Playing the Field: Faceoff by J. M. Snyder is a homoerotic contemporary story.

Christian has always wanted to be a professional hockey player. He got his wish one year ago when he was chosen to play with the Richmond Rebels. Christian didn’t feel that his team members gave him his due after he felt he won the game for him. You could say that Christian isn’t the greatest team player. Things began to change when Ronnie, another player, takes an interest, professional and personal, in Christian. Soon the other players begin to accept him, but Christian never told them that he was using the Rebels as a stepping stone to the major leagues. Ronnie and Christian become an item, except they never declare their feelings for one another. When the offer comes his way, Christian takes it, but when he tries to talk to Ronnie about it, Ronnie tells him to do what he wants. That was months ago without any communication between them. Today, the two men are pitted against one another in the Rebel’s home ice rink. What will happen when Christian and Ronnie finally see one another? Will sparks fly? How will the rest of the Rebel team react to Christian’s presence on the opposing team?

Ms. Snyder has created a very interesting opening to a new series. The subject of trading or changing teams happens all the time in today’s sports society, but the cost to the players isn’t taken into consideration. The growing feelings between Ronnie and Christian were easily seen, even though they never spoke of them to each other. By Ronnie not stating his feels plainly, Christian didn’t feel that there was anything permanent between them. The reader forgets that Christian is a lot younger than Ronnie and has much to learn about relationships on and off the ice. I will be waiting for the next installment Ms. Snyder’s Playing the Field series.


Reviewed by: Teresa