Role Model

Let me say this upfront: Cooper North’s narration is the reason this audiobook doesn’t just survive the leap from page to ear—it thrives. His ability to toggle between the gruff, egotistical hockey player and the vulnerable, introspective man beneath is nothing short of transformative. The grunts, the growls, the way he deadpans a sarcastic retort with perfect comedic timing—it’s like he’s lived in these characters’ skates. The production quality is crisp, with subtle sound design (the echo of an empty rink, the crack of a slapshot) that immerses you without overpowering North’s stellar performance. That said, the story’s early pacing stumbles a bit. The first act drags with too many media interviews and public appearances that feel repetitive, and the inciting conflict—though necessary—takes longer to land than it should. But once Reid’s two leads, a washed-up hockey star and a rising rookie with a chip on his shoulder, clash on the ice and off, the momentum becomes undeniable. The emotional payoff, especially in the final third, feels cathartic, like watching a game-winning goal in overtime. North’s narration sells every punchline, every quiet moment of doubt, and by the end, you’ll be invested in their journey—not just as players, but as people. Minor pacing quirks aside, this is a romance that earns its HEA.