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Crestwood Elite Hockey Academy #1
Skates & Stones
His family’s legacy was ruined because of her grandfather. Now, he intends to punish her for it.
Levi
I wasn’t supposed to be drafted number 1.
Hell, being my father’s son, I don’t think people expected me to be drafted at all.
But I put in the work, and I did what my father could never build a legacy I could be proud of.
I could head straight for the pros. In fact, my mom pushes me to. She says we need the money.
But I decide to defer and attend Crestwood Academy, an elite university with a focus on hockey development.
Not because I want to get better.
Not because I care about developing.
But because I know she is going to be there.
And it starts with her.
The untouched princess, heiress to the Detroit Serpents.
They think I’ve worked all my life to play professional hockey.
They were wrong.
The only thing I want more than a professional contract is to make Minka Mathers suffer in ways she never imagined.
Minka
The last thing I expect to inherit from my grandfather is a professional hockey team.
Because no one thinks someone like me can actually run a professional hockey team.
As the youngest granddaughter to the Mathers legacy, I’ve been told what to do, where to go, what to do with my life, and who to marry.
I don’t get a choice in any of it.
After my grandfather dies, there’s no reason to play by his rules anymore.
Sure, I’ll go to Crestwood and get my Business degree. I’ll take ownership of the team when I graduate.
But that’s where I draw the line.
Breaking off my engagement is the first thing I do with my new-found freedom.
And honestly?
It feels good.
So, when I’m blindfolded by a stranger and promised how good it can feel to truly let go, how can I resist?
This is my life.
I’m in control.
Until I’m not.
Doing things I’m not supposed to, doing things I want, is exhilarating.
And now that I’ve had a taste, I want more.
But more is dangerous.
I don’t even know who The Stranger is, just that he’s a hockey player and he’s drafted me in this dark game of control and release.
It’s only matter of time before we get caught, and if we do, I won’t just lose everything, I’d destroy the legacy my grandfather worked so hard to build.
Skates & Stones is a stand-alone revenge dark hockey romance featuring a tortured Alpha hockey player and the unassuming innocent who plays his game without understanding the consequences. It has a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhanger.
Levi
I wasn’t supposed to be drafted number 1.
Hell, being my father’s son, I don’t think people expected me to be drafted at all.
But I put in the work, and I did what my father could never build a legacy I could be proud of.
I could head straight for the pros. In fact, my mom pushes me to. She says we need the money.
But I decide to defer and attend Crestwood Academy, an elite university with a focus on hockey development.
Not because I want to get better.
Not because I care about developing.
But because I know she is going to be there.
And it starts with her.
The untouched princess, heiress to the Detroit Serpents.
They think I’ve worked all my life to play professional hockey.
They were wrong.
The only thing I want more than a professional contract is to make Minka Mathers suffer in ways she never imagined.
Minka
The last thing I expect to inherit from my grandfather is a professional hockey team.
Because no one thinks someone like me can actually run a professional hockey team.
As the youngest granddaughter to the Mathers legacy, I’ve been told what to do, where to go, what to do with my life, and who to marry.
I don’t get a choice in any of it.
After my grandfather dies, there’s no reason to play by his rules anymore.
Sure, I’ll go to Crestwood and get my Business degree. I’ll take ownership of the team when I graduate.
But that’s where I draw the line.
Breaking off my engagement is the first thing I do with my new-found freedom.
And honestly?
It feels good.
So, when I’m blindfolded by a stranger and promised how good it can feel to truly let go, how can I resist?
This is my life.
I’m in control.
Until I’m not.
Doing things I’m not supposed to, doing things I want, is exhilarating.
And now that I’ve had a taste, I want more.
But more is dangerous.
I don’t even know who The Stranger is, just that he’s a hockey player and he’s drafted me in this dark game of control and release.
It’s only matter of time before we get caught, and if we do, I won’t just lose everything, I’d destroy the legacy my grandfather worked so hard to build.
Skates & Stones is a stand-alone revenge dark hockey romance featuring a tortured Alpha hockey player and the unassuming innocent who plays his game without understanding the consequences. It has a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhanger.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2024
401 people are currently reading
1275 people want to read
About the author
Heather C. Myers
124 books767 followersFull disclosure: I am an acquired taste. I'm a typical blonde Orange County suburbanite who says 'like' more than necessary, laughs loud and probably obnoxiously, and loves to dance in the rain. I'm a 23 year old college graduate with more than a few tricks up my sleeve, and I also happen to be a pretty big Ducks fan. Oh, and I'm a writer. Like, for real.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
April 2, 2024
-=- DNF: 30% -=-
I give up 😭.
Not to be dramatic but it felt like I was reading my old English literature essays with how flowery and exaggerated the writing was 💀.
I'm not strong enough to keep going.
I give up 😭.
Not to be dramatic but it felt like I was reading my old English literature essays with how flowery and exaggerated the writing was 💀.
I'm not strong enough to keep going.
February 23, 2024
pathetic little boy with daddy issues and even more pathetic girl with no backbone and zero self respect like i needed her to stand up & fight back.
March 3, 2024
5/5
TROPES:
~hockey romance
~bully
~revenge
PLOT: Minka is set to own her grandfather's hockey team once she graduates college. Levi is a hockey player on that team, who joined just so he could meet Minka. He's after revenge against her family and he takes it out on her. What will happen to them and the team?
THOUGHTS: This is a dark hockey romance with bullying aspects. And believe me, Levi bullies the crap outta Minka. It was hard to read in some parts. But regardless, I loved it! I'm in a hockey mood and this hit the spot. The sexy scenes were hot as hell too. I'll definitely read more by these authors.
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate?: virgin heroine, unknown past for hero
Cheating/sharing?: no
Triggers: manipulation, mind games, control, revenge, blackmail, dubcon, bullying, stalking, SA
Kinks: power dynamics, daddy, public, praise, rough sex, bondage, degradation, knife play, dubcon
HEA? yes! <3
TROPES:
~hockey romance
~bully
~revenge
PLOT: Minka is set to own her grandfather's hockey team once she graduates college. Levi is a hockey player on that team, who joined just so he could meet Minka. He's after revenge against her family and he takes it out on her. What will happen to them and the team?
THOUGHTS: This is a dark hockey romance with bullying aspects. And believe me, Levi bullies the crap outta Minka. It was hard to read in some parts. But regardless, I loved it! I'm in a hockey mood and this hit the spot. The sexy scenes were hot as hell too. I'll definitely read more by these authors.
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate?: virgin heroine, unknown past for hero
Cheating/sharing?: no
Triggers: manipulation, mind games, control, revenge, blackmail, dubcon, bullying, stalking, SA
Kinks: power dynamics, daddy, public, praise, rough sex, bondage, degradation, knife play, dubcon
HEA? yes! <3
February 9, 2024
As a Canadian, I think it’s my patriotic duty to love hockey stories. I’ve always enjoyed this author’s work, especially the ones featuring her hockey heroes. But, I don’t like bullies. I approached this book with some caution because I wasn’t really sure if I was going to be able to get past the ‘bully’ aspect. Particularly since it’s in a young/new adult setting; it takes me back to memories I’d prefer to leave buried. This book took me to places I wouldn’t have gone willingly if I’d been paying attention to the warning signs – it pushed me so far outside of my comfort zone. What I really liked was that even though Levi wanted to bring Minka “down a peg” she was just as instrumental in humbling him at the same time. However, once again, my bloodthirsty inner Valkyrie wanted to see a little more justice inflicted on some of the worst bad actors. When all was said and done, I loved the ending. That laugh was exactly the counterbalance I needed to come back from some of the dark places Levi and Minka went.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
August 6, 2024
Eishockey und Dark Romance sollten echt nicht gemischt werden
August 30, 2025
Jesus, Mary and Josephine this was SPECTACULARLY terrible! Maybe a 1 star in book quality, but a 5 star in paraliterature. If this had been a 90's movie parodying hockey romances it would have been a blockbuster. Where do I even begin? The cliche' angry hockey player with a chip on his shoulder, the clueless spoiled "hockey heiress", The playboy arraigned marriage fiance', The "No-nonsense" coach who is full of tough love and melodramatic speeches, the bitchy best friend, Machiavellian relatives, I mean the gang is really all here. I don't know who was worse, the sheltered heroine who had an IQ that rivaled Tiger Wood's golf score or the angry son of a disgraced hockey player who has a vendetta that makes less than zero sense. What was his plan even? We may never know, it changed suddenly and inexplicably on a dime. He starts off wanting to boink the heroine and videotape it to get revenge and yet repeatedly says he "never meant to touch her or have sex with her" what was the plan then bro? Were you hoping to telekinetically ravage her on video tape or what? You spend the whole book trying to prove you're not like your disgraced father who was sent back to the minors for recreational indiscretions by...now get this brilliance...filming a sex tape of you with the future owner of the team you're going to play for. 🤔 Let's hope you're not on the planning team for climate control. Now the heroine, oh sweetheart, who let you out of your barbie dream house? Her and bitchy bestie(BB for short) go to a party, BB tells her all about this hockey ho draft and that she should NOT get involved, then BB goes away and leaves her to her own devices. So what does the h do? Willing let's the most untrustworthy person in the room blindfold her to help her "escape". I truly wonder what she thought the blindfold was for. Now the H is the one who arranged for the heroine to be "drafted" by said shady dude, who immediately tells her he won't draft her without her consent and turns her over to the H who "saves" her, but doesn't reveal who he is! What in the huh? What was even the purpose of the draft? Why go through all that? Who knows, we'll add that to the "Shit that makes less sense than a tampon in an asshole" list. Anyways, so he blind folds her and instead of just fucking her, taping it and getting it over with, he fingers her and sets a clandestine meeting to actually have sex in a week. Meanwhile, the h who is completely inexperienced agrees to this because....well, that's another thing for the list. So a week goes by, broody H broods, naive h naives...trust me, I've earned the right to make up a word after reading this book. I think there's some library encounter in there where H uses his tie to blindfold h. The h notices his tie is missing later on and then immediately wonders who her "The Stranger" could be 🤦🏼♀️Saturday meet up happens, she lets him blindfold her, strip her naked and tie her up while knowing that she's under extreme scrutiny and in danger of losing her inheritance, which just so happens to be the hockey team that drafted the H. The H decides instead of having sex with her, he's going to fuck her with a knife, tell her how much he hates her, calls her a spoiled princess, says she deserves to be ruined all while video taping it and h is all like "oh baby, give me that d!" and H runs out in turmoil about his feelings because knife+pussy= true love apparently? Add it to the list! On the way back to the dorms, a random strange guy tries to attack the h and then she hears "The Stranger's" voice coming to save her! But oh, his voice isn't low and poorly disguised like her stranger, it CAN'T be him. It's Levi! The dude she had one random argument in class with! Why is he protecting her? What a guy! Also, has anyone seen his tie? Damn, wish "The Stranger" would leave more clues as to who he is, confound it! Anyhow, during all this, nefarious Uncle chides the h for breaking her arranged marriage and says she better fix it or else and h is all "Oh my! I didn't realize breaking the long standing tradition of arraigned hockey marriage (because that is super common) that I'm told I absolutely must follow through with would ruffle so many feathers! Maybe I should rethink this!" Across campus, H's nefarious mother comes to shake him down for money while calling him a disappointment and comparing him to his father. Egads! Anything but that! H is emotionally distraught by this very common occurrence, blames the h and decides "The only way to ruin her is to have sex with her!" he runs to her dorm room, knocks on the door, she miraculously does not come to the door or check out the peephole like a normal person and instead calls out "Who is it?" like she's red riding hoods grandma so he's able to ask her to blindfold herself and he strolls in with complete confidence that she will blindfold herself. After he told her he hates her and wants to ruin her. And little miss rocket scientist actually does it. God, I really hope her ovaries are as incapable of reproduction as her brain cells are. He storms in, demands she strip, starts video taping her and tells her he's going to take her virginity and she's all "Yes, climb me like a jungle gym, you mysterious vengeful stranger you!" So they start playing "hide the sausage" (FINALLY AFTER 80%!) and it is a transcendent experience, the H finds himself falling more and more into hate with her! He's determined to ruin her life forever! As the ultimate "fuck you" he decides to reveal his identity right before she cums, but the magic of "ethereal eyes" breaks the spell of hate and suddenly he realizes, he doesn't hate her! He loves her! But now the h sees who he is and is COMPLETELY shocked and hurt and betrayed...by the only guy on the hockey team who has been actively antagonistic to her and is still missing that tie, goddammit! This list is getting really long. She kicks him out and decides she should definitely go back to arranged marriage playboy to protect herself. The H goes back to his dorm room and finds gold-digging momma is there and is all "You didn't lock your door, it would be a shame if someone came in here and stole highly sensitive information from you! Anyways, byyyyyye" Next day, videos are everywhere! Gasp! But how! How could he do this to her, her arranged fiance says peace out, her uncle moves for her to be disinherited(I don't think it works that way) her life is ruined! I must confront him! Confrontation happens, truths are revealed, love is confessed, but h just can't forgive him! But she won't lose her hockey team that she knows nothing about gosh darn it! She is now going to fight to show them she is responsible and the right person to run this team! She goes to the board meeting and says "Well, I mean technically, I didn't even DO anything wrong, cause I don't own the team yet and he's not actually a player" and everybody is like "Yeah whatever little girl, sit down the grown-ups are talking" and she's all *squeak* okay. Then in walks the valiant H! He has proof that the video was stolen by his mother who sold it to the nefarious uncle! Her brother, who suddenly speaks for the whole council for some reason even though he's not on it, removes her uncle from the board and everything else is swept under the rug. H and h have another love confession (but no more sex)and a very confusing epilogue interview written by a 3rd party where a fight with the ex-finance that we're told happened, but never actually shown and how dare they ask him questions during this interview! He said good day sir! And so here we are, the very sudden end! I can't believe you survived this whole review! You deserve a gold star and a shot of tequila! Now you don't have to read this nightmare, unless you are in the mood for a book so bad it's almost good!
Read
March 18, 2024my first attempt to dip my toes into dark romance… well, it gave me nothing!
August 7, 2024
I knew it was gonna be bad, after reading some reviews, I just didn’t expect it to be THIS bad.
The only reason I read this book was because I’ve heard good things about the rest of the series, but since I don’t like to start in the middle - well, here we are.
Now I’m not so sure about the next books in the series either, if that one was any indication of the quality…
Absolutely everything about it was stupid.
Levi, with his daddy issues and completely unwarranted quest for a revenge on an innocent girl made for a stupid plot premise to begin with.
Minka, who was supposed to inherit a hockey team in a near future, yet at 18 years old was ridiculously naive and, frankly, stupid, was very hard to empathize with. What kind of person in her position decides to blindly trust a complete stranger? What kind of person, getting at least two solid cues of who the stranger is, doesn’t even get suspicious about them? What kind of person doesn’t recognize the voice of a person she talks to regularly? And what kind of person decides they’re in love with a guy they sort of hooked up with 3 times and never actually properly talked to? She acted like a 13 yo girl who just discovered boys exist, not somebody who should run a whole freaking sports team in just a couple of years.
They both didn’t really know each other, the notion of love between them at the end of that book was utterly ridiculous.
The pacing itself was pretty bad too. It was moving at a glacial pace for the longest time, barely anything was happening and then everything happened all at once in the last few chapters, with the HEA slapped on top, just for the sake of it, while not being justified by the plot at all.
This was easily the poorest excuse for a dark romance I have ever read, which felt more like a first draft of a story to develop than a finished product.
The only reason I read this book was because I’ve heard good things about the rest of the series, but since I don’t like to start in the middle - well, here we are.
Now I’m not so sure about the next books in the series either, if that one was any indication of the quality…
Absolutely everything about it was stupid.
Levi, with his daddy issues and completely unwarranted quest for a revenge on an innocent girl made for a stupid plot premise to begin with.
Minka, who was supposed to inherit a hockey team in a near future, yet at 18 years old was ridiculously naive and, frankly, stupid, was very hard to empathize with. What kind of person in her position decides to blindly trust a complete stranger? What kind of person, getting at least two solid cues of who the stranger is, doesn’t even get suspicious about them? What kind of person doesn’t recognize the voice of a person she talks to regularly? And what kind of person decides they’re in love with a guy they sort of hooked up with 3 times and never actually properly talked to? She acted like a 13 yo girl who just discovered boys exist, not somebody who should run a whole freaking sports team in just a couple of years.
They both didn’t really know each other, the notion of love between them at the end of that book was utterly ridiculous.
The pacing itself was pretty bad too. It was moving at a glacial pace for the longest time, barely anything was happening and then everything happened all at once in the last few chapters, with the HEA slapped on top, just for the sake of it, while not being justified by the plot at all.
This was easily the poorest excuse for a dark romance I have ever read, which felt more like a first draft of a story to develop than a finished product.
August 25, 2024
DNF
I knew I was in for a rough start when it went from Minka holding a stuffed octopus her mother gave her when she was 8 to it literally saying her parents died in a boating accident when she was 3 on the next freaking page.
But when this 18 year old girl who is supposed to be inheriting a NHL team thought being blindfolded and taken from a party was a better decision than avoiding her brother I couldn’t keep going.
I’m not sure if the author thought using big fancy words would distract from how bad this was, but they sure tried, to the point that it felt like they just flipped through a thesaurus and picked whatever word founded fanciest for what they wanted.
I knew I was in for a rough start when it went from Minka holding a stuffed octopus her mother gave her when she was 8 to it literally saying her parents died in a boating accident when she was 3 on the next freaking page.
But when this 18 year old girl who is supposed to be inheriting a NHL team thought being blindfolded and taken from a party was a better decision than avoiding her brother I couldn’t keep going.
I’m not sure if the author thought using big fancy words would distract from how bad this was, but they sure tried, to the point that it felt like they just flipped through a thesaurus and picked whatever word founded fanciest for what they wanted.
August 9, 2024
I was nervous to read this one, and boy do I hate delaying this read. This book is so good, and I read it in its entirety because I couldn't put it down, I couldn't stop thinking about it, and I just loved the plot!
Definitely recommend it if you like dark or hockey romances!
Definitely recommend it if you like dark or hockey romances!
January 26, 2024
The plot was really intriguing, my only disappointment was that it felt as if Minka Forgave Levi a little too easily, but that just might have been apart of her character. One thing I absolutely loved about this book was the word choice it was rather eloquent.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2024
wow
Skates & Stones
Crestwood Elite Hockey Academy book one
Heather C Myers & Frankie Carona
Stars:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Time to read: 4 hours
HEA
My review may contain spoilers!!!!!
Read Trigger Warnings!!!!
Tropes/Genres/tags:
Enem1es to l0vers
Hockey romance
Bully
Dub con
Kn1feplay
v1rg1n heroine
Minka & Levi
18 year old Minka is set to inherit her grandfather’s hockey team once she graduates from college. Levi was drafted for that team specifically so he could get revenge for his d3ad father who used to play for the same team. He had plans to use Minka to act out his revenge.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It’s a dark hockey romance that was definitely done right! I wish there was a little bit more interaction between Minka and Levi outside of the blindfolds.
Skates & Stones
Crestwood Elite Hockey Academy book one
Heather C Myers & Frankie Carona
Stars:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Time to read: 4 hours
HEA
My review may contain spoilers!!!!!
Read Trigger Warnings!!!!
Tropes/Genres/tags:
Enem1es to l0vers
Hockey romance
Bully
Dub con
Kn1feplay
v1rg1n heroine
Minka & Levi
18 year old Minka is set to inherit her grandfather’s hockey team once she graduates from college. Levi was drafted for that team specifically so he could get revenge for his d3ad father who used to play for the same team. He had plans to use Minka to act out his revenge.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It’s a dark hockey romance that was definitely done right! I wish there was a little bit more interaction between Minka and Levi outside of the blindfolds.
November 17, 2024
The first 20% of this I was so confused! Which hockey team is she inheriting? The college one or a different one? I was very lost… characters didn’t bring anything to the table.. he’s obsessed with ruining her over his daddy issues. She can’t stand up for herself, lets everyone walk all over her🫣
They don’t form any sort of relationship but end up loving each other… umm ok… yeah (They have like one meaning conversation in the whole book)
This just didn’t work for me, I love hockey romances as well 😭 sadly I’ve dropped this down to two stars
They don’t form any sort of relationship but end up loving each other… umm ok… yeah (They have like one meaning conversation in the whole book)
This just didn’t work for me, I love hockey romances as well 😭 sadly I’ve dropped this down to two stars
May 14, 2025
Oh my goodness, I’m obsessed with this world already. And can’t wait to continue with this series. Minka and Levi chemistry was off the charts. So much heat, hate and everything in between I absolutely loved it. ❤️
November 16, 2024
I couldn’t love it
No murder? Typical “I must ruin her” ordeal. No real explanation of these arranged engagements…not for me. There was also little to no hockey.
No murder? Typical “I must ruin her” ordeal. No real explanation of these arranged engagements…not for me. There was also little to no hockey.
May 11, 2024
Deliciously Dirty!
This novel was a lot darker than I origianlly thought it was, but I still througouly enjoyed it. I loved how the relationship between Minka and Levi developed. Was it a game from the start in attempt for Levi to ruin Minka? Yes. But despite that, they still came together with a beautiful love!
I also really loved the nickname "Little Dove" Levi used for Minka. Had me giggling like a school girl🤭
This story is fantastic and I 100% recommend if you are looking for a dark, spicy romance with bondage, knife play and unhealthy obsessions!🌶❤
This novel was a lot darker than I origianlly thought it was, but I still througouly enjoyed it. I loved how the relationship between Minka and Levi developed. Was it a game from the start in attempt for Levi to ruin Minka? Yes. But despite that, they still came together with a beautiful love!
I also really loved the nickname "Little Dove" Levi used for Minka. Had me giggling like a school girl🤭
This story is fantastic and I 100% recommend if you are looking for a dark, spicy romance with bondage, knife play and unhealthy obsessions!🌶❤
January 22, 2025
Yeah u had a gun and intended to kill me but u didn’t so I love u😍
February 12, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥
Darkness Level: 🖤
Heat Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: Bully sports romance
POV: Dual
Ending: HEA
This book is a dark journey as Levi and Minka find their way to each other. I enjoy the premise of this story, with Levi blaming Minka for what her family did to his dad and determined to take his revenge by breaking and ruining her, but falling for her in the process. The execution was a bit lacking for me. I had trouble believing some of the motivations as the story progressed. I love a good obsessed and stalker MMC. Minka was harder to believe as a character. Sheltered and needing to learn to make her own choices, but then making some really really bad ones. Her falling in love with Levi was not very logical for me, as she hated him and pitied him as Levi, and knew nothing but how he made her feel as The Stranger. The end felt a bit rushed. But the scene where they finally confess their feelings was so sweet. And I loved the peek at their HEA at the end, with the interview transcript. I honestly would have loved to see more of their interactions together as a couple. All in all, I’m a bit mixed regarding this book. I would read from this author again, but don’t know that I will continue this series as it comes out. The sex scenes were definitely hot though!
Tropes: virgin FMC, slow burn, blackmail, hidden identify, leaked sex tape, manipulation, mine, obsession/stalking, revenge, enemies to lovers
Kinks: anonymous sex, blindfold, 🗡️play, bondage, degradation, submission/domination, edging, exhibitionism/voyeurism, pain, praise, dubcon
TW: sexual assault, stalking, dubcon
I received a copy of the book from the author, but my review is entirely voluntary and honest.
My shelves/tags might be considered spoilers, so look at your own risk!
Burn: 🔥
Darkness Level: 🖤
Heat Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: Bully sports romance
POV: Dual
Ending: HEA
This book is a dark journey as Levi and Minka find their way to each other. I enjoy the premise of this story, with Levi blaming Minka for what her family did to his dad and determined to take his revenge by breaking and ruining her, but falling for her in the process. The execution was a bit lacking for me. I had trouble believing some of the motivations as the story progressed. I love a good obsessed and stalker MMC. Minka was harder to believe as a character. Sheltered and needing to learn to make her own choices, but then making some really really bad ones. Her falling in love with Levi was not very logical for me, as she hated him and pitied him as Levi, and knew nothing but how he made her feel as The Stranger. The end felt a bit rushed. But the scene where they finally confess their feelings was so sweet. And I loved the peek at their HEA at the end, with the interview transcript. I honestly would have loved to see more of their interactions together as a couple. All in all, I’m a bit mixed regarding this book. I would read from this author again, but don’t know that I will continue this series as it comes out. The sex scenes were definitely hot though!
Tropes: virgin FMC, slow burn, blackmail, hidden identify, leaked sex tape, manipulation, mine, obsession/stalking, revenge, enemies to lovers
Kinks: anonymous sex, blindfold, 🗡️play, bondage, degradation, submission/domination, edging, exhibitionism/voyeurism, pain, praise, dubcon
TW: sexual assault, stalking, dubcon
I received a copy of the book from the author, but my review is entirely voluntary and honest.
My shelves/tags might be considered spoilers, so look at your own risk!
February 15, 2024
Heather C Myers has delivered! She’s given us a new hockey series (of course - it’s why we love her) but this one has a darker element and takes place in an elite academy that focuses on hockey.
(Be aware of the triggers in this one.)
Minka and Levi are compelling and intriguing characters.
She has a need for freedom and choice and he has a desire for revenge, but their original intent evolves as they interact and get to know each other.
Their chemistry is intense. There is such a power dynamic here with so much dominance, games and kink.
There are twists a-plenty, surprises, family dynamics to navigate, revenge, brooding, innocence, romance, character evolution, and an ending you’ll love.
Really looking forward to seeing more in this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Heather C Myers has delivered! She’s given us a new hockey series (of course - it’s why we love her) but this one has a darker element and takes place in an elite academy that focuses on hockey.
(Be aware of the triggers in this one.)
Minka and Levi are compelling and intriguing characters.
She has a need for freedom and choice and he has a desire for revenge, but their original intent evolves as they interact and get to know each other.
Their chemistry is intense. There is such a power dynamic here with so much dominance, games and kink.
There are twists a-plenty, surprises, family dynamics to navigate, revenge, brooding, innocence, romance, character evolution, and an ending you’ll love.
Really looking forward to seeing more in this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(Be aware of the triggers in this one.)
Minka and Levi are compelling and intriguing characters.
She has a need for freedom and choice and he has a desire for revenge, but their original intent evolves as they interact and get to know each other.
Their chemistry is intense. There is such a power dynamic here with so much dominance, games and kink.
There are twists a-plenty, surprises, family dynamics to navigate, revenge, brooding, innocence, romance, character evolution, and an ending you’ll love.
Really looking forward to seeing more in this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Heather C Myers has delivered! She’s given us a new hockey series (of course - it’s why we love her) but this one has a darker element and takes place in an elite academy that focuses on hockey.
(Be aware of the triggers in this one.)
Minka and Levi are compelling and intriguing characters.
She has a need for freedom and choice and he has a desire for revenge, but their original intent evolves as they interact and get to know each other.
Their chemistry is intense. There is such a power dynamic here with so much dominance, games and kink.
There are twists a-plenty, surprises, family dynamics to navigate, revenge, brooding, innocence, romance, character evolution, and an ending you’ll love.
Really looking forward to seeing more in this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2024
Now the positive point.
1. I love the match chapter. Told from Minka's POV, the authors told quite detail, like a sport caster, on a live game. Very good. I can see it in detail.
2. The segsi scenes were hot. With dark egde and little bit submissive dominant vibe. Sexy without being too raunchy. And not too much over the top pages after pages. And tze variety and escalation from foreplay to full intercourse.
The negative point.
1. Super slow. It takes 70% ish of the book for me to finally sit up straight and read with total focus. Unfortunetly, it only last to 80%ish, cause the ending... 🙄 proclaiming love when no chemistry beside great segs? Yeah no.
2. No chemistry. The authors can talk so much details about basically everything and yet not once interaction between main characters to deepen their connection beside Minka being blindfold and segsi time comes? *pun intended, so, again, proclaiming love at the end was just 🙄 yep, nope.
3. The authors talk so much details on so many side characters, I feel like missing out previous books while it said this is book one of the series.
4. It need 80%ish and Levy to show her it was him along? While at the "draft" night, Minka was subtlety told the guy who was with her is the first draft... 🤔 am I missing something here???
5. With the super slow on the first part, the ending felt rushed. Minka felt like a naive little girl, hungry for attention. While Levy, with his little boy mentality with his revenge plot should have been dig deeper. I mean, the guy doesn't even have anyone on his corner! Not even his mom. He should get mental check up or something instead of just dismissing it as redeeming quality from a bad boy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1. I love the match chapter. Told from Minka's POV, the authors told quite detail, like a sport caster, on a live game. Very good. I can see it in detail.
2. The segsi scenes were hot. With dark egde and little bit submissive dominant vibe. Sexy without being too raunchy. And not too much over the top pages after pages. And tze variety and escalation from foreplay to full intercourse.
The negative point.
1. Super slow. It takes 70% ish of the book for me to finally sit up straight and read with total focus. Unfortunetly, it only last to 80%ish, cause the ending... 🙄 proclaiming love when no chemistry beside great segs? Yeah no.
2. No chemistry. The authors can talk so much details about basically everything and yet not once interaction between main characters to deepen their connection beside Minka being blindfold and segsi time comes? *pun intended, so, again, proclaiming love at the end was just 🙄 yep, nope.
3. The authors talk so much details on so many side characters, I feel like missing out previous books while it said this is book one of the series.
4. It need 80%ish and Levy to show her it was him along? While at the "draft" night, Minka was subtlety told the guy who was with her is the first draft... 🤔 am I missing something here???
5. With the super slow on the first part, the ending felt rushed. Minka felt like a naive little girl, hungry for attention. While Levy, with his little boy mentality with his revenge plot should have been dig deeper. I mean, the guy doesn't even have anyone on his corner! Not even his mom. He should get mental check up or something instead of just dismissing it as redeeming quality from a bad boy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2025
Please keep in mind that these are my thoughts. I am reviewing the book, not the author.
Found this in my search for "free Kindle romance books."
Overall, it was okay. I've never been a huge fan of dark romance (Killian Carson freaked me out a little too much), but I read the blurb and gave it a try.
The main reason I rated this book two stars was because of the plot.
Basically: A dark romance. For me, it's a 2.5/5 star read (Goodreads won't let me do .5). There are some aspects that I would have liked to see that weren't included, but overall it lived up to the hype of dark college hockey romance.
Found this in my search for "free Kindle romance books."
Overall, it was okay. I've never been a huge fan of dark romance (Killian Carson freaked me out a little too much), but I read the blurb and gave it a try.
The main reason I rated this book two stars was because of the plot.
Basically: A dark romance. For me, it's a 2.5/5 star read (Goodreads won't let me do .5). There are some aspects that I would have liked to see that weren't included, but overall it lived up to the hype of dark college hockey romance.
January 21, 2025
More of a 2.5/5 stars, but rounded up. The story was slow starting out and then when Levi and Minka did meet they never really had any kind of chemistry. It seemed like the author spent a lot of time on making the backstory for the characters, but then rushed to put them together as a couple. Throughout the whole book, I think Minka and Levi had maybe 5 conversations together where they knew they were talking to each other and then they jump straight to saying I love you.
Minka doesn’t know it’s Levi for a majority of the book when she’s interacting with him since she’s blindfolded. The author threw in a couple spicy scenes with them saying a few sentences to each other during their spicy time and that was all the “foundation” provided for their relationship. When Minka has the big reveal of finding out her “stranger” is Levi she still doesn’t really even know him.
I probably would have rated this book slightly higher if the characters actually had any kind of conversation where they talked and got to know each other. Minka and Levi never even discuss Levi’s whole backstory about his dad together (which is the main focus of the book besides their “relationship.” Minka is told about Levi’s dad from her friend gossiping. I don’t know if I’ll continue this series. I usually read entire series even if they are just interconnected standalones, but this was the first book I read by these authors and I don’t know if I even want to bother reading the rest of the series.
Minka doesn’t know it’s Levi for a majority of the book when she’s interacting with him since she’s blindfolded. The author threw in a couple spicy scenes with them saying a few sentences to each other during their spicy time and that was all the “foundation” provided for their relationship. When Minka has the big reveal of finding out her “stranger” is Levi she still doesn’t really even know him.
I probably would have rated this book slightly higher if the characters actually had any kind of conversation where they talked and got to know each other. Minka and Levi never even discuss Levi’s whole backstory about his dad together (which is the main focus of the book besides their “relationship.” Minka is told about Levi’s dad from her friend gossiping. I don’t know if I’ll continue this series. I usually read entire series even if they are just interconnected standalones, but this was the first book I read by these authors and I don’t know if I even want to bother reading the rest of the series.
February 11, 2024
Levi is a college student, but drafted as NHL player at league level. Minka is supposed to inherit the same team after completing college.
He is set on revenge and Minka is firmly in his sight and plans. Minka is set on finding freedom from the restrictions of the arranged marriage agreement within her family boundaries.
Sex games provide the means of their relationship. He blindfolds and binds her, speaks coarsely, sets the terms of their play and records their interludes on his phone, refusing disclose his identity. She is naive, willingly accepts and adopts to submission, aroused by thrill seeking and excitement in the experience with The Stranger.
I find it a little strained that she did not identify him. They are in the same class, engaged in open discussion, held conversations and she overheard a particular conversation between Levi and his mother.
His mother is a leech, her uncle is a viper and each behave entirely with self interest. The issues of the videos was dilute; a lot more could have been made of how this was resolved and the effects on each of them, because how it is described is lukewarm.
An interesting start to a new series. The main characters have been well defined and set within a college setting, so younge adult liaison., but possibly will become more strongly present in other books as the series develops.
He is set on revenge and Minka is firmly in his sight and plans. Minka is set on finding freedom from the restrictions of the arranged marriage agreement within her family boundaries.
Sex games provide the means of their relationship. He blindfolds and binds her, speaks coarsely, sets the terms of their play and records their interludes on his phone, refusing disclose his identity. She is naive, willingly accepts and adopts to submission, aroused by thrill seeking and excitement in the experience with The Stranger.
I find it a little strained that she did not identify him. They are in the same class, engaged in open discussion, held conversations and she overheard a particular conversation between Levi and his mother.
His mother is a leech, her uncle is a viper and each behave entirely with self interest. The issues of the videos was dilute; a lot more could have been made of how this was resolved and the effects on each of them, because how it is described is lukewarm.
An interesting start to a new series. The main characters have been well defined and set within a college setting, so younge adult liaison., but possibly will become more strongly present in other books as the series develops.
February 13, 2024
I never look at the author's name so was quite surprised to see Seraphina Hanson's name in the book. That was a funny moment for me when I thought the author had probably done a crossover with Heather C Myers.
Anyway, about this book... It had all the makings of a good dark romance, but it crumbled during the main climax. The dialogues could have been angsty enough to make you cry; the scene had been perfectly set already. The emotions could have been heightened to the point the reader could feel them too; again, the setting was ripe for the taking. But it seemed as if the author choked.
The smut was brilliant, the blackmail material was delicious, the characters were written well too in the beginning and middle of the book, but Levi's emotions weren't really enhanced. Sure, he felt possessive of her, but when he started caring for her, his emotions became muted rather than overwhelming for him. The author had such a wonderful opportunity to make the readers want to smack some sense into him, but I didn't particularly care if he got with Minka or not.
I'm also left wondering why was Damian like that throughout the book. Are we going to see more of him in the next book? Or was he just an ass for no reason? Also, Liam's and Henry's stories definitely interest me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anyway, about this book... It had all the makings of a good dark romance, but it crumbled during the main climax. The dialogues could have been angsty enough to make you cry; the scene had been perfectly set already. The emotions could have been heightened to the point the reader could feel them too; again, the setting was ripe for the taking. But it seemed as if the author choked.
The smut was brilliant, the blackmail material was delicious, the characters were written well too in the beginning and middle of the book, but Levi's emotions weren't really enhanced. Sure, he felt possessive of her, but when he started caring for her, his emotions became muted rather than overwhelming for him. The author had such a wonderful opportunity to make the readers want to smack some sense into him, but I didn't particularly care if he got with Minka or not.
I'm also left wondering why was Damian like that throughout the book. Are we going to see more of him in the next book? Or was he just an ass for no reason? Also, Liam's and Henry's stories definitely interest me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2024
Skates & Stones dives deep into the world of elite hockey and tangled family dramas, bringing together Levi and Minka in a whirlwind of revenge and desire. Written by Heather C. Myers and Frankie Cardona, this steamy romance follows Levi, a determined hockey player with a vendetta against Minka's family, and Minka, who finds herself unexpectedly inheriting a professional hockey team.
Levi's drive for revenge against Minka's family adds an extra layer of tension to their already complicated relationship. Despite their initial animosity, sparks fly between them, leading to a passionate yet risky affair. As they navigate their emotions and desires, they find themselves entangled in a dangerous game orchestrated by an enigmatic figure known as The Stranger.
Skates & Stones delivers on its promise of a gripping romance set against the backdrop of competitive hockey. With well-developed characters and plenty of steamy moments, it keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. However, it also explores darker themes and includes trigger warnings, so readers should be prepared for some intense moments.
Overall, Skates & Stones is a compelling read for fans of hockey romance and forbidden love stories. It offers a satisfying happily-ever-after while reminding readers that actions have consequences.
#Bookstagram #RomanceReads #HockeyRomance #SteamyReads #BookReview
Levi's drive for revenge against Minka's family adds an extra layer of tension to their already complicated relationship. Despite their initial animosity, sparks fly between them, leading to a passionate yet risky affair. As they navigate their emotions and desires, they find themselves entangled in a dangerous game orchestrated by an enigmatic figure known as The Stranger.
Skates & Stones delivers on its promise of a gripping romance set against the backdrop of competitive hockey. With well-developed characters and plenty of steamy moments, it keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. However, it also explores darker themes and includes trigger warnings, so readers should be prepared for some intense moments.
Overall, Skates & Stones is a compelling read for fans of hockey romance and forbidden love stories. It offers a satisfying happily-ever-after while reminding readers that actions have consequences.
#Bookstagram #RomanceReads #HockeyRomance #SteamyReads #BookReview
September 26, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 3/5
The writing in this book is honestly amazing. I do have to say it was very descriptive and kinda reminded me of being in my old English literature class (might be an exaggeration) BUT it really really grew on me and I actually enjoyed the writing. I really liked plot and how everything went. It was enjoyable for being a dark ice hockey romance especially when I love both of the genres
✔️ ice hockey romance
✔️ virgin fmc
✔️ enemies to lovers
⛸️🏒⛸️🏒⛸️
Okay... here comes the main reason why it's only 3 stars. I almost gave it a 4 stars. ALMOST. There's a couple reason why I went with 3 instead. I really how the beginning half of the book went. It was enjoyable, the plot was different enough compared to ice hockey romances but I don't know what happened it just went downhill at the last half of the book. Somehow the book went nicely paced to super fast in an instant. It also very much lacked how Levi processed his feeling towards Minka. I also don't understand how they fell in love with each other despite the lack of interaction and knowledge of each other (outside of the blindfold). I really think it could've benefited a couple chapters of how Levi and Minka starts processing their feelings with each other tbh.
⛸️🏒⛸️🏒⛸️
Spice Level: 3/5
The writing in this book is honestly amazing. I do have to say it was very descriptive and kinda reminded me of being in my old English literature class (might be an exaggeration) BUT it really really grew on me and I actually enjoyed the writing. I really liked plot and how everything went. It was enjoyable for being a dark ice hockey romance especially when I love both of the genres
✔️ ice hockey romance
✔️ virgin fmc
✔️ enemies to lovers
⛸️🏒⛸️🏒⛸️
Okay... here comes the main reason why it's only 3 stars. I almost gave it a 4 stars. ALMOST. There's a couple reason why I went with 3 instead. I really how the beginning half of the book went. It was enjoyable, the plot was different enough compared to ice hockey romances but I don't know what happened it just went downhill at the last half of the book. Somehow the book went nicely paced to super fast in an instant. It also very much lacked how Levi processed his feeling towards Minka. I also don't understand how they fell in love with each other despite the lack of interaction and knowledge of each other (outside of the blindfold). I really think it could've benefited a couple chapters of how Levi and Minka starts processing their feelings with each other tbh.
⛸️🏒⛸️🏒⛸️
February 11, 2024
Minka Mathers & Levi Kennedy’s story captivated me from the beginning. Another great book by Heather C Myers.
When Minka’s grandfather dies, she hopes that she won’t have to follow all of his rules anymore. She is happy to go to college and then take over his professional hockey team, but an arranged marriage to Sawyer Wolfe is asking too much. With a taste of freedom, she is tempted into seeing what she wants for once in her life, but will her uncle and the board allow this to happen?
Levi Kennedy is fighting against his father’s tarnished legacy, and he is off to a great start by getting drafted #1 to his father former hockey team. What they don’t know is that he blames them for his father’s fall, and he is determined to make Minka pay for what they did. When hate burns so strong, you need to be careful you aren’t the one that gets burned.
This is a stand-alone dark hockey romance with a broody alpha hockey player and an innocent doe eyed girl caught in a game of dominance and vulnerability for pleasure and freedom.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Minka’s grandfather dies, she hopes that she won’t have to follow all of his rules anymore. She is happy to go to college and then take over his professional hockey team, but an arranged marriage to Sawyer Wolfe is asking too much. With a taste of freedom, she is tempted into seeing what she wants for once in her life, but will her uncle and the board allow this to happen?
Levi Kennedy is fighting against his father’s tarnished legacy, and he is off to a great start by getting drafted #1 to his father former hockey team. What they don’t know is that he blames them for his father’s fall, and he is determined to make Minka pay for what they did. When hate burns so strong, you need to be careful you aren’t the one that gets burned.
This is a stand-alone dark hockey romance with a broody alpha hockey player and an innocent doe eyed girl caught in a game of dominance and vulnerability for pleasure and freedom.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2024
4.5* - Rounded up to 5...
Minka is set to inherit the Serpents Hockey Team. But to do so, she first has to finish college. She also has to get out of her arranged engagement to Sawyer Wolfe.
Levi is on a scholarship at Crestwood after being picked in the First Draft by the Serpents, but delaying his draft so he can study first. Levi has a history with the Serpents Hockey Team, and has his sights set on bringing Minka down a peg or two because of her position as the future owner of the team.
However, as Levi spends time with Minka, and gets to know her, he realises that he no longer feels that he can take his revenge out on her anymore. Until others take matters into his own hands, and their lives get overly complicated.
Check the authors trigger warnings for this dark romance novel.
I enjoyed this story, and the way it developed. I enjoyed how the characters grew and matured through all that happened, and how they grew together, and stood firm in taking corrective action with regards to the unfortunate situations they were exposed to.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Minka is set to inherit the Serpents Hockey Team. But to do so, she first has to finish college. She also has to get out of her arranged engagement to Sawyer Wolfe.
Levi is on a scholarship at Crestwood after being picked in the First Draft by the Serpents, but delaying his draft so he can study first. Levi has a history with the Serpents Hockey Team, and has his sights set on bringing Minka down a peg or two because of her position as the future owner of the team.
However, as Levi spends time with Minka, and gets to know her, he realises that he no longer feels that he can take his revenge out on her anymore. Until others take matters into his own hands, and their lives get overly complicated.
Check the authors trigger warnings for this dark romance novel.
I enjoyed this story, and the way it developed. I enjoyed how the characters grew and matured through all that happened, and how they grew together, and stood firm in taking corrective action with regards to the unfortunate situations they were exposed to.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2024
In a world where Minka's affluent family has orchestrated her future since childhood, she yearns for autonomy as she enters university. Tired of having her life determined by others, her pursuit of independence takes a perilous turn when she makes a decision that introduces a vengeful man into her life, threatening to unravel her carefully planned future.
Levi holds Minka responsible for her grandfather's deeds and the impending ownership of the hockey team he's drafted into. Fueled by a desire for payback, he concocts a scheme to assert control over her, only to discover that his actions have unintended consequences affecting more than just their tumultuous relationship.
As the story unfolds, Minka and Levi defy expectations, evolving from adversaries to unlikely allies. Their journey from animosity to love challenges their preconceived notions, setting the stage for an enthralling series that promises unexpected twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Levi holds Minka responsible for her grandfather's deeds and the impending ownership of the hockey team he's drafted into. Fueled by a desire for payback, he concocts a scheme to assert control over her, only to discover that his actions have unintended consequences affecting more than just their tumultuous relationship.
As the story unfolds, Minka and Levi defy expectations, evolving from adversaries to unlikely allies. Their journey from animosity to love challenges their preconceived notions, setting the stage for an enthralling series that promises unexpected twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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