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The Husband Game : An M/M Hockey Romance (Relationship Goals Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 1,971 ratings

Hockey Captain Wed in Secret Vegas Ceremony – Partner’s Identity Remains a Mystery

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Or does it?

Toronto Fisher Cats ice hockey captain Dustin Fowler attended the NHL awards and came home with more than the Ted Lindsay Award.

A cryptic social media post from the hockey forward himself revealed that he was wed in a secret ceremony in Las Vegas this past weekend.

His caption stating, “Sorry, ladies, Toronto’s most eligible bachelor just went off the market. I married my kitten tonight and I’ve never been happier,” sent tongues wagging across the league.

But who is “Kitten”?

Without verification from either the team’s head office or the new groom, rumors swirl about exactly who Fowler’s partner is.

A credible source from within the organization suggests that “Kitten” is none other than retired men’s figure skating champion Charlie Monaghan.

We here at JockGossip would like to offer our warmest congratulations to the newlyweds.

TRIGGER WARNING: Contains scenes and frank discussions of eating disorders (anorexia) and past parental abuse/neglect.

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From the Publisher

B/white background of shirtless man in front of ice
B/white background of shirtless man in front of ice
B/white background of shirtless man in front of ice

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BR4LH2HH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Two Peninsulas Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 30, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 575 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Relationship Goals
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,971 ratings

About the author

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Brigham Vaughn
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Brigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time author. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.

Her books range from short stories to novellas to novels. They explore gay, bisexual, lesbian, and polyamorous romance in contemporary settings.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,971 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance book to be a favorite guilty pleasure with well-developed characters and emotional depth, with one review noting how the relationship unfolds realistically. The book receives positive feedback for its writing quality, pacing, and strength, while customers appreciate its humor and snarkiness.

44 customers mention "Romance"39 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, describing it as a favorite guilty pleasure read, with one customer noting it's an outstanding start to a great series.

"...The Husband Game is the best romance this author has written—at least among the novels that I have read; and it is among the best romance novels I..." Read more

"...The story was very good at depicting the internal struggles and war with the inner voice of someone battling an eating disorder...." Read more

"This book really got to me, in a good way. As a therapist I can say the tough situations were dealt with very eloquently...." Read more

"...I can't get enough of it. Great writing and a great read." Read more

17 customers mention "Emotional content"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one customer noting how the relationship between the characters unfolds realistically, while another mentions how the tough situations are handled eloquently.

"...Beyond the romance it was a story about resilience and self love. It definitely deserves 5 stars...." Read more

"Love Dustin’s perseverance. He has always wanted Charlie. But Charlie has been there to spar at every turn...." Read more

"...As a therapist I can say the tough situations were dealt with very eloquently...." Read more

"...The Husband Game" is smart, funny and poignant. The main characters Dustin and Charlie get married during a wild, drunken night in Vegas...." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, describing them as wonderful and very well written.

"...I remember Charlie from the previous series, and he was a memorable character. I am so happy I did...." Read more

"...Cats team mates or the team's Communications Director, this book is full of characters that I am desperate to see in their own books...." Read more

"...Brigham Vaughan writes really loveable characters. Dustin and Charlie are so likeable. You'll absolutely be rooting for them right away...." Read more

"...Brigham Vaughn is an outstanding writer. Her character development is wonderful and nuanced. Her storylines are believable and have great flow...." Read more

9 customers mention "Beauty"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very cute, with one customer particularly appreciating the endearing feistiness of the characters.

"...Charlie's endearing feistiness was so refreshing. Loved that he owned his femme side and was unapologetic about it. Dustin loved it too!..." Read more

"...I loved watching these relationship develop. Dustin was so adorable with Charlie and I was completely invested it all of it...." Read more

"Very cute and loved the relationship between them. It was also very nice to see how the ED was handled in the story...." Read more

"...Dustin is so beautiful and supportive of Charlie to show him he can be loved even when his family fails him...." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting it can be read as a stand-alone without issue.

"...But this one was so well done. The books in this author's series are long for the genre. But that's just more to love!" Read more

"...It can be read as a stand alone without issue (for the most part) but at times I did feel like I was missing information...." Read more

"...I can't get enough of it. Great writing and a great read." Read more

"...Both are handled and written brilliantly. Also handled and discussed are past childhood abuse...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it respectful and kind, with one customer noting it has great flow and another mentioning there are no artificial delays in communication.

"...lust but no insta love, no stupid big misunderstanding, no artificial delay in communication for the sake of dragging the story out, no cheating, no..." Read more

"...From personal I have to say it was very respectful and on target. Great story." Read more

"...I devoured this book so fast to see how it all played out!..." Read more

"...He is strong and kind and you'll want to hug him. Dustin is an all around good guy who dotes on his partner and respects boundaries...." Read more

6 customers mention "Strength"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the book, with one mentioning it is steady on the heart strings.

"...Beyond the romance it was a story about resilience and self love. It definitely deserves 5 stars...." Read more

"...He is strong and kind and you'll want to hug him. Dustin is an all around good guy who dotes on his partner and respects boundaries...." Read more

"...Dustin was just right for Charlie. He was strong, loving, and wanted Charlie for exactly who he was...." Read more

"I adore Charlie. He’s sassy and strong and fragile. Dustin is the steady, loyal man he needs. Their banter is fun and had me smiling ear to ear...." Read more

5 customers mention "Snarkiness"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's snarkiness and find it hilarious.

"...for the sake of dragging the story out, no cheating, no unduly exaggerated snark in every other comment (as that gets old fast); and no eye rolling..." Read more

"...The Husband Game" is smart, funny and poignant. The main characters Dustin and Charlie get married during a wild, drunken night in Vegas...." Read more

"...This book was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy and filthy hot and snarky and heartbreaking...." Read more

"Dustin and Charlie were explosive, hilarious and perfect for each other...." Read more

🖤🖤🖤🖤
4 out of 5 stars
🖤🖤🖤🖤
“𝐄𝐡𝐡, 𝐚 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐣𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 … 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐝𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞’𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮.” - ex figure skater + pro hockey player - wake up married - frenemies (ish) to lovers CW: MC has eating disorder/in recovery Dustin Fowler left Vegas with more than just a Ted Lindsay Award, he also has a brand new husband—former figure skating champion, Charlie Monaghan. The basis of their relationship prior to their spontaneous nuptials has been nothing but snarky banter and hate flirting, and now the pair find themselves tied together for the next year. “𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐞’𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧.” 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.” “𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞,” 𝐃𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝. “𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨.” These two absolutely killed me! I loved them so much! Dustin is such an amazing and supportive husband, and I loved that he took everything at Charlie’s pace!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I am not a fan of the fake husband trope. And I really dislike the drunken Las Vegas marriage trope. But I decided to read this book because I remember Charlie from the previous series, and he was a memorable character. I am so happy I did. After reading many meh or disappointing MM romance novels recently, I found myself smiling at various moments throughout this story as the author showed me how the characters got to know each other and fell in love. Showed. Not merely told. There were so many romantic moments—so many gentle or subtle supportive moments—throughout the novel. The depiction of Charlie’s ongoing struggles with food seemed realistic. The author didn’t make the eating disorder magically go away just because Charlie found love. I have read several of B. Vaughn’s novels, including the Rules of the Game series. Before today I would have said her novels are okay or fine; I have enjoyed a few of the ones I’ve read enough to check out her new releases if I happen to see them, but I haven’t loved them enough to go out of my way to read her backlist or intentionally stay on top of her new releases. After today I’m going to follow her to make sure I catch her new releases. The Husband Game is the best romance this author has written—at least among the novels that I have read; and it is among the best romance novels I’ve read this year. (I read on average about 6 to 8 MM romance novels a week.) There was insta lust but no insta love, no stupid big misunderstanding, no artificial delay in communication for the sake of dragging the story out, no cheating, no unduly exaggerated snark in every other comment (as that gets old fast); and no eye rolling dramatic separation just to show them getting back together. Instead this involved a couple with great chemistry; they actually talked to each other (to the best of their abilities); the romance development felt genuine; the pacing was just right; and their care and love for each other felt real. Beyond the romance it was a story about resilience and self love. It definitely deserves 5 stars.

    Edited to add: I liked this book so much I purchased a copy after initially reading it via Kindle Unlimited.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Love Dustin’s perseverance. He has always wanted Charlie. But Charlie has been there to spar at every turn. Dustin liked to wind Charlie up if for nothing but to see the spark back in Charlie’s eyes. Love that they slowly learned to both trust one another. Loved that the hockey team welcomed Charlie and protected him like one of their own. The story was very good at depicting the internal struggles and war with the inner voice of someone battling an eating disorder. From personal I have to say it was very respectful and on target. Great story.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Dustin and Charlie were so beautiful together.
    Charlie's endearing feistiness was so refreshing. Loved that he owned his femme side and was unapologetic about it.
    Dustin loved it too!
    I was drawn to how he was so supportive of Charlie's carrier and how he constantly doted on him.
    How he thought Charlie was beautiful, melted my heart.

    So happy they found their HEA.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book really got to me, in a good way. As a therapist I can say the tough situations were dealt with very eloquently. I've read books where I have wanted to shake the author and say "God no!" But this one was so well done. The books in this author's series are long for the genre. But that's just more to love!
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    THE HUSBAND GAME is the first book in the Relationship Goals series. It is a spin off of sorts from Rules of the Game where you are introduced to both main characters. It can be read as a stand alone without issue (for the most part) but at times I did feel like I was missing information.

    Dustin Fowler is an NHL player for Toronto and in Vegas for the NHL awards. When he wakes after a drunken night he's in bed with a man, married, confused and finding out it's all over social media he doesn't know what to do. Charlie is an interior designer who used to be a figure skater. The two know each other through mutual friends. It's decided after the wedding announcement was so public that carrying on with the marriage is the best thing to do. It starts off as fake, at least that's what everyone thinks even Dustin and Charlie but how much of it is really fake?

    I loved watching these relationship develop. Dustin was so adorable with Charlie and I was completely invested it all of it. I devoured this book so fast to see how it all played out! I can't wait for what's next and now I have to go back and read The Rules of the Game series!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved Vaughn's previous Hockey series "Rules of the Game," but I am even more obsessed with this new #RelationshipGoals series. "The Husband Game" is smart, funny and poignant. The main characters Dustin and Charlie get married during a wild, drunken night in Vegas. Despite some reservations, Charlie agrees to stay married to Toronto Fisher Cats NFL Captain Dustin Fowler for PR purposes. Dustin is determined to convince Charlie that being married to him isn't a bad thing. Both main characters have their own issues but find in each other the strength to overcome their issues. This book features a character dealing with an eating disorder and presents the character's struggles in an authentic but positive light, showing how the character was able to manage their disorder with the support of a strong partner.

    The real strength in this book are the side characters. Whether its appearances from figures from the "Rules of the Game" series or Dustin's Toronto Fisher Cats team mates or the team's Communications Director, this book is full of characters that I am desperate to see in their own books. I've re-read this book at least once a month since I purchased it. I can't get enough of it. Great writing and a great read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The beginning was great and the middle was not great. It took to long for Charlie to come to peace with himself. The end was not great I thought maybe there would be more drama but they did stay married which was nice.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Edga
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Love Story x
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 1, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This has to be one of the sweetest love stories I've ever read. The way in which Charlie and Dustin loved one another was prodigious, and all encompassing. It was how love should be. I became totally immersed in their story. It tells of the harrowing and agonising effect of anorexia on an individual, and is a brutally honest and mind-opening account. Despite the subject matter, the narrative is beautifully punctuated with wit, colourful characters and a sense of love triumphing throughout . The story's central theme for me was the feeling of love between friends, between parents, between lovers, but most importantly the overarching and unconditional love between Charlie and Dustin, they're perfect together. It's such a gorgeous story. I adored how Dustin dealt with Charlie, always believing in him and building him up. Also, Charlie showed in many ways how much he loved and cared for Dustin, allowing him to be himself and also allowing him to cut himself some slack, realising he didn't always need to be perfect. What a beautiful tale, can't wait for the next book in the series.

    This has to be one of the sweetest love stories I've ever read. The way in which Charlie and Dustin loved one another was prodigious and all encompassing. It was how love should be. I became totally immersed in their story. It tells of the harrowing and agonising effect of anorexia on an individual, and is a brutally honest and mind-opening account. Despite the subject matter, the narrative is beautifully punctuated with wit, colourful characters and a sense of love triumphing throughout . The story's central theme for me was the feeling of love between friends, between parents, between lovers, but most importantly the overarching and unconditional love between Charlie and Dustin, they're perfect together. It's such a gorgeous story. I adored how Dustin dealt with Charlie, always believing in him and building him up. Also, Charlie showed in many ways how much he loved and cared for Dustin, allowing him to be himself and also allowing him to cut himself some slack, realising he didn't always need to be perfect. What a beautiful tale, can't wait for the next book in the series.

    After listening to the audible, I loved this story even more. James Edward Jones does a cracking job bringing Dustin and Charlie 's story to life. Their emotions and growing relationship leapt from the page, highly recommended.

    I received an ARC of this story, which in no way influenced my opinion.
  • Hannah
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm not crying your crying
    Reviewed in Australia on January 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Love this opening book in the Relationship Goals series. Having briefly met Charlie(Kitten)and Dustin in previous books these two gave all the feels. Love their journey to forever.
  • Kindle-Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
    Reviewed in Germany on April 15, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I just can't with these books I start reading them and I'm sucked into them because the story is so good, so adorable and I was so happy to see that Charlie gets what it deserves and dustin too.
    I want it to continue to see them grow more and more!
  • Lily
    5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly enjoyable read
    Reviewed in Canada on January 5, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Hockey novels are the perfect setting to explore themes in depth. In this case, anorexia plays a major part in a former figure skater’s life. Both complex and horrifying, as a reader, I appreciated the description and insights of the impact of this disease. And captain Dustin Fowler of the Toronto Fisher Cats must, without question, rank as the most perfect husband, friend and team leader of all time! His journey with Charlie, who he marries on a drunken impulse, is amazing. The final HEA ending was beautiful, heartwarming and soul satisfying. So, a five.
  • Max Müller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
    Reviewed in Germany on January 14, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I definitely was not expecting such a great story and I was surprised. Usually I don't read this type of books but I couldn't stop reading chapter after chapter, lonely characters and I like the ending. Normally gay stories are sad or full of non credible stuff but this one is pretty nice. Looking forward to read the series.

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