stephreviewsbooks's reviews
764 reviews

Loved it. This whole series has been brilliant and it has finished on a high. Nate is nearing forty, his whole hockey career included hiding in the closet, not being able to have an open, steady relationship. No wonder he is wound so tight, and then to have his hockey career ended by injury; he is more then down on his luck. He takes the coaching job for the Titans, his nephew plays for them and so does Carter, his old friend's son. Carter is young, but wise for his years. He has a deep soul that he expressses through his piano and guitar music. His dad has big hockey plans for him. The feelings between Nate and Carter are obvious early on, but Nate is trying so hard to put everyone else first. In the end his brain catches up with his heart and they can't resist each other. This is steamy and swoony and angsty all in one. Hayden is so good at getting the feelings across and in the end we have a full on declaration and it's perfect. The epilogue gives us closure and a glimpse of their happy ever after. I'm going to miss these guys. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
 

5 chef kisses for this sweet steamy novella. I felt the dimension between these two, they felt the attraction from the start. Evan gets an awakening, one that explains all of his failed relationships or lack of chemistry. He is Grant sexual, he had an instant connection and he wanted him. To have a gorgeous hockey player want you and come after you is seriously hot. Grant has had angst throughout his life, so called people who were meant to love him, took him down, from an already disadvantaged childhood. He is now in a chef competition to prove his worth. Evan is always there, they just fit together. I loved them together, they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Everything is easy, just a sweet love story about knowing when you have found your person. 

Oh Matt, or is it Matthew...what a confused soul you are. He has his bi-awakening, but he is so confused and his deep seated internalised homophobia is trying everything to stop him feeling valid. He is so responsive to touch and Cooper can read him so well. He knows how to relax him, help him release his stress. Matt loves it, even if he can't voice it. Cooper is confident and knows who he is, but there is also a layer of vulnerability that he tries to hide. Deep down he knows how he could shatter if Matt can't let himself have what he deserves. The whole build up is flirty, snarky and also terrifying. I felt the vulnerability rolling off both men, both a hair trigger away from exploding from either desire, or from shame. Matt needs direction and someone to take control, to silence his mind. The cuddling and touches grounded him. We are taken on a journey of discovery. Matt learns to love himself and learns that what his body enjoys, and when he accepts it, it is euphoria. This is a story of patience, Cooper is incredible, he gives and gives, he loves Matt so much. This is a bi-awakening of such, despite labels never being mentioned, Matt doesn't go down the secrets and closet route. Openly intimate on the school grounds, this is monumental in his silent declaration. This series, will take some beating, it intertwines with the Unexpected series and we get cameos. Both books so far have grown into something incredible and from the epilogue, in Mitch' voice, I can feel Mitch is going to burn the city down with angst and hate. Can't wait for him to be soothed and calmed and be the person he deserves to be. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This series is turning out to be great. You warm  to the characters straight away, championing them for moving on from tough times. Evan is a sonographer, so you know he is going to have a caring manner. He is also a lot of fun. Dash has had a challenging life, but he isn't bitter, he is full of regret and repent. I loved how these two met. Despite an immediate attraction, they take it slow but the chemistry and intimacy is high. These two are hot together and you never doubt their feelings for each other. We got to hear how how Jason and Nico are doing. The epilogue gave us the start of a very happy ever after. 

This is a sweet story, you couldn't help fall in love with both men. It shows the honest struggles a parent faces: Finding time for themselves, putting their needs aside to give the kids everything they deserved, but at the cost of feeling lonely and missing out on intimacy. Nico came at the right time and they fell for each other fast. A great start to the series. Can't wait to read more.