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One Timer: Sin Bin Diaries : Book 1
Colton knew that Kaden was his everything long before they fell into bed, yet when their NHL careers came knocking, he was the one who pushed them apart.
After all, hockey players can’t have boyfriends, right?
They went from best friends and lovers to complete strangers, and for 6 years, Colton pretended he was fine with that. Then Kaden was traded to Colton’s team and reality caught up to him. It’s much harder to deny happiness when it shares the same locker room, hotels, and ice time with you. Especially when happiness is kind, gorgeous, has dimples, and the most heartbreaking smile.
When push comes to shove, Colton might have to choose what matters more to him; hockey or happiness. And if he chooses right, could they even make it work?
6 years is a long time. A lifetime, almost. They may not be the same boys they remember so fondly.
Follow Colton and Kaden as they attempt to consolidate the love they once shared as boys with the reality of who they are now, all while maintaining an NHL career.
It might just take a miracle to pull it off, or better yet, a one-timer straight to the back of the net.
After all, hockey players can’t have boyfriends, right?
They went from best friends and lovers to complete strangers, and for 6 years, Colton pretended he was fine with that. Then Kaden was traded to Colton’s team and reality caught up to him. It’s much harder to deny happiness when it shares the same locker room, hotels, and ice time with you. Especially when happiness is kind, gorgeous, has dimples, and the most heartbreaking smile.
When push comes to shove, Colton might have to choose what matters more to him; hockey or happiness. And if he chooses right, could they even make it work?
6 years is a long time. A lifetime, almost. They may not be the same boys they remember so fondly.
Follow Colton and Kaden as they attempt to consolidate the love they once shared as boys with the reality of who they are now, all while maintaining an NHL career.
It might just take a miracle to pull it off, or better yet, a one-timer straight to the back of the net.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2023
67 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 17, 2024
I really liked this one, it is a slow burn but I think the wait was definitely worth it.
Simple but some parts made me very emotional, I love best friends stories with mentions of their younger years together. I throughly enjoyed this beautiful story.
Simple but some parts made me very emotional, I love best friends stories with mentions of their younger years together. I throughly enjoyed this beautiful story.
December 1, 2024
So, hear me out. I’m dnf’ing a book I rate 3,5 stars. Let me explain.
This was well written. Surprised me. I loved Kaden and I loved Colton. I loved their friendship and I loved their second chance at happiness.
But…
It was repetitive. There was so much lack of communication. They could have been together way sooner than the 78% mark. But they weren’t and I got kind of tired about the reasons why. So, now I’ve reached page 270, it’s the 78% mark, and they said their I love you’s and they had sex. They are finally together again, exactly what I needed to happen. I’m not interested in the last 28%, because I fear the author found new reasons for them to separate again, and for me, this is the happy ending I wanted for them. No extended drama, no unnecessary second break up. This is the bubble in which I want to leave this story.
And that’s the end of it.
This was well written. Surprised me. I loved Kaden and I loved Colton. I loved their friendship and I loved their second chance at happiness.
But…
It was repetitive. There was so much lack of communication. They could have been together way sooner than the 78% mark. But they weren’t and I got kind of tired about the reasons why. So, now I’ve reached page 270, it’s the 78% mark, and they said their I love you’s and they had sex. They are finally together again, exactly what I needed to happen. I’m not interested in the last 28%, because I fear the author found new reasons for them to separate again, and for me, this is the happy ending I wanted for them. No extended drama, no unnecessary second break up. This is the bubble in which I want to leave this story.
And that’s the end of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2024
is everything ok
The reviews on this is baffling in all honesty
Because what I’m reading must be a different book
Literally nothing happens- I’m currently on 75% and still nothing- from start to 75% we are still talking about the same thing in different way and it’s exhausting there’s not even a glimmer of connection between the characters except for the constant repeat of should of,would of,could of again it’s exhausting
I honestly think it’s left too long between the characters that when they do finally get together I’m pretty much not gonna care because it’s a slog of repetition. Could of been good but too much fluff.
#fluffboy#fluffstory
The reviews on this is baffling in all honesty
Because what I’m reading must be a different book
Literally nothing happens- I’m currently on 75% and still nothing- from start to 75% we are still talking about the same thing in different way and it’s exhausting there’s not even a glimmer of connection between the characters except for the constant repeat of should of,would of,could of again it’s exhausting
I honestly think it’s left too long between the characters that when they do finally get together I’m pretty much not gonna care because it’s a slog of repetition. Could of been good but too much fluff.
#fluffboy#fluffstory
November 25, 2024
Overall I really liked this book. I've read a lot of books with similar story lines and this felt on the more realistic end of how it might feel to try and rekindle a relationship that meant so much from so long ago that ended so badly. The side characters were somewhat one dimensional, but I was still a fan of them. I liked the personalities of the two main characters a lot as well.
I do have two complaints though.
One had to do with the narration. I have no issue with dual POV (point of view) books and I don't care when or how often the POV switches. I've read books where the POV switches only once, half way through a book, I've ready POVs that switch every chapter, I've read books where the POV might switch multiple times within a chapter. That is all fine with me, as long as I can easily tell whose POV I am currently reading. With this book it sometimes felt like I was switching the POV within the same paragraph. It was disorientating and I often had to go back and re-read to figure out what was going on. Broke the flow of reading for me.
The other had to do with the "spice" side of the story. I have read a wide breadth of romance books from sweet/chaste/closed door/YA books to pretty much straight up smut. I have been a fan of books all over the spectrum of those two extremes. The only thing that feels weird to me is when the spice doesn't feel like it fits the tone of the rest of the book, which is what felt like happened here. The rest of the book was such a slow burn (again, realistically so, I felt, not complaining there) and the rest of the relationship, including the descriptions of their psychical relationship in the prologue felt ... I am not sure of the right word to use. Sweet feels childish. Heartfelt, maybe? That to suddenly have a somewhat graphic/descriptive sex scene in the middle of all that felt very jarring. Especially because it only happens once. It felt out of place to me.
Still, liked the book overall and if the sequel eventually comes out I will gladly read that as well.
I do have two complaints though.
One had to do with the narration. I have no issue with dual POV (point of view) books and I don't care when or how often the POV switches. I've read books where the POV switches only once, half way through a book, I've ready POVs that switch every chapter, I've read books where the POV might switch multiple times within a chapter. That is all fine with me, as long as I can easily tell whose POV I am currently reading. With this book it sometimes felt like I was switching the POV within the same paragraph. It was disorientating and I often had to go back and re-read to figure out what was going on. Broke the flow of reading for me.
The other had to do with the "spice" side of the story. I have read a wide breadth of romance books from sweet/chaste/closed door/YA books to pretty much straight up smut. I have been a fan of books all over the spectrum of those two extremes. The only thing that feels weird to me is when the spice doesn't feel like it fits the tone of the rest of the book, which is what felt like happened here. The rest of the book was such a slow burn (again, realistically so, I felt, not complaining there) and the rest of the relationship, including the descriptions of their psychical relationship in the prologue felt ... I am not sure of the right word to use. Sweet feels childish. Heartfelt, maybe? That to suddenly have a somewhat graphic/descriptive sex scene in the middle of all that felt very jarring. Especially because it only happens once. It felt out of place to me.
Still, liked the book overall and if the sequel eventually comes out I will gladly read that as well.
April 5, 2024
4.5/5 stars
“Hockey players can’t have boyfriends”
MW Gold is a new author in the MM hockey romance space! You don’t want to miss reading this incredible novel!
This is an epic childhood friends to lovers romance between Colton and Kaden. Colton and Kaden are meet at hockey camp when they are 9 years old and are drawn to each other, they are immediate best friends. As they get older they realise that their feelings have grown, but as they enter the world of adulthood with the NHL on the horizon, they realise that maybe the world isn’t going to be as kind as they want.
When Kaden gets traded to Colton’s team after 6 years in the NHL the two are thrust back together but has it been too long? The fractures in their relationship are deep and they can’t even face the prospect of being teammates and friends. Will they find their way back to each other? If they do, what is the cost?
- Friends to lovers
- Second chance
- Pining
- Teammates
- Slow burn
Once I picked this book up I couldn’t put it down. The story was really captivating and the characters were easy to connect with. I especially loved some of the side characters including rookie, Jackson and foreign goalie, Skanakov who both added great depth and humour to the story.
For all of you on-page hockey lovers there was plenty of on-page hockey from training to games. Both MMCs are closeted but for very different reasons and we watch them wrestle with their inner demons on their own journeys.
“Only those you loved could break your heart”
Minor critique: There were some minor perspective issues but it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the book.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author. This review is my true and honest opinion.
“Hockey players can’t have boyfriends”
MW Gold is a new author in the MM hockey romance space! You don’t want to miss reading this incredible novel!
This is an epic childhood friends to lovers romance between Colton and Kaden. Colton and Kaden are meet at hockey camp when they are 9 years old and are drawn to each other, they are immediate best friends. As they get older they realise that their feelings have grown, but as they enter the world of adulthood with the NHL on the horizon, they realise that maybe the world isn’t going to be as kind as they want.
When Kaden gets traded to Colton’s team after 6 years in the NHL the two are thrust back together but has it been too long? The fractures in their relationship are deep and they can’t even face the prospect of being teammates and friends. Will they find their way back to each other? If they do, what is the cost?
- Friends to lovers
- Second chance
- Pining
- Teammates
- Slow burn
Once I picked this book up I couldn’t put it down. The story was really captivating and the characters were easy to connect with. I especially loved some of the side characters including rookie, Jackson and foreign goalie, Skanakov who both added great depth and humour to the story.
For all of you on-page hockey lovers there was plenty of on-page hockey from training to games. Both MMCs are closeted but for very different reasons and we watch them wrestle with their inner demons on their own journeys.
“Only those you loved could break your heart”
Minor critique: There were some minor perspective issues but it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the book.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author. This review is my true and honest opinion.
dnf
November 26, 2024The formatting and tense/POV were so off. Also, first page says “8 years old” and on the same page changes the age to 9. Later in the book, we are introduced to Aniyah and two sentences later, her name is Aliyah.
Also, the book felt homophobic. Like, the narrator would say weird things like “he could see why he married her, even as gay as he is”. There were other instances too (like the narrator would say something was too gay “even for him” - and these wee internal thoughts) Ummm, what?
Dnf 50%
Also, the book felt homophobic. Like, the narrator would say weird things like “he could see why he married her, even as gay as he is”. There were other instances too (like the narrator would say something was too gay “even for him” - and these wee internal thoughts) Ummm, what?
Dnf 50%
May 19, 2024
10/10 loved this book
October 5, 2024
I really loved parts of this book but there were so many errors such as getting the characters names mixed up. It also kept going back and forth with first person and then third person but then sometimes it felt like someone was narrating the story. It was very odd and it repeated a lot of things.
December 15, 2023
A finely written story with well-developed characters places this book well ahead of other m/m romances set in the world of professional ice hockey. Colton and Kaden are fascinating, complex men who are a joy to get to know. They struggle together and separately to overcome personal and professional obstacles that seem insurmountable at times. Familial relationships are never easy to navigate, especially for Colton, whose uptight, social climbing parents are some of the coldest, most manipulative you will ever run into. Kaden’s family is the polar opposite, and provides a great deal of support, as well as comedic relief. This book really shines, I think, in its descriptions of life as an NHL player. It’s a lifelong passion and requires an exceptionally high level of dedication and sacrifice to succeed, which is fully captured here as we follow Colton and Kaden from junior training camp all the way to the NHL and chasing the Stanley Cup. The supporting cast of characters is as colorful and entertaining as anyone could possibly ask for. Overall, it’s a very satisfying read, particularly for those of us who love all things ice hockey and want to enjoy a story revolving around a realistic portrayal of how tough life can be for gay athletes in professional sports. Fabulous book!
March 26, 2024
Anytime I finish a book with the friend to lovers trope, I feel compelled to always tell you I hate the shit out of the trope like if it had no haters, I probably don’t exist.
____________________
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I didn’t know the tropes I was working with when I picked up this book. I went in blind and fell in love Colton and Kaden love story because it was written in a coming of age way. The boys meet in hockey camp when they’re 9 and even though things don’t progress till they’re around 17, it’s beautiful to watch how cute they were; like me as a kid falling in love with all the princes and Ken’s in my little princess shows. I feel like that’s what made this different; instead of your basic “oh I’ve loved you all my life” “I’m straight and I hook up with my gay bestie” propaganda i always see with this trope.
I actually got to watch them learn what love is and mature with what they feel as hockey players that are gay and because one of the main characters is French and the beginning was very much insta- love vibes, it was giving “Gravity by Tal Bauer” to a point that warmed my heart lol.
_______________
The story is a 4.75🌟 for me because I would’ve loved it to be longer but this is the first book in the series so I’m excited to see what the author gives going forward.
____________________
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I didn’t know the tropes I was working with when I picked up this book. I went in blind and fell in love Colton and Kaden love story because it was written in a coming of age way. The boys meet in hockey camp when they’re 9 and even though things don’t progress till they’re around 17, it’s beautiful to watch how cute they were; like me as a kid falling in love with all the princes and Ken’s in my little princess shows. I feel like that’s what made this different; instead of your basic “oh I’ve loved you all my life” “I’m straight and I hook up with my gay bestie” propaganda i always see with this trope.
I actually got to watch them learn what love is and mature with what they feel as hockey players that are gay and because one of the main characters is French and the beginning was very much insta- love vibes, it was giving “Gravity by Tal Bauer” to a point that warmed my heart lol.
_______________
The story is a 4.75🌟 for me because I would’ve loved it to be longer but this is the first book in the series so I’m excited to see what the author gives going forward.
July 23, 2024
I love, love, love a book that goes back to childhood days and tells the story of our MC's beginnings. One Timer by MW Gold did not disappoint. Kaden and Colton were hopelessly in love teens until life happened, and young men had to make adult decisions. Decisions they were not ready to handle. Skate a head 6 years, and we see the men they have become. Colton is lonely, sad, angry, and still in love. Kaden is positive, happy, likeable, and still in love. Fated to be together eventually, once they face their truth and show the world who they truly are. Only then can both men find the ultimate happiness they had as teenagers.
This is a new author for me, but one I highly recommend you give a try.
This is a new author for me, but one I highly recommend you give a try.
December 12, 2024
DNF
This one was instanly not good and feels very unpolished.
Its 3rd person pov but the writing feels very disjointed. One moment it feels like a 3rd person narrates it, then suddenly its from one MCs pov and then it switches to the other one but you only realize it halfway through the next paragraph. I was spending so much time trying to figure out who it was that I was reading about and it kept ripping me out of the story.
On top of it the ott flowery writing stylee was not my jam and this book reads a little as if AI wrote the whole thing. A real shame as the premise of this book did sound very promissing but the execution was not it.
This one was instanly not good and feels very unpolished.
Its 3rd person pov but the writing feels very disjointed. One moment it feels like a 3rd person narrates it, then suddenly its from one MCs pov and then it switches to the other one but you only realize it halfway through the next paragraph. I was spending so much time trying to figure out who it was that I was reading about and it kept ripping me out of the story.
On top of it the ott flowery writing stylee was not my jam and this book reads a little as if AI wrote the whole thing. A real shame as the premise of this book did sound very promissing but the execution was not it.
September 25, 2024
Oh, Kaden. Oh, Colton. The tension, the angst. If you're a fan of some good ole' fashioned pining and side-long glances, that is the book for you. In my case, I'm happy this book was as short as it was, since I was starting to feel like the build-up was taking a BIT too long without consistent development.
What I *AM* absolutely here for is a good supporting cast. The teammates and Kaden's family were so good to our boys and I really liked seeing the positivity there. Also, the Polaroid imagery in the prologue and epilogue? Such an inspired choice!
What I *AM* absolutely here for is a good supporting cast. The teammates and Kaden's family were so good to our boys and I really liked seeing the positivity there. Also, the Polaroid imagery in the prologue and epilogue? Such an inspired choice!
February 26, 2025
oof.
Here’s the thing, this story concept is beautiful. However, this reads like a first draft. I lost count of the amount of typos (your instead of you’re, spelling a characters name different ways, mixing up which character was talking) that it was hard to get invested in the story. Swapping back and forth between Colton and Kadens point of view in the same chapter was a little confusing.
If you want a cute story, this is it, if you are into well-edited stories, this is not it.
Here’s the thing, this story concept is beautiful. However, this reads like a first draft. I lost count of the amount of typos (your instead of you’re, spelling a characters name different ways, mixing up which character was talking) that it was hard to get invested in the story. Swapping back and forth between Colton and Kadens point of view in the same chapter was a little confusing.
If you want a cute story, this is it, if you are into well-edited stories, this is not it.
December 18, 2023
I have read a lot of hockey romances. They're kinda my fave. It's been hard finding new ones outside of the Eden Finley/Saxon James series and the Rachel Reid series that hook me. But this .. this hooked me right in. While it is achingly sweet and you can feel the longing so poignantly as the book moves you through the relationship, there is low angst. Kaden and Colton are so lovely together. You should give this one a try.
October 1, 2024
Since April I have devoured M/M Romances, I love so many, but this one is a rare gem. I cried, a lot, the beginning was devastating. As I continued it just was so good. I felt I was reading a 19th Century Masterpiece. Rich in writing, but fun, spicy, heart wrenching and zany. Colton and Kaden will live in my memory forever, their story is hope! I am so excited we will see their story continue!
What a joy reading their story. What a joy finding this Author.
What a joy reading their story. What a joy finding this Author.
October 21, 2024
This was really good. The storyline was a slow burn but worth it. The plot itself was simple but the details were really thought out and well done.
I really liked both characters and understood both of their points. It was still upsetting at times to read when they could have avoided it all.
It was worth it in the end.
Some of the other characters were enjoyable too. Overall I couldn’t put it down 4.5*
I really liked both characters and understood both of their points. It was still upsetting at times to read when they could have avoided it all.
It was worth it in the end.
Some of the other characters were enjoyable too. Overall I couldn’t put it down 4.5*
March 8, 2025
Amazing
I thought the book started off slow and almost stopped reading it. However, I must state that I am glad I kept going. This was one of the best love stories I have ever read. The journey to get to happiness for them both was well written. It wasn’t sudden and unbelievable. I loved it. The goalie and his command of the English language idioms was entertaining and I hope he gets his own story.
I thought the book started off slow and almost stopped reading it. However, I must state that I am glad I kept going. This was one of the best love stories I have ever read. The journey to get to happiness for them both was well written. It wasn’t sudden and unbelievable. I loved it. The goalie and his command of the English language idioms was entertaining and I hope he gets his own story.
March 20, 2025
If I cry, I give it five. The writing is really beautiful and the author writes angst and longing supremely well. It’s self-published (according to the note at the end) and the proof is in the proofreading. Meaning, it could have used more. And usually that kind of thing throws me off entirely and I end up not even wanting to finish the book. Not the case at all with this story. I cried and felt things I probably need to process with a professional (a compliment, I promise).
May 26, 2025
I always love finding new authors and what a gem of a little book.
I loved Kaden and his sunny, carefree relaxed way. Colton on the other hand I gotta say I had an intense dislike of. I was abnormally angry with him and the way he dumped Kaden.
It was so cold and callous. But I’m pleased to say he redeemed himself in my eyes!!
I really enjoyed the banter between the MC’s and was wondering if any other side characters? Am looking forward to discovering more characters in M.W Gold’s world.
I loved Kaden and his sunny, carefree relaxed way. Colton on the other hand I gotta say I had an intense dislike of. I was abnormally angry with him and the way he dumped Kaden.
It was so cold and callous. But I’m pleased to say he redeemed himself in my eyes!!
I really enjoyed the banter between the MC’s and was wondering if any other side characters? Am looking forward to discovering more characters in M.W Gold’s world.
April 15, 2024
First time reading this author and was 10/10. It was a lovely story and you really got to see good character growth for Colton and Kaden. I loved how the second chance romance aspect was played and how their feelings for each other were always there. I’m hoping that Skanakov gets a book - he was an amazing accepting side character
December 18, 2023
excellent read
This novel was so sweet! Plenty of ups and downs but I loved every minute of it. I can’t wait for more Kaden and Colton. I’d love more stories of the canadiens team as well!
This novel was so sweet! Plenty of ups and downs but I loved every minute of it. I can’t wait for more Kaden and Colton. I’d love more stories of the canadiens team as well!
April 28, 2024
What a beautiful love story.
September 9, 2024
4.5 stars! Will write a full review later
March 6, 2025
Cute story
January 3, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up
-liked the friends to strangers to lovers
-it was sooooooo long for what
-conflict wasn’t conflicting
-still cute
-no regrets but I’m not rereading
-liked the friends to strangers to lovers
-it was sooooooo long for what
-conflict wasn’t conflicting
-still cute
-no regrets but I’m not rereading
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews