Rookie Mistake

On the Board, Book 1

By: Anna Zabo, L.A. Witt

Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo

Rookie forward Isaac Rivera is still finding his footing in the big leagues where he’s no longer the best player on the roster. It’s a whole new world, especially now that several of his hockey idols have become teammates. Friends, even.

There’s one who’s more than a hockey idol, though…and he might end up being more than a friend.

Julien Landry is a powerhouse on the ice. In eight years, he’s become one of the league’s top defensemen and the heartthrob everyone wants to bed. But fallout from a painful mistake as a rookie, followed by years of rough-and-tumble hookups, have him itching for something more.

When a connection sparks between him and Isaac, he discovers what he’s been missing: someone he can trust with his body and his heart. As long as Isaac and Julien keep the heat between them off the ice, what could go wrong?

But Julien’s past is never far behind him, and when it comes crashing in, he might lose everything—his career, his friends, and the first person he’s ever really loved.

CW: discussions of past abuse and sexual assault

©2022 Anna Zabo & L.A. Witt (P)2022 Anna Zabo & L.A. Witt

What if people dod the right thing

Two hockey players click and good things result. Julien & Isaac are nice guys I enjoyed spending time with.

Isaac is a bit more emotionally on point than I’d expect from a 22yo who doesn’t socialize much, but he has good friends and works the google-fu to educate himself & I want to believe, so it works. Meets his crush & isn’t creepy about it. Truly good, giving, & game, develops some talents he might otherwise have left unexplored for Julien & finds his own level with that.

Julien has some pretty intense baggage. I loved how the book presents a script for what real advocacy & support for victims of abuse should look like. This is a world where we can gave nice things, even after a rocky start.

I was a little tired listening to this so I missed some details, but in general, I enjoyed the book even though the ex made me tense. The ex is abusive in that way that’s hard for victims to fight because they operate in good faith & he doesn’t. Satisfying payout on this one, but there’s some grief to work thru on the way.

Steam: medium. There’s some on page together time but the details aren’t fully fleshed out. There’s some D/s dynamics that aren’t what I’d consider very intense, though I thought it worked. Give me someone willing to study up any day.

Narration: Easy to listen to. The various accents were fun. Sometimes the voices for the main characters “regressed to mean” and with the accent going I couldn’t remember who was who for short snippets. But I was tired so it could have been me. FWIW, the Minnesota accent was spot on.

Great Story but 16 hrs too long

Story line was grate but the length should have been edited to 12 hours. Narrator was fine but not my favorite; he can be a bit monotone.

Excellent

What a ride. From highs to low lows. I was in tears a few times through this audio book. One of my favourite books now. Highly recommend this book.

I Loved it!!!

This book was great from beginning to end. Michael did a great job with the narration.
I loved how Julien had such a great support system in place.
I'm hoping for a book with Alias and Nicky!
Great job all around.

Great story

So well written. its a very interesting topic Hockey and a predator. Zabo and Witt sure know how to write. great first bok in a series. can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Michael Ferraiuolo did the most outstanding job narrating this and brining all of these characters to life. Michael is definitely, on of the best. Get this book it's a Great story.

enjoyed it

📖 Story comment: likeable characters - interesting story.
Despite the pace being good, the first few hours were slow as the relationship built, I understand why so much time was committed to building the strong foundation of the relationship between Isaac and Julien but it just felt like it went on forever ... only that I know what to expect from these authors, I probably would have given up and come back to it at a later date, but I'm glad I persevered... the third act (probably the last 5 hours) were excellent and worth the wait.

Once it got going, I thought the Predator / Rookie story line was well written and well handled. Julien's mental struggles and reactions were heart wrenching and Isaac's commitment to "being there" for him were a balm to my ragged emotions.

🎧 Narrator comment: Michael Ferraiuolo is a master story teller. He suits the characters, has wonderful pacing, good cadence, inflections and intonations, an excellent variety of accents and pulls all the emotion this story has to offer.

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📌 Where does it fall on my personal scale? 7
• 1 not my thing • 2 didn't like the narration • 3 didn't keep my attention • 4 was good, but once was enough • 5 enjoyed it • 6 will listen again if i'm in the mood for the narrator [4⭐] • 7 goes on the "re-listen" list [4⭐] • 8 kept me up past bed-time [4.5⭐] • 9 recommended to family/friends [4.75⭐] • 10 own it in all formats [5⭐] • 11 keep a copy with me at all times [5⭐]

Slow following at times.

Had hard time getting into it. Picked up toward the end. Not as arousing as I was hoping.

Amazing amazing amazing

Only she could have written this and made it work. Bless your heart la Witt

sad but good

tw mentioned Se#ual abuse mental health issues

this was a story which told about so much hurt , but also so much support and love. I loved the ending and book 2 is already downloaded

Wow!

This was intense. The writing and performance was too notch! One of the best this year!!