REVIEW: Ethan by Beth Bolden (Hockey Bros #1)

- August 12, 2026

ETHAN

Hockey Bros - Book One

by Beth Bolden

Release Date: August 12, 2026

Review

It’s a really good bisexual awakening, with two really likeable men who are both trying to make it into the NHL, while also discovering feelings for one another and trying to figure out how they could possibly be together.

Ethan is the youngest Barnes sibling, with two brothers already in the NHL and a sister coaching a hockey team. So the pressure is on, especially as he’s being courted by the same team as the middle brother Charlie.

As Hank gets called up to the team, and then back to the AHL, frustration mounting, they also develop deep feelings for each other. It’s a lot to deal with. But they find their way.

I will say, I am of the belief that there can be to much sport in a sport romance. LOL. I generally find it unnecessary. There was also a lot of time spent on Charlie and Max which felt distracting and repetitive 9rather than setting up for the next book.

But in all, it was a really good story.

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Synopsis

There’s nothing Ethan Barnes has wanted more than to play hockey with his brothers. Avery, Charlie and Ethan have been dreaming about uniting the Barnes brothers on one team since they were barely old enough to hold a hockey stick.

Starting his rookie season on the New York Bandits, Ethan’s finally going to get the chance to play with his brother Charlie. But while Charlie’s great—a fantastic roommate, a better teammate, and a damn good forward—it turns out the guy Ethan’s really interested in doesn’t have a last name of Barnes.

Hank Tucker’s been working his ass off for two years to make the Bandits opening roster as one of their starting defensemen. What he needs is determination, hard work and focus.

What he doesn’t need is a rookie forward with a famous last name, who, since the first time they met at development camp last year, has permanently moved into his thoughts with his rumpled curls and magnetic smiles and killer body. No matter how grumpy Hank is or how determined he is to shake him, Ethan’s sunshine ends up buried deep under Hank’s skin.

Hank’s always been sure he was straight. But Ethan tempts him and entices him and ultimately, makes himself so irresistible Hank’s got no shot at holding back.

Especially when it turns out that Ethan’s not just been working hard to make a spot on the Bandits’ roster but in Hank’s bed, too.

About Beth Bolden

A lifelong Pacific Northwester, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. She still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to start a chapter of Keeping Durham Weird.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published thirteen novels and five short stories.

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