Scoring Chance (The Comebacks Book 2) by A.J. Truman is a warm MM hockey romance. It came out in January 2026. The story mixes friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, and single dad sweetness. It is book two in The Comebacks series.
Plot Overview
Tanner Chance is a hockey player. He is a widower with four kids. He loses his job. Money gets tight fast. Health insurance runs out. He worries about his family. His teammate Des offers help. Des is single and stable. He suggests a fake marriage. It lets Tanner get on Des’s insurance. They have been friends since high school. They play on the same amateur team now.
They agree to the plan. It is just on paper. They share a home. Tanner’s kids move in. Daily life gets busy. Des helps with meals and homework. He bonds with the kids. Tanner sees Des in a new light. Des has always liked Tanner. He kept it hidden. Now feelings grow real. They share close moments. They talk late at night. The fake turns true.
The team has games. They face small drama. Tanner heals from loss. Des opens up about his past. They fight doubts. But love wins. They choose each other for real.
Character Dynamics and Development
Tanner is kind and tired. He puts his kids first. Grief still hurts. Des brings light. Tanner starts to smile more. He trusts again.
Des is steady and funny. He is the neat one. He has loved Tanner for years. He is patient. He shows care through actions. The kids love him. He becomes part of the family.
They are longtime friends. Differences make it fun. Tanner is messy with life. Des is organized. Their banter is light. Heat builds slow. They balance each other well.
The kids add cute chaos. They help the men bond.
Key Events and Themes
The story starts with Tanner’s job loss. The fake marriage happens. They live together. Everyday moments grow sweet. Team games add fun. Feelings surface. They face fears. The ending is happy.
The book explores grief and second chances. It shows family in many forms. It celebrates friendship turning to love. It has humor, warmth, and spice.
The romance is steamy in parts. It focuses on heart and growth.
In short, this is a cozy MM read. A widowed dad marries his friend for insurance. Fake vows lead to real love. Kids, hockey, and feels make it sweet. Great for fans of single dad and friends-to-lovers hockey romance.