For almost ten years, the world of hockey has had their eyes on me, watching my every move.
I’m projected to be the first overall pick in the NHL draft this summer, and have been nicknamed a franchise altering talent.
But with high praise comes a lot of pressure I can’t escape, and has resulted in me being a rookie in more ways than one.
The only problem is there’s only one person I feel safe with, and I’m pretty sure there are rules about not crushing on your teammate.
Tyler
Ever since I met Colby, I’ve kept an eye on him. No one should have to put up with the pressure the world has laid on his gorgeous shoulders and the defeated look in his beautiful eyes.
But you shouldn’t notice these things about your teammates.
So when Colby asks me to teach him everything I know in the bedroom because I’m the only one he feels safe with?
I should say no, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Colby McKay.
I should’ve known it wouldn’t be as simple as a friends with benefits arrangement.
I’m pretty sure I would go to battle for Colby McKay. He has such a big heart but there’s so much pressure on him. He’s so sweet but also so so guarded from years of having people want something from him, judging him, watching him. I admire him for wanting to experience a year of college before going into the draft, a chance to experience something normal before everything gets too big. He lucked out rooming with Stassie and I would love to have seen more of him with her, to see someone that cares about him for him. Someone he feels safe with. Like he does with Tyler.
Giant green flag Tyler. Who is so careful with Colby, making sure that he feels seen and has a soft place to land when things get difficult. Who is all about consent and making sure that Colby is comfortable, only doing things he wants to do, as they explore their desire for each other. Such a gentle soul and so supportive. But also one that needs some supporting of his own. He’s lived his life with certain expectations too, which may be why he understands Colby so well, and those expectations are about to come calling. But just as much as he sees Colby, Colby sees him too and understands how overwhelming the future can be.
Of course, as much as they talk up being friends-with-benefits there was no way they weren’t falling in love. There was already such a connection between them, which is why they were so comfortable with each other. Why Colby felt he could ask such a thing from Tyler. But of course it isn’t that easy. At the end of the school year their lives will be at a cross roads, facing paths that will likely take them in different directions.
I could not have loved this story more. It was so easy to read, with characters that just grabbed me and kept me going. It’s an emotional, spicy book without a lot of drama – a couple of places where things went sideways for them, especially towards the end. But overall it was so very sweet (with a good amount of heat of course) watching them fall in love, as much as they know that they shouldn’t 🙂 It ends with a satisfying HFN, but I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next for them.
And there’s a hint at a new series coming with the Vancouver Steelheads, starting with Colby’s favorite player Beau Rousseau. Oliver has a lot of good things coming for us in 2027.
*****
Author Info:
Jodi Oliver is a British author who writes MM romance, happily ever after guaranteed. She loves donuts, dogs and ice hockey, and when she hasn’t got her head in a book or hiding in the writing cave, you can find her at an ice hockey game.
She lives in England but dreams of living in the Canadian countryside, with some highland cows and otters.
If you can’t beat him, keep him. And his boyfriend.
WALL There are many things a Chicago Wolves goaltender should be doing, and despising Milwaukee’s goalie tops the list. Not to brag, but I’ve been nailing it for eight years straight. It’s public record. There’s merchandise to prove it. What a goaltender should never do is walk in on said goalie, hand deep in his winger’s pants, and…stay. So anyway, guess what just happened. In my defense, observation is my craft and this was film study. Kind of. The incognito-mode googling afterward was also film study. And then that time on a video call was…film study with live narration? I’ve been straight for twenty-eight years. I’d like to speak to a manager.
PATRICK They say you never know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Turns out I had a blissfully uncomplicated life. Right up until Wall walked in and shattered it. I’m not out, and it has never been a problem before. But now a man who hates me is knocking on my closet, and the possibility of the entire world finding out what I’m wearing is getting too real. Even my code-red protocol—deny—won’t fly this time. Denial is hard to pull off when he catches you pressed against another man and, instead of stopping, you stare back and keep going. So I do the next best thing—get Theo on board, lure Wall into my closet, and close the door behind. It’s a chaotic process. An unmuted mic here, an “accidental” invitation there. One very strategically positioned chair. Some men bury the hatchet. I’d rather keep mine. Both of them.
THEO Okay, recap for the rafters: my no-labels goalie arrangement has somehow acquired a no-labels plus-one, who’s in a no-labels feud wit my original arrangement. Nobody is labeling anything, which some might call an unhealthy environment. Not me, though. Turns out, it’s my natural habitat. See, I’ve spent my whole life being too much, too loud. Too Theo. But one of these idiots likes running the show, the other one can’t stop watching it, and I am, and I cannot stress this enough, the show. They can hate each other all they want. None of my business, really. Now, if you’ll excuse me. There’s a hockey sandwich about to happen and I’m the meat.
Puck You Both is a low angst, high-heat MMM Hockey Romance. It’s a part of Melting Ice series and can be read as a stand-alone.
I love romances because everything turns out with a HEA even in situations where they wouldn’t necessarily in real life. And if any one deserves a HEA its Theo. Being told he’s too much, too loud and not quite good enough to keep long term for a good part of his life … but he’s absolutely, unashamedly, and gloriously himself with Wall and Patrick. Sure, he’s waiting for it to all fall apart, not trusting that any of it is going to last, but you have to admire that he’s willing to just be him.
And they do love him. It takes Wall a bit to come to terms with what his feelings mean but he’s in it once he gets his head around what it means. I like how Phoenix has us there every step with Wall as he figures things out. I also love how, as much as Patrick goes into it feeling like he’s in charge, everyone finds a rhythm that has them fully participating and in a balanced relationship.
Like Love Pucktually, we get a delightful mix of humor and hijinks, with a heavy amount of steam, but also a touching story of people figuring out their place in the world and who they want by their side. Each of them has their own journey, their own way to get to a point that works for them all, but they are supported and celebrated by each other and those around them. None of them have to do any of this alone and I love that for them.
He left her once. This time, leaving isn’t so simple.
Philanthropist Dante Crane built his life three thousand miles from the woman he left behind. Then a charity event in Chicago drops Honesty Benitez squarely back into his path, and eight years of distance vanish in a single blink of her amber eyes.
Helping Honesty with her charity was supposed to be simple. Falling into her bed was supposed to be temporary—a fling with a clean end date, right up until his flight back to California.
Somewhere along the way Honesty becomes tangled with his family, slips past the guarded corners of his heart, and starts imagining a future she’s already grieved. Falling for him again was never the plan.
Now the choice is theirs to make: streamline their lives and put each other first, or part ways and let their story slip back into the past where they left it.
Perfect for readers who love: – Second-chance billionaire romance – A guarded hero and the one who got away – Sexy, swoony, reunion-fueled heat – Family entanglements and a future reclaimed
*****
Excerpt:
Honesty peered over the balcony as well, the wind lifting her dark brown hair. She wore it loose in waves, unlike the ponytail she’d favored in college. And that dress—damn. If she’d wanted to show him what he’d been missing, she had his full attention.
But she was more to him than enduring beauty. He’d admired her poise and confidence while she’d stood at the podium. How she’d managed to keep it together while speaking of a brother she’d loved more than anyone was beyond him.
And he’d died just six months ago. An absolute tragedy.
A pang of regret hollowed out his chest. He wished he would have known. He would have… Well, he didn’t know what he would have done. But something. Something, rather than nothing.
Honesty turned away from the balcony to face him. Her eyes were like he remembered. Amber, with gold in the centers. Her mouth was exactly as he remembered—framed by soft, shallow dimples.
“Thanks for the save.” Her tone had changed, though. Gone was the girl who animatedly told stories while he scarfed down the last slice of pizza. The tone she’d been using with him tonight had been polite. Distant.
“People ramble when they’re uncomfortable,” he said. “And when the event is centered around a loss or a tragedy, they get worse.”
“It’s funny how we’re all the same.” She sipped her wine, but her brow wrinkled as if she was reconsidering that observation.
“So. You’re still in LA?” she asked.
A clumsy segue, but he’d take it. “Do I detect a note of hope in your voice?”
Her laugh was more contained than the one in his memory. “Genuine curiosity.”
“I’m still in LA. So is my mom, though she’s heading to New York with a box of couture gowns as we speak.”
“Big film?”
“Always.”
She flipped her hair, revealing one smooth shoulder. He pictured kissing that shoulder like he’d done a thousand times before, a thousand years ago.
“And how is the foundation? Assuming you’re still in charge?”
“I belong on top.”
“Hmm.”
“That’s—” He shook his head. “Not what I meant.”
She offered a restrained smile as her cheeks blushed pink.
“We’ve seen a lot of growth over the years. I’ve been on a hiring spree to keep up. I have to stay flexible to travel.”
“How is your family?”
“Brody and his fiancée are expecting a baby girl any day now.”
“Brody? Wow. Is this the first baby in the family?” Her smile was more genuine now.
“Yeah, he beat me to it.”
“Well, Uncle Dante. You’d better keep your schedule flexible. How are your other siblings? Or should I ask where are they?”
“Here, actually.”
“Your entire family is in Illinois?”
“Not Dad. And Brody and Reagan are in New York part-time. But yeah, Jaylyn’s in the city and so is Zander, with his first girlfriend since Emily passed.” After he said it, he realized that Honesty hadn’t known that news.
“I’m sorry to hear about Zander’s wife.” Her face fell. “So much has happened since…”
Since we broke up, he silently finished for her.
“And your business?” he asked. “Do you have a lot of clients?”
“I did. I used to. I don’t do many one-on-ones any longer. Somehow I went from passionate solopreneur to employing a team. And now…” She shook her head. “I don’t know. It’s a half-baked idea.”
His ears perked. “Half-baked ideas are my specialty.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Now you have to tell me.”
“It’ll sound silly to someone who runs an entire foundation.”
“You have my undivided attention.” He stepped closer to her. So close, her confection-like perfume tickled his nostrils. His mouth watered as he picked up notes of caramel and almond. A hint of cinnamon…
Was it normal to want to kiss an ex-girlfriend fifteen minutes upon reuniting with her?
“I have an idea for a charity. For veterans.” She wrinkled her nose. “A bit more than an idea. I want to provide meals and teach nutrition and cooking so that they can lead long and healthy lives.”
“That’s admirable.”
“Thanks.” She cupped her wineglass with both hands. “I’m a little shy about the asking-for-money part. I’m no socialite.”
“Philanthropy is more than ass-kissing.”
“I didn’t mean to imply—” Her eyebrows jumped.
“No, you didn’t.” They were back to being polite. Careful. There was a time when they would have gone to the mat over less and had make-up sex shortly after. “I was agreeing with you in a really weird way.”
A group of women filed out the balcony doors, intercepting their conversation. He had a choice to make. Either wish Honesty well or continue the evening at her side. He knew what he wanted.
Now to convince her.
“Have you talked about your non-profit with any of the guests tonight?” he asked.
“Oh, no. It’s in the beginning stages. Probably too soon to ask for money.”
“First rule of charity.” He offered his arm. “It’s never too soon to ask for money.”
*****
Review:
I so enjoy Lemmon’s writing. It’s so smooth and easy to read, which means I just sail through her stories.
I liked Honesty and Dante and thought they were good together. I was a little confused on Dante’s issues other than … he’s just a clueless guy? He doesn’t see what’s right in front of him? I get that he’s spent a long time putting his own wants and needs last but I’m not really sure why exactly. I guess because he was put in charge of his foundation at a pretty early age and had to completely reorient his life around it … I gotta admire that light bulb moment tho, even if it took him a bit to get there 🙂
And I admire Honesty for putting herself first and not settling for less than she deserves. I mean, of course we knew she was going to get in over her head from the moment she agreed to a “fling” … girl, the man is sexy, rich, and throws himself fully into helping you (in and out of bed), your heart was never not a part of the situation! I also love the whole women supporting women vibe with Dante’s family as well as Honesty’s friend Gabby. You know they are going to be there for each other going forward.
You always have to do some suspension of disbelief with romances, especially billionaire romances, but the timeline with this one was a little skewed. The whole book covers like 2 weeks? And the amount of stuff they got done, including a huge benefit dinner … yeah, that’s a little bit much 🙂 But hey, if it gets us to that HEA I’ll go with it!
*****
Author Info:
Jessica Lemmon is a former job-hopper who resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dogs. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing emotionally-charged stories, she spends her time drawing, drinking coffee, and laughing with friends. Her motto is Read for Fun, and she believes we should all do more of what makes us happy.
I’ve been a single dad for five years. Then the wrong woman rented the guest cabin behind my house, and I knew right then she was going to ruin everything.
When Baylor’s mother walked out, I made a promise—I’d be enough. Just the two of us. No one to disappoint her. No one else to leave.
Then Emelia Greene rolled into Echo Lake in a Mercedes and a power suit to convince the townspeople to change what makes our small town great. She’s everything this place isn’t.
Emelia’s not supposed to be kind. She’s not supposed to be good with my daughter. She’s definitely not supposed to be the one I find myself confiding in at the end of my dock every night.
She’s leaving in three months. I know that.
The problem is, I can’t stop wondering what it would be like if a woman like her belonged in a place like this.
Duet Narration by: Jason Clarke & Callie Dalton Also Featuring: Connor Crais, JF Harding, Aaron Shedlock & Jill Smith
*****
Review:
I always get so excited when I see a new series with Piper Rayne on the cover 🙂 There’s just a certain charm about their stories, with characters that I enjoy getting to know. Holding Ground is well paced, with an adorable little girl and her sexy, serious, sweet dad. And we’re introduced to a new community with all the small town charm and quirky characters that a reader could ask for.
I don’t blame Elliot for not only his concern about what Emelia’s visit means for his town but also for himself. The man has had blow after blow in his life, and struggles with the idea that people will always leave. It makes him extra prickly … but he’s a smart man, surrounded by other smart men who won’t let him lose out on something good.
After reading quite a few of their books I really should know better by now, that just when I think it’s obvious where things will go these two always surprise me. I mean parts of it play out as you’d expect but they don’t take the obvious, easy way for the end of this one. And I really appreciate that about them. I like how things wrap up for everyone, delivering a satisfying conclusion for everyone involved. And a bit of a peek at what is coming next!
I’m just me—plain, boring Theo. Everyone’s friend but no one’s boyfriend. Dating apps don’t work for me, and the one time I try to change my image is a total disaster.
All I want is someone to come home to and hold hands with. A boyfriend who’ll love me. It doesn’t help that I have this silly crush on Jaxon Polaris, our sexy, gorgeous, district attorney. He’s a flirt who’s never without a date. No matter how nice he is to me, I know the truth. A man like Jaxon would never be interested in someone like me.
JAXON
I love being the district attorney of Appleton Falls, but I definitely have dreams of sitting on the bench. When the leader of the party approaches me, suggesting I run for a judgeship, I’m thrilled…until he tells me my image as a party boy might hurt me with small-town voters. I can’t deny it—I’ve had more than my share of lovers, and I’ve never hidden my desire to remain single. His suggestion? Find a nice guy and make him my boyfriend.
Problem is, I don’t know any nice guys…except shy, quiet Theo Sweeny.
Reluctantly, Theo agrees to my boyfriend proposal, and the man proceeds to challenge me at every turn. Shy? He’s stubborn and feisty. But his kisses are so sweet, and I can’t stop thinking about him. Being with Theo means I’ll have to tell him my truth—a secret that could prevent me from achieving my dreams. But the more I get to know Theo, the more I come to realize: Win or lose the election, what I’m searching for might be right here by my side.
I could not adore Theo any more than I do. He is so sweet, a bit shy, but not a pushover when it matters to him. My heart breaks thinking about the abuse he experienced at his father’s hands and how it helped make him so unsure of himself. Then years of being overlooked by men … add a crush on sexy, confident, relationship adverse Jaxon and *sigh*
While Jaxon may have all the swagger and feel like he doesn’t need anyone, that’s before he lets Theo get close. No one is immune to Theo’s charms 🙂 But as much as I felt for Theo I felt just as much for Jaxon. He was done dirty at pivotal times in his life and it’s impressive that he’s as good of a man as he is.
These two are fantastic together. Jaxon helps Theo gain confidence in himself & his place with those around him and Theo shows Jaxon what life can be like when he truly shares it with someone else. It’s a bumpy road to get them there but not one that’s overly angsty and it is so satisfying for them to get to that HEA.
Julian Langley has everything a man could ever want—a sprawling Manhattan townhouse, a multi-billion-dollar portfolio, and ownership of the New York Vipers, one of the most coveted franchises in professional hockey. What he doesn’t have, and will never allow himself, is anyone who matters too much. Carrying a devastating loss that completely reshaped him, Julian has since built his life around the certainty that nothing will ever cost him that dearly again.
Harper Hawthorne isn’t looking for a billionaire. She’s looking for a way to keep the lights on. Single-handedly holding her world together since she was a teenager, Harper works two jobs, lives in a rent-controlled apartment on the Lower East Side, and sacrifices everything for her younger brother. When an unexpected phone call lands her a chauffeur job behind the wheel of Julian’s car, she takes it for exactly what it is: a paycheck.
Julian notices everything about her. Harper tries not to notice anything about him. What begins as a professional arrangement starts to crack at the edges when Harper proves, repeatedly and effortlessly, that she’s unlike anyone Julian has ever encountered before. She’s too sharp to ignore, too genuine to keep at arm’s length, and entirely unimpressed by his world in a way that makes it impossible for him to stop thinking about her.
Julian doesn’t do commitment. Harper doesn’t believe in fairy tales. But some collisions are inevitable and some people are worth every risk you swore you’d never take again.
Julian is a slow-burn hockey romance about a guarded billionaire, the woman who got under his skin without trying, and the long road back to trusting that a second shot at love is always worth the leap.
This is a cute Cinderella type story. Harper is trying so hard to keep her head above water and I admire her gumption. The way she hustles and the care she gives to her brother. But who can blame her for being swept off her feet by Julian. The man actually pays attention and that is so sexy! Moments spent together, conversation and quiet meals, leads to a sweet slow burn romance between them.
Overall, it’s low angst, and deliciously sexy, but things aren’t completely smooth sailing. And, while I really enjoyed it and liked the two of them together, Julian really needed therapy for his grief. He seems so put together and understanding that you would expect him to have talked to someone about the way he’s handling his past. It would really have done a lot for him.
It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Bennett’s hockey romances and I gotta say she’s still got it. Julian is spicy, sweet, and easy-to-read. I’ve always loved her characters (while I adore Harper and Julian, it’s Percy that steals the show in this one) and the smooth way her love stories play out. I’m guessing we’ll get Tanner’s story next and I’m curious to see what depths he might be hiding behind his charm.
*****
Author Info:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
Bill Keenan played hockey at Harvard University from 2005 to 2008 and professionally in Europe from 2009 to 2012. After completing his MBA at Columbia Business School, he worked for two years in Deutsche Bank’s investment banking division. He currently serves as COO of Graydon Carter’s Air Mail.
I planned on coming out in the NHL. I didn’t plan on having to switch teams to survive it.
With the New York Rush, keeping my head down should be safe—until rookie defenseman Finn Baran shows up. Finn is talented, determined, impossible to ignore. Every late-night conversation and every stolen glance on the ice pulls me closer to a line I swore I’d never cross.
Falling for my teammate was never part of the playbook.
Finn
After going undrafted, I thought my hockey dreams were over. A last-minute tryout with the Rush gives me one more chance—and puts me face-to-face with Selwin Kirkland, a player I’ve admired for years.
Our chemistry is undeniable. The timing couldn’t be worse.
As friendship turns into something more, we have to decide if protecting our careers is worth losing the one thing we never saw coming: each other.
Rookie Attraction is a bi awakening, friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort MM hockey romance. Book 1 of the NY Rush series—where love doesn’t play by hockey rules.
It took me about half a chapter to be hooked on these two! I absolutely loved Sel and Finn together. Poor Sel whose coming out did not go at all how he expected. The heartbreak and tension in those first few days … ugh! But I love that he was able to find a supportive home with the Rush. It’s not smooth, but it is definitely so much better.
Running into Finn again is a complication that he never planned on. Finn who is so adorable with his enthusiasm, chattiness, and the way he embraces everything that comes his way. No way that Sel (or me) was going to be able to resist him 🙂 Together they warm the heart and heat up the sheets – whew!
I feel like Olsen handled things well – with Sel’s coming out, Finn being demisexual, and what it means for them to be together. There were some obvious places that the story could have gone but I think that what we got worked and I appreciated that it got only a little angsty. We also get a hint at what comes next and I’m all here for the trouble that Kirkland brother #2 brings!
(This is my first book from this author and while there are characters from other books that make an appearance it didn’t impact my enjoyment of the book.)
*****
Author Info:
Ava Olsen writes steamy and dreamy contemporary romances filled with heartwarming characters, cheeky banter and swoony moments.
