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Arctic Titans of Northwood U #5
Rebels of the Rink
Tyler is my best buddy on the planet. We would move mountains for each other. So when I discover that my girl has been cheating on me, it’s my best friend’s job to put me back together.
His own troubles in the love nest are brewing. His girlfriend is jealous of all the time Tyler spends cheering me up.
She doesn’t understand. Nobody gets us. We had always been each other’s rocks. And when Tyler is forced to choose between me and his girl, my whole life is turned upside down.
He chooses me. And he makes me happier than he can understand.
Maybe we are each other’s soulmates.
The only problem is…neither of us is into guys.
It’s a cruel cosmic joke to make me fall in love with my best friend and never be able to do anything about it. But once I see the truth behind the veil of fog and confusion, I can never unsee it.
I want him. Even if it means learning to like a whole new style.
Rebels of the Rink is the fifth novel in the Arctic Titans on Northwood U series. It features two best friends, double-bi-awakening, ice-melting heat, and heart-rendering sweetness. You can expect all the usual Arctic Titans shenanigans, a leap from youth to adulthood, and a rollercoaster of emotions. Rebels of the Rink can be read on its own, but it’s best enjoyed when read in order.
His own troubles in the love nest are brewing. His girlfriend is jealous of all the time Tyler spends cheering me up.
She doesn’t understand. Nobody gets us. We had always been each other’s rocks. And when Tyler is forced to choose between me and his girl, my whole life is turned upside down.
He chooses me. And he makes me happier than he can understand.
Maybe we are each other’s soulmates.
The only problem is…neither of us is into guys.
It’s a cruel cosmic joke to make me fall in love with my best friend and never be able to do anything about it. But once I see the truth behind the veil of fog and confusion, I can never unsee it.
I want him. Even if it means learning to like a whole new style.
Rebels of the Rink is the fifth novel in the Arctic Titans on Northwood U series. It features two best friends, double-bi-awakening, ice-melting heat, and heart-rendering sweetness. You can expect all the usual Arctic Titans shenanigans, a leap from youth to adulthood, and a rollercoaster of emotions. Rebels of the Rink can be read on its own, but it’s best enjoyed when read in order.
252 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2024
165 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Hayden Hall
73 books777 followersGay. Sweet. Steamy.
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.
Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.
His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.
You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.
Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.
His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.
You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
March 15, 2024
one thing hayden hall excels at is sensual and authentic sex scenes. i love them like he puts the pen to paper okay!!
one thing hayden hall also excels at is annoying tf outta me😂😂 i swear there’s some dumbass bullshit in every single one of the books i’ve read in this series that makes me have to stop and just be like what the fuck😭
one of my favorite tropes is the third act break up…….*record scratch* said nobody ever🙄 ENOUGH i tell u!!! i swear authors act like breaking up and getting back together will strengthen a relationship😭😭
how TF does tyler and sebastian’s relationship go from rock solid, besties for the resties, boyfriends for forever and always, ‘no one understands me like him’, ‘i can talk to him about anything that’s my person’, communication kings, to sebastian thinking:
“It was infuriating how much he tempted me to share my troubles and cling to him. I could do it. I could hold him close and keep him from ever finding true happiness. I could trick him into staying with me, missing out on all the good things, and being my rock, my support system, my everything. Was I that selfish? I couldn’t be.”
um….what?? literally wtf are u talking about!! when i tell u sebastian and tyler were like ride or die at this point and they went home for a couple of days and sebastian had to listen to his homophobic, ultra religious, intolerant asshole of a father and brother, that he KNOWS BOTH HAVE HORRENDOUS WORLD VIEWS AND OPINIONS, talk shit about gay people and sebastian destroying his life bc he chose to pursue hockey, but somehow that translates to sebastian thinking he needs to save tyler from himself and break up with him for tyler’s own good…….like sebastian……u just completely made all this up in ur head outta nowhere!!!! the reach was astronomical. A THIRD ACT BREAK UP OF ANY KIND DOES NOT MAKE SENSE FOR THESE TWO, but a nonsensical one ???? JAIL!!!!!!!
i don’t care how low sebastian’s self esteem is, the result of having to be around his family and listening to their bullshit is not sebastian thinking i need to break up with tyler bc i’m only happy around him, i keep burdening him with my feelings when i’m sad or disappointed or *insert any negative emotion*…. okay so ur insecure about being unsuccessful bc ur father and brother think u will be…..the same father and brother that u don’t agree with on anything they have to say about anything???? so why would u believe what they say now?? doesn’t make sense. but whatever, ur insecure about ur chances of success and whether or not ur a burden to ur boyfriend……maybe talk it thru with ur boyfriend who is ur go-to person for understanding you and making you feel better and supporting you and helping u thru ???? but somehow this gets warped into u all of sudden thinking absolutely farcical nonsense like:
“If you stay with me, I’ll only ever hold you back. I’ll keep using you to feel good and you’ll never know what you’re missing if you stay.”
🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ i need a punching bag asap bc WHAT!!! where is this coming from….like why don’t u just talk to tyler😭😭😭 uggghhh i’m so irritated, it makes no sense!!!! y’all could say anything to each other 2 days ago, but now communication is a foreign word????
also, if there’s a person i fundamentally disagree with on every level, even if they happen to be my family, i’m not listening to ANYTHING they say!!!! like oh u think i’m a failure? well u also think *insert any number of the dumbest things i’ve ever heard come directly outta ur ignorant mouth* so IDGAF!!! WHY would i listen to YOU🤦♀️
but at last, sebastian decides to get his head out of his ass and try to get tyler back:
“I would explain everything and he would understand. Who else, if not Tyler?”
FUCKING EXACTLY!!!!!!!! i could SCREAM!!!!! of course he would understand, so why didn’t u just TALK to him in the first place!!!!!! so stupid!!
what should’ve happened is that when sebastian gets insecure, he leans on tyler for support like he ALWAYS DOES and finds the courage to stand up for himself and come out to his family and then fucks off into the sunset with his boyfriend and lives his life to the fullest regardless of what his family thinks bc they suck and he doesn’t agree with anything they say anyways.
but tbh even before the third act break up, i didn’t find these two as compelling as i would’ve liked. i thought they sorta happened way too fast. they had their first kiss and then it was kinda full steam ahead which i felt like ended the push and pull and sexual tension of it all too early.
i really really really wish i could say that after a string of disappointing books by this author, i will not be tuning into the next one, but that would be a lie (HELP ME😭)…..jordan and asher are next and i’ve been waiting for their story forever. somehow i still have hope.
one thing hayden hall also excels at is annoying tf outta me😂😂 i swear there’s some dumbass bullshit in every single one of the books i’ve read in this series that makes me have to stop and just be like what the fuck😭
one of my favorite tropes is the third act break up…….*record scratch* said nobody ever🙄 ENOUGH i tell u!!! i swear authors act like breaking up and getting back together will strengthen a relationship😭😭
how TF does tyler and sebastian’s relationship go from rock solid, besties for the resties, boyfriends for forever and always, ‘no one understands me like him’, ‘i can talk to him about anything that’s my person’, communication kings, to sebastian thinking:
“It was infuriating how much he tempted me to share my troubles and cling to him. I could do it. I could hold him close and keep him from ever finding true happiness. I could trick him into staying with me, missing out on all the good things, and being my rock, my support system, my everything. Was I that selfish? I couldn’t be.”
um….what?? literally wtf are u talking about!! when i tell u sebastian and tyler were like ride or die at this point and they went home for a couple of days and sebastian had to listen to his homophobic, ultra religious, intolerant asshole of a father and brother, that he KNOWS BOTH HAVE HORRENDOUS WORLD VIEWS AND OPINIONS, talk shit about gay people and sebastian destroying his life bc he chose to pursue hockey, but somehow that translates to sebastian thinking he needs to save tyler from himself and break up with him for tyler’s own good…….like sebastian……u just completely made all this up in ur head outta nowhere!!!! the reach was astronomical. A THIRD ACT BREAK UP OF ANY KIND DOES NOT MAKE SENSE FOR THESE TWO, but a nonsensical one ???? JAIL!!!!!!!
i don’t care how low sebastian’s self esteem is, the result of having to be around his family and listening to their bullshit is not sebastian thinking i need to break up with tyler bc i’m only happy around him, i keep burdening him with my feelings when i’m sad or disappointed or *insert any negative emotion*…. okay so ur insecure about being unsuccessful bc ur father and brother think u will be…..the same father and brother that u don’t agree with on anything they have to say about anything???? so why would u believe what they say now?? doesn’t make sense. but whatever, ur insecure about ur chances of success and whether or not ur a burden to ur boyfriend……maybe talk it thru with ur boyfriend who is ur go-to person for understanding you and making you feel better and supporting you and helping u thru ???? but somehow this gets warped into u all of sudden thinking absolutely farcical nonsense like:
“If you stay with me, I’ll only ever hold you back. I’ll keep using you to feel good and you’ll never know what you’re missing if you stay.”
🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ i need a punching bag asap bc WHAT!!! where is this coming from….like why don’t u just talk to tyler😭😭😭 uggghhh i’m so irritated, it makes no sense!!!! y’all could say anything to each other 2 days ago, but now communication is a foreign word????
also, if there’s a person i fundamentally disagree with on every level, even if they happen to be my family, i’m not listening to ANYTHING they say!!!! like oh u think i’m a failure? well u also think *insert any number of the dumbest things i’ve ever heard come directly outta ur ignorant mouth* so IDGAF!!! WHY would i listen to YOU🤦♀️
but at last, sebastian decides to get his head out of his ass and try to get tyler back:
“I would explain everything and he would understand. Who else, if not Tyler?”
FUCKING EXACTLY!!!!!!!! i could SCREAM!!!!! of course he would understand, so why didn’t u just TALK to him in the first place!!!!!! so stupid!!
what should’ve happened is that when sebastian gets insecure, he leans on tyler for support like he ALWAYS DOES and finds the courage to stand up for himself and come out to his family and then fucks off into the sunset with his boyfriend and lives his life to the fullest regardless of what his family thinks bc they suck and he doesn’t agree with anything they say anyways.
but tbh even before the third act break up, i didn’t find these two as compelling as i would’ve liked. i thought they sorta happened way too fast. they had their first kiss and then it was kinda full steam ahead which i felt like ended the push and pull and sexual tension of it all too early.
i really really really wish i could say that after a string of disappointing books by this author, i will not be tuning into the next one, but that would be a lie (HELP ME😭)…..jordan and asher are next and i’ve been waiting for their story forever. somehow i still have hope.
March 14, 2024
Even though I am not typically a best friends to lovers fan, we have seen Tyler and Sebastian’s friendship dynamic throughout the series and I shipped. So, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one.
These two just KNEW each other so well. If you like a little more questioning with your sexual awakening you won’t find that here. Once Tyler and Sebastian realize they want each other and aren’t as straight as they thought they were, it’s off to the races. It all just makes sense to them and it pretty much made sense to me too. I only wish they held out a little longer to build up the tension.
Tyler was my favorite because I am a sucker for a character that knows what they want and has the confidence to go after it and keep it.
You should read these books in order. You don’t have to but it will most definitely add to your enjoyment level.
-Childhood BFFs
-College hockey players
-Double bi-awakening
-Heavy on the steamy scenes
-Low angst
Loved getting to see so much of my boyfriend Sawyer in this and looking forward to Jordan and Asher’s story!
thank you to GRR for the ARC
These two just KNEW each other so well. If you like a little more questioning with your sexual awakening you won’t find that here. Once Tyler and Sebastian realize they want each other and aren’t as straight as they thought they were, it’s off to the races. It all just makes sense to them and it pretty much made sense to me too. I only wish they held out a little longer to build up the tension.
Tyler was my favorite because I am a sucker for a character that knows what they want and has the confidence to go after it and keep it.
You should read these books in order. You don’t have to but it will most definitely add to your enjoyment level.
-Childhood BFFs
-College hockey players
-Double bi-awakening
-Heavy on the steamy scenes
-Low angst
Loved getting to see so much of my boyfriend Sawyer in this and looking forward to Jordan and Asher’s story!
thank you to GRR for the ARC
March 17, 2024
This has the dreaded epilogue sex. Sigh. We don't know what these boys' future holds but at least we do know they got one last fuck in. Yay for us, I guess.
I have more of a collection of thoughts on this, rather than a review.
I feel like it would have benefited from being longer. As is, it's too short that the pace was much faster so there's very little seen in terms of character development. It's basically besties kiss, try out sex, deal with one's family homophobia and ride off into the sunset.
Seriously. You'd ask me to tell you anything about them and I wouldn't be able to, aside from the fact that they play hockey. There's no personality.
I didn't mind the third act breakup as much as I thought I would. Partly because I knew it was coming but also, given that MC's backstory, the when and why made sense.
That said, the stakes didn't feel that high because it was resolved literally 5 pages later. No wringing of hands or beating of chests. Snore.
It was really okay.
I'm really excited for Asher and Jordan's story, though, and I hope I love that more than I did this.
I have more of a collection of thoughts on this, rather than a review.
I feel like it would have benefited from being longer. As is, it's too short that the pace was much faster so there's very little seen in terms of character development. It's basically besties kiss, try out sex, deal with one's family homophobia and ride off into the sunset.
Seriously. You'd ask me to tell you anything about them and I wouldn't be able to, aside from the fact that they play hockey. There's no personality.
I didn't mind the third act breakup as much as I thought I would. Partly because I knew it was coming but also, given that MC's backstory, the when and why made sense.
That said, the stakes didn't feel that high because it was resolved literally 5 pages later. No wringing of hands or beating of chests. Snore.
It was really okay.
I'm really excited for Asher and Jordan's story, though, and I hope I love that more than I did this.
April 21, 2024
"My body knew how right this felt. It knew all too well how much it needed it. With one kiss, he had gone through all of me, picking up the pieces of my shattered soul. He put them all together neatly like an archeologist who carefully brushed bits of an antique vase."
Rebels of the Rink is book 5 in the fabulous Arctic Titans of Northwood series by Hayden Hall. If you like your ice hockey players fun, flirty and into each other, then this is the series for you! This is (finally!) Tyler and Sebastian's story. Whilst you don't need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one, it is highly recommended for continuity and an understanding of the other characters and members of the team.
Rebels of the Rink will be for you if you love:
❣️MM sports romance
❣️found family
❣️double bi-awakening
❣️all the firsts
❣️best friends to lovers
❣️soul mates
❣️HEA
Bring on Asher and Jordan in On Thin Ice, coming April 25!
4 stars
Rebels of the Rink is book 5 in the fabulous Arctic Titans of Northwood series by Hayden Hall. If you like your ice hockey players fun, flirty and into each other, then this is the series for you! This is (finally!) Tyler and Sebastian's story. Whilst you don't need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one, it is highly recommended for continuity and an understanding of the other characters and members of the team.
Rebels of the Rink will be for you if you love:
❣️MM sports romance
❣️found family
❣️double bi-awakening
❣️all the firsts
❣️best friends to lovers
❣️soul mates
❣️HEA
Bring on Asher and Jordan in On Thin Ice, coming April 25!
4 stars
March 22, 2024
This was disappointing. I love best friends to lovers stories, especially if they've been lifelong friends, or at least since some point in their childhood. There is such an intensity of feelings and seeing them blossom into something special and loving is so nice. Usually, we discover that one of the guys has had feelings for the other for some time, but in this book, author Hall has both guys oblivious to what they have been suppressing for a long time. The development hits like a lightning bolt, and that's soooo good.
But where this book fails for me is that completely bland characterization of Sebastian and Tyler. Sebastian is a bit meek and mild, and Tyler is more of a take charge guy, but I didn't feel this was explored very much. Their individual voices were interchangeable, and I don't think their personalities really shone much. Additionally, there is little plot here beyond the overall direction of the book. The MC's girlfriends come off as harpies, too, which is tiresome. There needs to be some tension in the book and there is very little.
Hall writes well, and the sex scenes are very sizzling. I didn't like the epilogue, which was just one of the guys finally bottoming. It seemed gratuitous, tbh. The scene where the boys come out to their teammates was so cringe, though. It was very out of character for some of the guys we have read about previously.
I've really liked the rest of this series but this one didn't do it for me. :(
But where this book fails for me is that completely bland characterization of Sebastian and Tyler. Sebastian is a bit meek and mild, and Tyler is more of a take charge guy, but I didn't feel this was explored very much. Their individual voices were interchangeable, and I don't think their personalities really shone much. Additionally, there is little plot here beyond the overall direction of the book. The MC's girlfriends come off as harpies, too, which is tiresome. There needs to be some tension in the book and there is very little.
Hall writes well, and the sex scenes are very sizzling. I didn't like the epilogue, which was just one of the guys finally bottoming. It seemed gratuitous, tbh. The scene where the boys come out to their teammates was so cringe, though. It was very out of character for some of the guys we have read about previously.
I've really liked the rest of this series but this one didn't do it for me. :(
March 15, 2024
Friends to lovers for any category. Whether heterosexual, homosexual or queer romance is NEVER a fave. For many reasons. But mostly because it’s always written the same way.
In most MM books with this trope, you see authors write about the supposedly straight or bi-curious best friend that stars hooking up with the gay one till they realize they’ve loved each other all their life’s and something about the “smex” has strengthened that love. It’s all overdone…
But with this one, Tyler and Sebastian have always been touchy. Hell they’re touchy to the point where some of their friends watch them with an analyzing gaze
“𝙎𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣, 𝙎𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙏𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙚𝙖𝙧. 𝘼 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 ‘𝙉𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨’ 𝙩𝙖𝙜”
“𝙄 𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙣. 𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙. 𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙏𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙡𝙨, 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚.
As is seen in “Big stick energy”.
But Tyler and Sebastian are UNAWARE (lmfao) to them this is just Tyler and Sebastian being TYLER AND SEBASTIAN.
________________
So what happens when they get drunk and start looking at each other differently? Arousal sharpens, sparks fly and damn😂🤭
___________________
This isn’t your typical friends to lovers because throughout the event they communicate, they’re committed, they’re not playing games with their other half’s heart and damn it’s beautiful.
In most MM books with this trope, you see authors write about the supposedly straight or bi-curious best friend that stars hooking up with the gay one till they realize they’ve loved each other all their life’s and something about the “smex” has strengthened that love. It’s all overdone…
But with this one, Tyler and Sebastian have always been touchy. Hell they’re touchy to the point where some of their friends watch them with an analyzing gaze
“𝙎𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣, 𝙎𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙏𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙚𝙖𝙧. 𝘼 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 ‘𝙉𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨’ 𝙩𝙖𝙜”
“𝙄 𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙣. 𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙. 𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙏𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙡𝙨, 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚.
As is seen in “Big stick energy”.
But Tyler and Sebastian are UNAWARE (lmfao) to them this is just Tyler and Sebastian being TYLER AND SEBASTIAN.
________________
So what happens when they get drunk and start looking at each other differently? Arousal sharpens, sparks fly and damn😂🤭
___________________
This isn’t your typical friends to lovers because throughout the event they communicate, they’re committed, they’re not playing games with their other half’s heart and damn it’s beautiful.
August 12, 2024
It says a lot that I *think* I finished this in July but apparently didn't even mark it read or write a review.
I'm sticking to this series because... I dunno why... because I'm stubborn? Because Hall has moments of WTF YES and then bleh. Le Sigh.
I'm sticking to this series because... I dunno why... because I'm stubborn? Because Hall has moments of WTF YES and then bleh. Le Sigh.
Read
March 14, 2024Friends to lovers, bi-awakening, add in a lifetime of loving each other and being teammates and roommates and you get a wonderful new adult romance set in the Northwood U Titans universe! These two have all the ingredients for a romantic relationship except the romance... until they kiss...
I love the way they transition from best friends to lovers and how they manage to keep talking throughout the book... this book blends the sweet, the spicy and sprinkles in just a hint of angst, swirled with friends and family and growing up and into their new reality.
While this book could be read standalone, you'll enjoy it more if you read the Arctic Titans of Northwood U books in the order they have been published.
I love the way they transition from best friends to lovers and how they manage to keep talking throughout the book... this book blends the sweet, the spicy and sprinkles in just a hint of angst, swirled with friends and family and growing up and into their new reality.
While this book could be read standalone, you'll enjoy it more if you read the Arctic Titans of Northwood U books in the order they have been published.
Read
March 26, 2024D.N.F. @22%
Hayden Hall, I'm sorry! It's not you. It's me.
I just couldn't get into this book. I am one of those who doesn't like
friends to lovers especially when they're both clueless.
It just feels too out of the blue for me.
I love your books, I love this series, but this one took a lot for me to stay.
Perhaps another time.
With love. x
Hayden Hall, I'm sorry! It's not you. It's me.
I just couldn't get into this book. I am one of those who doesn't like
friends to lovers especially when they're both clueless.
It just feels too out of the blue for me.
I love your books, I love this series, but this one took a lot for me to stay.
Perhaps another time.
With love. x
Read
May 26, 2024Dnf 64% it’s so boring
March 23, 2024
For me I think there is a great way to do best friends trope and Hayden Hall nailed it. It was really good. I have read 1, 3, and 5 in the series. I’m not sure why only the odds 😂. I need to rectify this soon because the series is great. They are all stand-alone but it’s more enjoyable to have read what’s come before. It’s really nice to visit with the other characters. I really like the scenes in the game basement with the whole house basically.
I did shed a tear 😢 or two or five maybe. It was a bit heart breaking. Sebastian’s family is awful.
I do like this trope but my favorite is Enemies to lovers and stepbrothers which is what’s coming next. There was a little sneak into Asher and Jorden’s lives which makes me really want to read theirs badly.
The sex scenes are really well done with 🔥🔥🔥,passion and emotion.
Overall really good highly recommend
I did shed a tear 😢 or two or five maybe. It was a bit heart breaking. Sebastian’s family is awful.
I do like this trope but my favorite is Enemies to lovers and stepbrothers which is what’s coming next. There was a little sneak into Asher and Jorden’s lives which makes me really want to read theirs badly.
The sex scenes are really well done with 🔥🔥🔥,passion and emotion.
Overall really good highly recommend
March 21, 2024
A touching best-friends-to-lovers MM College hockey romance with a close friendship that builds eachother up, beautiful soulmates, inevitable love & some madness!
I devoured my #ARC in around 4hrs, Loved Tyler & Sebastian.
TW: Judgemental & Homophobic family.
Tyler & Sebastian are besties since birth, now roomies & playing College hockey together. Tyler's charming, caring extrovert to Seb's sensitive, broody, introvert. They're affectionate, protective & cuddly 🥰.
Their relationship itself builds slow & hotly, I'm so happy to see communication b/w the friends! Especially with their dual Bi-awakenings. Seb has self-doubt due to his parents (I hate em!), I liked how Ty cares for him. They're like a couple lol, without even knowing! Love me vers action 😍.
That climax was quite the emotional ride, but I'm glad know eachother so good that their wasn't much angst, but there were tears! Seb's gf cheated at start, which is the worst. And I'm glad T+S officially started only after T broke up with his gf! Excited for next book. RTC.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 🥺😳🤭🤫😉🥰😘😍😟😬😁😤😄🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 2.75/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.25/5
Angst: 2.5/5 (mostly external)
Dark: 2/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Sweet Friends to Lovers) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.6/5
I devoured my #ARC in around 4hrs, Loved Tyler & Sebastian.
TW: Judgemental & Homophobic family.
Tyler & Sebastian are besties since birth, now roomies & playing College hockey together. Tyler's charming, caring extrovert to Seb's sensitive, broody, introvert. They're affectionate, protective & cuddly 🥰.
Their relationship itself builds slow & hotly, I'm so happy to see communication b/w the friends! Especially with their dual Bi-awakenings. Seb has self-doubt due to his parents (I hate em!), I liked how Ty cares for him. They're like a couple lol, without even knowing! Love me vers action 😍.
That climax was quite the emotional ride, but I'm glad know eachother so good that their wasn't much angst, but there were tears! Seb's gf cheated at start, which is the worst. And I'm glad T+S officially started only after T broke up with his gf! Excited for next book. RTC.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 🥺😳🤭🤫😉🥰😘😍😟😬😁😤😄🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 2.75/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.25/5
Angst: 2.5/5 (mostly external)
Dark: 2/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Sweet Friends to Lovers) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.6/5
March 10, 2024
I was super excited when I saw the Sebastian and Tyler were getting a book and I really enjoyed this.
I love friends to lovers, especially ones like Sebastian and Tyler who are super touchy with each other even before they get together. This was a very fast paced and fun read (other than the parts with Sebastian’s parents. I loved the little snippet of Asher and Jorden at the end and can’t wait to finally get their story!
I love friends to lovers, especially ones like Sebastian and Tyler who are super touchy with each other even before they get together. This was a very fast paced and fun read (other than the parts with Sebastian’s parents. I loved the little snippet of Asher and Jorden at the end and can’t wait to finally get their story!
March 26, 2024
4/5 stars
March 25, 2024
Every time I finish a book in this series I say "this is my favourite so far", but then, Hayden goes and writes another wonderful book and I'm not sure anymore. I did love this book so much because best friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes and the author did deliver such a beautiful story here.
Tyler and Sebastian were amazing together, how they never realised that what they had was much more than a friendship it's anybody's guess. It was so obvious just watching them interact with each other and my heart soared when they cuddled and shared a bed.
I truly disliked Sebastian's family, how they made his life so difficult making him doubt himself all the time. Tyler was always there supporting him, but some things couldn't just be deleted off life so easily. At the same time I loved how the author portrayed a religious and shaming environment that stopped Sebasting from being his true self.
This book made me sigh and smile, and feel so warm inside. Once they both discovered their real feelings for the other, this story became the most romantic one in the series. How they couldn't spend not even a second apart, how they both learnt to love one another and explore their new discovered sexuality together.
This novel is easy to read, fun and romantic, it hooks the reader from the very beginning and there are so many feelings and emotions that you'll fall in love with both the MCs.
Tyler and Sebastian were amazing together, how they never realised that what they had was much more than a friendship it's anybody's guess. It was so obvious just watching them interact with each other and my heart soared when they cuddled and shared a bed.
I truly disliked Sebastian's family, how they made his life so difficult making him doubt himself all the time. Tyler was always there supporting him, but some things couldn't just be deleted off life so easily. At the same time I loved how the author portrayed a religious and shaming environment that stopped Sebasting from being his true self.
This book made me sigh and smile, and feel so warm inside. Once they both discovered their real feelings for the other, this story became the most romantic one in the series. How they couldn't spend not even a second apart, how they both learnt to love one another and explore their new discovered sexuality together.
This novel is easy to read, fun and romantic, it hooks the reader from the very beginning and there are so many feelings and emotions that you'll fall in love with both the MCs.
July 3, 2024
3,5 Stars
Read: 29/04/2024
RTC
Arctic Titans Of Northwood U Series:
1. Crossing Blades - Riley & Cameron's Story
2.
Scoring The Keeper
-
Sawyer & Noah's Story
- 5,0 stars
3.
Big Stick Energy
-
Caden & Beckett's Story
- 4,7 stars
4. Icebound Rivals - Avery & Grayson's Story
5.Rebels Of The Rink
- 3,5 stars
6. On Thin Ice - Asher & Jordan's Story
7. Coaching Prince Charming - Carter & Nate's Story
Read: 29/04/2024
RTC
Arctic Titans Of Northwood U Series:
1. Crossing Blades - Riley & Cameron's Story
2.
3.
4. Icebound Rivals - Avery & Grayson's Story
5.
6. On Thin Ice - Asher & Jordan's Story
7. Coaching Prince Charming - Carter & Nate's Story
May 12, 2024
i really loved everything about them.
i do feel bad for sebastian and his family is nuts for talking to him that way, i have more to say but i’ll save it for my reading journal.
i’m glad tyler knows him as well as he does because he just knew when sebastian went home, he was going to doubt everything. i too forgave him before tyler left the park because what else was he supposed to think after hearing all that.
also very happy that tyler didn’t let his mother and fathers relationship effect his view on his own relationships…hope his dad can get better and be closer to happiness.
they were so cute we love this house and all the couples in it!
i do feel bad for sebastian and his family is nuts for talking to him that way, i have more to say but i’ll save it for my reading journal.
i’m glad tyler knows him as well as he does because he just knew when sebastian went home, he was going to doubt everything. i too forgave him before tyler left the park because what else was he supposed to think after hearing all that.
also very happy that tyler didn’t let his mother and fathers relationship effect his view on his own relationships…hope his dad can get better and be closer to happiness.
they were so cute we love this house and all the couples in it!
March 14, 2024
4.5 stars
I'm in love with this series and this was a very beautiful best friends to lovers story.
Tyler and seb have been each other's everything since before they were born. Their relationship has always been tight and in the previous book we could see how close they were, physically too. They were never shy about hugging or cuddling, it always felt natural for them.
When Seb finds out his girlfriend has been cheating on him, he goes to Tyler for support: his friend doesn't hesitate to give him all the attention and support he needs, with the result that his own girfriend will break up with him.
Seb has a very low self esteem and it's hard for Tyler to cheer him up: during a late night conversation about soulmates, Tyler kisses him causing a of confusing emotions for both of them.
What I loved about this story is that, being them best friends, they actually talk about what happend and what that kiss meant for them. They don' run away from their feelings and bravely decide to give this new side of their relatioship a chance.
There's confusion, yes, but not miscommunication, they're honest with each other.
They're not open about their involvement, at first and the part when the other guys find out is hilarious but also so very sweet.
Unfortunatley , Seb's family is not accepting like his teammates, but all the heartbreak will be worth in the end.
I'm really enjoying this series, the author is so good a describing feelings and emotions and the reader can't avoid to fall in love with the MCs too.
Finally, next story will be about Jordan and Asher, I'm dying to read it.
Absolutely recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I'm in love with this series and this was a very beautiful best friends to lovers story.
Tyler and seb have been each other's everything since before they were born. Their relationship has always been tight and in the previous book we could see how close they were, physically too. They were never shy about hugging or cuddling, it always felt natural for them.
When Seb finds out his girlfriend has been cheating on him, he goes to Tyler for support: his friend doesn't hesitate to give him all the attention and support he needs, with the result that his own girfriend will break up with him.
Seb has a very low self esteem and it's hard for Tyler to cheer him up: during a late night conversation about soulmates, Tyler kisses him causing a of confusing emotions for both of them.
What I loved about this story is that, being them best friends, they actually talk about what happend and what that kiss meant for them. They don' run away from their feelings and bravely decide to give this new side of their relatioship a chance.
There's confusion, yes, but not miscommunication, they're honest with each other.
They're not open about their involvement, at first and the part when the other guys find out is hilarious but also so very sweet.
Unfortunatley , Seb's family is not accepting like his teammates, but all the heartbreak will be worth in the end.
I'm really enjoying this series, the author is so good a describing feelings and emotions and the reader can't avoid to fall in love with the MCs too.
Finally, next story will be about Jordan and Asher, I'm dying to read it.
Absolutely recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
October 22, 2024
Rebels create their own found family around the Rink.
Sebastian and Tyler are roommates that have been best friends from early childhood. They are very dependent on each other to deal with what life challenges them with, especially their messed up family life.
Both have been dating girls for several years without much success. Either changes in location cause long distance relationship failure or the girls reject or cheat on them.
Their reliance on each other and their love if cuddling even with each other while trying to overcome the emotions and disappointments of dating.
But then they realize who it is that they really love ...
Sebastian and Tyler are roommates that have been best friends from early childhood. They are very dependent on each other to deal with what life challenges them with, especially their messed up family life.
Both have been dating girls for several years without much success. Either changes in location cause long distance relationship failure or the girls reject or cheat on them.
Their reliance on each other and their love if cuddling even with each other while trying to overcome the emotions and disappointments of dating.
But then they realize who it is that they really love ...
December 29, 2025
tyler & sebastian - 3.5 stars 💚
March 16, 2024
Lifelong Best friends to lovers. Just swoon!
March 10, 2024
⭐️: 8/10 🌶️: 3/5 😭: 3/5 🤣: -/5
Tropes:
💜 Best friends to lovers
🩵 Double bi-awakening
💜 College
“That was what it meant to hug with your soul. It meant to give all the comfort someone needed and more.”
(ESP) Una libro distinto dentro de esta serie. Hay menos hockey y las participaciones del resto de los Titans son escasas. No por ello es menos bello y creo que es el que más me ha estrujado el corazón.
Sebastian y Tyler han sido amigos toda su vida. Ambos vienen de situaciones familiares muy difíciles y siempre han encontrado en el otro el refugio necesario. Son, como ellos dicen, almas gemelas y las circunstancias los llevan a dar el paso para iniciar una relación romántica que es preciosa.
Son muy bellos juntos y definitivamente disfrute mucho de su historia.
(ENG) A different book in this series. There's less hockey and the appearances of the other Titans are few and far between. That doesn't make it any less beautiful and I think it's the one that tugged at my heartstrings the most.
Sebastian and Tyler have been best friends their whole lives. They both come from very difficult family situations and have always found refuge in each other. They are, as they say, soul mates, and circumstances lead them to take the step to start a romantic relationship that is precious.
They are very beautiful together and I definitely enjoyed their story.
Tropes:
💜 Best friends to lovers
🩵 Double bi-awakening
💜 College
“That was what it meant to hug with your soul. It meant to give all the comfort someone needed and more.”
(ESP) Una libro distinto dentro de esta serie. Hay menos hockey y las participaciones del resto de los Titans son escasas. No por ello es menos bello y creo que es el que más me ha estrujado el corazón.
Sebastian y Tyler han sido amigos toda su vida. Ambos vienen de situaciones familiares muy difíciles y siempre han encontrado en el otro el refugio necesario. Son, como ellos dicen, almas gemelas y las circunstancias los llevan a dar el paso para iniciar una relación romántica que es preciosa.
Son muy bellos juntos y definitivamente disfrute mucho de su historia.
(ENG) A different book in this series. There's less hockey and the appearances of the other Titans are few and far between. That doesn't make it any less beautiful and I think it's the one that tugged at my heartstrings the most.
Sebastian and Tyler have been best friends their whole lives. They both come from very difficult family situations and have always found refuge in each other. They are, as they say, soul mates, and circumstances lead them to take the step to start a romantic relationship that is precious.
They are very beautiful together and I definitely enjoyed their story.
March 17, 2024
"It felt right. Who else if not us, huh?"
Lifetime best friends to lovers
THEY'RE SOULMATES.
Tyler and Sebastian are adorably clueless until they're not. What follows is big feelings, a seriously sizzling first time 🔥🫠, and the terrifying ordeal of being known.
Thoughts: Sebastian needs a therapist. I loved the guy, but that level of self-loathing made me want to call my therapist. In this case, the toxic parents did no favors.
The scene with Tyler's dad in the garage had me sobbing.
The scene under the street light was the big moment I needed.
And this unexpected quote left me cackling. "Still, the fact that the guys put [the painting] up was almost touching. Almost. They were starting to use it as an icon after Sawyer once made the sign of the cross before it and asked Avery if he was supposed to kiss it."
This was a wonderful addition to the Arctic Titans series. Perfect for folks who love BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS and a hockey romance that doesn't actually feature much hockey. Hayden Hall packed a lot of story into a short little book. I absolutely recommend this entire series, and REBELS OF THE RINK is available now on amazon!
Lifetime best friends to lovers
THEY'RE SOULMATES.
Tyler and Sebastian are adorably clueless until they're not. What follows is big feelings, a seriously sizzling first time 🔥🫠, and the terrifying ordeal of being known.
Thoughts: Sebastian needs a therapist. I loved the guy, but that level of self-loathing made me want to call my therapist. In this case, the toxic parents did no favors.
The scene with Tyler's dad in the garage had me sobbing.
The scene under the street light was the big moment I needed.
And this unexpected quote left me cackling. "Still, the fact that the guys put [the painting] up was almost touching. Almost. They were starting to use it as an icon after Sawyer once made the sign of the cross before it and asked Avery if he was supposed to kiss it."
This was a wonderful addition to the Arctic Titans series. Perfect for folks who love BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS and a hockey romance that doesn't actually feature much hockey. Hayden Hall packed a lot of story into a short little book. I absolutely recommend this entire series, and REBELS OF THE RINK is available now on amazon!
July 15, 2024
3.5 stars 𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖✮⋆˙
They were so cute together🥹
Best friends to lovers is my favourite trope ever which is why I liked this but just wished it had more pining and tension😫
They were so cute together🥹
Best friends to lovers is my favourite trope ever which is why I liked this but just wished it had more pining and tension😫
March 14, 2024
I’m always here for an amazing best friends to lovers romance, and this one is terrific! Hayden Hall makes it easy to get swept up in the emotion, anticipation, and sheer joy Tyler and Sebastian find with each other as their friendship grows from lifelong best friends & teammates to more. It’s a double bi-awakening, hockey romance you won’t want to miss.
To be fair, it’s a hockey romance, but this story is lighter on hockey and heavier on romance. We still hear about the season and see a fair amount of the team, but the story takes place almost entirely away from the ice. As a hockey fan, I generally like a lot of on-ice action, but I was so wrapped up in what was happening between Tyler and Sebastian that I didn’t really have time to miss it much.
The friendship between Tyler and Sebastian is easy and solid. They’re both having girl troubles, mostly because of their commitment and devotion to each other. I mean, they’ve been friends basically since birth. Who can compete with that?
The answer is NO ONE. I love stories where the MCs discover what they’re looking for has been right in front of them all along. This double bi-awakening is thrilling and exciting as Tyler and Sebastian realize, acknowledge, and explore the depth of their feelings for one another.
The homophobia and religious overtones - particularly from Sebastian’s family - were a little tough for me at times. I raged and yelled, because it’s hard to witness how it’s impacting him. It’s a difficult part of an amazing story, and I enjoyed how Hall ultimately uses this conflict and negativity as a tool to bring about something wonderful and amazing.
I highly recommend this book — it’s easy, engaging, and entertaining. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this team!
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
To be fair, it’s a hockey romance, but this story is lighter on hockey and heavier on romance. We still hear about the season and see a fair amount of the team, but the story takes place almost entirely away from the ice. As a hockey fan, I generally like a lot of on-ice action, but I was so wrapped up in what was happening between Tyler and Sebastian that I didn’t really have time to miss it much.
The friendship between Tyler and Sebastian is easy and solid. They’re both having girl troubles, mostly because of their commitment and devotion to each other. I mean, they’ve been friends basically since birth. Who can compete with that?
The answer is NO ONE. I love stories where the MCs discover what they’re looking for has been right in front of them all along. This double bi-awakening is thrilling and exciting as Tyler and Sebastian realize, acknowledge, and explore the depth of their feelings for one another.
The homophobia and religious overtones - particularly from Sebastian’s family - were a little tough for me at times. I raged and yelled, because it’s hard to witness how it’s impacting him. It’s a difficult part of an amazing story, and I enjoyed how Hall ultimately uses this conflict and negativity as a tool to bring about something wonderful and amazing.
I highly recommend this book — it’s easy, engaging, and entertaining. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this team!
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
Read
November 30, 2025Tenia todas las papeletas de ser el que más me iba a gustar, porque ya son amigos de Antes y se conocen y tiene sentido (hay más de la familia y la personalidad) pero no, se ha quedado súper ñe.
Y aqui me planto porque los otros dos libros que quedan de la serie son de los hermanastros, que estoy segura que están enamorados desde que se conocieron sin ningún transfundo porque NO SE CONOCEN (o eso han mostrado en estos libros, y el otro hay un age gap que sinceramente no me parece nada ahira mismo.
Y pues no recomiendo mucho la serie porque de los 5 libros que me he leído me han entretenido alfo solo 2.
Y aqui me planto porque los otros dos libros que quedan de la serie son de los hermanastros, que estoy segura que están enamorados desde que se conocieron sin ningún transfundo porque NO SE CONOCEN (o eso han mostrado en estos libros, y el otro hay un age gap que sinceramente no me parece nada ahira mismo.
Y pues no recomiendo mucho la serie porque de los 5 libros que me he leído me han entretenido alfo solo 2.
March 17, 2024
Sebastian and Tyler have been lifelong friends and inseparable on and off the hockey team.
Their friendship has an influence on the love relationship that each of them has, Sebastian finds himself without a girlfriend and while consoling him Tyler ends up kissing him.
Instead of drifting apart, the kissing continues until Tyler's girlfriend asks him to choose between her or Sebastian and surprisingly chooses Sebastian,
A very sweet book about childhood friends to lovers
Highly recommended
Their friendship has an influence on the love relationship that each of them has, Sebastian finds himself without a girlfriend and while consoling him Tyler ends up kissing him.
Instead of drifting apart, the kissing continues until Tyler's girlfriend asks him to choose between her or Sebastian and surprisingly chooses Sebastian,
A very sweet book about childhood friends to lovers
Highly recommended
June 23, 2025
This series is a roller coaster. It's very unpredictable. Book one is a 4 star, book two is a 3 star, three is a 1 star, book a four is a 3 star, and now, book 5 is back to a 4 star.
This is a best friends to lovers romance. With a very sad third act breakup. The guys do make it to their HEA.
It is not very spicy. 🌶1/5 chilies on the spicy scale.
This is a best friends to lovers romance. With a very sad third act breakup. The guys do make it to their HEA.
It is not very spicy. 🌶1/5 chilies on the spicy scale.
June 30, 2024
1.5~ i had high hopes for this one but it fell very short… why am I still reading this series when they’ve just been ok / leaning heavily toward bad? Idk I don’t make the rules so let’s see what these step siblings have in store next.
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