I am fairly new to the work of Sarina Bowen. The New Guy being the second book of hers I have read. Interestingly enough, it was my first time reading an M/M romance. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but I went into the story with an open mind and hoping for the best. I ended up enjoying it more than I had expected.
My name is Hudson Newgate, but my teammates call me New Guy. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: The New Guy
Author(s): Sarina Bowen
Published by Tuxbury Publishing LLC on February 28, 2023
Pages: 348
Genre(s): Contemporary Sports Romance
Source: Publicist
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
That was my nickname in Chicago, too. And Vancouver. That’s what happens when you keep getting traded. Brooklyn is my last chance, especially after my poor performance last season.
But I can make this work. The new guy knows to keep his head down and shoot the puck. The new guy puts the game first.
What he doesn’t do is hook up with the other new guy—a hot athletic trainer who lives in my building. Gavin needs this job with my team. He’s a single dad with responsibilities.
We can’t be a couple. My arrogant agent–who’s also my father–will lose his mind if I’m dating a dude. And my team needs me to score goals, not whip up a media circus.
Too bad Gavin and I are terrible at resisting each other…
The New Guy introduces Hudson Newgate and Gavin Gillis. Hudson spent most of his pro- hockey career traded from one team to another. Because of this, he is always known as the ‘new guy.’ His most recent trade placed him in Brooklyn, playing for the Brooklyn Bruisers. Hudson believes his first trade occurred because of his decision to reveal his bi-sexuality to the team’s management. His father, who is also his agent, convinced him of this and encourages him to keep his head down and his bi-sexuality a secret until the right time. He never expected to meet the one person who will test his boundaries and have him yearning for the chance of a happily ever after.
Gavin mourns the loss of his husband, who died tragically two years ago, leaving him to single-handedly care for their seven-year-old daughter, Jordyn. Seeking a fresh start, he takes the job as an athletic trainer for the Brooklyn Bruisers. His focus: settle Jordyn in school, start his new job, and deal with an antagonistic mother-in-law. These, along with the fact he still misses his husband, leaves him no time for relationships. However, an unexpected encounter with the sexy defenseman for the Brooklyn Bruisers opens the door to the possibility of finding love once again.
I enjoyed getting to know both characters. One could feel the blistering chemistry between Hudson and Gavin from their first meeting. They couldn’t deny it. However, Hudson needed to move past some issues in his personal life before considering a serious relationship. He wants to be with Gavin, but these issues held him back from making a commitment. Because of this, he blew hot and cold, resulting in heartbreaking moments for Gavin. The conflict he feels concerning his desire to live his life the way he wants as against what societal norms dictate flowed from the pages of the book. He lived a life of loneliness and avoided forming friendships out of fear. Fear ruled his life and governed most of his actions.
Unlike Hudson, Gavin displayed confidence in his sexuality. Gavin struggles with grief while helping his daughter to handle her own loss. The manipulative actions of his mother-in-law helped to compound his struggles. I loved how he stood up to her.
Although their attraction to each other occurred instantly, their romance fell into the category of slow burn. They encountered many roadblocks and bumps throughout the development of their romance. The journey may have been rocky, but the outcome was perfect.
In the end, I enjoyed all aspects of The New Guy. and I look forward to the next book in the series. The New Guy is a heartwarming slow burn romance that will leave readers wanting more.
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About Sarina Bowen
Sarina Bowen is a twenty-three time USA bestselling author, and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance novels. Formerly a derivatives trader on Wall Street, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University. A New Englander whose Vermont ancestors cut timber and farmed the north country in the 1760s, Sarina is grateful for the invention of indoor plumbing and wi-fi during the intervening 250 years. She lives with her family on a few wooded acres in New Hampshire. Sarina’s books are published in over a dozen languages with fifteen international publishers.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
I like a slow burn romance. Terrific review, Nadene
I’ve enjoyed a handful of her books now and most were hockey romances. Neat that you enjoyed your first M/M romance.
I like a slow burn. I have one of her books on audio and need to listen.
glad you liked it Nadene
Thanks Debbie.
This is your first M/M? You should add Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy to your tbr right away…lol. I really enjoyed this one. Gavin and Hudson were wonderful characters.
I will definitely look into them. Thanks for the recommendation.
I usually enjoy Sarina Bowen’s books and I’m looking forward to this one. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.