Tapped!: A fun, heartwarming mm contemporary romance (Barbacks Book 2)

An NHL captain walks into a gay bar...Skyler Shaw has everything: the captain's C, a killer wrist shot, and the face of a franchise.He's also straight. Completely, undeniably straight.So why can't he stop thinking about the barback he met a month ago?Jackson "Jacks" Mills was weeks from the NFL draft when his knee exploded and took his future with it. Now he's slinging drinks at Tampa's favorite gay sports bar, rebuilding a life he never planned. He's got his found family, his routine, and absolutely no business crushing on a straight hockey player who keeps showing up.Because that's all this is. Friendship.Just two guys who text constantly. Who light up when the other walks in. Who keep finding excuses to stand too close and stare too long.Sure, Skyler's never had a friend who makes his heart race—and maybe Jacks has never wanted to kiss a "friend" so badly that it keeps him up at night.But that doesn't mean anything...Right?Tapped! is a slow-burn MM romance featuring an oblivious hockey bro discovering his "normal friend feelings" aren't so normal, a former athlete learning that needing help isn't weakness, and enough banter to fill a penalty box. Expect found family chaos, a glitter-obsessed bartender, teammates who see everything, and two idiots who are the last to know.Can be read as a standalone but is better in series order. HEA guaranteed.What readers love about the characters: Readers are captivated by Skyler Shaw's irresistible combination of athletic confidence and endearing vulnerability—a hockey captain who can command a locker room but gets flustered asking for a phone number. His golden retriever energy and authentic charm make him impossible not to root for. Jacks Armstrong wins hearts as the patient, protective bartender whose quiet strength and unwavering support provide the perfect anchor for Skyler's journey of self-discovery. Together, their natural chemistry and complementary personalities create swoon-worthy romantic tension, while the vibrant supporting cast—from manic pixie Benji to gruff-but-caring Mark—adds depth, humor, and the found family dynamics that romance readers crave.What readers love about this story: This hockey romance delivers everything fans want: steamy scenes balanced with genuine emotion, authentic sports details that enhance rather than overwhelm the love story, and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation that feels natural and hopeful. Readers praise the perfect pacing that builds from enemies-to-friends to lovers, the insider look at both professional hockey culture and Tampa's bar scene, and the way humor and heart interweave throughout every chapter. The coming-out storyline is handled with sensitivity and realism, while the found family elements and protective friendships add emotional depth that keeps readers invested long after the happy ending. It's a story that celebrates love in all its forms while delivering the satisfying romantic payoff that keeps readers coming back for more. Read more