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mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)
I laugh-cried my way through this whole book. I absolutely adore Ilya and am proud of him for the work he did for himself. Shane was trying my patience in the beginning but he definitely made up for it later. I'm so happy Ilya and Shane got their happily ever after finally, complete with a very cute puppy! Not sure what to do now that the series is over honestly, I'll miss these guys so much.
TW/CW: depression, mentions of suicide
•minor spoilers•
Over the last few in the series I've grown to love Ilya, and I felt this book was pretty focused on him. He struggled with depression and accepting help while simultaneously working through the struggles of keeping a long-distance secret relationship, it was a lot for him. There's a saying that says the brightest smiles hide the saddest people or something like that, and it really reminds me of him. I'm glad he recognized that he needed help and also finally opened up to Shane, and of course got the dog he always needed! I really wanted to hit Shane upside the head the entire first half of this book. I understand that Ilya wasn't being truthful with him about his feelings, but I still wanted him to magically know and be better for him.
I wish there was more closer with the asshole commissioner, and the whole group that Scott wanted to start to fight back against the issues in the sport. And also for Shane and Ilya to win the Stanley cup. Little things.
The writing was good as usual. The middle might have been a little slow, but I enjoyed reading anything with Ilya. This series was such a fun read. I loved all the guys and their stories and can't wait to see what this author puts out next.
Read if you like:
• hockey
• rivals and lovers
• mental health discussion
TW/CW: depression, mentions of suicide
•minor spoilers•
Over the last few in the series I've grown to love Ilya, and I felt this book was pretty focused on him. He struggled with depression and accepting help while simultaneously working through the struggles of keeping a long-distance secret relationship, it was a lot for him. There's a saying that says the brightest smiles hide the saddest people or something like that, and it really reminds me of him. I'm glad he recognized that he needed help and also finally opened up to Shane, and of course got the dog he always needed! I really wanted to hit Shane upside the head the entire first half of this book. I understand that Ilya wasn't being truthful with him about his feelings, but I still wanted him to magically know and be better for him.
I wish there was more closer with the asshole commissioner, and the whole group that Scott wanted to start to fight back against the issues in the sport. And also for Shane and Ilya to win the Stanley cup. Little things.
The writing was good as usual. The middle might have been a little slow, but I enjoyed reading anything with Ilya. This series was such a fun read. I loved all the guys and their stories and can't wait to see what this author puts out next.
Read if you like:
• hockey
• rivals and lovers
• mental health discussion
I did not think I was going to love this book as much as I did! I was unsure of Troy at first, but I loved seeing his journey to be a better person and his authentic self. Harris was the perfect funny sunshine to Troy's grump, and I loved their sweet and supportive relationship. Super fun seeing all the other guys, and I can't wait for the next and last book!
TW/CW: some homophobia, discussion of sexual assault victims not being believed, misogyny (none of this by MCs)
•minor spoilers•
I was a little wary of Troy going in. We know him from the previous books as a homophobic bully, especially towards my sweet baby angel Ryan. He was changing a little, and apparently he was secretly dating someone. He knew he was gay but struggled with internalized homophobia and being gay in sports, so used his attitude as a defense mechanism. I enjoyed seeing his personal growth throughout this book, and how it was a gradual and conscious yet dedicated change to be a better person, even more so after he met Harris. Harris was an absolute delight and the perfect sunshine to Troy's grump. Such a fun character and I loved his impact on Troy.
At the end with the Pride Night I was tearing up, a little, maybe a lot. It was so awesome to see everyone support Troy after he struggled so much after the Kent incident. Loved that he's out there now living his authentic life with such a sweet guy as Harris!
Ilya of course stole the show like always when he was around. I also loved seeing everyone interact with him while we all know he's dating Shane, but no one else really knows. His love for Chiron was adorable and he and Shane better get a dog ASAP.
As the series goes on, I've liked the writing more and more. I think the relationships are presented really well and you feel a real connection with everyone, including side characters. I like Ilya now more than I did in his own book, just from his interactions with other characters. So excited for the (sadly) last book and to see how things work out!
Read if you like:
• grumpy/sunshine
• redemption arcs
• hockey
TW/CW: some homophobia, discussion of sexual assault victims not being believed, misogyny (none of this by MCs)
•minor spoilers•
I was a little wary of Troy going in. We know him from the previous books as a homophobic bully, especially towards my sweet baby angel Ryan. He was changing a little, and apparently he was secretly dating someone. He knew he was gay but struggled with internalized homophobia and being gay in sports, so used his attitude as a defense mechanism. I enjoyed seeing his personal growth throughout this book, and how it was a gradual and conscious yet dedicated change to be a better person, even more so after he met Harris. Harris was an absolute delight and the perfect sunshine to Troy's grump. Such a fun character and I loved his impact on Troy.
At the end with the Pride Night I was tearing up, a little, maybe a lot. It was so awesome to see everyone support Troy after he struggled so much after the Kent incident. Loved that he's out there now living his authentic life with such a sweet guy as Harris!
Ilya of course stole the show like always when he was around. I also loved seeing everyone interact with him while we all know he's dating Shane, but no one else really knows. His love for Chiron was adorable and he and Shane better get a dog ASAP.
As the series goes on, I've liked the writing more and more. I think the relationships are presented really well and you feel a real connection with everyone, including side characters. I like Ilya now more than I did in his own book, just from his interactions with other characters. So excited for the (sadly) last book and to see how things work out!
Read if you like:
• grumpy/sunshine
• redemption arcs
• hockey
I've read a bunch from Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes recently so I was super excited for this release. It was so good. Carter and Reed were the absolute sweetest and I loved the hurt/comfort vibes. I just wanted to wrap Reed in a big hug and tell him everything was going to be ok! I didn't realize it was a series and I can't wait for the rest.
•minor spoilers•
I was a huge fan of Carter from the beginning, I loved how his voice was a mix of sarcasm but also genuine caring. He's just a good guy. The whole first part I needed to know what was going on with Reed, though it was easy enough to guess really once you learned a little more about him. Their relationship moved pretty quickly but they had such a good connection it worked for them. Carter and Hannah were too cute for words, and his moms were just the best. They had such a strong support system and I'm so glad Reed found them.
The plot was more like a Nicole Dykes book, with maybe some fast pacing like Cora Rose writes. So, like some of her other books, the conflict was resolved fairly quickly with no big dramas. The characters thoughts/monologues were defining very Cora Rose - who I enjoy reading so much. I would've rated it higher if it had just a little more drama, I feel like Reed's past was mentioned very briefly and then not touched on at all (the abuse from his family). I did love the characters and their relationship, and am looking for to the other guys books!
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• camboys
• found family
•minor spoilers•
I was a huge fan of Carter from the beginning, I loved how his voice was a mix of sarcasm but also genuine caring. He's just a good guy. The whole first part I needed to know what was going on with Reed, though it was easy enough to guess really once you learned a little more about him. Their relationship moved pretty quickly but they had such a good connection it worked for them. Carter and Hannah were too cute for words, and his moms were just the best. They had such a strong support system and I'm so glad Reed found them.
The plot was more like a Nicole Dykes book, with maybe some fast pacing like Cora Rose writes. So, like some of her other books, the conflict was resolved fairly quickly with no big dramas. The characters thoughts/monologues were defining very Cora Rose - who I enjoy reading so much. I would've rated it higher if it had just a little more drama, I feel like Reed's past was mentioned very briefly and then not touched on at all (the abuse from his family). I did love the characters and their relationship, and am looking for to the other guys books!
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• camboys
• found family
I knew I was going to like this because I really enjoy reading about more complicated characters like Ryan - with anxiety/mental health struggles and seeming to be not quite what you expect. I also love a good opposites attract in my LGBTQ+ romances and this hit all the marks for me. A sweet romance, some mild angst, but overall a good book about the conversation of sports and mental health.
•minor spoilers•
I knew I'd liked Ryan before I started and I wasn't disappointed. It makes me so happy when a character like that finds their special someone to care for and that was exactly what Fabian was. I wish Fabian was a little more understanding of the hockey stuff, but I can see how the toxicity of it all had shaped him and his struggles with it. I think this author does a good job of having pretty realistic conflicts in her books, which I really enjoy. Fabian's friends were great to read about because they called him out when he needed it, while having more depth than a usual side character.
With Ryan and - not to label him, but for description's sake - seemingly asexual/demisexual tendencies, this book had about 1/4 of the sex scenes of the previous books in the series. As that was something I didn't love in those previous books, it was nice to see their emotional relationship develop a little more outside of their physical connection. And the book was a lot shorter, I assume because of that. I swear I'm not a prude.
The writing was once again great, and like I previously said I enjoyed the discussion around mental health in sports. It's always interesting to read about those, if somewhat heartbreaking as well. I hope we get to see these guys more in the last books of the series. Especially with Ilya and Shane being in this one very lightly. I wish Wyatt had his own book but of course he's happily married to doctor. Onto the next!
Read if you like:
• hockey
• opposites attract
• mental health healing
•minor spoilers•
I knew I'd liked Ryan before I started and I wasn't disappointed. It makes me so happy when a character like that finds their special someone to care for and that was exactly what Fabian was. I wish Fabian was a little more understanding of the hockey stuff, but I can see how the toxicity of it all had shaped him and his struggles with it. I think this author does a good job of having pretty realistic conflicts in her books, which I really enjoy. Fabian's friends were great to read about because they called him out when he needed it, while having more depth than a usual side character.
With Ryan and - not to label him, but for description's sake - seemingly asexual/demisexual tendencies, this book had about 1/4 of the sex scenes of the previous books in the series. As that was something I didn't love in those previous books, it was nice to see their emotional relationship develop a little more outside of their physical connection. And the book was a lot shorter, I assume because of that. I swear I'm not a prude.
The writing was once again great, and like I previously said I enjoyed the discussion around mental health in sports. It's always interesting to read about those, if somewhat heartbreaking as well. I hope we get to see these guys more in the last books of the series. Especially with Ilya and Shane being in this one very lightly. I wish Wyatt had his own book but of course he's happily married to doctor. Onto the next!
Read if you like:
• hockey
• opposites attract
• mental health healing
This book and I had a slow burn happening. It took me a while to warm up, but I ended up loving these guys and watching their relationship unfold and mature along with them. I'm not usually a fan of long time spans, with hook ups happening over years, but it was done pretty well. I was extremely stoked to realize there's a sequel because that ending was not nearly enough for me!
•minor spoilers•
When Ilya and Shane first meet you can feel their chemistry, and it's ultimately what brings them back to each other over the years. I don't usually like romances that take place over years and years, but I think one of the reasons it worked here is that they were so young. They were only 18 when they met and 25/26? in the current scenes. I think it's crazy they never formed even a friendship after 6 years but it also seemed to work for them. I enjoyed seeing the whole process of the relationship over time, kind of growing with them, even if I did just want to force them to love each other the whole time. Because you can tell it's going to happen and it's going to be good! They really bring out different parts of each other, Ilya's softer side and Shane's wilder side, while still having a solid emotional and physical connection.
Maybe it's just me, but this is the second book in the series and like the first, the amount of sex scenes was insane. It didn't bother me as much as the first, maybe because all of their interactions were basically only hook ups for over half the book, but it seemed a bit much.
We get a "happy for now" ending. I was never a fan of their long game plan, but I also thought the book was ending a lot sooner and didn't realize there was a sequel. It gives Him/Us (Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen) vibes from when they are together and happy but still hiding, and the toll that takes on a relationship. I'm excited to read the rest of the series but especially their second book.
Read if you like:
• hockey
• secret romance
• opposites attract
•minor spoilers•
When Ilya and Shane first meet you can feel their chemistry, and it's ultimately what brings them back to each other over the years. I don't usually like romances that take place over years and years, but I think one of the reasons it worked here is that they were so young. They were only 18 when they met and 25/26? in the current scenes. I think it's crazy they never formed even a friendship after 6 years but it also seemed to work for them. I enjoyed seeing the whole process of the relationship over time, kind of growing with them, even if I did just want to force them to love each other the whole time. Because you can tell it's going to happen and it's going to be good! They really bring out different parts of each other, Ilya's softer side and Shane's wilder side, while still having a solid emotional and physical connection.
Maybe it's just me, but this is the second book in the series and like the first, the amount of sex scenes was insane. It didn't bother me as much as the first, maybe because all of their interactions were basically only hook ups for over half the book, but it seemed a bit much.
We get a "happy for now" ending. I was never a fan of their long game plan, but I also thought the book was ending a lot sooner and didn't realize there was a sequel. It gives Him/Us (Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen) vibes from when they are together and happy but still hiding, and the toll that takes on a relationship. I'm excited to read the rest of the series but especially their second book.
Read if you like:
• hockey
• secret romance
• opposites attract
This story...Tal always writes very sweet emotionally charged romances, but he really took it a step further this time with the found family and encompassing the entire team into the plot. I absolutely loved Morgan from the beginning and Shea surprised me in how sweet he was. Brody takes the cake though, I was rooting for him this whole time and I can't wait to read his short novella.
TW/CW: survivorship themes, assault, mental and physical abuse
•minor spoilers•
Morgan and Shea's relationship was the typical Tal Bauer swoony adorable sweet perfect adoration that you love to read about. It was a very slow burn physically, but they had a great emotional and mental connection. To make it even better they were such strong leaders for the team with their care and support for each and every player.
I would say the main plot was the found family and the team, and then the romance. I had no idea what I was getting into in the beginning, I thought it was going to a normal "trade to a new team, fall in love" story but I was way off. I was hooked from the beginning and rooting for the team the whole time. Also, Brody. He is one of the best parts of the story, and why I cried so dang much. A side character that definitely stole the whole show and I'm not even mad about it because he deserves all the good in his life forever.
The writing was a lot like his other books. If you don't like an, at times, over the top sugary sweet romance, then you probably won't love this. There were a few phrases that I felt repressed too much and lots of feelings and metaphors but I loved this story.
Read if you like:
• found family
• hockey romance
• Cinderella-story sports team
TW/CW: survivorship themes, assault, mental and physical abuse
•minor spoilers•
Morgan and Shea's relationship was the typical Tal Bauer swoony adorable sweet perfect adoration that you love to read about. It was a very slow burn physically, but they had a great emotional and mental connection. To make it even better they were such strong leaders for the team with their care and support for each and every player.
I would say the main plot was the found family and the team, and then the romance. I had no idea what I was getting into in the beginning, I thought it was going to a normal "trade to a new team, fall in love" story but I was way off. I was hooked from the beginning and rooting for the team the whole time. Also, Brody. He is one of the best parts of the story, and why I cried so dang much. A side character that definitely stole the whole show and I'm not even mad about it because he deserves all the good in his life forever.
The writing was a lot like his other books. If you don't like an, at times, over the top sugary sweet romance, then you probably won't love this. There were a few phrases that I felt repressed too much and lots of feelings and metaphors but I loved this story.
Read if you like:
• found family
• hockey romance
• Cinderella-story sports team
I'm not sure what the author puts in her books but they are my guilty pleasure for sure. I love Remi and Linc, love the bit of over the top drama, and loved the setting.
•minor spoilers•
Similar to Cali Boy, you get a bit of insta-romance. And like I said in that review, while it isn't my thing and I don't love it normally, this author apparently just writes it right for me. I loved their relationship and the little nuances that showed them getting to actually know each other beyond their connection. I love seeing characters watch tv shows and talk about music, normal couple stuff that makes them real. Remi was a perfect mix of an asshole and take no shit but also self aware, I enjoyed reading his POV. And Linc was just the cutest, I always have a soft spot for characters like him that are shy yet strong.
I wish all the drama that happened at the end was paced a little better. I don't mind any crazy OTT stuff happening, I find it pretty entertaining, but I felt like the middle of the book dragged and all we got were the mysterious texts which got a little bland after a while. I also didn't like how Linc's parents seemed to get off kinda easy. I wish there was more of the underground fighting stuff because that's always super fun to read.
I liked the writing, there was just one or two instances where I got a little lost with what was happening. As a visual thinker if I can't imagine it in my head clearly it really draws me out of the story. It was mostly on the camp scenes, where I couldn't tell if something was happening in the morning, afternoon, or evening, then it was suddenly night? It was weird and I was confused. Overall though it was a fun easy read.
Read if you like:
• opposites attract
• hurt/comfort
• friends to lovers
•minor spoilers•
Similar to Cali Boy, you get a bit of insta-romance. And like I said in that review, while it isn't my thing and I don't love it normally, this author apparently just writes it right for me. I loved their relationship and the little nuances that showed them getting to actually know each other beyond their connection. I love seeing characters watch tv shows and talk about music, normal couple stuff that makes them real. Remi was a perfect mix of an asshole and take no shit but also self aware, I enjoyed reading his POV. And Linc was just the cutest, I always have a soft spot for characters like him that are shy yet strong.
I wish all the drama that happened at the end was paced a little better. I don't mind any crazy OTT stuff happening, I find it pretty entertaining, but I felt like the middle of the book dragged and all we got were the mysterious texts which got a little bland after a while. I also didn't like how Linc's parents seemed to get off kinda easy. I wish there was more of the underground fighting stuff because that's always super fun to read.
I liked the writing, there was just one or two instances where I got a little lost with what was happening. As a visual thinker if I can't imagine it in my head clearly it really draws me out of the story. It was mostly on the camp scenes, where I couldn't tell if something was happening in the morning, afternoon, or evening, then it was suddenly night? It was weird and I was confused. Overall though it was a fun easy read.
Read if you like:
• opposites attract
• hurt/comfort
• friends to lovers
