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Hockey Ever After #4
Crushed Ice
When Liam Belanger gets a professional tryout with the Miami Caimans, he’s hoping to land a roster spot that’ll keep him from bussing tables. If he can make the team and score a tryout in bed with Russ Lyons, the veteran defenseman who’s appointed himself Liam’s mentor, that would be the icing on the sweet hockey cake.
Living life by a strict set of rules has worked out well for Russ. He has a great career, great friends, and a great family, even if they do keep setting him up with hometown honey traps. But he can’t stop time, and now, despite all his planning, he’s looking at his last year with the Caimans before the uncertainty of free agency. Maybe that’s why he finds sunny, free-spirited Liam so attractive.
He’s still not going to sleep with his rookie.
Probably.
Liam starts the season in the minors, but it’s not long before he gets a shot at the Big Show. His year is shaping up to be a dream come true—even before Russ picks up on Liam’s passes and proves defensemen can score too.
Living life by a strict set of rules has worked out well for Russ. He has a great career, great friends, and a great family, even if they do keep setting him up with hometown honey traps. But he can’t stop time, and now, despite all his planning, he’s looking at his last year with the Caimans before the uncertainty of free agency. Maybe that’s why he finds sunny, free-spirited Liam so attractive.
He’s still not going to sleep with his rookie.
Probably.
Liam starts the season in the minors, but it’s not long before he gets a shot at the Big Show. His year is shaping up to be a dream come true—even before Russ picks up on Liam’s passes and proves defensemen can score too.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2024
315 people are currently reading
1369 people want to read
About the author
Ashlyn Kane
33 books526 followersAshlyn Kane is a thirtysomething writer, editor, procrastinator, and dog mom. She likes cheese, puns, and hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
February 8, 2024
I love this series, with the 2nd book being my favorite ( Scoring Position )and I was looking forward to a new addition very much.
I wasn't disappointed. This new hockey romance is another sweet, hot story about 2 hockey-players who fall for each other. It's an age gap romance, a bit of grumpy sunshine added in the mix as well.
Liam was a force to be reckoned with. He has a very joyful way to look at life, he's a whirlwind, a funny, sweet and no-nonsense guy, who meets Russ. Russ is the one who takes Liam under his wing when Liam is added to the team, where he might be taken over Russ's position sometime in the future. He's Russ's rookie.
When they both discover the other one is gay (and have been secretly crushing on each other), they decide to explore a little. Specially since Liam will be going to a satellite team, and they won't be teammates. But then things happen and Liam returns and suddenly there's more at stake then 'just' a hockey position. Because they both discover there are more feelings involved then they counted on.
It was very nice to meet Baller again (he's from the first book) and to see how he and Gabe and their little daughter are doing. It was good to see they were invited for Max and Grady's (from the 3rd book) wedding. You can still read this book as a stand alone, but it is so much more fun when you read the first books as well!
I loved this team (The Caiman's), I loved the family's and all the secondary characters. I fell in love with Liam, who is funny and kind, and with Russ, who only wants to take care of the people he loves, and who is grateful for his career. He's still closeted, but just to the outside world. Insiders realize he falls for Liam fast, though Russ finds it hard to have deeper feelings for a teammate. I loved how Baller made him realize a few things too.
Again, well written, entertaining story. A great balance between hockey and romance. It's low angst, though it does have an unexpected twist that does make the story a little more angsty than it was until that moment. Still, a great, recommended read. If you love hockey and romance, this is a book you should read. Or maybe, if you haven't yet, start with the first book and work your way to this one, because all these story's are worth your time!
I kindly received an advanced copy from gaybookpromotions and this is my honest, unbiased review
I wasn't disappointed. This new hockey romance is another sweet, hot story about 2 hockey-players who fall for each other. It's an age gap romance, a bit of grumpy sunshine added in the mix as well.
Liam was a force to be reckoned with. He has a very joyful way to look at life, he's a whirlwind, a funny, sweet and no-nonsense guy, who meets Russ. Russ is the one who takes Liam under his wing when Liam is added to the team, where he might be taken over Russ's position sometime in the future. He's Russ's rookie.
When they both discover the other one is gay (and have been secretly crushing on each other), they decide to explore a little. Specially since Liam will be going to a satellite team, and they won't be teammates. But then things happen and Liam returns and suddenly there's more at stake then 'just' a hockey position. Because they both discover there are more feelings involved then they counted on.
It was very nice to meet Baller again (he's from the first book) and to see how he and Gabe and their little daughter are doing. It was good to see they were invited for Max and Grady's (from the 3rd book) wedding. You can still read this book as a stand alone, but it is so much more fun when you read the first books as well!
I loved this team (The Caiman's), I loved the family's and all the secondary characters. I fell in love with Liam, who is funny and kind, and with Russ, who only wants to take care of the people he loves, and who is grateful for his career. He's still closeted, but just to the outside world. Insiders realize he falls for Liam fast, though Russ finds it hard to have deeper feelings for a teammate. I loved how Baller made him realize a few things too.
Again, well written, entertaining story. A great balance between hockey and romance. It's low angst, though it does have an unexpected twist that does make the story a little more angsty than it was until that moment. Still, a great, recommended read. If you love hockey and romance, this is a book you should read. Or maybe, if you haven't yet, start with the first book and work your way to this one, because all these story's are worth your time!
I kindly received an advanced copy from gaybookpromotions and this is my honest, unbiased review
February 11, 2024
This was actually my least favourite of the series. I liked both characters, especially Liam, and they had great chemistry, but I was bored a lot. Not once did I get sucked into the story which is very unusual for me with this series.
The sex scenes were very quality and memorable though, and needed to be mentioned. Also, Russ’ need to take care of Liam and Liam loving it was adorable.
I honestly found most of my enjoyment with this book being Liam’s jokes and his interactions with previous characters, even though it still icks me to see Gabe with a kid.
I felt the age gap a lot here too, and sometimes it made me uncomfortable. Liam and Russ were fully dating and Russ was still calling him “kid” and it made me cringe.
On a positive note, there’s only one pregnant woman in this book compared to the usual 20 in all the previous books, and there are actually female characters in the story who aren’t placed there just to be “mom.” Biiiig improvement.
I did laugh quite a bit and really enjoyed some scenes, and the writing was lovely as usual, so three stars it is.
The sex scenes were very quality and memorable though, and needed to be mentioned. Also, Russ’ need to take care of Liam and Liam loving it was adorable.
I honestly found most of my enjoyment with this book being Liam’s jokes and his interactions with previous characters, even though it still icks me to see Gabe with a kid.
I felt the age gap a lot here too, and sometimes it made me uncomfortable. Liam and Russ were fully dating and Russ was still calling him “kid” and it made me cringe.
On a positive note, there’s only one pregnant woman in this book compared to the usual 20 in all the previous books, and there are actually female characters in the story who aren’t placed there just to be “mom.” Biiiig improvement.
I did laugh quite a bit and really enjoyed some scenes, and the writing was lovely as usual, so three stars it is.
February 8, 2024
I love this series so much!
Liam and Russ fit together so well, and Dante being traded to their team was great because it meant more Dante and Gabe content.
I honestly could keep reading more and more about every couple in this series, and I'm looking forward to the next book already!
Liam and Russ fit together so well, and Dante being traded to their team was great because it meant more Dante and Gabe content.
I honestly could keep reading more and more about every couple in this series, and I'm looking forward to the next book already!
March 14, 2025
This was pretty good. The transition from friends with benefits to dating was kind of random and sudden. It was a long book with not a lot of plot, just a lot of their daily lives. The book felt longer than it was.
January 6, 2025
There is really nothing special about this series and yet I cannot stop reading it. I still think the first book was the best though.
April 4, 2024
I have no clue why I love this series so much but I just do. The writing is clunky, it's not my preferred POV and at times I needed a few paragraphs to see whose head I was in. The stories are nothing new either but I don't really care and I just love to read them.
February 13, 2024
DNFing this at 31% - i just find it a little boring at the moment, might go back to it later when im in a different mood.
February 14, 2024
I love how this book was steeped in hockey culture. Read to feel immersed in to the life of hockey players with a side of two of them falling in love with each other. This team had the most endearing dynamics.
”Everyone on this team is so fucking nosy.”
Russ constantly denying himself having Liam made their interactions very exciting. I mean, he had good reasons.
Liam Belanger rookie, French Canadian, is a little goofy and sooo cute
Russ Lyons 10 years older, is tight and always in control with actually a secret funny side.
Great addition to the series.
Cameos of Max and Grady, and Dante and Gabe. Dante plays a key role and he is great in this. Kitty even gets a little name drop.
Loved this one a lot! Can be read as stand-alone but I think so much more enjoyable if read in order. One of the best hockey series out there.
”Everyone on this team is so fucking nosy.”
Russ constantly denying himself having Liam made their interactions very exciting. I mean, he had good reasons.
Liam Belanger rookie, French Canadian, is a little goofy and sooo cute
Russ Lyons 10 years older, is tight and always in control with actually a secret funny side.
Great addition to the series.
Cameos of Max and Grady, and Dante and Gabe. Dante plays a key role and he is great in this. Kitty even gets a little name drop.
Loved this one a lot! Can be read as stand-alone but I think so much more enjoyable if read in order. One of the best hockey series out there.
September 14, 2024
May I interest you in:
🧊 MM sport romance
🧊 age gap
🧊 rookie/mentor
🧊 dual POV
🧊 steam 🥵
🧊 teammates
🧊 MM sport romance
🧊 age gap
🧊 rookie/mentor
🧊 dual POV
🧊 steam 🥵
🧊 teammates
February 6, 2024
Tags: Captivating, heartwarming, well written, easy to read, sports romance, dynamic, opposite attracts, no angst, high drama or complex issues, no cliffhangers.
I enjoyed reading this book from first to the last page. It is easy to read, smooth-flowing, heartwarming, and not emotionally overbearing or crushing. The dynamic and fluent writing transforms the straightforward plot into a compelling read.
Hockey fans will appreciate this book because the hockey game is not just a backdrop to the love story of Russ and Liam, the Trouble; It gives a substantial insight into the game and team dynamics.
Through the storyline, we follow the relationship development from the crush at first sight to love and deep emotions and changes in the careers of the main characters.
One of the main traits of the novel is Russ and Liam. They are charming, likable, and relatable opposites, Russ being a calm planner, thoughtful, and responsible, while Liam, the Trouble, is his opposite: chaotic, sassy, joker, carefree, and easygoing.
Authors masterfully create tension and suspense through MCs being the epitome of opposites: character traits, a substantial gap in age and careers, Russ reaching the end of his career while Liam is just beginning. All this creates tension and suspense and, in combination with supporting characters, converts a straightforward plot into a captivating read. Eloquent and vivid writing adds to the dynamic, creating a compelling, witty, and entertaining novel.
Fans of works with a lot of action, angst, dark drama, conflicting and flawed characters, deep emotions, and complex issues might not fully appreciate this book.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
I enjoyed reading this book from first to the last page. It is easy to read, smooth-flowing, heartwarming, and not emotionally overbearing or crushing. The dynamic and fluent writing transforms the straightforward plot into a compelling read.
Hockey fans will appreciate this book because the hockey game is not just a backdrop to the love story of Russ and Liam, the Trouble; It gives a substantial insight into the game and team dynamics.
Through the storyline, we follow the relationship development from the crush at first sight to love and deep emotions and changes in the careers of the main characters.
One of the main traits of the novel is Russ and Liam. They are charming, likable, and relatable opposites, Russ being a calm planner, thoughtful, and responsible, while Liam, the Trouble, is his opposite: chaotic, sassy, joker, carefree, and easygoing.
Authors masterfully create tension and suspense through MCs being the epitome of opposites: character traits, a substantial gap in age and careers, Russ reaching the end of his career while Liam is just beginning. All this creates tension and suspense and, in combination with supporting characters, converts a straightforward plot into a captivating read. Eloquent and vivid writing adds to the dynamic, creating a compelling, witty, and entertaining novel.
Fans of works with a lot of action, angst, dark drama, conflicting and flawed characters, deep emotions, and complex issues might not fully appreciate this book.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
Read
March 29, 2024DNF ~30%
This one seemed right up my alley, but something about the characters and dynamic just wasn't working for me. This felt more like a me/mood problem then a book problem, so I'm going to leave unrated.
This one seemed right up my alley, but something about the characters and dynamic just wasn't working for me. This felt more like a me/mood problem then a book problem, so I'm going to leave unrated.
February 14, 2024
Age, temperament gap.
Super hot sex, some drama,
quick resolution.
Super hot sex, some drama,
quick resolution.
February 6, 2024
In the fourth book in this duo's Hockey Ever After series, we meet aspiring professional hockey player Liam as he's trying out for the big leagues. Sure he'll never make the team, he can't help but flirt with veteran player Russ, knowing nothing will ever come of it. But when Liam eventually makes the team and discovers Russ is gay, it becomes possible that their flirtation could become something more. But just as Liam is on the come-up, Russ is staring the end of his career in its face, and unsure where he'll be in a few months' time. Even if these two get together, it doesn't seem as if there's any way for them to stay that way.
I am officially obsessed with this series. I binged the first three books (and fabulous holiday novella) in the span of a few days before emailing the author and begging for an ARC because I couldn't wait the additional few weeks until this book came out. Thankfully, by the time you're reading this, it should be out or out imminently, and on KU! This whole series is full of such heart and heat and everything you could possibly want in a sports romance series. Each book feels different and unique enough that they're each worth their time and have merit, but they slot perfectly into one universe. Liam and Russ are wonderful additions to the world, and I can't wait to read the next novella that comes out in April.
Thanks to the author(s) for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 10/10
I am officially obsessed with this series. I binged the first three books (and fabulous holiday novella) in the span of a few days before emailing the author and begging for an ARC because I couldn't wait the additional few weeks until this book came out. Thankfully, by the time you're reading this, it should be out or out imminently, and on KU! This whole series is full of such heart and heat and everything you could possibly want in a sports romance series. Each book feels different and unique enough that they're each worth their time and have merit, but they slot perfectly into one universe. Liam and Russ are wonderful additions to the world, and I can't wait to read the next novella that comes out in April.
Thanks to the author(s) for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 10/10
October 5, 2024
This was fun! Like always I had a much better time with the lead up to the relationship -- flirting! bad jokes! charming the shit out of each other! -- than I did once it actually became one, but that's my cross to bear I suppose. The sex in this is fine if not always to my particular taste and the characters are fun and well-developed enough. I will for sure keep reading these books because along with Rachel Reid they're really about the best we get in gay hockey romance and I know when to be grateful.
January 10, 2024
I was so excited for this one and it definitely didn’t disappoint. If you like the other books in the series, you’ll enjoy this one too! The age gap here was more of a plot point than the others but I thought it was tastefully done. There’s a decent amount of cameo by Gabe and Dante which I always love in series like this!!
I liked the team dynamic and I thought the familial background for the characters was both relatable to the reader and both characters dynamics complemented the other in a way that was really well done.
I felt like the ending could have given us more-it felt like it ended kind of abruptly and I would have loved to see more of their future at the end of the book (or even just a clearer trajectory). I still really enjoyed it and if you like the other books in the series then you’ll enjoy this one as well.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book!! I really was so excited to get my hands on this one early :)
I liked the team dynamic and I thought the familial background for the characters was both relatable to the reader and both characters dynamics complemented the other in a way that was really well done.
I felt like the ending could have given us more-it felt like it ended kind of abruptly and I would have loved to see more of their future at the end of the book (or even just a clearer trajectory). I still really enjoyed it and if you like the other books in the series then you’ll enjoy this one as well.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book!! I really was so excited to get my hands on this one early :)
January 13, 2024
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book as I love this series!
I want to say this was my favourite of the series but I think that's just because I didn't do a reread before this, lol. But for real, this whole series is great
This book did not disappoint. It's funny, cute, a little bit serious when it needs to be, but mostly feelgood. The MCs are very different and both have other things going on. We see a few old friends here too which is always nice. All in all a solid book
I want to say this was my favourite of the series but I think that's just because I didn't do a reread before this, lol. But for real, this whole series is great
This book did not disappoint. It's funny, cute, a little bit serious when it needs to be, but mostly feelgood. The MCs are very different and both have other things going on. We see a few old friends here too which is always nice. All in all a solid book
March 8, 2024
3.5-4 stars
This one was definitely steamier than I remember the previous three books being - Russ' workout room scene? Someone call the fire department. Or the scene that takes place near the 85% ish mark? Holy Hannah!
I enjoyed Russ and Liam's story, and certainly felt their sexual chemistry, but the romantic connection could have been established better. The transition between a sexual relationship and a real relationship felt a bit rocky and incomplete for me.
I loved getting to see snippets into Dante and Gabe's life, but I wasn't as invested in their story. I think the side characters fell a little flat for me this time. The hockey guys got forgotten about a lot, or else felt a bit bland. I would have loved to see Liam connect with some of the younger guys on the team a bit more - more showing and less telling, please. I would have also loved to see on page resolution with both Russ and Liam's families, especially with Liam who often felt left out of the family dynamics and felt alone amongst his older siblings.
Overall another solid novel in the Hockey Ever After series, although none of the books have been better than Gabe and Dante's first book in the series, in my humble opinion.
This one was definitely steamier than I remember the previous three books being - Russ' workout room scene? Someone call the fire department. Or the scene that takes place near the 85% ish mark? Holy Hannah!
I enjoyed Russ and Liam's story, and certainly felt their sexual chemistry, but the romantic connection could have been established better. The transition between a sexual relationship and a real relationship felt a bit rocky and incomplete for me.
I loved getting to see snippets into Dante and Gabe's life, but I wasn't as invested in their story. I think the side characters fell a little flat for me this time. The hockey guys got forgotten about a lot, or else felt a bit bland. I would have loved to see Liam connect with some of the younger guys on the team a bit more - more showing and less telling, please. I would have also loved to see on page resolution with both Russ and Liam's families, especially with Liam who often felt left out of the family dynamics and felt alone amongst his older siblings.
Overall another solid novel in the Hockey Ever After series, although none of the books have been better than Gabe and Dante's first book in the series, in my humble opinion.
November 16, 2024
4.5*
Taking hurt/comfort to another level. Brilliant.
Taking hurt/comfort to another level. Brilliant.
May 31, 2024
4.5
Why is the rookie veteran storyline often so sweet?
Really enjoyed this one, great characters and as always well done side characters driving the story forward while being on page a good amount.
NSFW infos:
- White French Canadian, 22 year old rookie (mainly bottoms)
- Black MC from Winnepeg, 32 year old veteran (mainly tops, )
- spitroast with dildo
Why is the rookie veteran storyline often so sweet?
Really enjoyed this one, great characters and as always well done side characters driving the story forward while being on page a good amount.
NSFW infos:
- White French Canadian, 22 year old rookie (mainly bottoms)
- Black MC from Winnepeg, 32 year old veteran (mainly tops, )
- spitroast with dildo
February 12, 2024
It was a fun read!!!
February 7, 2024
Was lucky to receive an ARC of this book.
Book #3 is still my favorite to date because who can resist Grady and Max? They are briefly mentioned in this book and Dante and Gabe from book #1 appear in this novel, but you can enjoy this story without reading the earlier tales. Love that there is a dual POV, age gap and POC representation. I greatly appreciated Liam's ability to challenge Russ' rules and watching the two of them fall for each other in this story. A quick read with some great lines -- I particularly liked the "rent to own option". I heartily recommend.
Book #3 is still my favorite to date because who can resist Grady and Max? They are briefly mentioned in this book and Dante and Gabe from book #1 appear in this novel, but you can enjoy this story without reading the earlier tales. Love that there is a dual POV, age gap and POC representation. I greatly appreciated Liam's ability to challenge Russ' rules and watching the two of them fall for each other in this story. A quick read with some great lines -- I particularly liked the "rent to own option". I heartily recommend.
February 10, 2024
took me a sec to get back in the swing of things
It’s been a while since I read the series and I kinda forgot the other characters but after a bit it came back to me.
Hockey romances are one of my absolute favorite to read and just like pizza even when not great it’s still good. And that’s kinda how I feel about this one. I enjoyed myself but there wasn’t any wow factor to the story. Honestly my favorite part was visiting with older characters and seeing how their lives progressed.
I do have to say the spice scenes in this one are memorable. The last book left an impression with the lobsters and this one got creative with toys.
The angst wasn’t over the top but the story does give you a bit of whiplash when you least expect it. Nothing that can’t be resolved and it all gets wrapped up nicely. Overall solid read.
It’s been a while since I read the series and I kinda forgot the other characters but after a bit it came back to me.
Hockey romances are one of my absolute favorite to read and just like pizza even when not great it’s still good. And that’s kinda how I feel about this one. I enjoyed myself but there wasn’t any wow factor to the story. Honestly my favorite part was visiting with older characters and seeing how their lives progressed.
I do have to say the spice scenes in this one are memorable. The last book left an impression with the lobsters and this one got creative with toys.
The angst wasn’t over the top but the story does give you a bit of whiplash when you least expect it. Nothing that can’t be resolved and it all gets wrapped up nicely. Overall solid read.
February 13, 2024
4,5 stars
Crushed Ice is a lovely, lovely story.
Russ, the veteran, and Liam, the rookie.
Russ is 32 and a bit hesitant towards the time running out on his contract and career. He's a planner and very strict with himself. He's not that great with having fun and letting loose.
He's also a bit under pressure from his family - especially his mom - as they would love to see him come back to Canada and play for the local NHL team. At 32, nobody wants to be in the grips of big mama bear who also wants him to find a companion/lover/husband and even goes as far as to set him up with surprise dates, so he evades her as much as possible.
Russ is also a very good alternate captain to his team - taking care of everybody and taking rookies under his wing.
Liam is one such rookie. He's older than the usual drafted talent as he went the route through college. He knows about family pressure as he also tries to evade his family which kind of expects him to settle nearby (also Canada). While Russ is the oldest, Liam is the youngest by far and compared to his over-achieving siblings, he kind of feels the runt of the litter. Hockey was his way out into the wide world. He's good at it but willing to learn. So having a solid veteran as his mentor is great. One who doesn't mind that flirting outrageously is Liam's way to communicate. Liam is adorable and a cutie. He throws himself wholeheartedly into his life in hockey and soon earns himself the nickname Trouble (trouble of the nicest possible kind). He's also willing to work hard, so when after training camp he gets sent to the AHL affiliate of Russ's Miami Caimans, he knows it's to get experience, to get better and more professional. It's quite nice to see the differences between the grueling travel marathons the NHL team has to go through and the much worse AHL traveling (by bus, in cheap hotels/motels, without the luxury the top team enjoys). Liam takes the chance and when he gets called up due to an emergency, he does his best. It's obvious that he's got the talent and the work ethos and will get called up soon for real.
When that is obvious and noone could suspect any foul play, Russ gives in to his attraction to Liam that had been simmering from the start. Liam is a ray of sunshine in Russ's ordered life. A life in which he didn't allow himself any distraction. But Liam in fact is good also for Russ on the ice - their chemistry was obvious even in training camp.
But will this last? With an age gap of about 10 years? With one player at the very start of his career and one who expects to be traded at the end of the season or even the earlier trade deadline? Will Russ have trained his rookie to be a replacement of himself? Russ is too earnest to see this as just a fling or friends with benefits - because friends they had become very early on, fast friends.
An incident that makes all of Russ's planning pointless threatens what they have, their whole future.
It also makes them re-evaluate if both of them are on an equal standing in their relationship.
It wouldn't be a romance if it didn't have a good ending, but you never know what the author(s) consider a good ending... In another hockey series (by Avon Gale), in each and every book one of the active players as MCs ended their career by the end of the book. Russ is too much a player still and 32 (or 34?) is not old imho. Even for a defenseman.
The great stuff: Russ is a hugely likeable character. So is Liam. Both are very different - Liam e.g. is not very tidy, while Russ is. Russ has his life in order while Liam has just started to have a life.
Little tiny details were fascinating: Russ is a hockey player of colour - not many are. His self care (hair!) is very different than this white European gal has any experience with.
It's very nice that neither them being gay nor the bi-racial nature of their relationship is something their team has trouble with. The MCs do voice that it's a less than ideal situation in Florida regading politics, but they focus on hockey and have little time for anything else.
It was great to see that other things were important to those two than the colour of their skin. Even for mama bear Lyon (Russ's mom), Liam passed the test that others didn't because it was obvious how good they were for each other.
Great as well: Baller - Dante Balletieri - and his husband Gabe Martin, were part of the story because Baller had got traded to the Caimans previously. Baller is a force of nature and Gabe the very sensible counterpart. Baller is unashamedly what Russ is not - openly out, enjoying life, loving family life with Gabe and their daughter. Yet as a character he's never overpowering the story. He's one of the cast of interesting team members and friends. But it's also soooo nice to see how his life progressed from Winging It! (book 1 in the series), including even Mario LeMieux.
What kept me from giving a solid five stars:
The narration focused more on Russ's pov than Liam's. We got Liam's voice early on in the story and I'd have loved to see more through his eyes. He's just so great. As is Russ, but it would have been fun to keep him company a bit more although it's logical why the authors chose not to do so.
I soooo hope to see more of those two in the upcoming book of which a teaser was included in Crushed Ice. Only to make us wait another YEAR!!!
I love that Ashlyn Kane/Morgan James are not such hectic writers that they publish another book every two months - the books imo are nicely polished and don't feel rushed - but it's hard nevertheless to have a tidbit and then the loooong wait.
Crushed Ice is a lovely, lovely story.
Russ, the veteran, and Liam, the rookie.
Russ is 32 and a bit hesitant towards the time running out on his contract and career. He's a planner and very strict with himself. He's not that great with having fun and letting loose.
He's also a bit under pressure from his family - especially his mom - as they would love to see him come back to Canada and play for the local NHL team. At 32, nobody wants to be in the grips of big mama bear who also wants him to find a companion/lover/husband and even goes as far as to set him up with surprise dates, so he evades her as much as possible.
Russ is also a very good alternate captain to his team - taking care of everybody and taking rookies under his wing.
Liam is one such rookie. He's older than the usual drafted talent as he went the route through college. He knows about family pressure as he also tries to evade his family which kind of expects him to settle nearby (also Canada). While Russ is the oldest, Liam is the youngest by far and compared to his over-achieving siblings, he kind of feels the runt of the litter. Hockey was his way out into the wide world. He's good at it but willing to learn. So having a solid veteran as his mentor is great. One who doesn't mind that flirting outrageously is Liam's way to communicate. Liam is adorable and a cutie. He throws himself wholeheartedly into his life in hockey and soon earns himself the nickname Trouble (trouble of the nicest possible kind). He's also willing to work hard, so when after training camp he gets sent to the AHL affiliate of Russ's Miami Caimans, he knows it's to get experience, to get better and more professional. It's quite nice to see the differences between the grueling travel marathons the NHL team has to go through and the much worse AHL traveling (by bus, in cheap hotels/motels, without the luxury the top team enjoys). Liam takes the chance and when he gets called up due to an emergency, he does his best. It's obvious that he's got the talent and the work ethos and will get called up soon for real.
When that is obvious and noone could suspect any foul play, Russ gives in to his attraction to Liam that had been simmering from the start. Liam is a ray of sunshine in Russ's ordered life. A life in which he didn't allow himself any distraction. But Liam in fact is good also for Russ on the ice - their chemistry was obvious even in training camp.
But will this last? With an age gap of about 10 years? With one player at the very start of his career and one who expects to be traded at the end of the season or even the earlier trade deadline? Will Russ have trained his rookie to be a replacement of himself? Russ is too earnest to see this as just a fling or friends with benefits - because friends they had become very early on, fast friends.
An incident that makes all of Russ's planning pointless threatens what they have, their whole future.
It also makes them re-evaluate if both of them are on an equal standing in their relationship.
It wouldn't be a romance if it didn't have a good ending, but you never know what the author(s) consider a good ending... In another hockey series (by Avon Gale), in each and every book one of the active players as MCs ended their career by the end of the book. Russ is too much a player still and 32 (or 34?) is not old imho. Even for a defenseman.
The great stuff: Russ is a hugely likeable character. So is Liam. Both are very different - Liam e.g. is not very tidy, while Russ is. Russ has his life in order while Liam has just started to have a life.
Little tiny details were fascinating: Russ is a hockey player of colour - not many are. His self care (hair!) is very different than this white European gal has any experience with.
It's very nice that neither them being gay nor the bi-racial nature of their relationship is something their team has trouble with. The MCs do voice that it's a less than ideal situation in Florida regading politics, but they focus on hockey and have little time for anything else.
It was great to see that other things were important to those two than the colour of their skin. Even for mama bear Lyon (Russ's mom), Liam passed the test that others didn't because it was obvious how good they were for each other.
Great as well: Baller - Dante Balletieri - and his husband Gabe Martin, were part of the story because Baller had got traded to the Caimans previously. Baller is a force of nature and Gabe the very sensible counterpart. Baller is unashamedly what Russ is not - openly out, enjoying life, loving family life with Gabe and their daughter. Yet as a character he's never overpowering the story. He's one of the cast of interesting team members and friends. But it's also soooo nice to see how his life progressed from Winging It! (book 1 in the series), including even Mario LeMieux.
What kept me from giving a solid five stars:
The narration focused more on Russ's pov than Liam's. We got Liam's voice early on in the story and I'd have loved to see more through his eyes. He's just so great. As is Russ, but it would have been fun to keep him company a bit more although it's logical why the authors chose not to do so.
I soooo hope to see more of those two in the upcoming book of which a teaser was included in Crushed Ice. Only to make us wait another YEAR!!!
I love that Ashlyn Kane/Morgan James are not such hectic writers that they publish another book every two months - the books imo are nicely polished and don't feel rushed - but it's hard nevertheless to have a tidbit and then the loooong wait.
February 6, 2024
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Hockey Ever After series. I have only read book 1 and 2, and missed book 3. It's not necessary to read those books before this one. Dante and Gabe play a part here (from book 1) but neither Ryan and Nico (book 2) or Max and Grady (book 3) play a part except there is a wedding.
I really liked book 1 and I loved book 2. I can't say I loved this one, but I did, for the most part, enjoy this. It was great to catch up with Gabe and Dante!
Russ is already playing for the Caimans when Liam joins them. There is attraction, right from the start, but Russ is not fully out and Liam is his rookie. I loved how Liam set Russ off kilter. The one-liners from Baller made me chuckle. It gets the point across, that Russ fell for Liam but hadn't been able to put a name to the feelings.
It's on the sweeter side, and fairly low angst. There is an age gap, but not a massive one. It's emotional, though, in places, but I didn't get that sucker punch I got from book 2, Scoring Position. Steamy and smexy in palces, but fade to black in others and I did like that.
So, what didn't I like? There are detailed hockey match descriptions. I know, I KNOW this is a hockey romance, but books 1 and 2 didn't have the long descriptions of the matches like there are here. Or I don't think they did. I said in my review for book one, that I liked that book because there were not huge long descriptions of hockey matches. So, for ME, and I stress the ME, those matches that are here were too much for me. I'm a UK native, and ice hockey is not the massive sport it is on the North American continent.
Still, an enjoyable read, that was on a par with book one, but not book 2, which I gave the full 5 stars.
So, 4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Hockey Ever After series. I have only read book 1 and 2, and missed book 3. It's not necessary to read those books before this one. Dante and Gabe play a part here (from book 1) but neither Ryan and Nico (book 2) or Max and Grady (book 3) play a part except there is a wedding.
I really liked book 1 and I loved book 2. I can't say I loved this one, but I did, for the most part, enjoy this. It was great to catch up with Gabe and Dante!
Russ is already playing for the Caimans when Liam joins them. There is attraction, right from the start, but Russ is not fully out and Liam is his rookie. I loved how Liam set Russ off kilter. The one-liners from Baller made me chuckle. It gets the point across, that Russ fell for Liam but hadn't been able to put a name to the feelings.
It's on the sweeter side, and fairly low angst. There is an age gap, but not a massive one. It's emotional, though, in places, but I didn't get that sucker punch I got from book 2, Scoring Position. Steamy and smexy in palces, but fade to black in others and I did like that.
So, what didn't I like? There are detailed hockey match descriptions. I know, I KNOW this is a hockey romance, but books 1 and 2 didn't have the long descriptions of the matches like there are here. Or I don't think they did. I said in my review for book one, that I liked that book because there were not huge long descriptions of hockey matches. So, for ME, and I stress the ME, those matches that are here were too much for me. I'm a UK native, and ice hockey is not the massive sport it is on the North American continent.
Still, an enjoyable read, that was on a par with book one, but not book 2, which I gave the full 5 stars.
So, 4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
January 22, 2024
Crushed Ice (Hockey Ever After)Book 4
By: Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Fun vs serious? Can it become love?
Let me start my review by saying I’d not read even the first book in this series so before requesting to be added to receive an ARC I made sure I could start on the first book in the series. While each book is its own complete story I did not know that going in and you’ll see recurring friends in each book. I’ve enjoyed every book they play out with real problems, love stories and sacrifices for each other. Liam and Russ are so much fun Liam is spunky and young and not only wants to prove himself he also wants Russ to see what they could be. Russ know he could love Liam but he’s not made for casual fun so does he need to walk away? The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: When Liam Belanger gets a professional tryout with the Miami Caimans, he’s hoping to land a roster spot that’ll keep him from bussing tables. If he can make the team and score a tryout in bed with Russ Lyons, the veteran defenseman who’s appointed himself Liam’s mentor, that would be the icing on the sweet hockey cake.
Living life by a strict set of rules has worked out well for Russ. He has a great career, great friends, and a great family, even if they do keep setting him up with hometown honey traps. But he can’t stop time, and now, despite all his planning, he’s looking at his last year with the Caimans before the uncertainty of free agency. Maybe that’s why he finds sunny, free-spirited Liam so attractive.
He’s still not going to sleep with his rookie.
Probably.
Liam starts the season in the minors, but it’s not long before he gets a shot at the Big Show. His year is shaping up to be a dream come true—even before Russ picks up on Liam’s passes and proves defensemen can score too.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
By: Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Fun vs serious? Can it become love?
Let me start my review by saying I’d not read even the first book in this series so before requesting to be added to receive an ARC I made sure I could start on the first book in the series. While each book is its own complete story I did not know that going in and you’ll see recurring friends in each book. I’ve enjoyed every book they play out with real problems, love stories and sacrifices for each other. Liam and Russ are so much fun Liam is spunky and young and not only wants to prove himself he also wants Russ to see what they could be. Russ know he could love Liam but he’s not made for casual fun so does he need to walk away? The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: When Liam Belanger gets a professional tryout with the Miami Caimans, he’s hoping to land a roster spot that’ll keep him from bussing tables. If he can make the team and score a tryout in bed with Russ Lyons, the veteran defenseman who’s appointed himself Liam’s mentor, that would be the icing on the sweet hockey cake.
Living life by a strict set of rules has worked out well for Russ. He has a great career, great friends, and a great family, even if they do keep setting him up with hometown honey traps. But he can’t stop time, and now, despite all his planning, he’s looking at his last year with the Caimans before the uncertainty of free agency. Maybe that’s why he finds sunny, free-spirited Liam so attractive.
He’s still not going to sleep with his rookie.
Probably.
Liam starts the season in the minors, but it’s not long before he gets a shot at the Big Show. His year is shaping up to be a dream come true—even before Russ picks up on Liam’s passes and proves defensemen can score too.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
February 8, 2024
""Maybe wait until you can walk and look at his ass at the same time without falling, though." .... Yeah, that could take a while."
TLDR: Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James do it again but don't rob yourself of cameo joy. Start with book 1.
If you liked the other books in this series, you will like this one. If for some reason you want to jump in now and not start at the beginning, you are looking at a gay hockey romance with delightful banter that will absolutely make you laugh. These books all feel like rom-coms. There are still important themes addressed just with a lot of levity. Of the four, this book had the least heavy subjects. There was still richness to the characters. They had their baggage and they had it for a reason but it didn't feel as pertinent to the story. The conflict in this book was very different from the first three books and totally caught me by surprise.
While you can jump right into the series here, I would recommend starting at the beginning. This book includes a lot of cameos from characters you know and love from the first three books and you just won't get the same experience if you start here.
Rating: I will probably re-read this book
🌶️: 3/5 - there were a handful of explicit intimate scenes
🏒: 5/5 - these books always offer up plenty of hockey
TLDR: Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James do it again but don't rob yourself of cameo joy. Start with book 1.
If you liked the other books in this series, you will like this one. If for some reason you want to jump in now and not start at the beginning, you are looking at a gay hockey romance with delightful banter that will absolutely make you laugh. These books all feel like rom-coms. There are still important themes addressed just with a lot of levity. Of the four, this book had the least heavy subjects. There was still richness to the characters. They had their baggage and they had it for a reason but it didn't feel as pertinent to the story. The conflict in this book was very different from the first three books and totally caught me by surprise.
While you can jump right into the series here, I would recommend starting at the beginning. This book includes a lot of cameos from characters you know and love from the first three books and you just won't get the same experience if you start here.
Rating: I will probably re-read this book
🌶️: 3/5 - there were a handful of explicit intimate scenes
🏒: 5/5 - these books always offer up plenty of hockey
February 7, 2024
I love love love this series! I am a firm believer in MM sports romance supremacy and this series just keeps settling the fact for me.
I adored Liam and Russ, they were both so sweet and right for each other. My favorite aspect of their relationship is how real their conflict/discussions felt. Especially regarding the age-gap, I liked how the authors not only focused on Russ’ point of view, but also highlighted how Liam didn’t feel like he was living up to adult expectations, and being a 27 year old teenager myself I felt his concerns.
The only aspects that knocked one star for me, were mainly 2. I’m a sucker for a good I love you moment, and I was a bit sad that we didn’t see Russ saying it back to Liam, although it was implicit. And secondly, I felt like there was a set up for some confrontation between Liam and his brother (Benoit?) and that was left behind as a plot point. It would have been good to see Liam stand up to his family :/
Aside from that, I’m having a great time with this series, and while I think they work just fine as standalones I would still recommend reading everything :)
I adored Liam and Russ, they were both so sweet and right for each other. My favorite aspect of their relationship is how real their conflict/discussions felt. Especially regarding the age-gap, I liked how the authors not only focused on Russ’ point of view, but also highlighted how Liam didn’t feel like he was living up to adult expectations, and being a 27 year old teenager myself I felt his concerns.
The only aspects that knocked one star for me, were mainly 2. I’m a sucker for a good I love you moment, and I was a bit sad that we didn’t see Russ saying it back to Liam, although it was implicit. And secondly, I felt like there was a set up for some confrontation between Liam and his brother (Benoit?) and that was left behind as a plot point. It would have been good to see Liam stand up to his family :/
Aside from that, I’m having a great time with this series, and while I think they work just fine as standalones I would still recommend reading everything :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
a strong installment in this fabulous series
I’ve read so many hockey romances, yet Kane & James’ books stand out: snarky humor, appealing and imperfect leads, strong supporting characters. Crushed Ice has meddlesome if loving parents, real-life issues characters have to learn to use words to work through, and an age gap that isn’t creepy. Baller and Gabe have moved to Florida, their old-married wisdom is welcome. Highly recommended.
And to the authors: can we pretty please get a novella of Max & Grady’s wedding? I need more lobster cracking jokes. Also updates on Tom, Nico & Ryan, Grady’s sister’s thruple…. Readers want to know! Thanks for creating this warm world for a cold sport.
I’ve read so many hockey romances, yet Kane & James’ books stand out: snarky humor, appealing and imperfect leads, strong supporting characters. Crushed Ice has meddlesome if loving parents, real-life issues characters have to learn to use words to work through, and an age gap that isn’t creepy. Baller and Gabe have moved to Florida, their old-married wisdom is welcome. Highly recommended.
And to the authors: can we pretty please get a novella of Max & Grady’s wedding? I need more lobster cracking jokes. Also updates on Tom, Nico & Ryan, Grady’s sister’s thruple…. Readers want to know! Thanks for creating this warm world for a cold sport.
February 21, 2024
Great hockey romance. It's an age gap romance (I thought it was 10 years 22/32 but I think 12 years was mentioned somewhere) done well, Russ brings solidity and order to Liam's mess while Liam helps Russ relax and come out of himself. Liam is out, and Russ' sexuality is an open secret with the team and his family. There's very little angst, mostly family drama, with a side order of a time limit on the relationship.
The team are great, a found family of sorts, and for those who have read the other books a previous couple are quite heavily involved.
Highly Recommended.
The team are great, a found family of sorts, and for those who have read the other books a previous couple are quite heavily involved.
Highly Recommended.
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