dustin and Charlie. We met them in previous books, Dustin was Noah Boucher's teammate in [b:Bending the Rules|60019693|Bending the Rules (Rules of the Game #2)|Brigham Vaughn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1641225338l/60019693._SY75_.jpg|94614455] and Charlie is Taylor's best friend in [b:Unwritten Rules|61057049|Unwritten Rules (Rules of the Game #4)|Brigham Vaughn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1657013476l/61057049._SY75_.jpg|96226799]. It's in the latter that they meet and we see sparks fly between them, which leaves us wondering what will happen between them. Well, here we have the answer. They meet in Vegas and apparently, after many, many drinks, decide to get married. Once the shock wears off, they begin to see the consequences, especially Dustin, who has been working on the code of conduct for the players, so he asks Charlie to stay married for a year so as not to jeopardize said work, and be honest, because he feels incredibly drawn to Charlie.
Despite doubts, Charlie agrees, leaves Chicago and moves to Canada with Dustin. Charlie keeps several secrets. He's been struggling with his eating disorder for years, he's had a couple of relapses but has managed to stay stable in the last few months. But the stress of the wedding, the fear that Dustin will find out, etc. jeopardize all the effort achieved so far. It's really hard to watch him fight himself not to relapse. Every time his throat closes up or his stomach turns or he has to hide how he feels about food in front of others, you feel it too. What he didn't count on was the silent support of Dustin, who manages to see the signs but doesn't say anything, just tries to be there for him without Charlie noticing, until he's ready to talk. But Charlie not only finds himself supported by Dustin but also by the entire hockey team and their partners, who immediately accept him and show him unconditional affection. The only barrier to his happiness is himself.
Dustin has his own fight. His biggest fear is not being good enough at his job as team captain. Not being there when his teammates need him. But now, he has Charlie too, and he needs to be enough for him too. He doesn't want just one year, he wants more. He wants forever and he needs to find a way to convince Charlie that he can trust him and that they are perfect for each other.
I loved this story. I loved how the author handled both Charlie's and Dustin's problems. It's remarkable that she tell us how Charlie continues with therapy in order to continue to improve and have a healthier life, even though he doesn't always follow his therapist's instructions. And it was amazing to see him gain confidence in himself, until he was able to face his greatest demon, his mother.
And OMG I LOVED the JockGossip!
A great story, with two amazing MCs and a group of incredible side characters that promise a lot in the next stories.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
With that said, let's talk about Dustin and Charlie. We met them in previous books, Dustin was Noah Boucher's teammate in [b:Bending the Rules|60019693|Bending the Rules (Rules of the Game #2)|Brigham Vaughn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1641225338l/60019693._SY75_.jpg|94614455] and Charlie is Taylor's best friend in [b:Unwritten Rules|61057049|Unwritten Rules (Rules of the Game #4)|Brigham Vaughn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1657013476l/61057049._SY75_.jpg|96226799]. It's in the latter that they meet and we see sparks fly between them, which leaves us wondering what will happen between them. Well, here we have the answer. They meet in Vegas and apparently, after many, many drinks, decide to get married. Once the shock wears off, they begin to see the consequences, especially Dustin, who has been working on the code of conduct for the players, so he asks Charlie to stay married for a year so as not to jeopardize said work, and be honest, because he feels incredibly drawn to Charlie.
Despite doubts, Charlie agrees, leaves Chicago and moves to Canada with Dustin. Charlie keeps several secrets. He's been struggling with his eating disorder for years, he's had a couple of relapses but has managed to stay stable in the last few months. But the stress of the wedding, the fear that Dustin will find out, etc. jeopardize all the effort achieved so far. It's really hard to watch him fight himself not to relapse. Every time his throat closes up or his stomach turns or he has to hide how he feels about food in front of others, you feel it too. What he didn't count on was the silent support of Dustin, who manages to see the signs but doesn't say anything, just tries to be there for him without Charlie noticing, until he's ready to talk. But Charlie not only finds himself supported by Dustin but also by the entire hockey team and their partners, who immediately accept him and show him unconditional affection. The only barrier to his happiness is himself.
Dustin has his own fight. His biggest fear is not being good enough at his job as team captain. Not being there when his teammates need him. But now, he has Charlie too, and he needs to be enough for him too. He doesn't want just one year, he wants more. He wants forever and he needs to find a way to convince Charlie that he can trust him and that they are perfect for each other.
I loved this story. I loved how the author handled both Charlie's and Dustin's problems. It's remarkable that she tell us how Charlie continues with therapy in order to continue to improve and have a healthier life, even though he doesn't always follow his therapist's instructions. And it was amazing to see him gain confidence in himself, until he was able to face his greatest demon, his mother.
And OMG I LOVED the JockGossip!
A great story, with two amazing MCs and a group of incredible side characters that promise a lot in the next stories.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.