What do you think?
Rate this book
Nashville Parliament #1
Blindsided
I sent my boss into subspace before lunch. Now what?
Easton knows, in the world of professional hockey, he’s getting old and his body can’t take many more hits. When a job offer too good to pass up falls into his lap, Easton goes for it. What should be the start of a new chapter, opens another he thought had closed when he'd been drafted.
With zero knowledge of hockey and less than a week's notice, Lincoln finds himself as acting owner of the newest hockey team, the Nashville Parliament. Walking into his new office, the last thing he expects is to come face to face with Easton, the man he ghosted eight years earlier. And just as he thinks things can't get worse, he's blindsided when he discovers Easton is his employee.
The two know they need to talk about the past, but instead they keep finding themselves in bed together, and their relationship is getting more complicated. Past hurt and betrayal might be too much to overcome, but their friends aren't going to let them give up without a fight.
Blindsided is the first novel in the Parliament series. This 82k word MM romance is full of new opportunities, second chances, and friends who don't know the meaning of overshare. Meet new and familiar faces as Easton and Lincoln to navigate professional hockey, careers, and obstacles intent on keeping them apart.
Easton knows, in the world of professional hockey, he’s getting old and his body can’t take many more hits. When a job offer too good to pass up falls into his lap, Easton goes for it. What should be the start of a new chapter, opens another he thought had closed when he'd been drafted.
With zero knowledge of hockey and less than a week's notice, Lincoln finds himself as acting owner of the newest hockey team, the Nashville Parliament. Walking into his new office, the last thing he expects is to come face to face with Easton, the man he ghosted eight years earlier. And just as he thinks things can't get worse, he's blindsided when he discovers Easton is his employee.
The two know they need to talk about the past, but instead they keep finding themselves in bed together, and their relationship is getting more complicated. Past hurt and betrayal might be too much to overcome, but their friends aren't going to let them give up without a fight.
Blindsided is the first novel in the Parliament series. This 82k word MM romance is full of new opportunities, second chances, and friends who don't know the meaning of overshare. Meet new and familiar faces as Easton and Lincoln to navigate professional hockey, careers, and obstacles intent on keeping them apart.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2023
282 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 15, 2023
There’s gotta be more than sex…
July 24, 2024
To be honest, I think the plot is pretty stupid. Lincoln's fuck up 8 years ago was bad enough, in my opinion, to not just be accepted without at least some sort of closure and definitely a lot of grovelling. The fact that they didn't really talk about it in a normal, adult way was annoying as hell.
I also didn't buy their "sexual tension". The kink—although quite alright in itself—definitely didn’t help their situation either. That's just not the right way of "getting over" the past, at least not for Lincoln’s and Easton’s situation.
I just didn't particularly like the plot or the characters.
And to make matters worse, I was bored. And definitely not invested in anything.
I also didn't buy their "sexual tension". The kink—although quite alright in itself—definitely didn’t help their situation either. That's just not the right way of "getting over" the past, at least not for Lincoln’s and Easton’s situation.
I just didn't particularly like the plot or the characters.
And to make matters worse, I was bored. And definitely not invested in anything.
September 29, 2023
I have missed Carly Marie's books so much
I've missed her characters and her writing
I can't wait for Overtime now, I'm so excited about the next Triad 😭🤩
I've missed her characters and her writing
I can't wait for Overtime now, I'm so excited about the next Triad 😭🤩
August 15, 2024
EL PLOT TWIST DE MI VIDA QUE ME LLEVÉ AL FINAL AL VER DE QUIENESSE TRATABA EN EL 5TO LIBRO DE LA SERIE GRIZZLIES??????
June 16, 2024
Well this book was alot of something...
First off, you really need to read the books that came before this one, I don't believe it can stand alone without all that background.
Secondly, there was far less hockey in here than I'm used to, which surprised me as these mcs were setting up a whole team.
Thirdly, I love Doms who turn into Caretaker Doms. That is one of my favorite things to read.
Fourthly (don't judge me, its early) I'm usually not a fan of forgiving mcs who ghost. I find that's a horrible way of breaking up with someone. Which is why I liked Easton more than Lincoln.
All in all, not a bad way of introducing a new series, but I really wish you didn't need to know the entire back catalogue to enjoy a new book.
First off, you really need to read the books that came before this one, I don't believe it can stand alone without all that background.
Secondly, there was far less hockey in here than I'm used to, which surprised me as these mcs were setting up a whole team.
Thirdly, I love Doms who turn into Caretaker Doms. That is one of my favorite things to read.
Fourthly (don't judge me, its early) I'm usually not a fan of forgiving mcs who ghost. I find that's a horrible way of breaking up with someone. Which is why I liked Easton more than Lincoln.
All in all, not a bad way of introducing a new series, but I really wish you didn't need to know the entire back catalogue to enjoy a new book.
September 29, 2023
2.5 stars
I recently started reading books by Carly Marie, and I’ve powered through all the ones that don’t feature age play, and for the most part they have been an enjoyable read and I picked this up on release day feeling optimistic for more of the same.
Some authors really excel at creating a shared universe for their books with characters introduced throughout a series in supporting roles that make readers really want to learn more about those characters. Unfortunately while I would say the first few Carly Marie books I read had that (especially the Johnson Family), I think the writing has become lazier. I believe there were characters who were introduced in this novel with the sole intention of starring in their own books down the line. They didn’t propel the story forward or add to any characterization in THIS novel. It’s one thing if a side character is needed for plot and the. Goes on to have their own book. This wasn’t that.
Anyway, another star was lost because of the meta insertion of one of the author’s own stories as a book within the book. In a non-shared universe that might not be so bad, but the book in question takes place in the same universe with some of the same shared characters. It was… weird.
Finally, there was a lot of missed potential for compelling conflict, and it wouldn’t have even been high angst, it just would have been INTERESTING if more was made about conflict with Lincoln’s family. The lack of tension resulted in a boring read, unfortunately.
I hate to leave bad reviews, and honestly it wasn’t terrible, it was just impossible to ignore the issues that stuck out. I have a lot of 3* books on my shelf that I enjoyed, but that had issues. This books just had more issues than enjoyment. But I didn’t DNF, so I at least found something there to like: namely the D/S dynamic and love between the two MCs.
I recently started reading books by Carly Marie, and I’ve powered through all the ones that don’t feature age play, and for the most part they have been an enjoyable read and I picked this up on release day feeling optimistic for more of the same.
Some authors really excel at creating a shared universe for their books with characters introduced throughout a series in supporting roles that make readers really want to learn more about those characters. Unfortunately while I would say the first few Carly Marie books I read had that (especially the Johnson Family), I think the writing has become lazier. I believe there were characters who were introduced in this novel with the sole intention of starring in their own books down the line. They didn’t propel the story forward or add to any characterization in THIS novel. It’s one thing if a side character is needed for plot and the. Goes on to have their own book. This wasn’t that.
Anyway, another star was lost because of the meta insertion of one of the author’s own stories as a book within the book. In a non-shared universe that might not be so bad, but the book in question takes place in the same universe with some of the same shared characters. It was… weird.
Finally, there was a lot of missed potential for compelling conflict, and it wouldn’t have even been high angst, it just would have been INTERESTING if more was made about conflict with Lincoln’s family. The lack of tension resulted in a boring read, unfortunately.
I hate to leave bad reviews, and honestly it wasn’t terrible, it was just impossible to ignore the issues that stuck out. I have a lot of 3* books on my shelf that I enjoyed, but that had issues. This books just had more issues than enjoyment. But I didn’t DNF, so I at least found something there to like: namely the D/S dynamic and love between the two MCs.
dnf
December 5, 2023(DNF@43% December 5th) I haven't picked this one back up since I started reading in October. I am probably not the right audience for BDSM romance with very little hockey on the side.
Themes: dual POV, second chance, BDSM, team owner/assistant coach, AHL
Themes: dual POV, second chance, BDSM, team owner/assistant coach, AHL
Read
September 2, 2024Not giving it any stars because I basically skimmed some and read the ending. I DETEST the family who control their kids with money, power, guilt. And you are a god damned 30 year old man. Stand up for yourself for Christ's sake. Okay, I know that victim blaming but I just have zero interest in reading about a billionaire mommy who coddles her drug addict (who will probably have some kind of miraculous redemption story) and shits all over her other kids while her husband meekly sits in the corner going "yes dear". Ugh. HATED it. So not for me. LOL But your mileage may vary.
October 27, 2024
I liked these two. I do like second chance romance, but it’s so easy to turn into a miscommunication. so glad this one didn’t.
Also, so happy about this totally knew it was gonna happen didn’t realise it was so soon
Also, so happy about this totally knew it was gonna happen didn’t realise it was so soon
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
I just realized while added all my GR tags, that while this is a book that starts a new hockey series in Marie's Nashville universe, not a single minute of hockey was played, and the only time someone put on a skate was when Easton bakes his skate to re-form it after a healed injury. Excellent second chance, lots of healing from family drama and after the epic ghosting Lincoln did to Easton after college.
I have to add -- the author includes a book she's previous written as a pretty big plot point in this book. That book, Seth from the Johnson Family Rules series, is about players IN THIS CURRENT BOOK. I thought maybe she'd just kind of brush past it, but no -- she mentions Seth by name and the MMCs nicknames for each other, Pretty and Phantom. This inception breaks my brain. I want to dock a star, but I'm not going to because I really like Easton and Lincoln.
I have to add -- the author includes a book she's previous written as a pretty big plot point in this book. That book, Seth from the Johnson Family Rules series, is about players IN THIS CURRENT BOOK. I thought maybe she'd just kind of brush past it, but no -- she mentions Seth by name and the MMCs nicknames for each other, Pretty and Phantom. This inception breaks my brain. I want to dock a star, but I'm not going to because I really like Easton and Lincoln.
July 15, 2024
In book 1 of the Nashville Parliament, we have 2 men who had a near perfect relationship in the past that ended with Lincoln ghosting Easton. Life doesn't work that way, though these two are once again thrust into each other lives. Easton needs to learn to restrust the man who broke his heart, and Lincoln needs to learn to take a stand against his family. These two have a truly palpable chemistry that all can see, and they can not deny even if they want to. I'm so glad to see they found a way to make this work and make a queer safe and open team for players to be able to go to. Gives such promise for future books!
November 13, 2023
3.5 stars for an okay read, although I really wanted to love this story.
Blindsided has a great start to the book as Eaton showed his sub who’s boss of their sexy scenes in the younger days.
Past: Easton was dominant in his college years and playing his hockey games wanting to go professional. Having a sub in Lincoln, a fellow college student until life took over and things changed for them. Lincoln ran when things changed and he ghosted his Dom.
Now Lincoln was in his family’s company and was “told” to take over his brother's hockey team.
Easton, 29, and had thought of retiring from his hockey playing until he got a proposal from the coach.
Easton gets an introduction to the team's newest owner, his Lincoln.
This book has lots of feelings for the characters. Lincoln is used to running, hiding and doing what his mother wants him to do. Never stands up for himself or as he puts it seen but not heard. Lincoln and Easton get a second chance at love and there ever after romance.
There were laugh-out-loud moments between them which I loved in this. The hot sexy scenes are just that with Easton being the dominant person. I don’t know the game of hockey and most of the references were lost on me.
Blindsided was a perfect title for this book. An okay story to read, I loved the start of this but after the halfway point it kinda of lost me.
A good ending with Lincoln finally standing strong. Both povs included for an HEA.
Blindsided has a great start to the book as Eaton showed his sub who’s boss of their sexy scenes in the younger days.
Past: Easton was dominant in his college years and playing his hockey games wanting to go professional. Having a sub in Lincoln, a fellow college student until life took over and things changed for them. Lincoln ran when things changed and he ghosted his Dom.
Now Lincoln was in his family’s company and was “told” to take over his brother's hockey team.
Easton, 29, and had thought of retiring from his hockey playing until he got a proposal from the coach.
Easton gets an introduction to the team's newest owner, his Lincoln.
This book has lots of feelings for the characters. Lincoln is used to running, hiding and doing what his mother wants him to do. Never stands up for himself or as he puts it seen but not heard. Lincoln and Easton get a second chance at love and there ever after romance.
There were laugh-out-loud moments between them which I loved in this. The hot sexy scenes are just that with Easton being the dominant person. I don’t know the game of hockey and most of the references were lost on me.
Blindsided was a perfect title for this book. An okay story to read, I loved the start of this but after the halfway point it kinda of lost me.
A good ending with Lincoln finally standing strong. Both povs included for an HEA.
September 21, 2023
Blindsided by Carly Marie is the first book in her Parliament series. Easton and Lincoln met in college and became fast friends and then lovers and roommates. They had a Dom/sub relationship that suited them well and were happy together. Easton got drafted by the NFL and that is when Lincoln ghosted him when he graduated. He was heartbroken and couldn’t figure out what had happened. Lincoln thought he was doing what was best for him because of his family. Unbeknownst to Easton, he was actually Francis Lincoln Lewis-Barrington, second son of the Barrington moguls who were very rich and very powerful. He had to do whatever his mother and grandfather wanted him to do, which was mostly cleaning up the messes that his oldest brother, Aston, and heir to the family business made. This led him all over the globe taking care of his family’s real estate holdings and making lots of money for them. And he was afraid they would not approve of Easton and would ruin him so he left. Then Aston bought the Nashville Parliament AHL hockey team that was just getting started and was associated with the Nashville Grizzlies (previous series from Ms. Marie). He was very upset because he knew nothing about hockey and was torn away from work that he was very good at. But he was unable to stand up to his mother so off he went. On his first day he walked into his office and found Easton waiting on him. He hadn’t seen or talked to him for 8 years. One look and he turned and ran away. Easton had played professional hockey but was recruited by his best friend’s father who was going to be the head coach of the Parliament to be his assistant coach and he was there to work out the details. And one of the biggest details was figuring out how to deal with Lincoln as his boss and what happened that caused them to break up. The story continues with lots of ins and outs as well as angst as they both come to understand what happened and why it did, often with interesting consequences leading to hot, angry love scenes until they figured out how to work together. They also came to realize that they always loved each other and were able to continue to be Dom and sub and give each other what they needed. I always enjoy a Carly Marie hockey book and this one is no exception. Easton was a great guy and was looking forward to being a coach. He also took good care of Lincoln. You really feel for Lincoln because his family is so horrible to him and just uses him without even considering his feelings. It is so nice when he finally stands up for what he wants. Easton’s friends Brax and Trevor as well as Lincoln’s best friend Bodhi really contribute to the story as they add humor and help when situations call for them. Head Coach Tom as well as Daisy and the other Parliament staff also are there for them and they help Lincoln realize he has a real family in them. The love scenes are hot, especially at the club they join, and add a different element to their relationship. There isn’t a lot of actual hockey playing in the story as the team is just getting formed and it mostly centers on their relationship and how it grows. Ms. Marie is one of my favorite authors and this book continues her tradition of great hockey stories. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to reading what she has in store for us next.
September 29, 2023
- an MM hockey romance! second chance, workplace romance, BDSM, D/s relationship, found family trope!
- well that was an explosive (incredibly smutty) prologue
- Easton is a better person than i, i would of punched Lincoln in the face
- they both just ran away 😂😂
- well dinner could of gone better….
- their sexual tension between these two is everything
- that was so hot oh my god
- Link stop being a meanie or i swear to god
- Carly knows her SHIT about hockey and it makes the hockey part so much better because of it
- oh my god it’s Seth and Maz’s book!!!!!!
- i love how much Brax and Trev are in this!!
- sex scenes are SO GOOD
- he better stand up to his family soon i swear to god
- i love how they didn’t even try to be friends lmao just went straight back into dating
- cannot get over how hot these sex scenes are
- i applaud the fact she managed to get a joke in about Lardons wood
- HOLY SHIT THAT ROLE PLAY SCENE 🥵🥵
- i think Link’s character development was really good
- oh good!!! some third act conflict!!
- no third act breakup besties x
- i wish the conflict lasted a bit longer? i really wanted him to tell his mum off!!!
- i really really love the epilogue!! super cute and i can’t wait to see where this series goes!!
- NO YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND IT’S COACH C, TOBY AND JEAN LUC’S BOOK NEXT AND I SCREAMED WHEN I FOUND OUT I HAVE BEEN WAITING AND WAITING AND WAITING FOR THIS BOOK 😭😭😭😭
- well that was an explosive (incredibly smutty) prologue
- Easton is a better person than i, i would of punched Lincoln in the face
- they both just ran away 😂😂
- well dinner could of gone better….
- their sexual tension between these two is everything
- that was so hot oh my god
- Link stop being a meanie or i swear to god
- Carly knows her SHIT about hockey and it makes the hockey part so much better because of it
- oh my god it’s Seth and Maz’s book!!!!!!
- i love how much Brax and Trev are in this!!
- sex scenes are SO GOOD
- he better stand up to his family soon i swear to god
- i love how they didn’t even try to be friends lmao just went straight back into dating
- cannot get over how hot these sex scenes are
- i applaud the fact she managed to get a joke in about Lardons wood
- HOLY SHIT THAT ROLE PLAY SCENE 🥵🥵
- i think Link’s character development was really good
- oh good!!! some third act conflict!!
- no third act breakup besties x
- i wish the conflict lasted a bit longer? i really wanted him to tell his mum off!!!
- i really really love the epilogue!! super cute and i can’t wait to see where this series goes!!
- NO YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND IT’S COACH C, TOBY AND JEAN LUC’S BOOK NEXT AND I SCREAMED WHEN I FOUND OUT I HAVE BEEN WAITING AND WAITING AND WAITING FOR THIS BOOK 😭😭😭😭
January 22, 2024
good
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2024...
***spoilers little here and there***
Before I even get started on reviewing this book. All I want to say is I can’t wait to read “Overtime” the next book to the Grizzlies with Coach Cunningham, Toby, and Jean-Luc. That’s about to be soooo interesting and I didn’t know that; that book was about them…
But I had to finish reading “Boarded” first …. Once I finish this other book I’ve started.
Besides all of that… it interesting to see that Brax best friend who he was talking to ended up in Nashville. Where he’s at…
To see that not only that Easton and Lincoln have worked things out between each other after all them years.
I was also was glad when he “Lincoln” finally told his mom “NO” for a change because he deserve to be happy and to live is life how he see fit. Instead of keep running when his mom says how HIGH.. when his brother Aston messes; up all the time. You could tell that his brother needs help. But their mom and grandfather keeps swiping stuff under the rug. I hope that his father speaks up more on that situation…
But overall I enjoyed this book and glad to see that they found each other again and happy!!!! Because they were meant to be. Especially with Lincoln brother messing up neither Link or Easton would’ve found their way back to each other if not for Aston messing up!! And Lincoln having to fix his mess ups again!!
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2024...
***spoilers little here and there***
Before I even get started on reviewing this book. All I want to say is I can’t wait to read “Overtime” the next book to the Grizzlies with Coach Cunningham, Toby, and Jean-Luc. That’s about to be soooo interesting and I didn’t know that; that book was about them…
But I had to finish reading “Boarded” first …. Once I finish this other book I’ve started.
Besides all of that… it interesting to see that Brax best friend who he was talking to ended up in Nashville. Where he’s at…
To see that not only that Easton and Lincoln have worked things out between each other after all them years.
I was also was glad when he “Lincoln” finally told his mom “NO” for a change because he deserve to be happy and to live is life how he see fit. Instead of keep running when his mom says how HIGH.. when his brother Aston messes; up all the time. You could tell that his brother needs help. But their mom and grandfather keeps swiping stuff under the rug. I hope that his father speaks up more on that situation…
But overall I enjoyed this book and glad to see that they found each other again and happy!!!! Because they were meant to be. Especially with Lincoln brother messing up neither Link or Easton would’ve found their way back to each other if not for Aston messing up!! And Lincoln having to fix his mess ups again!!
September 29, 2023
Blindsided by @carlymariewrites
Book 1, Nashville Parliament
(Spin-off of Nashville Grizzlies series)
I'm not one usually for the second chance trope but the blurb intrigued me. Plus, I'm still in my hockey romance era 😂😂 Carly Marie even said at the end of the book that it was her first second chance story. I think she really pulled it off. You can totally sympathize with the reason for their breakup. 💔 I was rooting for their reconciliation from the beginning.
Lincoln and Easton were college boyfriends until Easton was ghosted just as he was drafted to the NHL. Lincoln has huge pressure on him from his mother and grandfather and he thought it was the right thing to do.
Enter Easton, the newly hired assistant coach for the Parliament hockey team, and Lincoln, the owner of said team. Fireworks ensue!
If you like reading about:
🌟 Second chances
🌟 D/s vibes
🌟 Pro hockey players
🌟 Found family
🌟 Funny bantering characters
🌟 Oversharing friends
🌟 Hurt/comfort-ish
Then this book is for you!
🔥🔥🔥
Book 1, Nashville Parliament
(Spin-off of Nashville Grizzlies series)
I'm not one usually for the second chance trope but the blurb intrigued me. Plus, I'm still in my hockey romance era 😂😂 Carly Marie even said at the end of the book that it was her first second chance story. I think she really pulled it off. You can totally sympathize with the reason for their breakup. 💔 I was rooting for their reconciliation from the beginning.
Lincoln and Easton were college boyfriends until Easton was ghosted just as he was drafted to the NHL. Lincoln has huge pressure on him from his mother and grandfather and he thought it was the right thing to do.
Enter Easton, the newly hired assistant coach for the Parliament hockey team, and Lincoln, the owner of said team. Fireworks ensue!
If you like reading about:
🌟 Second chances
🌟 D/s vibes
🌟 Pro hockey players
🌟 Found family
🌟 Funny bantering characters
🌟 Oversharing friends
🌟 Hurt/comfort-ish
Then this book is for you!
🔥🔥🔥
September 29, 2023
If you saw Carly's newsletter, then you saw my line! Carly is one of my top favorite authors of all time. I've read all of her books several times....so the little bit of inception in this book was fun!
Ok, now on to the actual review. I loved this book. The last book in the Grizzly series was super heavy and it was hard to finish. This one was the exact opposite.
This is a spin off series and I suggest you read the others. Start with Seth *hint, hint* You won't be disappointed.
We first met Easton in Traded. His best friend is Brad who is the Daddy to Trevor. While not a huge part of the story line, it was a pleasure to learn more about him in this book.
Carly mentions that this is her first time writing a second chance romance and she really scored a hat trick!
I enjoyed all of their interactions and I was happy that Easton's bromance with Brax continued on in this book!
I'm excited for this spin off and can't wait to read who's next!
*I received an ARC, but all thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Ok, now on to the actual review. I loved this book. The last book in the Grizzly series was super heavy and it was hard to finish. This one was the exact opposite.
This is a spin off series and I suggest you read the others. Start with Seth *hint, hint* You won't be disappointed.
We first met Easton in Traded. His best friend is Brad who is the Daddy to Trevor. While not a huge part of the story line, it was a pleasure to learn more about him in this book.
Carly mentions that this is her first time writing a second chance romance and she really scored a hat trick!
I enjoyed all of their interactions and I was happy that Easton's bromance with Brax continued on in this book!
I'm excited for this spin off and can't wait to read who's next!
*I received an ARC, but all thoughts and opinions are my own!*
October 13, 2023
Just when I think I can't fall more in love with the author's books, she proves me wrong. Blindsided stole my heart within the first pages of the book. I wanted to kidnap Lincoln and protect him at all cost. Then we get to really know Easton (he was introduced in the Nashville Grizzlies series ❤️❤️) and he buried himself deeper into my heart. The past hurts these two carried broke my heart. But then it was slowly put together as Lincoln and Easton communicated, yes communicated, and truly understood each other's past actions and pain. It was not rehashed for unnecessary drama but truly forgiven. And seeing their relationship develop and blossom just melted my heart. It also practically melted my kindle, so steamy hot 🔥🔥
The humor had me cracking me up. The side characters, as always, were fully developed and so loveable and intriguing. Which of course makes me want every one of their stories. I don't think I've ever read a book by this author where I didn't demand the side characters's stories 😂 so good thing that's she always seems to give us what we want ❤️❤️
The humor had me cracking me up. The side characters, as always, were fully developed and so loveable and intriguing. Which of course makes me want every one of their stories. I don't think I've ever read a book by this author where I didn't demand the side characters's stories 😂 so good thing that's she always seems to give us what we want ❤️❤️
October 26, 2023
Characters Felt Off
While the author goes to great lengths to show off deep hockey knowledge (including a 2 page segment discussing skate shaping using a kitchen oven), the gay men do not feel realistic. To me, it was as if they were created using drag drop software with a list of personality traits and kinks. It left me disappointed because I thought the general premise and first 50 pages were really quite good. Ultimately, the desire progression and character growth of the two MCs felt way too incoherent for a serious contemporary romance genre. It's hard to describe, but it's almost like the men and their relationship to each other and kink read as very hetereosexual. As a gay man, they didn't feel like real gay men to me.
Lastly, I know that it is common for the genre to structure things like a little queertopia where everyone is gay, but in this setting (NHL/AHL), it's particularly unrealistic and annoying. There is a way to structure a queertopia thoughtfully, but this one just feels like bad fan fiction.
While the author goes to great lengths to show off deep hockey knowledge (including a 2 page segment discussing skate shaping using a kitchen oven), the gay men do not feel realistic. To me, it was as if they were created using drag drop software with a list of personality traits and kinks. It left me disappointed because I thought the general premise and first 50 pages were really quite good. Ultimately, the desire progression and character growth of the two MCs felt way too incoherent for a serious contemporary romance genre. It's hard to describe, but it's almost like the men and their relationship to each other and kink read as very hetereosexual. As a gay man, they didn't feel like real gay men to me.
Lastly, I know that it is common for the genre to structure things like a little queertopia where everyone is gay, but in this setting (NHL/AHL), it's particularly unrealistic and annoying. There is a way to structure a queertopia thoughtfully, but this one just feels like bad fan fiction.
April 4, 2024
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed Lincoln and Easton's story -- second chance, BDSM with lots of caretaker Dom overtones, sexy along with super sweet -- but I'm taking 0.75 stars off for using a pair of in-universe characters as a sexy book that people who know them read! You can't have Dorothy and the Tin Man discuss Ozma of Oz as a good book to read before bed, it's just not right! I understand that Seth and Maz are sex on wheels, but don't use them as a fictional couple when your MC's best friend works with them -- couldn't she have used a book from M.A. Innes's Leashes and Lace series or maybe Della Cain or J.A. Rock? There are plenty of authors and series out there...
Anyway, I did really enjoy the story and am very interested to see where she's taking the Parliament!
I really enjoyed Lincoln and Easton's story -- second chance, BDSM with lots of caretaker Dom overtones, sexy along with super sweet -- but I'm taking 0.75 stars off for using a pair of in-universe characters as a sexy book that people who know them read! You can't have Dorothy and the Tin Man discuss Ozma of Oz as a good book to read before bed, it's just not right! I understand that Seth and Maz are sex on wheels, but don't use them as a fictional couple when your MC's best friend works with them -- couldn't she have used a book from M.A. Innes's Leashes and Lace series or maybe Della Cain or J.A. Rock? There are plenty of authors and series out there...
Anyway, I did really enjoy the story and am very interested to see where she's taking the Parliament!
September 27, 2023
First book in the Nashville Parliament series, but we haven't left our Grizzlies friends behind. I absolutely loved this book, and how CM has integrated this new AHL team into the current Nashville character world. Linc and Easton were college sweethearts, but Linc's family identity and responsibilities pulled him away. Years later, they meet again, only Linc is the surprise owner of the hockey team that Easton is being recruited to coach. All that heavy baggage gets dumped out, and it takes a lot of courage, honesty, and willpower to clean up the mess from their past and begin a new future together. Carly Marie has again given us characters that are quite complicated, including the role that BDSM plays in their understanding of who they are. Looking forward to a world where everyone's unique differences are accepted and embraced. She gives us a peek at what that world might look like... and hope.
October 10, 2023
I can't remember If I have read any books of this author before. It was an Enjoyable story which could do with some more plot. I did finish the book in a few hours but I did skip some parts. Second chance romance but everything was resolved very quickly for my liking- I suppose that's just preference. They got together at about 40% of the book and that was it. The reason why Link left Easton in the first place was his mum and grandad (didn't see much of the old goat). Link stood up for himself once and the other time his dad just gave him the team and that was it-all resolved-really???
The other thing that probably that took away from the story were the side characters. We have an old couple (daddy/little) haven't read their book nor will I as I cringed every time he called his partner daddy (thats just personal preference tho) and the second one is a future couple
The other thing that probably that took away from the story were the side characters. We have an old couple (daddy/little) haven't read their book nor will I as I cringed every time he called his partner daddy (thats just personal preference tho) and the second one is a future couple
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2023
5 stars…
Omg this has been out for two months and I had no idea! I love Carly Marie, especially these kinky MM hockey romances. They always hit everything I’m looking for. A great amount of spice with different kinks each time, lots of family and external drama, but also internal drama with different insecurities and backstory’s that leave me begging for more. I think I’ve read everything by them and will continue to do so!
Moving on, super happy with the Parliament organization start, glad we got a call back to a lot of old characters but it wasn’t confusing. Lincoln running away sucks but I totally get where he was coming from, although if you date someone for two years and love them I feel like you should have told him. But Easton was amazing, very hot and very supportive and I really enjoyed this second chance dom/sub book.
3/5 on spice. 3/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. Exhibitionism and panties!
Omg this has been out for two months and I had no idea! I love Carly Marie, especially these kinky MM hockey romances. They always hit everything I’m looking for. A great amount of spice with different kinks each time, lots of family and external drama, but also internal drama with different insecurities and backstory’s that leave me begging for more. I think I’ve read everything by them and will continue to do so!
Moving on, super happy with the Parliament organization start, glad we got a call back to a lot of old characters but it wasn’t confusing. Lincoln running away sucks but I totally get where he was coming from, although if you date someone for two years and love them I feel like you should have told him. But Easton was amazing, very hot and very supportive and I really enjoyed this second chance dom/sub book.
3/5 on spice. 3/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. Exhibitionism and panties!
October 5, 2023
I was very happy to read the latest Carly Marie book and enjoyed Easton and Lincoln's story and was thrilled to have Brax and his dads and of course Trevor as an integral part of the story. You don't like that Lincoln ran away from Easton after college but with his horrible family and his fear that it would destroy Easton's life you do feel for him. Easton was wonderful and he and Lincoln did have serious talks about the past but their growing relationship was so much fun to read about. I loved how his dad finally took a stand and was able to prevent Lincoln's mother from causing more trouble and finally Lincoln was free from her and his grandfather's tyranny. Really looking forward to the next book.
October 9, 2023
I love Carly Marie's hockey romances and this one, a second chance romance, is the beginning of a new series. It wasn't quite as good as I had hoped, but I admit I had extremely high expectations as the character, Easton, appeared in another book in a previous series and I wanted him to have the bestest. He got a great boyfriend, one who had left him after college years ago without any reason so the reunited part came with lots of baggage. But I felt that some tiny spark of chemistry was missing. It may just be me because I honestly can't cite any one specific reason, and I really love the whole cast of characters in both these series so I'm looking forward to many more lovely love stories with players from The Parliament, Nashville's newest team.
September 24, 2023
So good . Brilliant start to new series
When Lincoln and Easton were at collage the were together , learning BDSM and what they liked. Easton always knew what Lincoln needed but once they graduated Lincoln disappeared.
Roll on the years Lincoln's mother sends him off to manage the hockey team his brother Aston brought.
There he meets Easton again, and he flees the office.
Both men need to talk but always end up doing a scene which is what Lincoln needs .
Second chance romance, with Lincoln learning to stand up to his mother and grandfather.
Love that the chart from the Grizzlies are included so even though its a new series you still get to read about past characters
When Lincoln and Easton were at collage the were together , learning BDSM and what they liked. Easton always knew what Lincoln needed but once they graduated Lincoln disappeared.
Roll on the years Lincoln's mother sends him off to manage the hockey team his brother Aston brought.
There he meets Easton again, and he flees the office.
Both men need to talk but always end up doing a scene which is what Lincoln needs .
Second chance romance, with Lincoln learning to stand up to his mother and grandfather.
Love that the chart from the Grizzlies are included so even though its a new series you still get to read about past characters
September 28, 2023
Easton’s story is one that I wasn’t quite expecting to be what it was. Then I realized that it explained so much about Easton and his actions. Lincoln is struggling so much with trying to be what his family wants him to be and in doing so, he has lost himself. When he comes face to face with the one man that he was his true self (even if there were a few things he did not mention), Lincoln had to face what he had become.
This was the perfect book to start the Parliament series and I look forward to more. You also get to see the familiar Grizzlies and a few things you did not know.
This was the perfect book to start the Parliament series and I look forward to more. You also get to see the familiar Grizzlies and a few things you did not know.
October 5, 2023
so ready for this new series
I have loved all of Carly Marie’s series, and the Grizzly’s series has been my favorite but this new series is about to steal my heart and take the number one spot. This story was everything I needed and just hit the spot. I loved everything about it, especially the evolution of the characters and their relationship. Having to overcome old hurt and forge a new way forward is impossibly hard and these two did it in a way that was beautiful and pulled at my heart strings. Can’t wait for the next one!
I have loved all of Carly Marie’s series, and the Grizzly’s series has been my favorite but this new series is about to steal my heart and take the number one spot. This story was everything I needed and just hit the spot. I loved everything about it, especially the evolution of the characters and their relationship. Having to overcome old hurt and forge a new way forward is impossibly hard and these two did it in a way that was beautiful and pulled at my heart strings. Can’t wait for the next one!
October 10, 2024
Easton and his second chance romance was freaking adorable. A few times my jaw dropped from the audacity of Lincolns family but thank god for the select few we all have in our families that make dealing with annoying family slightly easier.
There's nothing like an angry f*ck and when I say these 2 know how to have angry sex 🥵🥵 hot asf. I will say I want to know what book they were reading granted it definitely made me think of Boarded by Carly Marie with that wall scene 🥵🔥 Loved seeing them come together again and be the safe place they needed.
There's nothing like an angry f*ck and when I say these 2 know how to have angry sex 🥵🥵 hot asf. I will say I want to know what book they were reading granted it definitely made me think of Boarded by Carly Marie with that wall scene 🥵🔥 Loved seeing them come together again and be the safe place they needed.
June 1, 2025
Another spin on a similar dynamic
Easton's story has been a long time coming and while I didn't see the blast from the past coming, I really enjoyed Lincoln. Especially as he grew and finally stood up to his family. I also enjoyed the different take on the Dom/sub dynamic, with some caregiving mixed with more of the SM side than we've seen in previous books. But omg I can't wait to read Coach's story! I thought there would be one but then we came to Parliament, and I also thought Tony and Luc would get a story but it's all three! Perfection!
Easton's story has been a long time coming and while I didn't see the blast from the past coming, I really enjoyed Lincoln. Especially as he grew and finally stood up to his family. I also enjoyed the different take on the Dom/sub dynamic, with some caregiving mixed with more of the SM side than we've seen in previous books. But omg I can't wait to read Coach's story! I thought there would be one but then we came to Parliament, and I also thought Tony and Luc would get a story but it's all three! Perfection!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews