This was one hell of a hot ride and sucked me in completely.
Yes, the story is more than a bit unrealistic- rich gay baby faced young man gets kidnappThis was one hell of a hot ride and sucked me in completely.
Yes, the story is more than a bit unrealistic- rich gay baby faced young man gets kidnapped by even richer Russian business man with an own agenda, and they fall head over heel in lust with each other.
But who cares about realism when the characters are interesting and the sex is hot? Luke, who's gay, but in the closet, suppressed his flamboyant side for as long as he could remember, trying to appear manlier than he is. When he gets kidnapped by Roman, he's completely out of his depth. And for the first time ever, able to let go and to accept who he is and what he wants in a relationship.
Roman, almost 10 years older and a lot more mature, ruthless - and straight, is fascinated by this angelic, innocent boy. And discovers that - against all odds - he's just what he needs, and what he wants.
The sex scenes are extremely well written, and even though I'm usually not it daddy kink, it felt natural and inevitable here. I loved Luke and Roman together, one of the unlikeliest, but sweetest couples I've read about....more
Edit after re-listen number 2: I still discover new things - like: did you notice that the NHL boss who tried to force them to start closeted is namedEdit after re-listen number 2: I still discover new things - like: did you notice that the NHL boss who tried to force them to start closeted is named Crowell? I’m sure it’s pure coincidence that it’s so similar to (Simon) Cowell ...more
I struggled with it at times, but in the end it was worth it.
There are basically two reasons I didn't like it more (and I really wanted to love it):
1.I struggled with it at times, but in the end it was worth it.
There are basically two reasons I didn't like it more (and I really wanted to love it):
1. Too much sports talk. While I know what I'm getting into when reading a sports romance, and I do appreciate if an author is well informed about what he or she writes, it was a bit too much of it. I really love figure skating, but I'm not that invested in all the different jumps and what is considered difficult and what not. 2. It felt drawn out at times
Other than that, I really liked both Henry, the Canadian champion, and Theo, his American counterpart. Henry is an introvert, and somewhat of a control freak, trying to cover up whatever insecurities he has. Whereas Theo is a bubbly, cheery guy who turns out to be just the balance Henry needs in his life (and viceversa). Yes, Theo talks a lot, but I loved how persistent he was, and how he chipped away at Henry's armour.
I loved both characters, and their relationship felt organic and believable. And I really liked how the author managed to peel away the layers both Henry and Theo have wrapped around themselves.
All in all a good, but not perfect book -3.5 stars rounded up because I loved the ending :)...more
Edit: relistened after reading TLG and enjoyed it even more than the first time, knowing what’s going to happen in the next book. The audiobook made mEdit: relistened after reading TLG and enjoyed it even more than the first time, knowing what’s going to happen in the next book. The audiobook made me want to check out other books narrated by Cooper North again.
Initial review:
A very well written redemption/coming out story, great narration, likable characters and, last but not least, a generous serving of Ilya.
Troy, a hockey player from Toronto, is traded aka banished to a mediocre team in Ottawa after calling out the reigning Toronto hockey king for his sexual misconduct. He's determined to hate everything and everybody, especially the too cheery and too loud social media manager Harris, whom he secretly admires for being out and proud - a secret that Troy has kept hidden until now. But Harris' sunny demeanour thaws the icy armour that surrounds Troy, and I loved witnessing them falling in love.
I struggle to remember things that I DIDN'T like about this book - maybe it's been a tiny bit TOO sweet. And I felt that Ilya, who's Ottawa's captain, stole the show whenever he's been in a scene, but that probably just... Well. Ilya being himself. And ofc I'm dying to know what text he wrote to Shane when the airplane (almost) crashed. Or when and how he's finally planning on coming out.
But back to Troy and Harris: it's impossible to NOT adore Harris, but I fell for Troy, too - my heart ached for all his insecurities, and I loved how he redeemed himself, taking responsibility for his past behaviour.
The narrator, Cooper North, did an excellent job and captured both Harris and Troy's personalities perfectly.
Absolutely recommended read for all fans of HR, but it can be read (and enjoyed) on its own, too....more
Sweet, sparkly feel-good romance with two highly likable characters.
Jason, who wears grey suits, sells insurances and lets his sister Becky manage hisSweet, sparkly feel-good romance with two highly likable characters.
Jason, who wears grey suits, sells insurances and lets his sister Becky manage his life, needs a roommate. Enter Murph, a sparkly, colourful twink who’s comfortable with who he is. And while he fights his instant attraction to Jason because he doesn’t want the drama and heartache that comes with falling for a straight guy, Jason realises that Murph might be exactly who he’s been waiting for.
I fell in love with both characters instantly. Yes, there’s not much drama. Thankfully, if you ask me, because I don’t think it would have been in character for Jason and Murph. We get that almost unavoidable 80%-misunderstanding, but it’s resolved pretty quickly.
I smiled almost the entire time while reading it, so if you need something that makes you feel better, no matter how cold and dark it is outside, this might be the perfect book for you....more
Let’s start with the one thing that I felt was a bit forced in the plot- the inevitable, albeit thankfully brieAgain, almost 5 sparkling happy stars.
Let’s start with the one thing that I felt was a bit forced in the plot- the inevitable, albeit thankfully brief breakup at around 80%. While the drama around it wasn’t as soap-opery (that’s should definitely be a word!) as in the previous book, it felt a bit out of place. Thankfully, it was resolved quickly.
Other than that, the book was perfect. Jude, an underwear model, moved in with Asa, an actor with a 5 year old son. Asa immediately assumes that Jude is nothing more than a shallow, a bit dumb pretty face, and Jude sets out to prove him right. And boy does he deliver ...more
Edit: after seeing quite a few reviews comparing this book to Heated Rivalry, I felt the need to explain why I DIDN'T do it. Most of us can agree thatEdit: after seeing quite a few reviews comparing this book to Heated Rivalry, I felt the need to explain why I DIDN'T do it. Most of us can agree that Ilya and Shane are the stuff for legends. It's probably THE best emenies/rivals to lovers couple I've ever read about. When it comes to books by Eden and Saxion though, I don't expect that. What I want is another story from their CU universe, two guys with chemistry, banter, who talk their problems out instead of having an 80% drama. I want to be entertained, and all of that in a world that (sadly) is a lot more inclusive than the one we're living in. I want cameos of previous characters, and (hopefully) some hints about whom they're writing about next.
That, Egotistical Puckboy delivers.
Are there certain similarities to Heated Rivalry? Of course. There are only so many ways you can "do" a rivals-in-sports romance. Did I mind? Not a bit. Instead, I let myself suck in in this fantasy and had a few very enjoyable hours, and finished it with a huge smile on my face.
So while I understand why some are a bit dissapointed, I didn't feel that way, hence the high rating.
Original review: For a long time, I avoided sports romances like the plaque. I'm not really into sports in real life, mainly because I don't have a competitive streak.
Then I stumbled upon the CU Hockey books by Eden Finley and Saxon James. And I got addicted. Since then, I'm more or less convinced that at least 50% of the hockey players are queer some way or another. I love every single one of the books they write together, and I love finding cross-references. I even rejoined Facebook to join their fan-groups to be as well informed as you can get when it comes to new releases and plans.
So yes, it's bad. I've been anticipating "Egotistical Puckboy" for months now, and I've been a bit afraid that it won't live up to my (high) expectations.
Thankfully, it wasn't the case. I loved every minute of it, and once I've started reading it, I couldn't put it down. When Ezra first made an appearance in Asher and Kole's book, I wasn't impressed - he seemed every bit the shallow, egotistical man he obviously preferred to be to the public eye. So it's no small feat to take all the breadcrumbs we've been fed before and turn him into a lovable, swoonworthy character that you want to hug more often than not. Anton on the other hand, one of Ezra's main rivals on the ice, is quite the opposite- overly correct, serious and a bit of a control freak.
I loved them together - despite the differences, their chemistry was off the charts, and their relationship felt completely natural and unavoidable. Their banter made me laugh out loud more than once, and their emotional moments made me so so happy for them both. Also, have you truly appreciated the book cover/Ezra? ...more
When directly compared to the other books of this series, it isn't my favourite one. Although, in all fairness, it does contribute to the overall plotWhen directly compared to the other books of this series, it isn't my favourite one. Although, in all fairness, it does contribute to the overall plot: Vic and Jacob are getting married, and they're heavily engrossed in planning the wedding.
Of course, they wouldn't be the Vic and Jacob we love it they wouldn't do some investinating, too, this time focussing on the mystery as to why and how Jacob (and his family) are entangled in early psy experiments.
While I really loved everything that occured aroung the wedding (and, ofc, the wedding itself *sigh*), I missed the crime/suspense plot that usually has me sitting on the edge of my seat. Nevertheless - I laughed a lot, and I enjoyed the narration by Gomez Pugh. I guess I'll be waiting for the audioversion when the next book will be out, because thankfully, this doesn't seem to be the last one :)...more
This, my fellow bookworms, is a childhood-friends-to-lovers romance well done.
Gray and Kai are best friends. So ofc it's Kai who saves Gray when he tThis, my fellow bookworms, is a childhood-friends-to-lovers romance well done.
Gray and Kai are best friends. So ofc it's Kai who saves Gray when he tries to escape after rejecting his girlfriend's marriage proposal.
Gray's life is all work and no fun. He's a corporate lawyer, and his circumstances couldn't be more different from Kai's if he tried. Kai, who's a free spirit, and an artist when it comes to working with wood (no pun intended). The same Kai who's been in love with his best friend since he's been a teen.
Yes, the trope isn't exactly new. But it's very well done, you can feel the familiarity and deep friendship between them from the start. There's a lot of banter, and a lot of understanding how the other thinks and feels. So it could have been boring, but the easy flow of the story was full of easy banter and made me smile almost all the time. I loved how Kai tried to "save" their friendship by keeping an arm's length between himself and Gray, and I loved even more how Gray slowly, but irrevocably realises that he's falling in love with his best friend, and how determinedly he pursues his goal of convincing Kai that what he feels is more than bi-curiosity.
Is it a 5 star read? Not quite. But it made me smile, and it got me invested - not only in the main characters, but the side characters, too (can't wait to read about stick-up-his-ass-Con and his PA Jaime).
And the ending. I dare you not to have moist eyes when the "grand gesture" happens ❤
Given the fact that I struggled to put the book down last night despite having to get up early, I'll round my rating up to 5 stars and dive right into the next book ...more
No idea why all of the sudden hockey romances became my pick-me-up feel-good trope, but I’ve rarely stumbled upon one that I didn’t at least like. ThiNo idea why all of the sudden hockey romances became my pick-me-up feel-good trope, but I’ve rarely stumbled upon one that I didn’t at least like. This one is no exception - the story of two former best friends, estranged because one of them fell in love with the other, isn’t new. But the characters were so well written, they completely drew me in. It’s written from both their pov, and if you’re ask me whom I like best, I couldn’t really choose one (ok - probably Jamie, even though I could understand why Wes acted the way he did. But Jamie really IS a sweetheart)
I loved how at ease they were with each other, even after 4 years of no contact. And I loved their deep friendship. And, ofc, their sizzling chemistry ...more
Any book that makes me go from meh to gooey and smiley, even if I had to get up at sparrow’s fart (and: yes, I’ve never heard this before and it made Any book that makes me go from meh to gooey and smiley, even if I had to get up at sparrow’s fart (and: yes, I’ve never heard this before and it made me laugh out loud while reading this book) deserves no less than 5 stars.
Was it perfect? Not quite. I think am epilogue would have rounded it up, because I’m not ready to say good bye to Jamie and Theo yet. But other than that - definitely a starry eyed YES.
The banter, the agonisingly slow burn (I honestly considered shaking and screaming at Theo more than once because it’s obvious to anyone BUT him that Jamie is the one for HIM and not his sister). The characters were so very lovable, and the ending… let’s just say it was one of the sweetest declarations of love I’ve ever read about.
If you need a pick-me-up that makes your day brighter and the world a little better, you can’t go wrong with this one.
And now excuse me while I walk around with a dazedly happy grin in my face ...more
This was my favourite so far from this series. It’s an almost-5-star rating, but I’ll generously round it up because of all the fuzzy feelings the endThis was my favourite so far from this series. It’s an almost-5-star rating, but I’ll generously round it up because of all the fuzzy feelings the ending left me with.
Leon, whom we met in the former books, is a workaholic self-made-man with his own construction business. When looking for an apprentice, he meets Auggie, the son of his business rival. And even though Auggie is a walking mess, talking incessantly and so NOT his usual type, the inevitable we all crave for in these books happens.
Auggie must be one of my favourite characters ever written. He’s enthusiastic, wears his heart on his sleeve, smart, funny, insecure and at the same time bossy. I wanted to hug him most of the time, and to be friends with him to bask in his upbeat, positive aura. The way he pursues Leon is beyond cute, and I loved watching him grow and standing up to his well meaning, but overbearing father.
The only thing I didn’t like in this book (apart from it being a bit short ish) is the imbalance in the relationship between Leon, the stoic, quiet one, and Auggie, who’s open and honest about his feelings to the point of vulnerability. But maybe that’s exactly what makes their relationship so special and what makes them so good together.
Definitely a recommendation to everyone who loves a well written mm romance, low on drama and high on steamy scale. ...more
So this story was a bit different from what I expected.
Rowan and Circus (yes I know. The name… but you get used to it) haven’t parted on the best terSo this story was a bit different from what I expected.
Rowan and Circus (yes I know. The name… but you get used to it) haven’t parted on the best terms 5 years ago. Rowan has grown up in a very Catholic family, where homophone slurs are a common occurrence, esp his grandfather is a overbearing, toxic man. And when he gives in to his attraction to Circus for the first time, he panics and does something unforgivable.
5 years later, Circus is an Instagram influencer, a loner with free friends, and addicted to the positive feedback he gets from his followers. And when a new opportunity arises to grow his influence on social media, he makes a deal with Rowan.
That deal, ofc, develops into more. And without spoiling anything - I admit that I struggled a bit with both characters, but I slowly fell in love with both of them. The character growth was amazing and felt real.
What I really hated reading about is the toxic environment of Rowan’s family, but I’m afraid it’s not far off the mark when describing how difficult it is to come out to a deeply religious family. Apart from this, it was low on drama, and the fluffy ending left me wanting for more.
The narration of Circus’ POV was done by Kirt Graves, who -as always- is amazing at conveying emotions. Alexander Cendese, the voice of Rowan, isn’t bad, but I always struggle with his rushed narration, esp when compared to Graves’ more sedate pacing.
Just when you think the book is done, there’s a plot twist on the last page that leaves you reeling.
But back to the start - Vic is working on a new caJust when you think the book is done, there’s a plot twist on the last page that leaves you reeling.
But back to the start - Vic is working on a new case, this time together with Jacob (and later on with their old cop-partners, too). There‘s a highly addictive (and deadly) psychic drug out there, and FPIMP tries to contain and eliminate it. While it took a while to get the action going, I loved seeing the world through Vic’s eyes again. From his attempts to practice (chair) Yoga to enhance his psychic abilities, to his attempts to interview suspects, or even plan his wedding - he’s just adorable, even though he’s slowly becoming the badass agent he’s always meant to be.
Again, the narration by Gomez Pugh was on point, without him, and the insights in Vic’s thoughts wouldn’t be as funny. ...more
Yay, Eden’s back to her usual awesomeness after I struggled a bit with the first book of this series.
I loved everything about this book. It’s the storYay, Eden’s back to her usual awesomeness after I struggled a bit with the first book of this series.
I loved everything about this book. It’s the story of Ryder, ex-boyband member and now single father and producer. And Lyric (yes I know…. The name… but trust me, you get used to it and it makes sense with his background story). Lyric is a broke, aspiring musician who loathes everything about boy-bands, and Ryker is in need of a nanny. And so it begins, a wonderful (and even realistic) love story between the both of them, that made me go gooey and left me with a huge smile on my face.
Maybe it’s because I’m such a music nerd, but the entire songwriting/producing/auditioning for talent shows/singing in bars on weekends trope felt so familiar, and so well written. And don’t get me started about Kaylee, Ryker’s 5 year old daughter, whom they tried (and failed spectacularly) to hide their feelings from. And even the patchwork family with Kaylee’s mum - the book was everything I could have wished for.
Oh and ofc, Iggy Toma narrating. But you know how I feel about him anyway, so there’s no big surprise that I loved him, too.
Absolut recommendation if you’re into low-angsty and funny romances that leave you with the feeling that the world just got a bit brighter and happier!...more
One of the less intense books when it comes to crime and suspense, this book focused on the relationship between Vic and Jacob, even though they’re noOne of the less intense books when it comes to crime and suspense, this book focused on the relationship between Vic and Jacob, even though they’re not physically together most of the time - Vic goes undercover with Agent Bly, and both Vic and Jacob miss the other one with an intensity that left me all warm and fuzzy inside.
Vic‘s dry sense of humour and his attempts to behave inconspicuously in his new role are hilarious, as always. And the ending is all we’ve been waiting for for several books now ❤️
Also - I just love the cover and all the attention to detail - Vic (always scowling) wears his „undercover douche hipster“ attire and even has a beard.
This book gets a 3.5 for the story, rounded up because of the consistently brilliant narration by Gomez Pough....more
This is the story of Olive, a grad student, and Adam, the even nerdier, socially equally awkward, but ofc swoon So sweet. So nerdy. And so very funny.
This is the story of Olive, a grad student, and Adam, the even nerdier, socially equally awkward, but ofc swoon worthy professor (not her professor, so we don’t get the “forbidden love” trope). Olive accidentally kisses him (things like that seem to just happen to her), and then they agree on a fake relationship for… reasons… in the course of which they, ofc, fall in love.
The book is written from Olive’s perspective in a 3rd person POV, and her inner ramblings made me laugh out more than once.
The love the author has for the characters (and the science trope) is palpable, and the story is sweet, without crossing that fine line to sugary. I loved that it’s oh-so-very-obvious to the reader (but not to Olive) what’s going on in Adam, and the secondary characters were mostly lovable (no spoilers here).
I listened to the audio version, and the narrator, Callie Dalton, made a fantastic job giving voices to everyone, with just enough emotion that I couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it at 2am. And do I regret the morning after?
Not. One. Bit.
Absolutely worth the hype, give yourself a treat and read it!...more
Again, before I delve into the story, let me praise (again) the perfect narration by Gomez Pugh. Not only is he THEVic & Jacob are back in full force.
Again, before I delve into the story, let me praise (again) the perfect narration by Gomez Pugh. Not only is he THE voice of Vic, with all the sarcasm and dry, self-deprecating humour, he's just as perfect with Jacob's deep, rumbly voice. Sadly it sets the bar so high for other narrators that it's becoming increasingly difficult for me to lower my standards ;)
So, Vic and Jacob are back, with Vic starting his new life at FPMP under the new director, Laura Kim. When an old acquaintance gets killed, they set out to look for the murderer, together with somebody from Vic's past, namely "Dead Darla". Let me just say - I like her A LOT better than I did Lisa, and I really think she should be a permanent fixture in the PsyCoop books.
Even though I figured out the culprit pretty quickly this time, the final showdown made me chew my nails, and the threat of an old, very undead, nemesis, as well as the light we get to shed in Vic's past added to the tense athmosphere and promise quite a few follow-up book fodder.
Would I recommend this book? Well if you made it to volume 9 of a series, I probably don't need to tell you how awesome it is. If not - go back and treat yourself with volume 1!...more
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