Book Review: Snapshots in San Diego
As the seasons change and temperatures cool, we still want to cling to the stories which remind us of the fun and enjoyable parts of summer. Combine summer romance with hockey and childhood friendship to lovers and you have my full attention. From the summary, Snapshots in San Diego by Wendy Hawthorne captured me with these elements and a title which reminded me of a classic 90s romcom.
Quick Information
Author: Wendy Hawthorne
Published: September 30, 2025
Genre: Romance, M/M Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance
Official Summary
Oliver
Ever since his family moved in across the street from mine, Gareth Galloway has been my best friend. We used to believe we would play in the NHL together one day. He knows my secrets better than anyone else.
Or, at least that’s how it was until an injury ripped me from his side on the ice in high school.
We’ve managed to salvage our shared dream in what ways we could. He’s a professional hockey player for the San Diego Starbirds, and I’m a member of his team’s marketing department, selling his story to hungry and eager hockey fans online. Some would say we’ve made it, but for me, there’s still something missing before I can call this happily ever after.
I want Gareth to be my forever, but the last thing I want is to risk rejection and ruin what remains of our friendship. Some days it already feels as if we’re drifting apart. I can’t lose him.
Gareth
I’ve been in love with my best friend Oliver Owen for years, but I’m notoriously shy. I play one of the world’s roughest sports, but I can’t manage to put my feelings into cohesive words.
One desperate read through a self-help book later, I’ve realized I can’t keep harboring this secret any longer. I need to find a way to tell Oliver how I feel or risk losing him forever to some other guy who’s capable of saying the words he’s longing to hear.
I just hope I’m not too late.
Snapshots in San Diego is a best friends to lovers MM romance featuring photography and a deep bond forged through hockey.
Review
Snapshots in San Diego is about two childhood best friends Oliver Owen and Gareth Galloway. The two couldn’t be closer growing up as they followed the same dream to become NHL superstars as boys. However, after a tragic accident shatters their shared goal, the two find themselves starting to drift apart.
“So let me get this straight, Oliver…” Gareth takes a deep breath, ever the drama queen as he poses on a lounge chair by my backyard pool. “You want me to… cuddle the plushie?”
The book's opening line made me laugh, and it set the lighter tone for the story from the start. Anyone who’s a part of hockey fandom has seen some strange social media posts to promote a team. Those who haven’t will be left eager to find out more about what exactly Oliver’s asking Gareth to do. This really hooks the reader into wanting to find out more about these characters, and I found myself enjoying this opening far more than I usually do with books.
While this is a hockey story, the majority of the story takes place during the offseason. Hockey is a main component of Oliver and Gareth’s lives, but it’s a background element in this narrative rather than something in the forefront compared to other sports romance novels.
With the dual point of view story, we’re able to see how both Oliver and Gareth view the situation they find themselves in and the roadblocks obfuscating their path. They’re both in love with each other, but they keep facing missed chances or cold feet when a confession opportunity presents itself.
As a result, the central theme radiating throughout this story is miscommunication. To me, this plot element feels believably paced instead of frustrating because of Oliver and Gareth’s extensive shared history. There are truths they’re struggling to voice to one another. Even with people you are close with there can still be distance between you and the things you find hard to communicate because you don’t want to ruin a relationship. If you’re like me and always worry a miscommunication plot will drag on needlessly, this element doesn’t overstay its welcome with Snapshots in San Diego.
Hawthorne fleshes out each character's backstories, revealing more and more with each chapter. The characters feel well-rounded and compelling. While most stories can span a long length of time, I found it interesting that Snapshots in San Diego really feels like a snapshot of Oliver and Gareth’s life. Their struggles, fears, but also their happiness and what they enjoy in their down time take center stage.
On the romance side of things I’m happy to report that there was a good mix of spicy scenes within the narrative which made the payoff worth it. There is even demisexual representation included in this story which is something you don’t see often in this genre. This blended seamlessly with the overall narrative and its characters without feeling forced in. There is also no sudden switching happening between the characters, so if you’re not a fan of that in your MM romance books, rest assured this book doesn’t feature it.
The epilogue is especially enjoyable and had me grinning the entire time. It also introduced some new characters who we may see down the road? Snapshots in San Diego sets the stage for the author’s Hearts in Play series as its labeled book one. So we have more to look forward to!
Snapshots in San Diego is a great mix of comedy, angst, friendship, romance, and spice. For those looking to enjoy that last bit of summer romance before the leaves start to change, this is the book for you. And even if you’re not usually a fan of sports romance, there is plenty to enjoy with Oliver and Gareth’s relationship.