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Hockey Heroes #1
Puckless
Ethan Underwood is a muscular, determined professional hockey player on the rise with a body that makes fans swoon and opponents tremble. His powerful shots and smooth puck handling leave everyone in awe, but when it comes to matters of the heart, Ethan is more than a little clumsy and awkward
Enter Ryan Parker, a witty and charismatic sports journalist who is as sharp as the blade of a skate. He has a knack for uncovering scandalous stories.
Ethan's accidental mishap on the ice landing him at Ryan's feet sets the pair off on a collision course toward romance.
Enter Ryan Parker, a witty and charismatic sports journalist who is as sharp as the blade of a skate. He has a knack for uncovering scandalous stories.
Ethan's accidental mishap on the ice landing him at Ryan's feet sets the pair off on a collision course toward romance.
260 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2023
3 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
dnf
September 27, 2023The prose. She was very, very purple. I just can’t do it. Next please.
July 25, 2023
Rather sweet: for the hockey enthusiast who prefers the low-key burn🏒
This story was definitely romantic but it was also full of action and a bit of dark mystery. Lead characters Ethan and Ryan head an engaging bunch of winter sports enthusiasts in this MM romance that features sweet nights of karaoke, scarfing take-out and chilling on the couch interspersed with hockey, ice skating, snowman construction and even some biathlon training. If you tremble and moan at the thought of the cold, maybe you can follow my example and get a virtual dose of winter and all its frigid fun in Puckless while indulging in their sweet romance.😊
The plot was built around a good ensemble of characters: minor league hockey players hanging out together and supporting each other in their uphill battle to reach the play-offs. The story spends a good chunk of time on the team activities and dynamic; they're not just relegated to a side note or occasional mention. Ryan is a sports journalist who follows the local minor league ice hockey team and connects quickly with Ethan after Ethan, in one of his show-off moves at practice, ends up sprawled before him! Things could only go up for the pair from there and they quickly do, even though Ethan has yet to come out to his team or the fans.
There's a subplot about vicious, anonymous threats targeted at Nate, Ethan's best friend on the team, and Ryan gets busy looking into it. This adds a bit of suspense that I don't know was needed but it also pushes Ethan into a big move and Ryan is super supportive, something that goes both ways in their building relationship.
I wouldn't say it was a quick read for me but I enjoyed it and the steamy bits were judiciously meted out with the focus on their emotional bond.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This story was definitely romantic but it was also full of action and a bit of dark mystery. Lead characters Ethan and Ryan head an engaging bunch of winter sports enthusiasts in this MM romance that features sweet nights of karaoke, scarfing take-out and chilling on the couch interspersed with hockey, ice skating, snowman construction and even some biathlon training. If you tremble and moan at the thought of the cold, maybe you can follow my example and get a virtual dose of winter and all its frigid fun in Puckless while indulging in their sweet romance.😊
The plot was built around a good ensemble of characters: minor league hockey players hanging out together and supporting each other in their uphill battle to reach the play-offs. The story spends a good chunk of time on the team activities and dynamic; they're not just relegated to a side note or occasional mention. Ryan is a sports journalist who follows the local minor league ice hockey team and connects quickly with Ethan after Ethan, in one of his show-off moves at practice, ends up sprawled before him! Things could only go up for the pair from there and they quickly do, even though Ethan has yet to come out to his team or the fans.
There's a subplot about vicious, anonymous threats targeted at Nate, Ethan's best friend on the team, and Ryan gets busy looking into it. This adds a bit of suspense that I don't know was needed but it also pushes Ethan into a big move and Ryan is super supportive, something that goes both ways in their building relationship.
I wouldn't say it was a quick read for me but I enjoyed it and the steamy bits were judiciously meted out with the focus on their emotional bond.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
July 30, 2023
I received a free advance copy for review purposes.
Ethan Underwood is a minor league hockey player who loves what he does, though he is in the closet. He agrees to a dare to do some figure skating toward Ryan Parker, a sportswriter. It all goes awry when Ethan loses his footing doing a jump and ends up sliding heavily into the boards at Ryan’s feet. It worked out though since Ethan successfully asked Ryan on a date. The first date goes so well that they agree to a second one and then a third. Ethan’s best friend and teammate, Nate, tells Ethan than he has been receiving threats that he would rather not describe to his buddy. As he’s a sportswriter, Ethan asks Ryan to investigate the threats. After a lot of digging, he discovers that the threats to Nate revolve around his friendship with the closeted Ethan. They go through a series of difficulties before arriving at their happy ending.
As is normally the case with Mr. Rhodes, the plot is well-developed and logical. There is little angst. The side plot concerning the threats to Nate fully contributes to the main plot since it involves Ethan being in the closet. The two main characters are great, and one cheers for them all along. The secondary characters are fun and two even surprise us at the end.
I can happily recommend this book to all lovers of the genre.
Ethan Underwood is a minor league hockey player who loves what he does, though he is in the closet. He agrees to a dare to do some figure skating toward Ryan Parker, a sportswriter. It all goes awry when Ethan loses his footing doing a jump and ends up sliding heavily into the boards at Ryan’s feet. It worked out though since Ethan successfully asked Ryan on a date. The first date goes so well that they agree to a second one and then a third. Ethan’s best friend and teammate, Nate, tells Ethan than he has been receiving threats that he would rather not describe to his buddy. As he’s a sportswriter, Ethan asks Ryan to investigate the threats. After a lot of digging, he discovers that the threats to Nate revolve around his friendship with the closeted Ethan. They go through a series of difficulties before arriving at their happy ending.
As is normally the case with Mr. Rhodes, the plot is well-developed and logical. There is little angst. The side plot concerning the threats to Nate fully contributes to the main plot since it involves Ethan being in the closet. The two main characters are great, and one cheers for them all along. The secondary characters are fun and two even surprise us at the end.
I can happily recommend this book to all lovers of the genre.
August 4, 2023
This is book 1 of the Hockey Heroes series. I really enjoyed this book. This is the story of Ethan Underwood and Ryan Parker. Ethan is the captain of a minor league hockey team. They are starting the season dead last. Ethan is working hard on lifting the team up so that they become contenders. He is hard working and dedicated. Ryan is a sports journalist doing a story on the team. Their first meeting has Ethan sprawled at Ryan's feet after an figure skating move goes wrong. There is instant attraction and spark. Keeping a relationship a secret does not allow it grow. Ethan must weigh the impact of coming out. Will it destroy everything he has worked so hard for? Will the fans turn against the team? How will his teammate react to his coming out? Will it detract from their fight to be contenders. How will it affect Ryan? These are the questions that Ryan and Ethan must work through to find their happy ever after. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and easy to read. I liked the slow burn of the romance and the growth of their friendship. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2023
A SWEET SLOW BURN WITH HEAT!
“For a fleeting moment, it felt like the world belonged solely to us—the triumphant team captain, the tenacious reporter—and the journey ahead.”
This was a sweet slow burn that showcased Ethan Underwood still being in the closet but with the help and support of Ryan Parker and his family of teammates it unfolds into a beautiful coming out story!
I loved their banter and how slow they took their relationship to build something so profound with trust , mutual respect and blossoming love!
Their support of each other was so awe inspiring and sweet- they were just made for each other- however their journey ahead is not smooth as Ethan is still in the closet….
The diversity aspect in sport was showcased beautifully in this sweet slow burn with lots of heat!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“For a fleeting moment, it felt like the world belonged solely to us—the triumphant team captain, the tenacious reporter—and the journey ahead.”
This was a sweet slow burn that showcased Ethan Underwood still being in the closet but with the help and support of Ryan Parker and his family of teammates it unfolds into a beautiful coming out story!
I loved their banter and how slow they took their relationship to build something so profound with trust , mutual respect and blossoming love!
Their support of each other was so awe inspiring and sweet- they were just made for each other- however their journey ahead is not smooth as Ethan is still in the closet….
The diversity aspect in sport was showcased beautifully in this sweet slow burn with lots of heat!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2023
A Difficult Decision . . .
Ethan Underwood is captain on a minor league hockey team. When Ryan Parker, a sports journalist, has an accidental encounter with Ethan after his mishap on the ice, the two of them end up starting a secret relationship. Ethan is unsure about keeping his relationship hidden from the public and his teammates because public sports figures never know how the fans will react. With the team trying to make it to the playoffs, his decision could be disastrous. What will he decide to do? And how does Ryan feel about this? Will it take the pressure off Nate as well if Ethan steps forward?
The bottom line in the story seems to revolve around being true to yourself. It sounds easy, but it definitely isn’t when hatred is so irrational and unpredictable. How will their story work out?
Ethan Underwood is captain on a minor league hockey team. When Ryan Parker, a sports journalist, has an accidental encounter with Ethan after his mishap on the ice, the two of them end up starting a secret relationship. Ethan is unsure about keeping his relationship hidden from the public and his teammates because public sports figures never know how the fans will react. With the team trying to make it to the playoffs, his decision could be disastrous. What will he decide to do? And how does Ryan feel about this? Will it take the pressure off Nate as well if Ethan steps forward?
The bottom line in the story seems to revolve around being true to yourself. It sounds easy, but it definitely isn’t when hatred is so irrational and unpredictable. How will their story work out?
August 7, 2023
Ethan, hockey player and Ryan, sports journalist, their story was a sweet read. Ethan is finding his moment to come out to the world at large and officially to his team.
As a sideplot Nate, also a hockey player, is being harrasses and bullied through messages also aimed at his Puerto Rican heritage and family. The plots both wrap up and there is a hea at the end. What I liked in this sports romance was the strong commaraderie of team members in their tema family. This story is told from both Ethan and Nate their pov, and sometimes it tells a same scenr from both their pov which makes it clearer for me as a reader.
I am looking forwars to more in the series and I am windering who gets their story next; someone in this team or if we meet a whole new team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a sideplot Nate, also a hockey player, is being harrasses and bullied through messages also aimed at his Puerto Rican heritage and family. The plots both wrap up and there is a hea at the end. What I liked in this sports romance was the strong commaraderie of team members in their tema family. This story is told from both Ethan and Nate their pov, and sometimes it tells a same scenr from both their pov which makes it clearer for me as a reader.
I am looking forwars to more in the series and I am windering who gets their story next; someone in this team or if we meet a whole new team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2023
Puckless combines so much of what I love in a hockey-based romance - the hot and brilliant hockey mind that has trouble functioning in relationships off the ice; the smooth talking journalist with a need to peer beneath the surface and investigate what's happening on and off the ice; add in a potentially homophobic hockey environment, threats against a fellow teammate and lots of chemistry and you see just where Puckless can take us!
Well paced, with good banter, a touch of snark and a coming out story, if you read sports romance, you're definitely going to want to add Puckless to your TBR.
4.5 stars rounded up
Well paced, with good banter, a touch of snark and a coming out story, if you read sports romance, you're definitely going to want to add Puckless to your TBR.
4.5 stars rounded up
August 2, 2023
Super cute
This book took a lot for me to get into. It has a really slow. You’ve got Ethan who is so courageous on the ice as a hockey player, but then he’s quite shy when he gets to speaking to people. He had his eye on Ryan, who was there doing a interview about the team And he tries to show off and it goes horribly wrong but Ryan finds him super cute. They Go for a drink that goes really well and then their first dinner goes even better. They are just cute together, there are other stories going on too. It’s a good read .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book took a lot for me to get into. It has a really slow. You’ve got Ethan who is so courageous on the ice as a hockey player, but then he’s quite shy when he gets to speaking to people. He had his eye on Ryan, who was there doing a interview about the team And he tries to show off and it goes horribly wrong but Ryan finds him super cute. They Go for a drink that goes really well and then their first dinner goes even better. They are just cute together, there are other stories going on too. It’s a good read .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2023
Heart clenching. Ethan, is a rock hockey player. He is a work of art when he is on the ice. Contrarily, he is an absolute oaf when it comes to romance. Ryan, is a clever down to earth sports journalist who calls them as he sees them. When they meet, they do a little flirting and find a common soul. Ethan is in the closet and Ryan can support him. But is that a way to conduct a fulfilling life? Will Ethan find the courage to live his truth? Can Ryan live as a dirty secret?Can the team accept Ethan's preferences? This story keeps you on the edge on finding true happiness. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2023
A sport’s romance with characters that are easy to like. Ryan and Ethan, along with the team, are all characters that give the story strength. The camaraderie was good. Some drama that was resolved gave an additional excitement. The love story moved slowly and built up the relationship which was nice. Finally, a HeA brought the book to a close in a good way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2023
Ryan and Ethan just pull you in. This is a slow burn romance. They take their time first becoming friends and then more. I enjoyed the secondary characters and the relationships that they have with the main characters.
Overall this is wonderfully sweet read with a little snark, a coming out, a threat against a teammate and some hockey and of course an HEA
Overall this is wonderfully sweet read with a little snark, a coming out, a threat against a teammate and some hockey and of course an HEA
July 26, 2023
Declan does it again. This may not be his first foray into hockey, but it should make everyone who writes gay fiction about hockey sit up and notice. He's working with a minor league team in Madison, WI this time, and I suspect he isn't exactly finished with the team yet. I literally couldn't put it down oncce I started.
July 26, 2023
Ethan decides to wow Ryan with some of his mothers figure skating moves and literally ends up falling at his feet , well the relationship can only go up from there can’t it. When Ethan’s teammate Nate starts getting disturbing texts he asks Ryan to dig to see what he can find out and help to flush the culprits out.
not-for-me
September 27, 2023DNFed after reading 1 1/4 pages because the hero’s first person narrative voice is strikingly unrealistic. Example, after he describes skating as “my powerful thighs propelling me forward with an exhilarating surge of adrenaline”, he explains his hockey nickname: “I’d come to accept it as a charming term of endearment, a gentle sign of the affection of my teammates.”
July 30, 2023
This was a cute MM hockey romance which was fairly low angst and ended with a HEA.
Ethan and Ryan’s support for each other was evident.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ethan and Ryan’s support for each other was evident.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked Ethan and Ryan's story from the very beginning. The side plot of the threats just added to the story. It is a great start to a new series.
August 9, 2023
Ethan is a hockey player for a minor league team. Ryan is a sports reporter who's reporting on Ethan's team. They circle around each other but neither make a move. When they start dating Ethan wants to take it slow and Ryan will do anything for Ethan. I really enjoyed this book.
August 12, 2023
1 star
There was nothing really wrong with this book. But the characters just meet, decide to go on a date, then start seeing each other. It was just boring and not very well written either.
There was nothing really wrong with this book. But the characters just meet, decide to go on a date, then start seeing each other. It was just boring and not very well written either.
August 16, 2023
DNF @ 9%. The writing was a bit florid in places, which was very distracting. It’d been a long time since I’d seen the word “visage” used in a current M/M romance novel…
September 28, 2023
This is the first book in a new series and it was an enjoyable story, it has some great characters in it and I can’t wait to read more from this series.
dnf
October 17, 2023The lack of sentence variety and stilted dialogue was just more than I could manage.
Read
December 19, 2023A sweet story, but the writing style wasn't for me, although I may come back to continue this series at some point.
did-not-finish
April 21, 2024DNF
The writing is not for me; too many metaphors and purple prose.
The writing is not for me; too many metaphors and purple prose.
did-not-finish-abandoned
December 6, 2023Bleh.
There's something to be said for describing things, but the over use of similes and superlatives, was annoying to be a turn off.
"I crouched low like a snow leopard preparing to pounce and pushed off with all my strength, my skates gliding over the newly-groomed ice like oil on glass."
"A jolt of electricity coursed through me as if someone had slammed my heart with a defibrillator."
DNF @ 7%
There's something to be said for describing things, but the over use of similes and superlatives, was annoying to be a turn off.
"I crouched low like a snow leopard preparing to pounce and pushed off with all my strength, my skates gliding over the newly-groomed ice like oil on glass."
"A jolt of electricity coursed through me as if someone had slammed my heart with a defibrillator."
DNF @ 7%
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews