Best of Both Worlds

Colorado Black Diamonds #4

by Emily Silver

coming fall, 2024

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, M M Romance, Hockey, Enemies To Lovers, Hockey Romance

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2024

About the author

After winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.

A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.

When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!

Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!

Reviews

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK y'all, who needs a good queer hockey romance they can binge read in one sitting?! I basically started and finished Best of Both Worlds on a flight, I literally didn't put it down from start to finish. It's hate to love teammates (who knew each other as children but grew apart), reluctant roommates, a pretty epic bi-awakening, and some pretty epic hurt/comfort - definitely worth a read my friends!

My heart just went out to both Noah and Graham from the very beginning (and for very different reasons). Noah gets traded from a winning team he's been a part of for years after an injury, and he has a lot of trouble fitting in with his new team. He's lonely, and it doesn't help that his new teammate and former friend Graham is needling at him constantly. They end up being forced into being roommates to help clear up their lingering tension, but that tension almost instantly turns s3xual when Graham realizes that he's attracted to Noah. I love a good bi-awakening story y'all, and this one is HOT when they start out as roommates with benefits. It's pretty obvious there's something more though, and I love how things work out in the end.

This is my first time reading one of Emily Silver's hockey books, and from what I understand, Noah and Graham's romance was a much-requested second generation pairing that comes up in earlier books. Y'all, I have got to go back and read the rest because I need more of them! That said, Best of Both Worlds can definitely be read as a standalone, and I highly recommend checking it out.

[Carlina Hutjes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

Noah had it all with the Black Diamonds. Star player, friends and family. After an injury Noah got knocked out and the team sent him packing. Straight to the Knights and Graham Fisher.

It is my first MM book, but I LOVE Noah and Graham 🩵. I did have to get used to the spice though, but the writing and the spice is subtle and good.

I already liked Noah, but really love Graham. How he admits to himself that he really likes Noah, but also how he let himself feel what he feels. He completely trusts Noah, even so much he gives in to his feelings and the sexual tension between them.
How Graham came out to be Bi, I loved that scene. He chooses unconditionally Noah.

I think that Noah’s personality makes that Graham feels safe to feel what he feels and trust Noah so easily. Noah looks maybe cocky, but he is sweet and understanding. How he didn’t want to push Graham and let Graham find out how he feels by himself. Noah is just great.

They are the perfect couple for me (after Cash and Piper tho ☺️).

Even if you haven’t read any MM romance, I still recommend reading this book.

[Adanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah had it all with the Colorado Black Diamonds, but one hit from Graham changes everything. A last-minute trade sends Noah to the Nashville Knights—Graham’s team. Even though these two knew each other growing up, they can’t seem to get along. Until they’re forced to be roommates. Suddenly, Noah is falling hard and fast for his arch nemesis.

What to Expect:
🏒 Pro Hockey Romance
🏒 Player x Player
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Teammate Banter
🏒 Bi-Awakening

I felt so bad for Noah getting traded at the end of Best of the Best. Broody Noah arrived in Nashville, worried he had lost it all. But he connects with a great group of guys on his new team. The camaraderie between the new teammates is a lot of fun!

The tension between Noah and Graham lingers. Their relationship naturally evolves from fierce rivals to grudging teammates to roommates then lovers. There are so many special moments between them that I loved, along with Noah’s patience and the realization that things happen when they are supposed to happen.

The cameos from the Mountain Lion and Black Diamonds series characters were such a treat! I loved the group texts Noah had with his friends and former teammates, as well as their banter on the ice when the teams played. I also loved the sage advice from the Mountain Lion characters who are now parents.

Noah and Graham’s journey towards embracing their authentic selves and being loved for it was beautifully portrayed. This book is a celebration of love, patience, and self-discovery!

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me all that tension! Best of Both Worlds by Emily Silver was an enemies-to-lovers MM hockey romance that I couldn’t get enough of. I had been anticipating Noah and Graham’s romance ever since I finished the Best of the Best, and their romance definitely did not disappoint. Right from the start when Noah arrived in Nashville after being traded, you could feel the undeniable push and pull from Graham. I loved Noah’s willingness to put it all out there and admit his true feelings for Graham. Who knew a little close proximity was all these two needed? Graham’s inner conflict with his newfound feelings for Noah was heartfelt and made you empathize with every single emotion. Plus, when these two finally gave into temptation and desires their chemistry was simply off the charts HOT. I also loved catching up with all my beloved Denver Mountain Lion couples who are wise parents.

Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of a MM sports romance with two hot hunky hockey players, Nashville nights, close proximity, new teammate group chats, team bonding outings, new roomies, video game nights in, steamy forbidden bar kisses, super hot steamy times, eye-opening realizations, sharing your true feelings, a supportive family, and a HEA that lets your heart have the best of both worlds then you will love Noah and Graham’s romance. I always look forward to more
from Emily Silver.

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long awaited Noah and Graham book is here!! When this dropped in my inbox, I dropped everything I was doing to read!

🏒MM romance
🏒Hockey romance
🏒Enemies to lovers
🏒Roommates to lovers
🏒Forced proximity
🏒Bi-awakening

Noah and Graham have not seen eye to eye for years. And that has only escalated since Graham is the reason that Noah was out because of an injury.

Now Noah has been traded and they have to learn to work together. Which is proving to be quite the feat. But these two show that hate really can turn into an all encompassing kind of love.

I absolutely loved both of these characters. Noah knows what he wants, but is extremely humble at the same time. Graham had a bit of growing up to do, but Noah brings out the best in him.

These two go through it a bit and it made my heart hurt for them. But as always with Emily Silver books, all is well by the end and these two get an amazing HEA!

[Lisa Engelhard · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️,5

I really ship Graham and Noah 🥰 and loved their journey! It was a cute and spicy romance!

[Bookish Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

"His dark brown eyes are filled with nothing but hate right now. No doubt the same as mine. I’m seething. If fire were coming out of my ears, I wouldn’t be surprised. Who does this guy think he is?" ...
"Fake it ’til I like Graham Fisher is going to be my new motto. I can make it work. Right?"

When we left Noah, he was struggling to recover from an injury from Graham Fisher, his poor performance caused him to be traded to the Nashville Knights (Fisher’s team), & he had to leave his hometown, his team, his friends without a proper goodbye. (No wonder why he’s alone on his book’s cover! 😢) So this book is a big adjustment for Noah… in more ways than one!

The tension between him & Graham is wonderful, but watching it develop felt like a reward. With callbacks to several characters from the Colorado sports romance world Emily’s created, Noah & Graham’s story sucked me in from the very beginning. Feet kicking definitely took place. Lots of giggling happened. And I may or may not have avoided “adulting” so I could keep reading because I am obsessed! The way this story unfolds feels authentic & their love story felt earned in a satisfying way that’s guaranteed to add this to your list of fave reads!

"My parents and their friends, Dad’s old teammates, are the biggest gossips in the world... 'Noah Jackson Fields. You shouldn’t be fighting with your teammates,' Mom chides. I wince at her admonishment. Doesn’t matter how old you are, there’s nothing like getting told off by your mother."

Simply put, I LOVED this story! It grabbed ahold of my heart & still hasn't let it go. Graham's exploration, Noah's open acceptance, their non-judgmental relationship dynamics & the moments with characters we've loved from other books are just some of the things that make this story wonderful. (Plus, Emily uses the title in the story in 2 distinct, & entertaining, ways.)

"Noah Fields is the sexiest person in the world, and it should scare me how quickly I’m becoming addicted to the man. I don’t want anyone else but him... Being with Noah, just the two of us, pushes every thought out of my head. This is all that matters. The two of us connecting. The rest will come however it comes. And I’ll worry about it when it does."

But I think my favorite part was how Emily approached the queer identification angle. Noah being an out hockey player wasn't an issue. He even made a comment about how he assumed no one on the team would want to go with him to gay bars, but was surprised when they said that wasn't the case. Even as Graham starts to explore his new queer identity, his journey feels unique to his character & largely accepting. Queer identities are celebrated in this world because people are living their authentic selves, but the simple fact someone loves another of the same gender is not a big deal otherwise. It's a beautiful thing & it makes me love this story (& Emily) even more!

"'No regrets?'
'Not one.'
When it comes to this man? I don’t think I could regret anything."

[Bookishlyhaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of Both Worlds is book four in the Colorado Black Diamonds series and follows Noah Fields and Graham Fisher.

I was so sad that Noah got traded to the Nashville Knights at the end of Best of the Best but as soon as I found out his story was going to be a MM romance I was all for it! Especially since it was with the man who got him injured in the first place, Graham Fisher!

Graham was not the most welcoming to Noah once he joined the team. In fact, Graham thought Noah was cocky and that he thought of himself as god's gift to hockey. Which could not have been further from the truth. After an altercation on the ice and Noah having condo delay’s they become roommates both on the road and in Nashville. Graham soon finds out that his feelings for Noah have changed from hate into something deeper and in uncharted territory.

The tension between these two was thick!!! Graham really tried to fight his attraction for Noah, but as soon as they shared their first kiss, there was no holding back. Ugh, I love them so much. The passion, their banter, and the spice in this book was freaking fantastic. There were also a lot of sweet moments while Graham learned what he likes, and although Noah knew what he wanted, he gave Graham the space to properly come to terms with his new sexuality. Their journey wasn’t an easy one, but I seriously loved every second of the ride.

While I am sad the Colorado Black Diamonds series is over with, I am excited to start our journey with the Nashville Knights!

You will enjoy this book if you like the following:
- MM romance
- Sports romance (hockey)
- Forced proximity
- Roommates to lovers
- Bi-awakening

Thank you so much, Emily Silver, for the gifted copy!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Emily for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I’d like to start with saying that Best of Both worlds was my first ever MM romance book. I had no idea what to expect and was wondering if it is something I would like.
Throughout the series I really loved Noah and wanted to give this book a shot just because I liked/loved him so much.

In the end of Best of the Best, we learn that Noah is being traded to the Nashville Knights. The same team where Graham Fisher plays. The guy who caused the injury that got Noah traded in the first place.

When Noah and Graham don’t get along and get into a fight, they are forced to room together on away games. To make matters ‘worse’ and Noah still can’t live in the place he rented. The C of the Knights, Marcus, proposes he could live at Graham his place (cuz he has a spare room). They both agree, eventho they still don’t like each other.

When one kiss together in the hotelroom causes Graham to think about what this means for him. They need to find out what ever it is they feel to one another.

————————————

I really liked Noah and Graham their story. Although I needed to get used to the smut scenes in this book.
Both Noah and Graham were amazing. Graham finding out his sexuality and reading about that journey was great to read. I honestly hoped to learn more from Noah, than that I got. That was a little disappointing bit overall I liked them together and the chemistry between them. From that very first kiss, the fireworks were there.

I am not entirely sure if I will continue reading MM romances. Because I’m not sure it is for me. I just really needed to read Noah his story. That is the main reason why I picked it up.

[Kristina Maysonet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so sad when Noah Fields was traded from the Colorado Black Diamonds but I was super excited that he was still getting a story. And with none other than Graham Fisher, the player whose hit on him took him out of the game. There is a lot of animosity between these two and now they are on the same team and have to learn to work together. When the coach decides that a little forced proximity should help them get along, it turns out their hatred can easily turn to love under the right situation.

I really loved the balance between both Noah and Graham. They each had their differences, but they also related on a lot of things. Noah was openly gay but Graham was struggling with these new feelings for a guy for the first time in his life. I like how Noah took his time with Graham and let things go at his pace. It wasn’t until his feelings grew much more serious that Noah was hurt with Graham’s constant hiding.

This was super hot, they were absolute fire together! I enjoyed seeing how Graham was very open to this new world. These two have definitely gone through a lot together already, and Emily definitely tests the strength of their relationship even further. It just made their HEA so much more worth it! I loved that we still got to see our Black Diamond guys and as well as our first gen Mountain Lions. It made me so happy to be reunited there!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah and Graham was exactly what I needed when I needed it. This slow burn was slow but then BAM. It hits you right in the face.

Noah was recently traded to Nashville from the Black Diamonds (😭) where he played for many years. Now he was trying to fit in with his new teammates (and also move into a new place, which never seems to get finished). Graham and Noah knew each other growing up but their friendship turned sour but neither really knows why.

Graham ends up offering Noah a place to stay while his condo gets worked on. Noah is already out and openly dating men but Graham has only liked women. Or so he thought.

He really tries to fight his attraction to Noah but when that dam breaks. Holy moly. Noah agrees to teach Graham what he needs to know but really they are both falling in love with each other.

4.5⭐️
3🌶️

Their attraction and love gets tested when a major accident happens (no spoilers!). Their time apart really helps them realize they miss each other and *need* each other.

If you really enjoyed HIM from the queens Elle & Sarina (it’s one of my top reads this year!), then you’ll definitely enjoy this one!

Thank you to Emily for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Colorado Black Diamonds series and is Noah and Graham’s story. Noah gets traded from the Black Diamonds to the Nashville Knights after coming back from injury where his ex-friend (and the person responsible for his injury) Graham plays. Due to being traded towards the end of the season and spending the offseason back in Denver Noah buy a condo that isn’t finished thinking there would be plenty of time for it to be finished before the new season but delays have him living in a crappy hotel near the rink. After a particularly interesting practice and at the suggestion of the captain of the Knights, Noah and Graham end up as roommates. The two ex-friends become at least friendly again when Graham starts to feel some things about Noah and begins questioning himself, starting a roommates with benefits situation, but for how long? The book does end with a HEA but there are some major curves and bumps along the way!

This book was so good! Noah and Graham are so perfect together and their relationship development was delightful! I was fully invested from the beginning! If hockey, MM, and ex-friends/enemies to lovers is your jam, definitely give this book a chance!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down my absolute favourite of the series! 

If you love enemies to lovers, mm/bi-awakening, hockey romance then this is the one for you!

I was already fully invested in Noah and Graham's story before I had even started reading it!  We first met Noah in the other books in the series. He had been having a rough time with injuries. We also know that for whatever reason Noah and Graham, even though they have known each other all their lives don't get on. When Noah gets traded to Graham's team, combined with being unexpected roommates, Graham realises that his feelings for Noah have completely changed!

I loved how Noah didn't push Graham and that he gave him time to work things out.  There was so much depth to these characters and the author had me completely hooked till the very end.  

I always love seeing old favourites make an appearance too and I especially loved when Graham and Noah were both speaking to their parents.

This really was the perfect ending to this series.  

[Kate Deeds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: 8/10
Spice: 2/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door

ARC Review-Releases 10/31

Graham and Noah have a history. Their dad’s were NFL teammates. Graham caused Noah’s injury that led to him being traded and them now being teammates. All while Noah’s new place isn’t ready so now they are roommates too. But they don’t like each other. Except maybe they like each other a little. Or at least certain aspects of each other.

Enemies with benefits and roommates. Yes please! Emily writes stories that I know I’m going to enjoy. Low-angst but a solid love story. This is no different between Graham and Noah. While bi-awakening is a big part of the book world right now and an important part of this story, it wasn’t the main focus. It was part of Graham’s story but not his only focus.

I love second generation stories. And the Black Diamonds series has really just been a comfort read with second generation. The group dynamics and antics from parents to friends to players to siblings and teammates was just so enjoyable to read.

[Anushka Bagde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Noah and Graham story! It really brings the Mountain Lions and the Black Diamonds series together and even though we'll see them again, this was a turning point. I love enemies to lovers, especially if there is a lot of backstory between the characters. Noah and Graham were part of each other's family's growing up and then developed their own and I loved the symbolism of that, how they brought all their communities and families together. Seeing them in their roommate situation and slowly fall for each other was cute and heartwarming because they were being vulnerable with each other and making their connection stronger. I think I like enemies to lovers a lot because there is so much vulnerability and that leads to a lot of dramatic moments, lot of angst but it also brings a lot of healing and strengths building. Noah and Graham came really far together and individually and I loved how their story ended here! Overall, great story and conclusion to two series. Looking forward to the next!

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one where you get lost in each of the books and fall in love with the characters. Best of Both Worlds gives us the story of two players, who have a love to hate relationship that quickly changes when they become roommates. Ms Silver delivers a beautifully written MM romance that I was unable to put down.
Noah, a new player on the team since being traded, and Graham, a player who is already on the team but has a chip on his shoulder towards Noah. When Noah moved in with Graham, everything changed. We know Noah is gay however Graham who always thought he was straight, all of a sudden started having feelings towards Noah, and only Noah. What is it about Noah that awakes these feelings in Graham? Things heat up and they set the sheets on fire.
If you love MM romance where the characters are hot and sexy hockey players, I highly recommend grabbing Best of Both Worlds.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of Both Worlds is a good sports romance. I couldn't put it down!!

What you get....
♡Hockey Romance
♡Enemies
♡MM Romance
♡Age Gap
♡Both are Hockey Players
♡Teammates
♡Enemies to Lovers
♡Roommates
♡Forced Proximity
♡Bi Awakening
♡Friends with Benefits
♡Second Generation

Noah gets traded from Colorado to Nashville and has to become teammates with Graham. They have bad blood, and it makes it difficult at first for the team. They get forced to be roommates on the road, which leads them to be friends.

Sparks fly, and they decided to be friends with benefits. They keep it a secret due to Graham realizing he might be bi. We get some drama, good laughs, and spicy scenes throughout.

I loved their story and us getting to see how all our friends are doing from Denver Mountain Lions and Black Diamond. It was so much fun. I can't wait to read more on Nashville Knights!

[JenniferMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Noah and Graham’s romance and couldn’t put this one down once I started. Best of Both Worlds is a hockey, enemies to lovers MM romance. Noah is traded to the Nashville Knights and has a history with Graham. Tensions are high between these two as they don’t like each other. They quickly learn that they were wrong about each other the more time they spend together and develop feelings. I loved the way the trust that was built between them and that Noah was patient with Graham as he discovered a new part of himself. The story was sweet, had plenty of heat and I just couldn’t get enough of Noah and Graham. These two were everything and have become one of my favorite couples from Emily and of the Black Diamond series. Thank you Emily for an advanced read!

[Kayla Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and my first bi-awakening trope book and Emily didn’t disappoint. I am definitely going back and reading the rest of the series before.

So we have Noah and Graham and Noah gets traded from the winning team that he has been part of for years after his injury. He has a lot of trouble fitting in with his new team. He is definitely lonely and doesn’t help that his former friend and teammate Graham keeps at him constantly. Well these two end up being forced into being roommates to help clear up the tension. But their tension almost instantly turns sexual when graham realizes that he is attracted to Noah!

[Noëmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5

Such a great MM romance 😊😊

Graham & Noah were amazing. I loved that they hated one another at the beginning and how they got closer 🫠.

I love a good hockey romance, and this story was no exception. The team members were funny, and I laughed and smiled so many times. I loved it so much.

The chemistry between Noah and Graham wasn't obvious from at the beginning but after they couldn't fight it.

It was a great story, well written and I'm ready for the next series.

[Christine Trotta · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Friends with benefits” but one MC “only feels this way about you” is a recipe for success 100% of the time! This one did have a favorite sports-romance trope (player gets badly injured mid-sports) but it was handled differently than I’ve ever read before, so that was kind of refreshing.

(Note: I prefer the genre standard love interest to go insane with fear, basically outs the relationship to everyone, and then the whole team goes “duh, we all knew” BUT this isn’t about meeee)

[Finley · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75/3 ⭐️

It was okay-ish.
It didn’t help that this is the first book i read by this author so there were a bunch of names and situations that made me confused.
I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two and i think the transition from “”””hate”””” to friends to lovers wasn’t well developed.

[Claudia Reinbrecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[M]

dnf at 37%. weak rivals to lovers. didnt know each other at all personality wise

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏒 enemies to lovers
🏒hockey romance
🏒Teammates
🏒bi awakening
🏒Second Gen

I absolutely loved both of these characters! There journey was cute and spicy

[Andrea Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Loved it! These two were like oil and water until they both gave in. Then their love shined through. Entertaining!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Dianne Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Silver..love your books and series!

Thank you for a continuous characters and storylines..that we get to know through three series that are hockey,family friends....love.



DGH
SC

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book in this series and this story was no exception! “Best of Both Worlds” is a steamy, heartfelt, and romantic MM/bi-awakening enemies to lovers hockey romance that made my heart so happy.

After being traded from the Black Diamonds, Noah Fields is in Nashville playing for the Knights. Hockey has been his whole life and while the trade was shocking, he’s all in with the team. And even if that includes Graham Fisher. Graham is a defensive man and they have known each other their whole lives. But there’s something about each other that causes them to not get along. And when Noah needs a place to stay, he ends up as Graham’s roommate. However, as they spend time together, Graham realizes he has different feelings for Noah.

I was invested in Noah and Graham’s story from the beginning and loved their story so much. Noah is driven when it comes to his hockey career and wants the ultimate prize when it comes to the game. He’s a great teammate, friend, and makes every effort to truly be a part of the Knights. Graham is a little bit younger and is hungry for the Cup and to make his mark in the hockey world. I loved the banter between them and obvious chemistry that was lingering underneath. This was truly a story about self discovering and figuring out who you were. Noah was out and confident in who he was and he was incredible with Graham as he figured out himself. The care they had for each other as they went from roommates to lovers was so sweet and I swooned extra hard for them. The steamy scenes were delicious and showed all the lust and passion they had for each other. I loved all the appearances from my favorite characters from the “Denver Mountain Lions” series, it put a big smile on my face. The ending was perfect for them and I can’t wait to read Emily Silver’s next release.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the last book I read on vacation and I absolutely LOVED it!

Noah isn’t exactly Graham’s biggest fan but is forced to play nice once he’s traded to the team Graham plays for. One night changes everything. Their undeniable chemistry is palpable. I enjoyed the inner monologues from each perfective. It added so much to the tension. The pining and the hesitation from both Noah and Graham was relatable. Loved how Noah knew who he was and allowed Graham the space and time to figure things out without any pressure. This was STEAMY!!

Loved seeing all the beloved characters from the previous books and of course from the Denver Mountains Lions series. They always made me giggle. 🤭

Still thinking about Noah and Graham and probably will have a book hangover for a while!