“So, Arlo’s a nerd and I’m a jock. It’s not supposed to work, is it? But instead of trying to mix oil and water, we’re more like stirring protein powder into a milkshake—bolder, stronger, and tasty, too.” Nate Reyes is a defenseman for the minor league hockey team, the Madison Mitts. He's known for his tough and unyielding approach on the ice, a force to be reckoned with. However, off the ice, he's got a quick wit and a heart of gold that endears him to everyone he meets. Arlo Everhart is an accounting professional who marches to the beat of his own drum. He's got spiky red hair and an affinity for quirky items like antique typewriters. When Nate and Arlo meet through their mutual friends Ethan and Ryan, they quickly hit it off. Despite neither having been with a man before, they start dating in secret to “see how it goes.” It's an experiment. At least that's what they tell themselves, but somebody forgot to send their emotions the memo. Peerless is a 61,000-word gay hockey romance. It includes nerd jock, dual first-time, and sports romance themes. It is the second book in the Hockey Heroes series but may be read as a standalone novel. Potential trigger warnings : Scenes relating to the death of a family member and discussion of anxiety. A happily ever after ending is guaranteed.