Courage is following your heart when your brain says run
“Boarding, two minutes.” Collin Harringford has delivered the penalty countless times as an enforcer with the Nashville Grizzlies. When life delivers the boarding, he’s forced home to sort out his grandpa’s estate. With his sister deployed, he’s left navigating the death of the only parent he’s ever known with the one man who’s driven him insane his entire life.
Jett Moore has a propensity for disorganization and forgetfulness. It’s no surprise Collin, who relies on schedules and organization, can barely tolerate him. Not that it matters. What would Collin see in an average guy with a keg instead of a six-pack and nothing resembling career ambitions, anyway?
Collin quickly learns there’s more to Jett than chaos. He’s the excitement and unpredictability that’s been missing from Collin’s life. With his return to the NHL looming over them, the two are at a crossroads and Jett’s insecurities threaten to force them in different directions.
*Boarded is the fourth book in the Nashville Grizzlies series and can be read as a stand alone, though many familiar faces appear along the way. A scattered brewer who doesn’t know he’s looking for a Dom and hulking defenseman with a soft core looking for more control than most are ready to give. Boarded is a match made in opposite heaven.*
By far my favourite book in this series but there were too many things that bugged me to be able to happily rate it a 4.
Collin's sister and her reaction to Jett buying the bar was so strange. She was literally used as a plot device to ensure they were in pretty much forced proximity, and she had zero personality. To then be so aggressive really threw me off because there had been nothing to imply she would react that way. Honestly she could have been removed from the story entirely and the MCs character journeys and outcomes would be exactly the same but with no forced drama.
I also found some things really unrealistic and just confusing. Can you really just get on a plane with a load of dogs? I'm not a fan of flying but I've seen enough news stories about quarantine periods etc. so that just confused me!!
The whole taking time off for the funeral and estate handling also confused me so much. Maybe I'm heartless, but it didn't make sense to me that Collin had to go home for like a month. Other than the meeting with the solicitor and the actual funeral itself, nothing else happened. He doesn't even do anything in regards to the family home, he's literally just hanging around like a bad smell... It felt really unrealistic to me and therefore it made the entire plot feel really flimsy and overly manufactured.
I did really like the relationship between the MCs though, even though I definitely prefer reading about a Daddy/Brat combo. I have to admit I would definitely love someone to organise all my stuff, make the decisions I don't want to make and give me a daily checklist so I don't forget stuff, but they can keep the sexual rewards because I'm Ace AF 😂
5 huge stars… As always amazing. 🥹 was… was this the last one in this series? The author mentioned a new hockey series for the “Parliament” but I hope this one isn’t fully over. I guess no other guys were really mentioned and when they are mostly hockey players with other players you run out of people quick but I mean… oh god. This series is a huge fav of mine and the thought of it ending had me emotional.
I truly love this series it’s so kinky but it’s presented in such an approachable, enjoyable, and safe way is incredibly unique and enjoyable. I devour these books and I hope we continue to get kinky hockey Mm books in the future.
Daddy Bear Collin and ADHD Brewer Jett (love the name) are amazing together. I really enjoyed them kinda jumping right in early and finding themselves along the way. I loved how understanding and sweet Collin was to an insecure and self deprecating Jett. And all the help with his ADHD warmed my heart.
2/5 on spice. 2/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. This had spanking and daddy kink but no age play.
It was just a bit boring. I know I sound like a broken record when it comes to this series, but it can't be helped.
However, I really liked the "opposites attract" trope. I think that was especially nice in a hockey romance. And also that it wasn't necessarily a book about jocks and nerds. I've read far too many of those already.
Man, I'm not gonna lie, its taken me weeks to read this. The first 65% dragged for me, it wasn't until the sort of Daddy stuff started that it actually got good.
Spoilers ahead
First off, there is no age play here. Its just basically spankings and lists.
Also, its fairly light on sexytimes.
Outside of that, my unhappiness was because with this story was set outside of the team, they only showed up once and we had a bit with the Ohio team/wives but that's it. I mean I liked Collin and Jax but not enough to get through the first part faster.
Once the sudo-daddy stuff started, it got better.
So Collin and Jax have known each other for most of their lives and Jax is best friends with Hadley, Collin's sister. Immediately they get the hots for each other and hook up. Collin creates lists for Jax (he has ADHD and everyone, including Collin) has treated him badly for his entire life.
The rest is them getting closer and then Hadley finds out and eventually its all resolved.
The epilogue though, that was just the setup of the next series. Brax's Dad and Dad's long time partner get married at Jax's bar and we learn that Brax's dad is the head coach of the Nashville Parliament and Brax's best friend is going to be working there too. I do not remember him from Brax's story.
I really wish that this was the younger teammates story, they have been around for so long yet we only knew of Collin cause he holds Trevor while he sleeps.
This is a hard one. Carly doesn’t write much angst, but when she does, it’s a gut punch.
If you are grieving or struggle with reading about grief and grieving, I’d skip this one for now. The first chapter sets up the relationship between Collin, his grandfather and how Jett fits into his history. The second chapter of this book is Jett experiencing the final moments of the grandfather’s life as he’s on the phone with Collin’s sister. The third chapter is Collin getting the news and his trip back. The rest of the book has an undercurrent of grief and grieving. While realistic, between the grief and Jett’s negative self talk, the book was heavy…and slow. Carly mentions a different editor and that could explain some of the pacing issues.
Beyond those issues, I loved both main characters. Jett and Collin compliment each other well. I enjoyed their interactions. They’re both vers and that made their intimate scenes smoking hot. This is very kink light. While Collin is definitely a caretaker, there’s no overt dynamic play.
Honestly, I wish we spent less time in Ohio and more in Nashville. A move may have helped lift some of the heaviness and helped with the pacing.
It was fun seeing the guys and the pups. I loved the epilogue and I’m excited for Easton’s story!
I received an arc, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
No sé que pensar de este libro. O sea me gustó y la pasé bien leyendo a esta pareja, pero siento que no llegue a conectar nada con ellos y eso es una lástima.
Una de las cosas con las más problemas tuve fue con uno de los protagonistas, Collin, vuelve a Ohio por el fallecimiento de un familiar, yo entiendo que no todos pasamos por el duelo de la misma forma, pero no senti que estuviera bien representado. En más, creo que ni siquiera lo fue. Collin en ningún momento dió alusión de pensar en su abuelo más de cinco veces contadas en el libro.
En sí, no es un mal libro ni una mala historia, solo que siento que no era el momento para mí y la autora lo llevo todo a nivel muy romántico, incluso dejando muy de lado, en lo que en mi opinión es muy importante, que son las prácticas de hockeys, los partidos, y si bien tuvimos momentos de camaradería entre los chicos (dos momentos contados), sentí que me hacía falta mucho más.
This is the 4th book of the Nashville Grizzlies series, it can be read as a stand alone but highly recommend reading the prior books to enjoy this one much more (all the characters are interwoven in the books) First let me start by saying get your tissues ready for the beginning of the story, it is very emotional, made me cry and my heart ache. The loss of a loved one is never easy and Carly does a beautiful job of writing this delicate moment so tenderly and lovingly; no quick fix, respectful of how everyone deals/expresses grief differently. But these moments were balanced out perfectly with humor and sweet/tender moments, without diminishing the pain and suffering of the characters. A perfect blend of grief, support, tenderness, humor, and love; pulling so many emotions from the reader. Jett is written perfectly imperfect. There were many times I could so relate to him 😂 making me love him even more. He is a guy dealing with ADHD causing him to have insecurities, has a belly, and a big tender heart. Even when people have let him down, he continued to want to help and make people happy. Collin realizes that there's more to Jett than he believed and finally really sees him. However, he does not see him as someone weak or inferior because of his ADHD. To Collin, Jett is someone who needs to be treasured, supported, and loved, especially since people have told Jett that his "issues" are too much🤬. He also sees a very sexy person he can't keep his hands off....let the sexy time begin, and boy are they steamy 🥵. And seeing Jett blossom with the support and love he received, and deserved, made me so happy. I cannot wait for the next book and see what else Carly Marie has in store for us in the awesome world of the Nashville Grizzlies (and maybe even a spin off 🤔)
I think this was my favorite of all the Nashville Grizzlies stories. Collin was a definite caretaker/daddy and Jett was such a lovely man who needed help with organization because of his ADHD. The start of the story with his Gramps illness and then death was poignant and Carly beautifully showed Collin's grief at losing the wonderful grandfather who had taken in him and his sister when they small and raised them with so much love and tenderness. Having to come to Ohio to the house he had grown up in and his Gramps no longer there was hard and I really identified with his lost feeling especially since his sister was still deployed and couldn't get home. Jett who lived across the street and was his sister's best friend and had always annoyed him with his disorganization and forgetfulness had helped his Gramps for years and Collin meeting him again was struck by how much he had changed and really liked him and even was attracted to him. I am not sports person so I liked the team members but the hockey terms go right over my head and was glad the story was more about Collin dealing with Gramps death and becoming involved with Jett. I loved Collin's dog Deke and the scene where the other team members bring over their puppies and the mom Mama Bear was hilarious and when Jett got drunk and called Collin to get a taxi since he couldn't remember the number and Collin had to call three people to get the address and go get him himself. The chance for Jett to buy a thriving business in Nashville was perfect and the wedding reception in the bar was wonderful and Jett was now thriving because his medication was tweaked but Collin still did lists because rewards were still the best.
My favorite of the series! I absolutely loved Jett and Collin and I loved how Collin appreciated and respected Jett and did everything in his power to help Jett overcome obstacles but not smother him. A caretaker at heart, Collin becomes Jett's "Daddy Bear" and Jett his "Cub."
Jett has ADHD, is a little tubby, and has low self-esteem. He's intelligent and creative and is a master brewer but he can't seem to get organized or choose which clothes to wear or what to do next. Until Collin helps by giving him checklists and a system of rewards and punishments to go with it. After that, the two work into a Daddy/sub relationship that is fairly mild in the world of reading BDSM, but works perfectly for them.
There's so much more to the story but for my reference I needed to note Jett's character in the review since I plan to come back in a few years and revisit this one. Jett stole my heart and Collin sealed the deal.
Those of you who enjoy daddy kink will find this mild but the entire series needs to be on your TBR. Plus, hockey! Written by a hockey mom who knows her game. LOL. Great series.
Oh yes. This was amazing. Fun, different from the perilous books in the series and just perfect! Jett is sweet and fun and super relatable. I identify with him so much! And Collin just fits perfectly, finding ways to show he cares and taking care of Jett while helping him learn live his best life. I love their dynamic. I love how much they compliment each other and love how all of the books in this series show D/s dynamics of all kinds with partners who complement each other. I absolutely love how the submissive partners all have parts of their lives where they are in charge and parts where they need their partner to lead. I also love getting to see all the characters from other stories and not just the main couple. I love how intertwined all the books are and that although each book follows a different couple, they all show us multiple relationships and give us more of the couples we love. Auto buy for anyone who loves Carly Marie’s other books, auto read for anyone who likes light daddy kink and hockey romances.
I really thought I was going to like this one... but then I found myself skimming the last third of it, hoping it got better. I liked the childhood boy next door premise. The dom/sub hints at the beginning held the promise of some fun sex scenes. But in general, I just felt let down. The book was far too long for the plot. The idea that a pro hockey player would take three weeks off during the season is preposterous. Collin's "caretaking" of Jett ADHD felt overbearing, manipulative, and infantilizing. The promised dom/sub dynamic turned into Daddy/boy age play that I really wasn't into. Somehow, there were hardly any sex scenes! And even though I've read the books, the cameos by Collin's teammates seemed unnecessary and honestly, kind of crazy to realize how many LGBTQ+ dom/sum and daddy/boy relationships there were on one professional sports team. Reading them in isolation in one book seemed unrealistic, but reading them all lumped together was too far from reality to keep me in the book.
Boarded is the fourth book in the series but it can be read as standalone. Each book focuses on a different member of a hockey team, the Grizzlies. In this book we follow Collin, the team's enforcer. Collin has to go back home when his grandfather, the man who raised him, passes away. He meets Jett, his younger sister's best friend and next door neighbor and the two of them reconnect. Collin likes order, lists and routines. Jett is the opposite. Because of his ADHD he struggles a lot and he's a bit chaotic. The two of them are very different but they just work perfectly together. They compliment each other and have explosive chemistry. I loved following Collin and Jett's journey to their happily ever after. It was such a sweet and heartwarming romance and I really liked the character development. I also appreciated the ADHD representation. Jett was very very relatable and realistic. It was the perfect summer read. I loved every word!
Carly has a gift of bringing daddy kink into books where you get to have a better understanding of the lifestyle and fall in love with this beautiful group of hockey players. The dynamics are sweet and encouraging, and fun rolled into one. Collin & Jett have known each other their whole lives, yet they didn't take the time to actually get to know the other person. When tragedy strikes, Collin needs to go home to take care of arrangements, he gets to know Jett (his sisters best friend) and realizes how much he and so many others have judged him for something he never had control over. Great story of understanding and encouragement for two people to grow into better men.
When loss takes Collin back to his hometown, he is left with a lot of time on his hands and with his sisters best friend Jett. The more he spends with Jett the more he realises that there is more to him and what lies below the surface intrigues Collin. A relationship brews between them and when hockey starts up again, decisions will need to be made.
A well paced, smooth flowing read, that deals with loss and special needs really well. The kink aspects were tastefully done and the characters were well developed. I loved seeing the previous characters pop up in this story and I’m eager for what’s to come next.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 this was honestly hands down the best book for me. First of all loved Collin and his humming of show tunes i swear anytime he started I would start dying laughing, he had a song for every moment. Jett, oh little sweetheart Jett is the sweetest man there is. He just needed a little help and Collin was like Superman saving the day for him. Even though he didn't have to he did 💕 Their story was cute as hell and hilarious I swear I died laughing at every silly moment. I will say Jett has me wanting some of those food stuffies 😍 I'm dying for the next book in this series. This is the most openly gay and kinky hockey team I've ever read about.
WOW.......... Absolutely loving the grizzlies series by Carly Marie this is book four and I was hooked from the start could not put it down this ones about Collin the teams enforcer who has to go back home when is grandfather passes away and he reconnects with Jett is next door neighbour love these two together so sweet, loving and beautiful they are made for each other it's emotional and heartwarming an amazing journey of two special men and all the guys in the team. ❤
Carly Marie is an amazing author, and I've read everything she has in her back log and as soon as I get a notification that she has a new title out, I grab it. this one is no different. I have loved this whole series, and honestly, I am so happy for a spin-off that keeps us connected to this family of hockey players we've gotten so attached to. I loved this book, and it made my heart very happy.
Collin and Jett have known each other forever, but a death in the family brings them to a new understanding of how much that friendship means. This books takes two difficult topics, grief and neurodiversity, in hand and surrounds them with love and laughter and plenty of sexy times. Add to that the hijinks and support of our favorite Nashville Grizzlies hockey team and a good time will be had by all!
During a difficult time for Collin, his sister’s best friend Jett will be there for them both. Will Jett be accepting of Collin’s controlling ways? How will their new passionate relationship be accepted by their family and friends? Enjoy the extra fun that only Collin’s puppy Deke and his litter mates can bring to this intriguing story!!!
I loved the dynamic and the managing of Jett with ADHD. Personal experience says having ADHD does indeed do well with a daddy. I thought this was the end of this universe but I found out there's another hockey series. While the hockey romance genre itself isn't that interesting to me, I do love this universe though I miss the original 2/3 gangs.
This is the fourth book in this series and while this one could be read as a stand-alone it’s much better as part of the series. This is Collin’s story and Jett turned out to be just perfect for him. This story was emotional,funny and full of steam. I absolutely loved this story, the characters are all so fascinating and the world building is fantastic. I really recommend this series.
There is something about this story that stands out from the other in the series. Collin and Jett's relationship begins away from the rink and during a very emotional time for Collin. There is something about these two that make you smile. Though, be prepared for some tears cause the emotions will pull at your heart.
Brilliant, absolutely loved Colin and Jett's story. When Colin came home for his grandfather's funeral, his sister's best friend Jett was there. Jett is a scatter brain, he has ADHD, and has low self-esteem. Perfect for Colin's Daddy. They instantly hit it off with Colin helping Jett with every day things . Funny , sweet read. Brilliant addition to this series
Even though there was less hockey in this book, I really enjoyed it. This whole series has been great and to get maximum pleasure out of it, you should read them in order. Sometimes you need someone to really see you and that happens in this book. Such a cute couple and there’s also cameos from previous people.
I love that it's set in Columbus, and that my favorite restaurant got an unnamed cameo. I've missed the trolley since the roof of the building collapsed.
I also love the ADHD representation. The struggle is real and was depicted quite perfectly.
A sweet m/m and it was nice to see the characters from other books a bit. Perhaps Collin moved a bit quick from "my sister's annoying best friend/neighbor" to "he's hot, I want him". But it was nice that Jett was chubby and Collin still thought he was great. So it was a bit of a fantasy everything is perfect and kind and nice, but it was still fun.
Such a fantastic read. I loved Collin and Jett. The chemistry and understanding was off the charts. I love how Jett has always been the younger sisters bff. Watching Collin come up with things to help was adorable. Loved it!
I love hockey season! Lol. Revisiting the Nashville Grizzlies is always a good time. The story of Collin and Jett hit a little different. Grief is a funny thing, sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Jett is there for Collin while he grieves for his grandfather. Collin begins to see Jett as a boy who has grown up to become a strong willed and beautiful man. The love the two of them have grows quickly and burns hot!! I definitely recommend this story for everyone!!
What a great ending to this series, Jett and Collin are wonderful together with all the feels and 🔥 🔥 you expect from this author. Also I loved that Jett wasn't your run of the mill MC. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!!