Book Review: "Charming Puckboy" by Eden Finley and Saxon James

I may be in a tiny bit of denial over the fact that this series came to its end after 10 books. I’ve been reading these books long before Shane and Ilya went to the cottage or were drafted (IYKYK). They’ve always hit the perfect balance of attraction, romance, banter, super-steamy steam, and an ever-growing chosen family of queer hockey players and others.

When Lachie (short for Lachlan) was younger, he always seemed to attract stray animals or those in need of help. He’d always bring them to the local animal shelter, where Sam, a handsome employee (and Lachie’s crush) worked. Sam used to tease him, calling him a Disney princess.

Now, Lachie is on the cusp of becoming an enormous star in the NHL, and he’s back at home in Colorado for the summer. And when he finds a pregnant cat about to give birth, he brings it to the animal shelter and—surprise—Sam is now the director. Cue the Disney princess nickname again!

Sam can’t believe how hot Lachie has gotten. And while he never had the confidence to make his feelings known before, Lachie’s confidence has also grown. Now he’s perfectly clear about what he wants—Sam.

There’s no denying the intense attraction and chemistry between them. But Lachie is only home for the summer; is a casual fling all the two of them can handle? Or is there a chance for something more, no matter how much trouble it could cause?

This was the perfect ending to the series. Each character from the previous books got their due, and Sam and Lachie were an excellent couple to end on. I’m hoping another book will pop up down the road, but both Eden Finley and Saxon James have so many great backlist books—on their own, together, and in collaboration with others.

Book Review: "Peaches and Pucks" by M.A. Wardell

This book was really sweet and sexy, and it combined some of my favorite rom-com tropes. And while it’s called “A Cheeky Hockey Novella,” I’d say it’s more hockey-adjacent. But that doesn’t detract from its appeal.⁣

⁣ Harry is a fifth-grade language arts teacher. He enjoys his job and his colleagues—except for Darius, the school’s PE teacher. Darius has made Harry uncomfortable since Harry started teaching at the school. Nothing has ever been said or done, but it’s clear to Harry that Darius doesn’t like him.⁣

⁣ As a favor to a colleague, Harry agrees to help chaperone the fifth-grade boys’ hockey team to a tournament. Sure, he barely knows anything about hockey and would much rather stay home, but without a chaperone, the team can’t go. Of course, that means he’ll be stuck spending time with Darius. Sigh.⁣

Watching Darius coach, however, makes Harry see him in a different light. And when they have to share a hotel room—with only one bed—Harry starts to wonder, is Darius hot?⁣

⁣ Darius is excited that Harry agreed to chaperone the trip. He’s spent a lot of time pretending that Harry doesn’t affect him, but maybe it’s time to stop? But will the complete change in attitude be enough to capture Harry’s heart?⁣

⁣ I really enjoy M.A. Wardell’s writing and how well he balances emotion and steam. This was a sweet story, full of fun banter and lots of hot scenes. ⁣

Book Review: "Stubborn Puckboy" by Eden Finley and Saxon James

Nothing makes me happier than a new book in the Puckboys series. This was Book 9, and it’s as steamy, romantic, sweet, and fun, as the early books were. This is definitely the series that keeps on giving!

Seventeen years ago, Colby and Novi were both drafted by the NHL team in Anaheim. Even though Colby was excited to be drafted, Novi was the type of athlete that you know will be a star. (And he knew it, too.) The two became close friends, although Colby definitely wanted something more, but didn’t think Novi would be interested. One night, after drinking, they came very close to crossing the line—and then Novi pulled away from him completely.

Now, Novi is a true star, nearing the end of an illustrious career. Colby never quite made it as a player, but started coaching, and after great success at the college level, he’s finally landed his first NHL coaching gig. He’ll be an assistant video coach in Los Angeles—for Novi’s team.

Both men are in turmoil from Colby’s arrival. Colby, who is now openly gay, wants to clear the air with Novi so it doesn’t affect his coaching job. Novi is closeted and deathly afraid that Colby might somehow figure that out. Novi wants to come out, but his sister and her family still live in Russia, and he’s afraid that his doing so might affect their lives.

After trying to avoid Colby completely fails, it’s not long before Novi admits the truth—he’s been in love with Colby for 17 years. At first, they try not to give into their pent-up desires and chance Novi’s secret gets discovered, but their willpower doesn’t last long. Can they find a way to be together without affecting either of their careers or Novi’s family?

Y’all know I love my hockey romances, but I just loved this second-chance love story. I always enjoy the supporting characters in this series. And the best part? The series will continue!!

Book Review: "Bitterfrost" by Bryan Gruley

I love it when the setting of a book plays a role in the plot. It’s especially great when the author gives such an effective sense of place that you feel as if you’re there. In his newest book, Bryan Gruley does just that. I felt the frigid winds, cold temperatures, and pelting snow as the story unfolded.

Jimmy was once an ice hockey player, but when he nearly killed an opponent, he quit playing. Now, 13 years later, he lives in his hometown of Bitterfrost, Michigan, where he operates the Zamboni for the local arena.

One night after closing up the arena, he goes to the local bar for a drink. Before he heads home, two out-of-towners create a stir, and Jimmy exchanged words with them. Once he knew the bartender had it under control, he left.

And then the next morning, Jimmy wakes up with his head pounding, a black eye, and his hands are bruised. He also smells blood—and discovers it in his car, all over his jacket, everywhere. But he has no memory of what could have happened. Did he get into an accident? Was there an argument he has forgotten?

It’s not long before Jimmy gets arrested for a double murder. As the evidence stacks up against him, he desperately tries to remember what happened that night. While his friend Devyn, who becomes his defense attorney, tries to protect Jimmy and hopefully uncover the truth, Jimmy struggles with memories of the incident 13 years before. Could he have taken two lives?

I have really enjoyed Gruley’s previous books, and I’m really excited that this is the start of a new series. This is the kind of mystery I like, full of characters I became attached to and a case that kept me thinking. I can’t wait to return to Bitterfrost when book #2 is released!

Book Review: "Possessive Puckboy" by Eden Finley and Saxon James

Eight books in, I’m still loving this series. These books are sexy, fun, romantic, and really hot, and make me wish the world of professional sports was more open for athletes to be themselves.

Parker’s father was a hockey player for Colorado. When an injury ended his career, he never lost his loyalty to the team—and Parker became a big fan, too. And when the team goes up for sale not long after his father passes away, Parker—a young tech billionaire—buys it.

While Parker bought the team primarily to honor his late father, there is another reason that brings him more joy. One of the team’s stars, Connor Kikishkin, bullied Parker in high school, and now, Parker can’t wait to make Connor’s life utterly miserable. This should be fun!

Growing up, Connor was always told he needed to protect his two younger brothers. But even as they’ve both grown into hockey players in their own right, Connor has never stopped being protective. Or more like overbearing. And while having to grovel to Parker to protect his career isn’t an ideal situation, Connor starts to realize that maybe his issues with Parker are caused by his confusion over his own sexuality.

“…how do you wrap your head around having sex with someone you’ve built up into a dream?”

I don’t always love enemies to lovers stories, but this was a good one. The way Eden Finley and Saxon James balanced banter, steam, and real emotional issues had me hooked. You know I’m eagerly awaiting book #9!

Book Review: "Poetry on Ice" by Jesse H Reign

Even though I feel like suddenly hockey romances are EVERYWHERE (I was reading them before they were cool), I need to have my fix. And holy hell, this book was S-T-E-A-M-Y!! (Not that I’m complaining, but…)

Robbie has been traded to the Seattle Vipers. He’s happy to be playing for the team he grew up rooting for, although they’re not as good as his last team. He’s also a bit intimidated by one of his new teammates, Ant. Ant is one of hockey’s bad boys, and for some reason, he’s always had it out for Robbie.

Ant has always felt competitive with Robbie, has always compared his stats to Robbie’s to ensure he is stronger, faster, better. As soon as Robbie joins the team, there is friction between them which instigates fistfights. Not the best look for two of the Vipers’ hottest players, but Ant loves getting a rise out of Robbie.

As the tension grows between them and the team suffers, the coach makes them practice together for hours on end so they can be in sync. He also makes them share hotel rooms when the team is on the road. And it is there where things turn from fighting to, well, you know.

Ant is the dominant one in their encounters and that suits Robbie just fine. While he does everything he can to discourage Robbie from catching feelings, as Ant doesn’t do relationships, it’s not long before Ant realizes he’s fallen for Robbie. And that scares him. A lot.

This was my first book by Jesse H Reign, and it definitely won’t be my last! I enjoyed the character development, the emotion, and the banter as much as the serious heat.

Book Review: "The Shots You Take" by Rachel Reid

This was so fantastic! Thanks so much to Carina Adores and NetGalley for the advance copy of the book.⁣⁣

⁣⁣ The last person Riley was expecting to show up at his father’s funeral was Adam, his former best friend and hockey teammate. Twelve years had passed since they’d seen each other, and the last time they spoke, Riley told Adam he wanted him out of his life.⁣⁣

⁣ What they had was so much more than a friendship. Yes, they shared an immense love for hockey, but their relationship was a physical one as well. And while Riley knew he was in love with Adam, Adam was afraid to acknowledge his feelings. It was easier to pretend it only happened when they were drunk or in the heat of the moment following a game.⁣⁣

⁣⁣ Adam’s arrival in the small town of Avery River, Nova Scotia causes quite a stir. Even though he retired from hockey, he’s still favored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But his career achievements aren’t nearly as important as trying to help Riley through his grief—and letting him know how much he regretted denying his true feelings when they were younger.⁣⁣

⁣⁣ Not only does Riley have to deal with his grief about his father’s death, but Adam’s return reminds him of the anger and sadness he had tried to put behind him. But he’s never stopped loving Adam, although he tries everything not to allow himself to be vulnerable again.⁣⁣

⁣⁣ I love Rachel Reid and the way her books are fun, emotional, steamy, and heartfelt. What was fantastic about this book was that the main characters are more mature—in their late 30s or early 40s—so there was a gravity to the story that really worked. I loved it!⁣⁣

⁣⁣ The book will publish 3/4/2025.⁣⁣

Book Review: "What Happened to the McCrays?" by Tracey Lange

Thanks so much to Celadon Books for the advance copy of Tracey Lange’s latest book!!

When Kyle’s father suffers a stroke, he has to make his way across the country to his hometown of Potsdam in upstate New York. He’s upset about his father’s condition but also is dreading returning to Potsdam, since he left unexpectedly nearly three years ago. He’ll have to face those he left behind—friends, coworkers, family, and his ex-wife, Casey, whom he’s loved since he was 18.

While Casey isn’t surprised that Kyle has returned, his presence leaves her on edge. She really can’t be near him, but their lives intersect in so many ways. He is asked to coach the middle school hockey team for as long as he’s in town, and it finally gives him a sense of purpose.

The longer Kyle remains in Potsdam, the more he learns about the emotions his departure—and his return—stirred up. As he considers staying in town for good, he knows he can only do so if he and Casey are in a good place. But in order for that to be possible, there are many issues between them that need to be addressed, things that can no longer remain unsaid.

“You know, I think that’s how grief works. You have to feel it so you can heal it, not bury yourself in it. You get through it, and each time it’s a little less.”

I have enjoyed all of Lange’s books, and this one is definitely a favorite. There are so many beautiful moments, so much grief, emotion, and hope, and I felt like the characters were so well drawn.

The book will publish 1/14/2025.⁣

Book Review: "The Night Before" by Harper Robson

So not only do I enjoy hockey romances, but I also enjoy what I’ll call “hockey-adjacent” romances! This book is the start of a new series and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Ben is a doctor and researcher studying traumatic brain injury, particularly CTE, which happens when a person gets multiple concussions. He’s been focused on sports, particularly hockey, because his stepfather is a former hockey star now dealing with dementia related to the concussions he sustained.

At a bar one night, he meets Aleks, a handsome younger man. The chemistry between them is intense, but beyond that, they really enjoy each other’s company. They go back to Aleks’ place and have an incredibly steamy night, but also one where they feel tremendously connected to one another emotionally. The next morning, when Ben sees a picture of Aleks’ family, he realizes that Aleks’ father was the hockey player who made the final hit on his stepfather, which ended his career. Ben leaves before Aleks wakes up.

Aleks is sad and angry when he realizes Ben left without a word. All he knows is his first name, so the likelihood of meeting him again is slim. Aleks thought their night was so much more than sex, and it certainly felt like Ben felt the same way, so he’s a bit confused.

Aleks’ disappointment leads to excitement when he is offered the opportunity to work with a researcher on some new helmets that might better protect players from concussions. It’s an amazing opportunity—and of course, the researcher is Ben. They’re going to have to work together, and through doing that they find their connection again, but the old family history crops up. Can they overcome this challenge and find happiness?

I really enjoyed the depth of this book. The CTE stuff was fascinating and well-researched, and enhanced the story a great deal. Of course, there’s intense steam, emotions, family drama, and miscommunication, but this was definitely one I got into.

Book Review: "Forbidden Puckboy" by Eden Finley and Saxon James

If you’ve been following me at all, you know how much I love hockey romances, and this series is one of two that was responsible for stoking that fire. So glad this one is continuing!!

Knox dreamed of being a professional hockey player since he was young, and entering the league with his best friend Connor. But he never felt he was good enough, so he decided to become a ref instead, while Connor has become a popular NHL star.

Easton, Connor’s younger brother, is following in his footsteps and has been drafted on the same team. He’s had a crush on Knox since he was 16, but Knox would never get involved with him out of loyalty to Connor (although he definitely wanted to). And even now that they’re both adults, and there’s clearly attraction between the two of them, Knox keeps his distance.

But when Easton participates in a hockey game for queer players and allies—one that Knox will referee—Connor is worried that Easton will hook up with another player and cause a scandal. So he enlists Knox to keep Easton out of trouble, which is fine for Knox, so he doesn’t have to be jealous of Easton being with someone else.

After a little too much alcohol (actually, a lot), Knox and Easton get tangled up. While both don’t want Connor to know (for different reasons), their long-pent-up feelings are obvious to everyone. And when Connor finds out about his brother and his best friend, he causes some trouble, but realizes he can’t lose them both. So Knox and Easton decide to give being together a try.

“…there’s only one thing worse than your dream man being nothing like you thought he would be. And that’s your dream man being everything you imagined.”

This book, as well as the entire series, is full of banter, emotion, and steam. Knox is a bit of a whiner, which grows annoying kind of quickly, but it’s still an enjoyable story. Can’t wait for Book 8 in March!!

Book Review: "Antidote" by Shae Ruby

My friend Phil has been promoting and praising this book on Bookstagram since the cover was revealed, so I’ve been eager to read it. This is my first book by Shae Ruby, but it will definitely not be my last!

“Why do you want me to hang out?” “Because I miss you when you’re gone.”

Oliver and Hunter met when they were 10 years old, and Oliver’s dad was going to marry Hunter’s mom. They clicked instantly, commenting on Hunter’s bright green eyes and Oliver’s vivid blue ones, so they called each other “Green” and “Blue.”

The two grew closer and closer, practically inseparable, as they went from middle school to high school. Their connection was intense, closer than most brothers ever would be. Ollie knew that he was gay, and was in love with Hunter, while Hunter tried to be “normal,” despite his feelings for and attraction to Ollie.

Just before graduation, Ollie became addicted to oxycodone, and Hunter made him choose between him and the drugs. Two years later, tragedy struck, and Hunter vowed that he would never let Ollie back into his life, no matter how either of them felt.

Ruby did a fantastic job creating an intense codependent relationship between the stepbrothers, as they constantly came together and pushed each other apart. This is a very emotional book (yet it’s incredibly steamy) and there are definitely lots of trigger warnings, so be sure to check. But Hunter and Ollie will be in my heart for a long while.

Book Review: "The Rest of the Story" by Tal Bauer

I need my monthly hockey romance fix, what can I say?

But The Rest of the Story is truly different than the other hockey romances I’ve read. It’s an incredible love story and although it takes a long while to get to the steam it is HOTTTT! Beyond that, however, this book hit me square in the feels, and it’s a much heavier, emotional book than I expected—but so amazing!!

“He was as close to perfect as I’d ever seen, so close that it burned to be around him. He was like staring at the sun.”

Morgan has been playing hockey for a while. He’s a good player, and has won a Stanley Cup, but now that he’s almost 30, he’s fodder for a trade. Even though he knows this, the last thing he’s expecting is to be traded to the Rocky Mountain Outlaws, a team so awful it makes bad teams look like stars. Morgan vows to spend one year there and then get the hell out of town.

When he arrives, he quickly realizes just how toxic things are, and no one can do anything about it. But Morgan does, and his acts of rebellion help the broken players heal and ignite a turnaround. Morgan isn’t interested in being the leader, but his teammates give him no choice.

Shea catches Morgan’s eye the second he arrives. But Morgan doesn’t do relationships or commitment, so despite their mutual attraction, he can’t give Shea what he wants: true love. (Well, he can, and he wants to, but he doesn’t think he’s worthy of Shea.)

There’s lots of hockey in this hockey romance, as Morgan and Shea work together to rebuild the team. But there’s lots of trauma here too, trauma that manifests itself in many ways. (There are more than a few trigger warnings here.) Can Morgan and Shea find happy ever after…and maybe a championship?

Tal Bauer slays me again.

Book Review: "Gravity" by Tal Bauer

Another hockey romance? Some may say I’m obsessed. It is Stanley Cup playoff season, so why not?

Bryce is a Canadian hockey legend. Raised in a small Quebec town, he’s now captain of the beloved Montreal Étoiles. He’s smashed so many records but he hasn’t yet won the Stanley Cup. Beyond that, he has been having feelings he won’t let himself acknowledge, feelings about what it might be like to fall in love completely, to be with another man.

Hunter is an enormously talented young player who grew up idolizing Bryce. When they get to play together at the all-star game, they dazzle the fans and the hockey world alike, but it is their easy and intense friendship that wows them both. But when Bryce kisses him, he panics, which sends Bryce into a serious slump.

Desperate to recapture the magic of the all-star game, Hunter gets traded to Montreal. At first the move actually exacerbates the team’s problems, until Bryce and Hunter take a trip to visit Bryce’s hometown. The magic of their friendship ignites again, which quickly leads to passion and love.

While they try to keep their relationship a secret, a crisis occurs which pushes it into the open. No one really seems to care about anything but Bryce’s happiness and, of course, for the Étoiles to win the Stanley Cup.

This is the second Tal Bauer book I’ve read, and I just love the way he writes. It’s romantic and steamy and just beautiful, and it makes you wonder why the real world can’t be like this. For those of you who like hockey in your hockey romances, there's a lot of it, which I enjoyed. My one tiny quibble with the book is there are a lot of French phrases (not all are translated), so I spent a lot of time Googling everything. But that didn't dull my love for the book.

Book Review: "Bromantic Puckboy" by Eden Finley and Saxon James

So far this month I’ve read a baseball romance and now a hockey romance. The kids from middle school and high school were wrong: I am into sports…

Cody Bilson loves love, so much so that he has four ex-wives. Anytime he starts to fall for someone, he winds up marrying them too soon, with disastrous results. He’s so tired of things ending up this way, he’s taken a vow of celibacy, and he’s gotten himself traded to the hockey team in Nashville to get a fresh start.

One of Cody’s new teammates is rookie goalie Miles Olsen. He may be new to the pro circuit, but that’s doesn’t faze him. He’s still completely overconfident, but he also knows when to be (slightly) respectful, and when it’s time to fight the good fight. Miles is a former frat boy and is desperate for approval from his teammates. Miles and Cody become close friends, as they love to poke fun at each other.

When Cody’s celibacy kick starts to wear him down, Miles has a proposition: they should find a woman for a threesome, this way Miles can be sure Cody doesn’t fall too hard. But when finding a willing woman proves difficult, they decide to fool around with each other. Sex between bros is no big deal, right?

Of course, it’s not long before they start catching feelings for one another. And while Cody doesn’t have a problem embracing his bi side, Miles is afraid his conservative parents might reject him.

This is the sixth book in the Puckboys series and I cannot get enough. There is lots of hot steam, great banter, hockey talk, and romance, along with a fantastic group of openly queer hockey players. Hope book 7 comes soon!!

Book Review: "Lucky Bounce" by Cait Nary

You didn’t think I’d go another month without a hockey romance, did you? I stumbled upon this book and fell head over heels into a puddle of emotions and steam.

As a P.E. teacher at a private school in Philadelphia, Zeke is used to dealing with children of wealthy, even famous parents or grandparents. But his composure is tested the day his favorite hockey player, Spencer McLeod—the guy whose name and number are on four jerseys Zeke owns—walks into school with his five-year-old daughter, Addie.

Spencer McLeod has a daughter? Who knew? Certainly not Zeke, who is only interested in Spencer’s hockey prowess, right? (Spoiler alert: that’s not all Zeke admires about Spencer.)

Something about Spencer’s shyness, his lack of confidence in the whole fathering-a-young-daughter thing, totally disarms Zeke. It’s not long before their dude/bro friendship is giving Zeke glimpses into the possibility of something he can’t believe possible, something romantic with Spencer. But both have their own challenges to deal with, too.

Zeke and Spencer have fantastic chemistry and an absolutely adorable connection. Sure, the book might have benefited from being narrated from Spencer’s POV, too, but I still found myself smiling, blushing from the steam, and maybe shedding a tear. And that’s about all I need from a romance!

Book Review: "Always Only You" by Chloe Liese

It’s been several years since I first discovered her books, but I am utterly obsessed with Chloe Liese. Her Bergman Brothers series is so fantastic—full of love, serious steam, banter, family, and they each feature a character living with physical, emotional, or neurodiverse issues. Yet they never condescend or create an unfair power dynamic.

In Book 2 of the series (I also read Book 5, and I’m not apologizing for reading that one out of order), Ren is a successful pro hockey player. He’s also absolutely gorgeous, almost always smiling, willing to take being a role model seriously, and he is fiercely devoted to his family.

While Frankie, social media coordinator for Ren’s team, definitely appreciates his physical attributes, as a self-proclaimed grump, she can’t understand how someone can be so sunshiny all the time. She takes her job very seriously, and dating a player is certainly off-limits, but how can she be immune to Ren’s charms?

As their friendship starts to take on a more flirtatious tone, both would love to turn it into something more. But as someone on the autism spectrum who also deals with the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, Frankie is afraid to let her guard down and be honest with her feelings, because she knows that her problems will ultimately doom a relationship.

Liese has such a knack for creating complex and appealing characters that you root for, plus her descriptions make me want to see what they’d look like in real life! I loved this book so much, and cannot wait to read Book 3. It almost makes me want to have grown up with six siblings!! (Almost.)

Book Review: "Time to Shine" by Rachel Reid

Oh, hockey romances, how I've missed you!! I truly loved this book, more than one of the main characters loved lemonade and Christmas Cap'n Crunch! (No, not together, lol.)

Landon Stackhouse is a goalie on the farm team for Calgary, and he dreams of a career in the NHL. When he gets called up to the pros to fill in for Calgary's backup goalie, he's excited and nervous, although he doesn't expect to play very much. He also knows it won't be too long before he gets sent back down to Saskatoon, so as a shy loner, he's fine not building any strong relationships with his teammates as he sits on the bench.

The one player who doesn't seem to care that Landon is a short-timer is Casey Hicks, Calgary's charismatic young winger. Casey is a tremendously talented player, and a bit cocky (or maybe a little more than a bit), but he's immensely friendly, fun-loving, and he's never met a person he can't talk to—endlessly. Even though Landon doesn't encourage Casey's friendship, Casey treats him as if he's known him for years. And when Landon has to stay in Calgary longer than anticipated, Casey invites him to move into his house. After all, he has plenty of space, and truth be told, he doesn't like being alone.

While Landon would like nothing more than to hide in his room when they get home after practices or games, Casey is determined to break Landon out of his shell. And as their friendship moves toward feelings they've never had before, Casey is ready to embrace the possibility of romance with Landon. Yet despite his feelings, Landon is afraid to start a relationship when he knows he'll be sent back to Saskatoon any day now. Can love flourish if they're apart, or are they doomed before they begin?

I so enjoyed these characters. I loved their chemistry and I loved that Rachel Reid gave them more depth than they first appeared. The supporting cast was really fun, too. There's some steam (but not too much) but the bromance-to-romance was really sweet. I'll definitely be picking up another of Reid's hockey romances!!

Book Review: "Shameless Puckboy" by Eden Finley and Saxon James

In this third book of the Puckboys series, the steamy and romantic shenanigans continue.

Yes, it’s time for my monthly hockey romance! I was so happy to see that a fourth book in this fun and sexy series will be coming out in the spring. Not only are these books hot and romantic, but they also explore feelings of self-worth and what it’s like to be an openly gay player in the NHL.

Oskar is one of the bad boys. Long hair, tattoos, muscles, and a ton of skill on the ice. (And he’s never shy to tell you that skill carries into the bedroom, too.) His penchant for public sex and scandal has been a PR nightmare for his team, but at this point he’s too valuable to the team (and too expensive) to be traded.

After three of his staff failed to keep Oskar under control, Lane, the team’s PR manager, decides he needs to take matters in his own hands. He’s vowed to stick like glue to Oskar and make sure he doesn’t sneak out for hookups or cause any other trouble.

Of course, the biggest challenge is how much Lane is attracted to Oskar, and how close proximity makes temptation even harder to resist. Oskar knows this, of course, and takes every opportunity to make Lane uncomfortable. But while there’s no doubt that Oskar is sexy and talented, Lane starts to see another side of him, and starts to understand that the bravado helps to protect Oskar from getting hurt.

Can Lane save Oskar from himself—and save his own job? Will Oskar follow the rules or find himself in yet another compromising position? This series is just so good—I love the combination of romance, steam, and banter, as well as the terrific cast of supporting characters.

Book Review: "Irresponsible Puckboy" by Eden Finley and Saxon James

Yep, another steamy hockey romance. I don’t even watch this much hockey!

Tripp and Dex are NHL teammates and best friends. They spend so much time together and are so close, most people joke that they’re secretly in love with each other. But for Tripp, it’s no joke. He’s definitely in love with Dex, even if it’s the oldest story in the world—the gay guy in love with his straight best friend. Even his closest friends, the other gay hockey players in the league, warn him about getting hurt.

To Dex, Tripp is the most important person in the world. He’s been sad when relationships have ended but he always has Tripp to turn to. But he has no idea that Tripp is actually in love with him.

When commitment-phobic Dex worries he might never get married, he comes up with a crazy scheme: he and Tripp should get married but not file the license, so he can get more comfortable with the idea. No one in their right mind would agree to that, right? Well, no one except Tripp.

And when their marriage turns out to actually be legal and the press gets wind of it, they agree to pretend to be married for a while. Otherwise, the resulting chaos could see one of them get traded, and that’s unacceptable.

Anyone want to guess what happens when you pretend to have a relationship? This is a sweet, sexy, friends-to-lovers AND fake dating story with as much fun banter as the first book in the series. I’m definitely on board for Book 3!!

Book Review: "Egotistical Puckboy" by Eden Finley and Saxon James

Wow, this was fun, sexy, and super steamy!

If you've followed me before you know I love my hockey romances! I’d already ran through all of Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy’s books, and then I heard of this series. And if the first book is indicative of the entire series, I’m all the way in!!

Ezra has no problems being an openly gay NHL player—in fact, he seems to relish it. He’s cocky, talented, and has no problem getting whatever guy he wants, and doesn’t care if his encounters show up in the media. In fact, the only thing that seems to get under his skin is Anton Hayes, a rival player on another team.

Anton wants to be known for his talent on the ice, not his sexuality. And there’s nothing wrong with keeping his love life private. So why can’t he stop obsessing about Ezra? Sure, he’s sexy, but his cockiness drives Anton crazy. Maybe sleeping with Ezra once will get him out of his head?

Nope.

After a one-night stand proves too addicting for the both of them, it leaves them questioning their choices. Ezra never lets himself get serious about a guy, but why does that thought cross his mind when he’s with Anton? And is Anton ready to take his private life public—with Ezra at his side?

This book has it all—hockey, pranks, banter, and lots and lots of steam. The characters are all fun and memorable, and I particularly loved the group of out gay hockey players that served as a support system for each other. This one definitely hit the spot for me!