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My Pucking Crush
💙From Award-Winning Author Tori Chase comes her first MM Hockey Mafia Bodyguard STANDALONE Romance💙
Protecting him is my duty, but falling for him could be my undoing.
I’ve spent five years burying my past, leaving behind the violence and bloodshed of my former life as a Bratva enforcer. Now, I’m just Luca—the quiet guy who keeps his head down, working security for a professional hockey team. I don’t get close to anyone, and I definitely don’t let anyone get close to me.
But then I’m assigned to protect Max Ryan, the team’s star defenseman, and everything changes.
He's my obsession. My crush.
Max is everything I shouldn’t want. Charismatic and stubborn, he’s got a knack for finding trouble, and now he’s got a target on his back. The last thing I need is to be drawn into his world, where old loyalties and deadly secrets collide with new, dangerous desires.
As much as I try to keep things professional, Max has a way of breaking through my defenses. But when a shadow from my past threatens to destroy him and everything I’ve built, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe.
Even if it means confronting the darkness I thought I’d left behind—and risking everything, including my heart.
💙TROPES💙
🏒MM Romance
🏒Hockey Player X Bodyguard
🏒Mafia Vibes
🏒Enemies to Lovers
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒One Bed
🏒Pierced Hero
🏒Hurt/Comfort
🏒Trauma Flashbacks
🏒'Out' for You
🏒Touch Him and Die
🏒Cameos! Cameos! Cameos!
🏒Sacrificial Break-Up
🏒Epic Groveling
🏒Found Family/HEA
The subject matter of this book is for mature readers and contains triggering content.
Follow Tori for New Release Notifications
Protecting him is my duty, but falling for him could be my undoing.
I’ve spent five years burying my past, leaving behind the violence and bloodshed of my former life as a Bratva enforcer. Now, I’m just Luca—the quiet guy who keeps his head down, working security for a professional hockey team. I don’t get close to anyone, and I definitely don’t let anyone get close to me.
But then I’m assigned to protect Max Ryan, the team’s star defenseman, and everything changes.
He's my obsession. My crush.
Max is everything I shouldn’t want. Charismatic and stubborn, he’s got a knack for finding trouble, and now he’s got a target on his back. The last thing I need is to be drawn into his world, where old loyalties and deadly secrets collide with new, dangerous desires.
As much as I try to keep things professional, Max has a way of breaking through my defenses. But when a shadow from my past threatens to destroy him and everything I’ve built, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe.
Even if it means confronting the darkness I thought I’d left behind—and risking everything, including my heart.
💙TROPES💙
🏒MM Romance
🏒Hockey Player X Bodyguard
🏒Mafia Vibes
🏒Enemies to Lovers
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒One Bed
🏒Pierced Hero
🏒Hurt/Comfort
🏒Trauma Flashbacks
🏒'Out' for You
🏒Touch Him and Die
🏒Cameos! Cameos! Cameos!
🏒Sacrificial Break-Up
🏒Epic Groveling
🏒Found Family/HEA
The subject matter of this book is for mature readers and contains triggering content.
Follow Tori for New Release Notifications
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2024
1600 people are currently reading
4711 people want to read
About the author
Tori Chase
8 books236 followersTori Chase is the ultra-sexy side of Award-Winning author Deborah Garland. If you're looking for very explicit and erotic reads where anything goes, Tori Chase is your new favorite author.
You can follow her here on Amazon and on Instagram @torichaseromance.
The debut novel under her new exciting brand is Wild for You: A Rockstar Reverse Harem.
Tori's not f*king around...
You can follow her here on Amazon and on Instagram @torichaseromance.
The debut novel under her new exciting brand is Wild for You: A Rockstar Reverse Harem.
Tori's not f*king around...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 943 reviews
January 19, 2025
"I'm a heavy ejaculator".
BOY PLEASE. 💀💀💀
DNF @30%
I don't get it. HOW is this book getting recced left and right?
The writing is SO BAD.
The dialogue is a cringe fest
The plot is *regretfully* existent but is so ridiculous I can't even.
Their whole relationship is based on cocks.
Sucking cocks, taking cocks, ogling cocks, touching cocks....
CHRIST.
I need brain bleach.
BOY PLEASE. 💀💀💀
DNF @30%
I don't get it. HOW is this book getting recced left and right?
The writing is SO BAD.
The dialogue is a cringe fest
The plot is *regretfully* existent but is so ridiculous I can't even.
Their whole relationship is based on cocks.
Sucking cocks, taking cocks, ogling cocks, touching cocks....
CHRIST.
I need brain bleach.
Read
October 31, 2024This book deserves no stars. Instant DNF when this author uses the word “taboo” following a scene where the MC’s jerk off together. Apparently she had no MM or queer romance readers alpha or beta for her…
“It’s hot as fuck and feels so taboo.”
Being queer isn’t taboo. Engaging in sexual acts with the same sex isn’t taboo.
DO BETTER.
“It’s hot as fuck and feels so taboo.”
Being queer isn’t taboo. Engaging in sexual acts with the same sex isn’t taboo.
DO BETTER.
January 28, 2025
Update: Audiobook narrators revealed: Teddy Hamilton AND Joe Arden.
You heard that right!!
When 2 of my favourite romance worlds meet? You get this.
I cannot but give it the 5 stars it deserves. (rounded up from 4.5)
Perfect balance between MM Romance - Hockey - Mafia.
Luca and Max? OBSESSED.
What's not to love?
- Hockey Captain X Bodyguard? ✅
- Secret obsession? ✅
- Forbidden love? ✅
- Forced proximity? ✅
- Angst and confusion and yearning? ✅
- Groveling that puts others to shame? ✅
They're both alfa males who are golden retrievers for each other but still broody and imposing.
They're both dealing with issues and trauma. Whether a traumatic past or loss and hiding identity.
I did have a couple of instances where I needed to linger in the emotional moment a bit more or have a little more build-up.
And I do have a small issue with the book being marketed as enemies to lovers. It is definitely not that. It's forced proximity.
I would have never guessed that this is Tori/Deborah's first MM and first Hockey Romance!
The smoothness of the inclusion of sport in the story, the description, and just enough details to feel like a sports romance but not to overwhelm the reader.
The plot keeps twisting till the last page of the book. And the procession and resolution make perfect sense. This author KNOWS how to write mafia romance.
Honestly, I cannot wait until the audiobook in 2025!
And Tori/Deborah? I hope whoever from your family reads this is truly sent over the edge because this is love.💓
I have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own, and the fact that I received an early copy did not affect my rating or review.
--
I have learned this week, that whenever Hockey is brought up, it leads to conversations about books even in the most random of groups.
Cheers to Hockey Romance bringing book lovers together!
Looking forward to feasting on this ARC.
You heard that right!!
When 2 of my favourite romance worlds meet? You get this.
I cannot but give it the 5 stars it deserves. (rounded up from 4.5)
Perfect balance between MM Romance - Hockey - Mafia.
Luca and Max? OBSESSED.
What's not to love?
- Hockey Captain X Bodyguard? ✅
- Secret obsession? ✅
- Forbidden love? ✅
- Forced proximity? ✅
- Angst and confusion and yearning? ✅
- Groveling that puts others to shame? ✅
They're both alfa males who are golden retrievers for each other but still broody and imposing.
They're both dealing with issues and trauma. Whether a traumatic past or loss and hiding identity.
I did have a couple of instances where I needed to linger in the emotional moment a bit more or have a little more build-up.
And I do have a small issue with the book being marketed as enemies to lovers. It is definitely not that. It's forced proximity.
I would have never guessed that this is Tori/Deborah's first MM and first Hockey Romance!
The smoothness of the inclusion of sport in the story, the description, and just enough details to feel like a sports romance but not to overwhelm the reader.
The plot keeps twisting till the last page of the book. And the procession and resolution make perfect sense. This author KNOWS how to write mafia romance.
Honestly, I cannot wait until the audiobook in 2025!
And Tori/Deborah? I hope whoever from your family reads this is truly sent over the edge because this is love.💓
I have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own, and the fact that I received an early copy did not affect my rating or review.
--
I have learned this week, that whenever Hockey is brought up, it leads to conversations about books even in the most random of groups.
Cheers to Hockey Romance bringing book lovers together!
Looking forward to feasting on this ARC.
May 19, 2025
DNF @55
they could die , and I wouldn’t bat an eye.
they could die , and I wouldn’t bat an eye.
January 31, 2025
I got this audiobook because Teddy and Joe narrating a bodyguard/hockey romance sounded too good to be true...and it was 😩.
I don't know why, but from the very beginning of the story, them being in these dire situations and just having all these sexual thoughts even though neither of them knew if the other was gay or not was making me cringe. And then I audibly just busted out laughing when Luca was naked in his bedroom and Max opened the door and there was just a man standing there in a trench coat. Like what 🤣💀. And then proceeded to have a whole entire naked fight scene with a bad guy. And I'll be honest the whole mafia plot, and then, with the high school ex, all just kind of got lost on me and was confusing. I didn't really understand any of that. And then the twist at the end with the family...I just thought was too over the top and unrealistic.
Don't get me wrong- Joe and Teddy did an excellent job with the narration, but it just could not save this story for me.
I don't know why, but from the very beginning of the story, them being in these dire situations and just having all these sexual thoughts even though neither of them knew if the other was gay or not was making me cringe. And then I audibly just busted out laughing when Luca was naked in his bedroom and Max opened the door and there was just a man standing there in a trench coat. Like what 🤣💀. And then proceeded to have a whole entire naked fight scene with a bad guy. And I'll be honest the whole mafia plot, and then, with the high school ex, all just kind of got lost on me and was confusing. I didn't really understand any of that. And then the twist at the end with the family...I just thought was too over the top and unrealistic.
Don't get me wrong- Joe and Teddy did an excellent job with the narration, but it just could not save this story for me.
December 9, 2024
2 stars. Eh. My only reaction is eh.
November 15, 2024
Max Ryan is bewildered when he finds out he's being targeted by the Russian mob, but with Luca Sheppard assigned to protect him, he should have nothing to worry about. Except falling for him.
This was just a mess. The plot, the characters, the genre, all of it kept contradicting everything else and it just left me confused. The hockey part took on a feral edge with the inclusion of the Russian mob but with an oddly playful tone? I don't know. I usually like hockey books but this was just a miss.
As far as the main characters go, I just didn't like them. Either of them. They were immature, crass, confused and prone to gasping whenever anything happened - which frankly, was just plain weird.
Luca's backstory sucks. It's too complicated but revealed too freely to someone he's just met. He might have been obsessed but even he mentions the difference between fantasy and actually getting to know someone. He barely introduces himself before he's spilling his guts to Max about being a contract killer for the mob, Like it was just too much, too soon and it just didn't work.
As for Max he had no idea who he is, what he wants or what the hell he is doing in any situation. I sympathised with the whole but his lack of certainty about everything just annoyed me.
Together, they had some steamy scenes but I was kind of bored and then disturbed by the murky consent they had going on. I would've preferred they discussed their issues and trauma beforehand rather than having the trauma either intruding in the sex scenes or being completely thrown out the window on a whim. Luca kept pushing Max further than he was apparently comfortable with and it didn't line up with the character he was supposed to be - for all that it's a dark romance.
The plot didn't really make sense. The idea that a Russian mafia boss buys a hockey team and then orders an attack on a player of a rival team was just weak. Plus the wavering on whether or not it was to ensure a win or because Luca had a crush on Max - it just didn't work. Furthermore, Luca sucked as a bodyguard. The house scene where he
I was excited by the idea of this one but the execution just fell flat. 1 star.
This was just a mess. The plot, the characters, the genre, all of it kept contradicting everything else and it just left me confused. The hockey part took on a feral edge with the inclusion of the Russian mob but with an oddly playful tone? I don't know. I usually like hockey books but this was just a miss.
As far as the main characters go, I just didn't like them. Either of them. They were immature, crass, confused and prone to gasping whenever anything happened - which frankly, was just plain weird.
Luca's backstory sucks. It's too complicated but revealed too freely to someone he's just met. He might have been obsessed but even he mentions the difference between fantasy and actually getting to know someone. He barely introduces himself before he's spilling his guts to Max about being a contract killer for the mob, Like it was just too much, too soon and it just didn't work.
As for Max he had no idea who he is, what he wants or what the hell he is doing in any situation. I sympathised with the whole but his lack of certainty about everything just annoyed me.
Together, they had some steamy scenes but I was kind of bored and then disturbed by the murky consent they had going on. I would've preferred they discussed their issues and trauma beforehand rather than having the trauma either intruding in the sex scenes or being completely thrown out the window on a whim. Luca kept pushing Max further than he was apparently comfortable with and it didn't line up with the character he was supposed to be - for all that it's a dark romance.
The plot didn't really make sense. The idea that a Russian mafia boss buys a hockey team and then orders an attack on a player of a rival team was just weak. Plus the wavering on whether or not it was to ensure a win or because Luca had a crush on Max - it just didn't work. Furthermore, Luca sucked as a bodyguard. The house scene where he
I was excited by the idea of this one but the execution just fell flat. 1 star.
October 13, 2024
This is TORI CHASE’s first M/M Romance?!?! This was SO GOOD!!! If you love dark romance, hockey, mafia vibes, and an enemies to lovers tropes, THIS IS IT! Special thanks to the author herself for sending me a physical copy! Max & Luca are now one of my favorite fictional gay couples out there! M M Y PUCKING CRUSH tells the story of Max Ryan, a professional hockey player is being hunted to be killed and to be off the hockey team, The Crushers. He is assigned a bodyguard, Luca Sheppard, and hates the vibes of him. Luca knowing he has to protect Max, doesn’t let him know that he’s had an obsession over him and also works for a secret mafia group. As they both try to get used to each other, Max falls for him hard, but will Luca love him back, or will he break his heart? A steamy, but spicy M/M hockey bodyguard romance that will you loving both the MMCs and the action that it involves! A must read!
October 3, 2024
My Pucking Crush is an enjoyably complicated forbidden romance between closeted professional athlete Max and his bodyguard Luca, who has a hidden past with the Bratva. These two have a very complex situation that is strictly forbidden given their positions and roles with one another.
Overall this story tried to accomplish a lot of things while integrating a mix of genres that I felt were challenging to balance throughout the story. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads, even when at times the story and development of their relationship felt rushed and not developed nearly enough to be most effective.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall this story tried to accomplish a lot of things while integrating a mix of genres that I felt were challenging to balance throughout the story. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads, even when at times the story and development of their relationship felt rushed and not developed nearly enough to be most effective.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
July 27, 2025
Teddy Hamilton and Joe Harden were the reason.
Read
October 14, 2024DNF @ 29%
I am not vibing with this one. This shit is so unbelievable. The author noted they didn't know much about hockey (or professional sports probably) and I believe it lmao. Plus the mafia thing is going to get all kinds of OTT I predict. Both have some past trauma that I am sure will be explored and while I was interested in that I also don't care to keep reading if it feels like a chore.
Other than that I think it's just this weird alpha man vibe both MCs have going on. IDK it's hard to explain.
But self-care always so I'm putting this one down.
I am not vibing with this one. This shit is so unbelievable. The author noted they didn't know much about hockey (or professional sports probably) and I believe it lmao. Plus the mafia thing is going to get all kinds of OTT I predict. Both have some past trauma that I am sure will be explored and while I was interested in that I also don't care to keep reading if it feels like a chore.
Other than that I think it's just this weird alpha man vibe both MCs have going on. IDK it's hard to explain.
But self-care always so I'm putting this one down.
April 19, 2025
Through this, I learned that hockey and mafia romance should not come together and have a baby
April 23, 2025
The amount of cringing that I did while reading this speaks for itself. Some of it was really good, but some was just not.
Max was aggravating and needed to make up his mind, and Luca was too understanding. The spice was the worst part, it was so bad.
Also the ending?? When the hell did they even get married…? Nothing happened for majority of the book because Max was too scared to come out as a gay and then bam they’re married. Yeah no. THEY WERE CUTE, but the entire story could have just been better.
Max was aggravating and needed to make up his mind, and Luca was too understanding. The spice was the worst part, it was so bad.
Also the ending?? When the hell did they even get married…? Nothing happened for majority of the book because Max was too scared to come out as a gay and then bam they’re married. Yeah no. THEY WERE CUTE, but the entire story could have just been better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2024
Let me start off by saying, this had potential to be phenomenal in my opinion. The premise was good, the backstory was good but I just couldn’t connect with the characters the way I wanted to. I didn’t really feel the chemistry and connection between Max and Luca at all. Yes, there were certain points where I did but overall it just didn’t hit. The writing felt very choppy and perhaps maybe the writing style and formatting just didn’t work for me but it was very hard to follow. The story didn’t really flow naturally and it was more telling rather than showing. Luca also didn’t really feel like a hardened ex Bratva enforcer to me. I guess I would’ve like a more natural approach to their relationship other than bodyguard being a fan and having a crush. I also felt at times Max’s background in terms of the trauma he experienced wasn’t explained the best either especially when it came to him and Luca being sexual. Yes, Luca was not going to hurt him but it’s understandable that Max needed time and patience and was not going to be ready to do things so soon. Also, some of the events just felt all over the place and some needed more detailing. One chapter would be one thing and the next would jump to something completely different. This is my first time reading this author, so maybe I need to read a couple of other books but this one just didn’t hit. Hopefully the next book in the series will be a little smoother. Overall though it did have a good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
My Pucking Crush by Tori Chase
5 ⭐ Audiobook
4 🌶️(maybe 4.5 😜)
Format: Audiobook
Narrator(s): Teddy Hamilton and Joe Arden
Genre: Dark Romance
🖤 Dark MM Hockey Romance
🖤 Forbidden Romance w/ Bodyguard
🖤 One-Bed Trope
⚠️CHECK TW'S BEFORE READING / LISTENING ⚠️
After seeing that BOTH Teddy Hamilton and Joe Arden were narrating this dark hockey romance, I knew the format I was reading (listening) to this book. This book gave everything... love, lies, trauma, character development, and that spicey spice 🔥Oh good lord...
This book is told from dual POV's - Max and Luca. Max is our beautiful but reserved hockey God. Luca is his hot, Russian bodyguard.
Everyone keeps secrets and these two 'hot as sin' men are no exception. Luca is the dark broody type except when it comes to Max... and it is the cutest thing you will experience with two characters. For some toxic reason, I found his dark obsession adorable. Max has experienced trauma as a kid that no one should have to ever know, and it shows by him not trusting anyone. He doesn't have the best family and you can really feel his loneliness. My heart melted for him. The banter between these guys had me giggling, blushing and swooning one minute and then wanting to rip my earbuds out the next with frustration. We get non-stop action from start to finish and the angst?! I felt it the entire time.
Can we talk about the spice? Actually, no. Go listen and experience all that hotness yourself. 🔥🔥
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely, YES!!!
5 ⭐ Audiobook
4 🌶️(maybe 4.5 😜)
Format: Audiobook
Narrator(s): Teddy Hamilton and Joe Arden
Genre: Dark Romance
🖤 Dark MM Hockey Romance
🖤 Forbidden Romance w/ Bodyguard
🖤 One-Bed Trope
⚠️CHECK TW'S BEFORE READING / LISTENING ⚠️
After seeing that BOTH Teddy Hamilton and Joe Arden were narrating this dark hockey romance, I knew the format I was reading (listening) to this book. This book gave everything... love, lies, trauma, character development, and that spicey spice 🔥Oh good lord...
This book is told from dual POV's - Max and Luca. Max is our beautiful but reserved hockey God. Luca is his hot, Russian bodyguard.
Everyone keeps secrets and these two 'hot as sin' men are no exception. Luca is the dark broody type except when it comes to Max... and it is the cutest thing you will experience with two characters. For some toxic reason, I found his dark obsession adorable. Max has experienced trauma as a kid that no one should have to ever know, and it shows by him not trusting anyone. He doesn't have the best family and you can really feel his loneliness. My heart melted for him. The banter between these guys had me giggling, blushing and swooning one minute and then wanting to rip my earbuds out the next with frustration. We get non-stop action from start to finish and the angst?! I felt it the entire time.
Can we talk about the spice? Actually, no. Go listen and experience all that hotness yourself. 🔥🔥
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely, YES!!!
dnf
May 14, 2025DNF 20%
Qué pesadilla, todo el rato pensando con la 🍆
Que sí, que está bueno, que está fuerte, que quieres su 🍆 en la boca cada 3 veces que lo miras. ¿Nos podemos centrar en un poco de trama y desarrollo, por favor?
Pinta guay esto de un MM hockey + mafia + bodyguard romance pero cuando el guardaespaldas te dice que tiene un pedazo de crush en el, que solo piensa en como sería pinflárselo y el otro tampoco colabora... Creía que habría más misterio en la relación y le estaba dando la oportunidad pero es que son mono pensamiento, tío.
Qué pesadilla, todo el rato pensando con la 🍆
Que sí, que está bueno, que está fuerte, que quieres su 🍆 en la boca cada 3 veces que lo miras. ¿Nos podemos centrar en un poco de trama y desarrollo, por favor?
Pinta guay esto de un MM hockey + mafia + bodyguard romance pero cuando el guardaespaldas te dice que tiene un pedazo de crush en el, que solo piensa en como sería pinflárselo y el otro tampoco colabora... Creía que habría más misterio en la relación y le estaba dando la oportunidad pero es que son mono pensamiento, tío.
April 4, 2025
Did I listen to this because it’s two of my favourite voice actors? yep!
Did it make me like it more cause I’m a slut for a hockey romance, dark romance with the body guard/Russian Mafia tropes yes sir!!!
Was it amazing? Not really
Did I enjoy it? You bet your sweet cheeks I did!
Did it make me like it more cause I’m a slut for a hockey romance, dark romance with the body guard/Russian Mafia tropes yes sir!!!
Was it amazing? Not really
Did I enjoy it? You bet your sweet cheeks I did!
Read
October 13, 2024Dnf
The book is all over the place and the mention of heat between them when I ain’t seeing anything felt like it was being forced to see. 👩🦯
The book is all over the place and the mention of heat between them when I ain’t seeing anything felt like it was being forced to see. 👩🦯
January 9, 2025
So bad I have no comments
November 24, 2024
ARC Review
I want to preface this by saying that this isn’t necessarily a bad book, it just wasn’t for me. Everything about this book screamed that it should have been for me — bodyguard, mafia ties, dark MM hockey romance — but unfortunately the execution just didn’t work for me.
Max is a closeted gay hockey player and Luca works security for Max’s hockey team. When something happens to Max and it appears that his life is in jeopardy, Luca is assigned to be Max’s personal bodyguard.
The development of their relationship was okay, though I felt that for a bodyguard romance, there was a lack of tension to the buildup of their relationship. I think my biggest problem was that I didn’t feel the connection with Max and Luca. I didn’t feel a spark when they kissed or during their intimate moments. I didn’t feel like there was any emotion behind the spice, which is usually the reason why I love spice in books.
Also, Luca and Max come from dark pasts, and though it’s mentioned very frequently throughout the book, I felt like the book didn’t dive deep enough to their trauma. For a dark hockey romance, the stakes felt very low throughout the book, and the actual plot of the book fell flat for me.
This is a complete side note, but I had to constantly remind myself that Max and Luca were 36 and 37 years old. Based on their actions and the things that they said, it felt like they were both 10 years younger than they actually were.
All in all, I truly wanted to love this b/c I’m a sucker for bodyguard romances but I just didn’t. The writing wasn’t for me. With that said though, if you like this book’s tropes (bodyguard, dark hockey romance, mafia ties, hate to love, touch him and d!e) don’t let this review stop you from giving this book a try.
I want to preface this by saying that this isn’t necessarily a bad book, it just wasn’t for me. Everything about this book screamed that it should have been for me — bodyguard, mafia ties, dark MM hockey romance — but unfortunately the execution just didn’t work for me.
Max is a closeted gay hockey player and Luca works security for Max’s hockey team. When something happens to Max and it appears that his life is in jeopardy, Luca is assigned to be Max’s personal bodyguard.
The development of their relationship was okay, though I felt that for a bodyguard romance, there was a lack of tension to the buildup of their relationship. I think my biggest problem was that I didn’t feel the connection with Max and Luca. I didn’t feel a spark when they kissed or during their intimate moments. I didn’t feel like there was any emotion behind the spice, which is usually the reason why I love spice in books.
Also, Luca and Max come from dark pasts, and though it’s mentioned very frequently throughout the book, I felt like the book didn’t dive deep enough to their trauma. For a dark hockey romance, the stakes felt very low throughout the book, and the actual plot of the book fell flat for me.
This is a complete side note, but I had to constantly remind myself that Max and Luca were 36 and 37 years old. Based on their actions and the things that they said, it felt like they were both 10 years younger than they actually were.
All in all, I truly wanted to love this b/c I’m a sucker for bodyguard romances but I just didn’t. The writing wasn’t for me. With that said though, if you like this book’s tropes (bodyguard, dark hockey romance, mafia ties, hate to love, touch him and d!e) don’t let this review stop you from giving this book a try.
February 11, 2025
I don't know what was that!
unnecessarily long, with poorly written and confusing dialogue. One mc lost a son and the other suffered abuse as a teenager, but the way these facts are presented is so careless that it has no impact, it's as if it were any other unforeseen event in their lives. I love Teddy Hamilton, I love listening to his narration but not even he can save the train wreck that was this book.
unnecessarily long, with poorly written and confusing dialogue. One mc lost a son and the other suffered abuse as a teenager, but the way these facts are presented is so careless that it has no impact, it's as if it were any other unforeseen event in their lives. I love Teddy Hamilton, I love listening to his narration but not even he can save the train wreck that was this book.
January 18, 2025
I can’t believe I gave my first smutty MM experience to this book 😭 if it wasn’t for the audio i would’ve dnfed this! Straight up insta and the story was just dumb 😅
Read
May 14, 2025Let's be real. We all listened to this for one reason only, well, I guess two reasons. And those gentlemen did not disappoint! But yeah, the book was awful. Sounded nice though. 🌶️
January 28, 2026
3.5⭐️ extra .5 stars for the narrators because Teddy H and Joe Arden flirting with my earholes is just something else!!
I feel like way too much happened in this books and the cross over with the hockey and mafia was hella confusing.
I feel like way too much happened in this books and the cross over with the hockey and mafia was hella confusing.
November 29, 2025
RTC. I partnered the book with the audio for an immersive read. Teddy Hamilton and Joe Arden ATE!!!
REVIEW - 29/11/25
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🥵
I saw that Teddy Hamilton and Joe Arden were narrating so I had to immersive read this one. This ATE 🤭🤭🤭
Hockey Superstar, Max, is attacked one evening - que hot AF Russian Bodyguard with absolutely 0 fucks, "take my money baby" Luca. He has been working security for the team - and crushing on Max from afar 🤭😋 when he is finally assigned to protect the object of his desires 🤭🤭🤭. You catch the drift.
This had me hehe-haha-ing the entire time. OMG the forced proximity had me in a chokehold. I couldn't breathe because, Teddy Hamilton and Joe Arden's voices transport me to another dimension, where time stops and I can't breathe. The effect their voices have on me is criminal.
Anyway the book, I freakin loved the characters. Max was so cute trying to be all alpha. He just need Daddy Luca to humble him.
I loved Luca's "Give no 🤬" attitude. Lucas is hiding from a troubled past and the "bodyguard" worked, until it didn't.
Max explores his sexuality while playing a male dominated sport.
The chemistry between Max and Luca is electric, with longing and yearning between each interaction. These characters are flawed and some people don't like them. I'm not some, and I will "one outs" with anyone that says otherwise.
Tori impressively dished up some deep emotional undertones, in a short fast-paced novel. She brings to life the internal conflicts of both Max and Luca is a suspenseful, yet light and humorous fashion.
The plot twists jump out at you, from nowhere, keeping you enthralled one engaging page after the other.
This is for the Dark MM Hockey Romance and/or Mafia girlies.
It's a 5 course meal that'll have you dribbling so bring the napkins.
It's about to get very 🔥HOT🔥 up in here!!!
REVIEW - 29/11/25
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🥵
I saw that Teddy Hamilton and Joe Arden were narrating so I had to immersive read this one. This ATE 🤭🤭🤭
Hockey Superstar, Max, is attacked one evening - que hot AF Russian Bodyguard with absolutely 0 fucks, "take my money baby" Luca. He has been working security for the team - and crushing on Max from afar 🤭😋 when he is finally assigned to protect the object of his desires 🤭🤭🤭. You catch the drift.
This had me hehe-haha-ing the entire time. OMG the forced proximity had me in a chokehold. I couldn't breathe because, Teddy Hamilton and Joe Arden's voices transport me to another dimension, where time stops and I can't breathe. The effect their voices have on me is criminal.
Anyway the book, I freakin loved the characters. Max was so cute trying to be all alpha. He just need Daddy Luca to humble him.
I loved Luca's "Give no 🤬" attitude. Lucas is hiding from a troubled past and the "bodyguard" worked, until it didn't.
Max explores his sexuality while playing a male dominated sport.
The chemistry between Max and Luca is electric, with longing and yearning between each interaction. These characters are flawed and some people don't like them. I'm not some, and I will "one outs" with anyone that says otherwise.
Tori impressively dished up some deep emotional undertones, in a short fast-paced novel. She brings to life the internal conflicts of both Max and Luca is a suspenseful, yet light and humorous fashion.
The plot twists jump out at you, from nowhere, keeping you enthralled one engaging page after the other.
This is for the Dark MM Hockey Romance and/or Mafia girlies.
It's a 5 course meal that'll have you dribbling so bring the napkins.
It's about to get very 🔥HOT🔥 up in here!!!
January 16, 2025
So deliciously good couldn’t stop reading this one until the very end…
It’s riddled with emotions a bit of intrigue and so much more!
This was my second MM book and I freaking loved how it was written!
This book was seriously spicy, it will have you gushing in no time I tell you.. so be prepared!
A MM Hockey Mafia Bodyguard STANDALONE Romance about two guys from different walks of life who despite their differences they each have one thing in common and that’s trauma caused by a family member.. they both are broken souls one more so than the other but the attraction between them is undoubtedly undeniable.
Protecting him is my duty, but falling for him could be my undoing.
LUCA~💙
Luca
The seemingly quiet guy who keeps his head down working as a security for a professional hockey team.
Luca had spent years trying to bury the past and protecting his sister, but Luca has an obsession and it’s in the form of the super gorgeous Captain of the hockey team… but the thing is this guy is Straight or so it would seem when all is revealed when Luca was commissioned to become his bodyguard his Shadow and then later on soooo much more, now all Luca sees is, HIM.
He's my obsession. My crush.
Max Ryan
The drop dead gorgeous captain of the Hockey team,
Who has been living a lie ever since his teen years but Max has been consistently confused about his sexuality and even concerned about revealing just how much he prefers a specific gender more than the other. This guy is also been through a very bad experience as a teen one that left him completely abused and confused.
But then after being attacked and assigned a bodyguard and not just any Bodyguard.. he was to be up close and personal with this gorgeous sexy dangerous man who he’s undoubtedly attracted to .. things got really more difficult for Max as he tries to evaluate his true feelings .. and it’s not just about dealing with his past trauma.
Max is everything Luca shouldn’t want and likewise Luca ,
But as much as they try to keep things professional, they are both breaking down each other’s defenses and falling a little day by day.
But life has a way of throwing curve ball .. and for sure this one’s a doozy as Luca Dangerous past finally rears its ugly head and all hell is break loose….
~🖤~
A shadow from my past threatens to destroy him and everything I’ve built, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe.
Even if it means confronting the darkness I thought I’d left behind—and risking everything, including my heart.
LUCA ~
~🖤~
Listen this book is not just about romance and smut ..
well although I’m here for all of it ..
but on a serious note it also discusses the everyday issues of sexual discrimination trauma,and sexual abuse,
This author masterfully crafted these details into the story giving us a sense of what it could be like to overcome certain issues to finally finding happiness.. the book also have other characters from previous story reappearing for short stints but was done subtly without being drawn out and boring.
Well done Tori Chase!
I definitely enjoyed reading about Max and Luca love story and I freaking loved it!
Be sure to check this one out!
💙TROPES💙
🏒MM Romance
🤍Hockey Player X Bodyguard
🏒Mafia Vibes
💙Enemies to Lovers
🏒Forced Proximity
🤍One Bed
🏒Pierced Hero
💙Hurt/Comfort
🏒Trauma Flashbacks
🤍Out' for You
🏒Touch Him and Die
💙Cameos! Cameos! Cameos!
🏒Sacrificial Break-Up
🤍Epic Groveling
💙Found Family/HEA
The subject matter of this book is for mature readers and contains triggering content.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ absolutely 💯 worth it.
4.5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵 Because I’m sure my Hoochi was on fire from these scenes. WHEW!!
Thanks for reading my Review and rating for such an exhilarating book!
This ARC was provided to me for an Honest opinion!
@Georgious_eleanorpb🦋
Definitely ♥️
It’s riddled with emotions a bit of intrigue and so much more!
This was my second MM book and I freaking loved how it was written!
This book was seriously spicy, it will have you gushing in no time I tell you.. so be prepared!
A MM Hockey Mafia Bodyguard STANDALONE Romance about two guys from different walks of life who despite their differences they each have one thing in common and that’s trauma caused by a family member.. they both are broken souls one more so than the other but the attraction between them is undoubtedly undeniable.
Protecting him is my duty, but falling for him could be my undoing.
LUCA~💙
Luca
The seemingly quiet guy who keeps his head down working as a security for a professional hockey team.
Luca had spent years trying to bury the past and protecting his sister, but Luca has an obsession and it’s in the form of the super gorgeous Captain of the hockey team… but the thing is this guy is Straight or so it would seem when all is revealed when Luca was commissioned to become his bodyguard his Shadow and then later on soooo much more, now all Luca sees is, HIM.
He's my obsession. My crush.
Max Ryan
The drop dead gorgeous captain of the Hockey team,
Who has been living a lie ever since his teen years but Max has been consistently confused about his sexuality and even concerned about revealing just how much he prefers a specific gender more than the other. This guy is also been through a very bad experience as a teen one that left him completely abused and confused.
But then after being attacked and assigned a bodyguard and not just any Bodyguard.. he was to be up close and personal with this gorgeous sexy dangerous man who he’s undoubtedly attracted to .. things got really more difficult for Max as he tries to evaluate his true feelings .. and it’s not just about dealing with his past trauma.
Max is everything Luca shouldn’t want and likewise Luca ,
But as much as they try to keep things professional, they are both breaking down each other’s defenses and falling a little day by day.
But life has a way of throwing curve ball .. and for sure this one’s a doozy as Luca Dangerous past finally rears its ugly head and all hell is break loose….
~🖤~
A shadow from my past threatens to destroy him and everything I’ve built, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe.
Even if it means confronting the darkness I thought I’d left behind—and risking everything, including my heart.
LUCA ~
~🖤~
Listen this book is not just about romance and smut ..
well although I’m here for all of it ..
but on a serious note it also discusses the everyday issues of sexual discrimination trauma,and sexual abuse,
This author masterfully crafted these details into the story giving us a sense of what it could be like to overcome certain issues to finally finding happiness.. the book also have other characters from previous story reappearing for short stints but was done subtly without being drawn out and boring.
Well done Tori Chase!
I definitely enjoyed reading about Max and Luca love story and I freaking loved it!
Be sure to check this one out!
💙TROPES💙
🏒MM Romance
🤍Hockey Player X Bodyguard
🏒Mafia Vibes
💙Enemies to Lovers
🏒Forced Proximity
🤍One Bed
🏒Pierced Hero
💙Hurt/Comfort
🏒Trauma Flashbacks
🤍Out' for You
🏒Touch Him and Die
💙Cameos! Cameos! Cameos!
🏒Sacrificial Break-Up
🤍Epic Groveling
💙Found Family/HEA
The subject matter of this book is for mature readers and contains triggering content.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ absolutely 💯 worth it.
4.5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵 Because I’m sure my Hoochi was on fire from these scenes. WHEW!!
Thanks for reading my Review and rating for such an exhilarating book!
This ARC was provided to me for an Honest opinion!
@Georgious_eleanorpb🦋
Definitely ♥️
February 27, 2025
Rating: 3/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Max and Luca
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Max and Luca
January 27, 2025
**Audiobook Review **
This is a fast paced MM romance between men from two very different worlds, a hockey god and an ex-mafia enforcer. One is torn between the image he feels he must project and the man he wants to be. The other is unapologetically secure in his sexuality. The story takes a hold from page one and it’s hard to press that pause button for sure. It’s engaging a little dark and so captivating.
The narration is top notch with Joe and Teddy, the perfect duo for this story. Joe crushes his role as Max expressing the vulnerability and inner struggles he battles to come into his own and accepting his true self. Teddy, just as good, is amazing at supporting and pushing Max right when he needs it. He excels at bringing Lucas dominant and protective personality to life. Together they truly bring the characters to life. Enhancing the story and had me rooting for their HEA. Love it!!
This is a fast paced MM romance between men from two very different worlds, a hockey god and an ex-mafia enforcer. One is torn between the image he feels he must project and the man he wants to be. The other is unapologetically secure in his sexuality. The story takes a hold from page one and it’s hard to press that pause button for sure. It’s engaging a little dark and so captivating.
The narration is top notch with Joe and Teddy, the perfect duo for this story. Joe crushes his role as Max expressing the vulnerability and inner struggles he battles to come into his own and accepting his true self. Teddy, just as good, is amazing at supporting and pushing Max right when he needs it. He excels at bringing Lucas dominant and protective personality to life. Together they truly bring the characters to life. Enhancing the story and had me rooting for their HEA. Love it!!
March 4, 2025
DNF at 47%.
I’m starting a new thing going into 2025 where I don’t force myself to finish books that are terrible. It starts here. This book is so boring that over the course of several days I found myself reading only to discover I had been reading the same chapter over and over again. My brain literally would not remember passages that I had read only minutes earlier.
There is absolutely zero chemistry between Luca and Max. I thought it would be interesting to read about Luca having an unrequited crush on Max only for Max to eventually return those feelings tenfold. But no. Luca doesn’t have a crush on Max - regardless of what the book wants you to think - he just finds Max attractive. That’s it. There’s a lot of badly written bedroom scenes but zero development in their relationship (up until the point where I gave up on this book).
Luca shares the backstory of his life way too early into becoming Max’s bodyguard and where Max should find it hard to believe that his bodyguard was literally in the Russian mafia and had to change his name and assume a new identity… He believes him right away. That makes literally no sense. And on top of that, despite Max believing that his life is in danger by the Russian mafia, he still doesn’t take the threats to his life seriously. And honestly for a hockey romance, there was very little hockey up until the point that I read.
I’m starting a new thing going into 2025 where I don’t force myself to finish books that are terrible. It starts here. This book is so boring that over the course of several days I found myself reading only to discover I had been reading the same chapter over and over again. My brain literally would not remember passages that I had read only minutes earlier.
There is absolutely zero chemistry between Luca and Max. I thought it would be interesting to read about Luca having an unrequited crush on Max only for Max to eventually return those feelings tenfold. But no. Luca doesn’t have a crush on Max - regardless of what the book wants you to think - he just finds Max attractive. That’s it. There’s a lot of badly written bedroom scenes but zero development in their relationship (up until the point where I gave up on this book).
Luca shares the backstory of his life way too early into becoming Max’s bodyguard and where Max should find it hard to believe that his bodyguard was literally in the Russian mafia and had to change his name and assume a new identity… He believes him right away. That makes literally no sense. And on top of that, despite Max believing that his life is in danger by the Russian mafia, he still doesn’t take the threats to his life seriously. And honestly for a hockey romance, there was very little hockey up until the point that I read.
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