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Between the Teeth #3
Between the Teeth
In the final installment of the Between the Teeth trilogy, David has the fresh start he’s always wanted. He’s on a better team, one that doesn’t depend on him for their wins and blame him for their losses. In a better room, with teammates David might even consider friends. It doesn’t make any sense for David to feel more out of his depth than ever. But then, so many things don’t make sense to David — why should this be the exception?
Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2024
19 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Fitzpatrick
6 books791 followersTaylor Fitzpatrick was born in Toronto, Ontario. She declared to her mother at the age of three that she was going to grow up to be an author/illustrator. The illustration thing didn’t really pan out. She is an avid hockey fan, though to her brother’s eternal consternation she did not become one until after he stopped playing competitively. She has an Honours degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto. She currently lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
October 4, 2024
My rating is not necessarily for this last book, but the series as a whole. Even though I rated the previous books four stars. Nothing to do with maths. 😅
I'm so happy and content with how everything turned out in the end. David deserved it. Jake deserved it. And I deserved it. I only wish there was more, more pages about them.
The author did such an amazing job with David's character. When I first read book 1, I never expected to love him as much as I do now. He is both frustrating and relatable in so many ways.
I really appreciate the author's note at the end. It's amazing how much we can learn about ourselves by reading books and, apparently, by writing them.
Jake is easy to love from the moment we meet him. He is a wonderful person, so understanding, and I can't imagine anyone better for David. I feel that in the end I was even happier for Jake, because, even though we don't get his POV and we don't see him much, we know exactly how he feels.
Wonderful side characters and friendships. Is there a book about ? Because I want one.
I'm so happy and content with how everything turned out in the end. David deserved it. Jake deserved it. And I deserved it. I only wish there was more, more pages about them.
The author did such an amazing job with David's character. When I first read book 1, I never expected to love him as much as I do now. He is both frustrating and relatable in so many ways.
I really appreciate the author's note at the end. It's amazing how much we can learn about ourselves by reading books and, apparently, by writing them.
Jake is easy to love from the moment we meet him. He is a wonderful person, so understanding, and I can't imagine anyone better for David. I feel that in the end I was even happier for Jake, because, even though we don't get his POV and we don't see him much, we know exactly how he feels.
Wonderful side characters and friendships. Is there a book about ? Because I want one.
December 16, 2025
reread 2025
anyway, that managed to distracted me from waiting for a new HR episode for like 2 whole days, but what now.......🥲
This has just been such a delightful reread. The fact that even reading this for a second time this book had me disregarding my bed time is wild, I KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, BUT JUST IN CASE, I NEED TO KEEP READING AND DISREGARD ALL MY RESPONSIBILITIES!
I love the character development and growing up that had to happen over the course of these books, for both David and Jake. As much as it hurt at the time, David and Jake needed to go their separate ways and grow up as individuals in order to have their chance at a HEA but every step of the way had me wanting to cry over how they were each others ‘love that got away’ that they couldn’t shake.
Kiro, my beloved, the absolute best friend David could have asked for, and an utter charming delight every time he popped up on the page. There is some behind the scene Kiro interactions I would love to read, that I wont mention here for spoilers, but they have me digging in to Fitzpatricks Patreon hoping they exist lol
I love the romance in this story, but every time I have recced this to people I have advised that in my mind, first and foremost, that this is a coming of age story. I could have happily read several hundred more pages of these boys and not get board.
(David and Jake have to be one of my favourite TF couples but it speaks volumes that they remain tied with Bryce and Jared, and Scratch and Money. I don't know what she puts in these stories but they are crack to me)
David hasn’t met Kiro’s cat, but he’s seen a number of pictures, which Kiro shares with as much excitement as Oleg shows pictures of his daughters. Possibly more. Orange is a black cat. David doesn’t understand Kiro at all sometimes.🐈⬛🧡
first read Oct 24I don’t know if there is any more praise I could give this little trilogy that I have come to adore with my whole heart, that I haven’t already said.
A rivals to lovers, relatively low spice, coming of age, hockey romance, told in three parts, across a period of 8 years.
David’s growth across the books is a joy to read and I adore his relationship with Jake and just ached for them so often. The supporting characters in this are also some of the most charming and engaging side characters I have come across in a long time.
Just a complete joy from book 1 to the final page of book 3. Even the bits that hurt my heart and left it bruised.
(The way I pathologically binged all three books? I am unwell and can’t wait to reread it.)
anyway, that managed to distracted me from waiting for a new HR episode for like 2 whole days, but what now.......🥲
This has just been such a delightful reread. The fact that even reading this for a second time this book had me disregarding my bed time is wild, I KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, BUT JUST IN CASE, I NEED TO KEEP READING AND DISREGARD ALL MY RESPONSIBILITIES!
I love the character development and growing up that had to happen over the course of these books, for both David and Jake. As much as it hurt at the time, David and Jake needed to go their separate ways and grow up as individuals in order to have their chance at a HEA but every step of the way had me wanting to cry over how they were each others ‘love that got away’ that they couldn’t shake.
Kiro, my beloved, the absolute best friend David could have asked for, and an utter charming delight every time he popped up on the page. There is some behind the scene Kiro interactions I would love to read, that I wont mention here for spoilers, but they have me digging in to Fitzpatricks Patreon hoping they exist lol
I love the romance in this story, but every time I have recced this to people I have advised that in my mind, first and foremost, that this is a coming of age story. I could have happily read several hundred more pages of these boys and not get board.
(David and Jake have to be one of my favourite TF couples but it speaks volumes that they remain tied with Bryce and Jared, and Scratch and Money. I don't know what she puts in these stories but they are crack to me)
David hasn’t met Kiro’s cat, but he’s seen a number of pictures, which Kiro shares with as much excitement as Oleg shows pictures of his daughters. Possibly more. Orange is a black cat. David doesn’t understand Kiro at all sometimes.🐈⬛🧡
first read Oct 24I don’t know if there is any more praise I could give this little trilogy that I have come to adore with my whole heart, that I haven’t already said.
A rivals to lovers, relatively low spice, coming of age, hockey romance, told in three parts, across a period of 8 years.
David’s growth across the books is a joy to read and I adore his relationship with Jake and just ached for them so often. The supporting characters in this are also some of the most charming and engaging side characters I have come across in a long time.
Just a complete joy from book 1 to the final page of book 3. Even the bits that hurt my heart and left it bruised.
(The way I pathologically binged all three books? I am unwell and can’t wait to reread it.)
July 2, 2025
A five-star series that consists of not exactly five-star books. The math isn’t mathing, but I care not one bit. I’m an emotional mess, and that deserves all the stars in the world, your honor.
I don’t even know what to say. I love it, I love everything about it, and I especially adore David Chapman.
This series is an incredibly satisfying journey spanning years, in which David goes from the closed-off, hunched-over, flinching boy standing alone in a corner to a steadfast man who’s much more comfortable in his own skin, spine straightened, surrounded by trusted friends and his Jake. The progress, while David’s character stayed true to himself, was a thing of beauty to experience. This hissing stray cat that fought any kind of affection with claws is finally curled up and purring and- I need to stop before I make myself cry again. It’s ridiculous. I already did that. I almost couldn’t stop, honestly.
All the side characters were perfect, though I have to highlight Oleg Kurmazov, for some reason. The way David latched onto him as the older male figure makes me goo, and while their relationship doesn’t consist of grand gestures of affection, it’s my favorite. Well, right after Kiro and his black cat Orange, of course ❤️
Oh, and the relationship with Jake. I must have been more invested than I thought because I honest to god squealed when that finally clicked for them, after all those years. I mean - whatever David wants and needs, he deserves. And he wants Jake, and Jake is such a goner for him, so Jake he gets.
Ah hell, I didn’t want this to end, ever. When I saw I’m two-thirds in, my throat started to close up because that meant I’ll have to say goodbye to David and all the beautiful people who adopted him.
So. Neil Josten, Adam Parrish - boys, welcome David Chapman among you, please, and play nice, he needs to be cherished just as much as you do ❤️ Some people collect book boyfriends, I collect strays I can cry over.
(And yes, yes the author’s note not only confirmed what I suspected from book one, but it made me cry even more. Not a good idea in 35 degrees, but some sacrifices are worth it)
I don’t even know what to say. I love it, I love everything about it, and I especially adore David Chapman.
This series is an incredibly satisfying journey spanning years, in which David goes from the closed-off, hunched-over, flinching boy standing alone in a corner to a steadfast man who’s much more comfortable in his own skin, spine straightened, surrounded by trusted friends and his Jake. The progress, while David’s character stayed true to himself, was a thing of beauty to experience. This hissing stray cat that fought any kind of affection with claws is finally curled up and purring and- I need to stop before I make myself cry again. It’s ridiculous. I already did that. I almost couldn’t stop, honestly.
All the side characters were perfect, though I have to highlight Oleg Kurmazov, for some reason. The way David latched onto him as the older male figure makes me goo, and while their relationship doesn’t consist of grand gestures of affection, it’s my favorite. Well, right after Kiro and his black cat Orange, of course ❤️
Oh, and the relationship with Jake. I must have been more invested than I thought because I honest to god squealed when that finally clicked for them, after all those years. I mean - whatever David wants and needs, he deserves. And he wants Jake, and Jake is such a goner for him, so Jake he gets.
Ah hell, I didn’t want this to end, ever. When I saw I’m two-thirds in, my throat started to close up because that meant I’ll have to say goodbye to David and all the beautiful people who adopted him.
So. Neil Josten, Adam Parrish - boys, welcome David Chapman among you, please, and play nice, he needs to be cherished just as much as you do ❤️ Some people collect book boyfriends, I collect strays I can cry over.
(And yes, yes the author’s note not only confirmed what I suspected from book one, but it made me cry even more. Not a good idea in 35 degrees, but some sacrifices are worth it)
July 7, 2024
***** 4.5 stars ****
This series started with great possibilities of going wrong,
✅for being in the third person,
✅ for overdosing on hockey
✅ and finally for having a character that is difficult for us to sympathize with. Yes, Davidson, I'm looking at you. 🤨
But the turnaround the author gave to this game is just something else. 🤯 And I ended up madly in love with David, yep, that one I couldn't stand in the beginning. 🤡
Sue me, I cannot resist a vulnerable character.
I couldn't be happier that he found a Jake in his life because he deserved someone awesome.🎁
Taylor Fitzpatrick is an author who stands out for her unique writing style which guarantees her an automatic buy status as far as I'm concerned.
Loved this!
This series started with great possibilities of going wrong,
✅for being in the third person,
✅ for overdosing on hockey
✅ and finally for having a character that is difficult for us to sympathize with. Yes, Davidson, I'm looking at you. 🤨
But the turnaround the author gave to this game is just something else. 🤯 And I ended up madly in love with David, yep, that one I couldn't stand in the beginning. 🤡
Sue me, I cannot resist a vulnerable character.
I couldn't be happier that he found a Jake in his life because he deserved someone awesome.🎁
Taylor Fitzpatrick is an author who stands out for her unique writing style which guarantees her an automatic buy status as far as I'm concerned.
Loved this!
July 4, 2024
Most of this was good/consistent with the last book, but I think the ending fizzled out. We never got a good explanation for why Jake stopped texting, which was the cause of the major drama/angst for much of this book and the last, and I didn’t love how their separation was resolved by Jake apologizing for telling his trusted friends/teammates about their relationship. Like - what?? He had nothing to apologize for. He can tell his own friends about his own life and the people he’s involved with - but the book seemed to have this idea that he should have lied to them about that for years to satisfy David’s insecurities? Like - are you kidding me??
The romance resolution just seemed like such a swerve from everything the series had been doing before that. I understand that the idea is, they both become more emotionally stable and less codependent by having time apart and developing other friendships. And I see that that happened for David. But we didn’t get to see that for Jake. Jake’s personal arc/journey/development seems to have gotten really shafted!
This ending was David’s HEA, complete with the Team Canada slot. But this ending is *not* Jake’s HEA. And I don’t know that the book knows that.
I liked the single POV a lot - David’s voice and perspective is done really really well in terms of the narration. And David is a great character! I think the way the story ended did him a disservice too bc at the beginning of this series, most of the characters think David is a selfish dick, but we as the reader see the depth and the nuance there, all the stuff he’s just unable to express. And the idea is that he learns to express himself and build healthy relationships over the course of the series, so that by the end he’s surrounded by a group of people who love him and understand him. …but as a reader? The way this romance arc ended, I suddenly felt like David was more of a dick than I ever thought before, because Jake is suddenly the Love Interest, sitting around on a shelf until David deigns to speak to him, no career to speak of other than the obligatory checklist of narratively convenient successes, nothing new going on in his life, willing to drop everything when David comes back around.
And that’s not really consistent with David’s character growth, it shouldn’t be how he sees Jake - but that’s how the *narrative* is suddenly framing him.
This whole thing is so fascinating in a sense bc, yes, this series is about David’s personal development as much as it’s about the relationship. But Jake was such a compelling character for so long that seeming him as this pencil sketch version of himself in this book is really disheartening. It’s like the author couldn’t quite figure out how to write David into success without blurring out the guy standing beside him, like she couldn’t quite lose the zero-sum mindset that was David’s problem at the beginning.
I don’t know, there was a lot of good writing and compelling characterization in this series, but the ending - it sucks but at this point like, I don’t think they should be together! I don’t think this relationship works!
The romance resolution just seemed like such a swerve from everything the series had been doing before that. I understand that the idea is, they both become more emotionally stable and less codependent by having time apart and developing other friendships. And I see that that happened for David. But we didn’t get to see that for Jake. Jake’s personal arc/journey/development seems to have gotten really shafted!
This ending was David’s HEA, complete with the Team Canada slot. But this ending is *not* Jake’s HEA. And I don’t know that the book knows that.
I liked the single POV a lot - David’s voice and perspective is done really really well in terms of the narration. And David is a great character! I think the way the story ended did him a disservice too bc at the beginning of this series, most of the characters think David is a selfish dick, but we as the reader see the depth and the nuance there, all the stuff he’s just unable to express. And the idea is that he learns to express himself and build healthy relationships over the course of the series, so that by the end he’s surrounded by a group of people who love him and understand him. …but as a reader? The way this romance arc ended, I suddenly felt like David was more of a dick than I ever thought before, because Jake is suddenly the Love Interest, sitting around on a shelf until David deigns to speak to him, no career to speak of other than the obligatory checklist of narratively convenient successes, nothing new going on in his life, willing to drop everything when David comes back around.
And that’s not really consistent with David’s character growth, it shouldn’t be how he sees Jake - but that’s how the *narrative* is suddenly framing him.
This whole thing is so fascinating in a sense bc, yes, this series is about David’s personal development as much as it’s about the relationship. But Jake was such a compelling character for so long that seeming him as this pencil sketch version of himself in this book is really disheartening. It’s like the author couldn’t quite figure out how to write David into success without blurring out the guy standing beside him, like she couldn’t quite lose the zero-sum mindset that was David’s problem at the beginning.
I don’t know, there was a lot of good writing and compelling characterization in this series, but the ending - it sucks but at this point like, I don’t think they should be together! I don’t think this relationship works!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2025
*re-read September 2025
I have yet to come across a neurodivergent character that I relate to as much as I can to David.
When I first started reading this series, I didn’t like David at all. And I was not yet diagnosed with autism myself, which is, since it’s relevant I suppose, worth mentioning. All the things I disliked in David were the kind of things I couldn’t accept within myself, and so I pretended I did not understand his quirks and his typical ways, and they even annoyed me.
Later on, after finishing this series last year, especially since reading this final book, things have changed. And I have never felt more seen like when I read about David and the way he approaches the world. I have finally learned that all my flaws and shortcomings are mostly related to my autism, and I have finally learned to accept that it’s not something I can control, it’s basically how my brain works differently than how most people’s brains work. And that’s ok.
What I loved about Jake is how he gets David without being judgemental or even make fun of the things that seem so out of the ordinary and sometimes even seem childishly. I love how Kirko and Robbie and Georgie are David’s friends and they fully accept him for the wonderful guy he is, how Oleg always looked out for him on the team, protected him when he appeared to be vulnerable.
But what I loved most of all is that at the end of the book, David is still David. He gets his HEA without having to adjust and hide his autistic tendencies and traits. Jake loves him the way he is, and if there’s one lesson this book (and series) teaches, it’s that autism doesn’t have to stand in the way of a person’s capability to find friendship, to find love and be happy. If the people around them are safe enough for them to be able to be themselves, that’s what matters most. And so David gets his hea with Jake, finally.
They might be on top of my list of favourite characters and romance couples.
On a side note, this series isn’t as much about the romance as about David’s character development. For the most part of this book they are not even together. I didn’t mind, obviously, but if you want to read this in the hopes of finding romance, you might want to check out another book.
*original review Oct. 2024*
I don’t think I’m able to put some coherent thoughts in this review yet, but I do feel the need to say that I loved the author’s note at the end! It feels a bit like my own version of discovering the autism aspect (minus the ADHD aspect) and I loved how she explained David’s character.
As for David’s and Jake’s story: LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! I fell so hard for them both!! I never before experienced reading a character that I disliked the way I did David in the first book to fall completely head over heels for him. Never ever. And now I can’t stop thinking about all of this. I need a new Taylor Fitzpatrick book asap. Or do a re-read. Or whatever, I’m just not ready to leave the world she created.
I have yet to come across a neurodivergent character that I relate to as much as I can to David.
When I first started reading this series, I didn’t like David at all. And I was not yet diagnosed with autism myself, which is, since it’s relevant I suppose, worth mentioning. All the things I disliked in David were the kind of things I couldn’t accept within myself, and so I pretended I did not understand his quirks and his typical ways, and they even annoyed me.
Later on, after finishing this series last year, especially since reading this final book, things have changed. And I have never felt more seen like when I read about David and the way he approaches the world. I have finally learned that all my flaws and shortcomings are mostly related to my autism, and I have finally learned to accept that it’s not something I can control, it’s basically how my brain works differently than how most people’s brains work. And that’s ok.
What I loved about Jake is how he gets David without being judgemental or even make fun of the things that seem so out of the ordinary and sometimes even seem childishly. I love how Kirko and Robbie and Georgie are David’s friends and they fully accept him for the wonderful guy he is, how Oleg always looked out for him on the team, protected him when he appeared to be vulnerable.
But what I loved most of all is that at the end of the book, David is still David. He gets his HEA without having to adjust and hide his autistic tendencies and traits. Jake loves him the way he is, and if there’s one lesson this book (and series) teaches, it’s that autism doesn’t have to stand in the way of a person’s capability to find friendship, to find love and be happy. If the people around them are safe enough for them to be able to be themselves, that’s what matters most. And so David gets his hea with Jake, finally.
They might be on top of my list of favourite characters and romance couples.
On a side note, this series isn’t as much about the romance as about David’s character development. For the most part of this book they are not even together. I didn’t mind, obviously, but if you want to read this in the hopes of finding romance, you might want to check out another book.
*original review Oct. 2024*
I don’t think I’m able to put some coherent thoughts in this review yet, but I do feel the need to say that I loved the author’s note at the end! It feels a bit like my own version of discovering the autism aspect (minus the ADHD aspect) and I loved how she explained David’s character.
As for David’s and Jake’s story: LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! I fell so hard for them both!! I never before experienced reading a character that I disliked the way I did David in the first book to fall completely head over heels for him. Never ever. And now I can’t stop thinking about all of this. I need a new Taylor Fitzpatrick book asap. Or do a re-read. Or whatever, I’m just not ready to leave the world she created.
July 3, 2024
4.5 stars - The hangover from this series is going to be rough. In a matter of days, I have fallen in love with these characters so hard and saying goodbye to them just plain sucks. And the author's note at the end...as if I hadn't already cried enough. I think we all assumed what the author confirmed about David, but I also think most people who read in this genre prefer to refrain from arbitrarily labeling/diagnosing others. It was nice to finally know for sure.
There were a couple of things I wanted and didn't get, but they're kind of spoilery, soooo...
I guess I need to go read YCMAL now. It's kind of embarrassing that I haven't already.
There were a couple of things I wanted and didn't get, but they're kind of spoilery, soooo...
I guess I need to go read YCMAL now. It's kind of embarrassing that I haven't already.
October 10, 2024
I swear, I couldn’t put this one down. I HAD to see my David get his happy ending, with Jake, but with his friends, and his place in hockey, too.
Was it perfect? Again, not quite. But not all books need a 5 star rating to get a glowing review.
I binged all 3 books, and when I wasn’t reading, I kept thinking about David- and as mentioned in my previous reviews: this isn’t a regular mm romance. They’re David’s books, and I think it’s an excellent portrayal of a character who’s on the autistic/neurodivergent spectrum. I found it fascinating to read the authors note at the end, saying that she didn’t anticipate David being autistic when she wrote book 1, and that she - in a way - found it out when she started getting feedback from autistic readers who felt themselves “seen” by the way she portrayed David.
For me, it was fascinating to experience how I came to care about and even love a character who annoyed me at the beginning.
Why not 5 stars then? Because I wanted, no: I NEEDED, to see more of Jake, especially in book 3. There were too many unanswered questions- like: why did he stop texting out of the blue? Was he really assuming David had a thing going on with Kiro? If he never stopped loving David, why the girlfriend? How did his parents react at the news that David’s back? How did Dave react? And as for David: did he finally stand up to his parents?
So yeah. 4 stars again - but who knows, maybe we’ll get Jake’s story at some point?
And please, please, pretty please: I want Robbie and Georgie’s story 🥰
All in all a trilogy I’m very happy to have read.
Was it perfect? Again, not quite. But not all books need a 5 star rating to get a glowing review.
I binged all 3 books, and when I wasn’t reading, I kept thinking about David- and as mentioned in my previous reviews: this isn’t a regular mm romance. They’re David’s books, and I think it’s an excellent portrayal of a character who’s on the autistic/neurodivergent spectrum. I found it fascinating to read the authors note at the end, saying that she didn’t anticipate David being autistic when she wrote book 1, and that she - in a way - found it out when she started getting feedback from autistic readers who felt themselves “seen” by the way she portrayed David.
For me, it was fascinating to experience how I came to care about and even love a character who annoyed me at the beginning.
Why not 5 stars then? Because I wanted, no: I NEEDED, to see more of Jake, especially in book 3. There were too many unanswered questions- like: why did he stop texting out of the blue? Was he really assuming David had a thing going on with Kiro? If he never stopped loving David, why the girlfriend? How did his parents react at the news that David’s back? How did Dave react? And as for David: did he finally stand up to his parents?
So yeah. 4 stars again - but who knows, maybe we’ll get Jake’s story at some point?
And please, please, pretty please: I want Robbie and Georgie’s story 🥰
All in all a trilogy I’m very happy to have read.
June 26, 2025
What I loved most about this book (series) was David finding friends. Watching him laugh with them, feeling comfortable with them. I adored Kiro. Appreciated Oleg and Robbie.
I loved being in David's head. His struggles, his frustrations, his loyalty were written in a gripping way. I loved that he finally found back to Jake, even if I would have loved to see them together much more, talking to each other.
Spoilery notes below - about what I didn't get.
For hundreds of pages I was unsure what had made Jake go quiet on David and what those little remarks of Jake's teammates had meant. Sadly the author decided to jump from David and Jake getting together but not to the next day (or days, weeks) and talking things through, but to a whole year in the future. We didn't even get to see them the days following their becoming close again.
That felt unsatisfactory. I'd have loved to hear why Jake hadn't been in touch for over two years, why Jake had stopped interacting with David. We got their love confessions but no explanation from Jake how he had been at the time.
I loved being in David's head. His struggles, his frustrations, his loyalty were written in a gripping way. I loved that he finally found back to Jake, even if I would have loved to see them together much more, talking to each other.
Spoilery notes below - about what I didn't get.
For hundreds of pages I was unsure what had made Jake go quiet on David and what those little remarks of Jake's teammates had meant. Sadly the author decided to jump from David and Jake getting together but not to the next day (or days, weeks) and talking things through, but to a whole year in the future. We didn't even get to see them the days following their becoming close again.
That felt unsatisfactory. I'd have loved to hear why Jake hadn't been in touch for over two years, why Jake had stopped interacting with David. We got their love confessions but no explanation from Jake how he had been at the time.
August 8, 2024
Re Read kindle version August 2024
3.5 stars**
First review written July 2022
Love David, always have always will! My rating it’s not because I didn’t love this, is more that I wanted more of David and Jake, way more. I know David had to find himself discover friendships, and to see that there is more than hockey in life. I just wished Jake was there with him, at least as friends. I was missing the angst between them the chemistry they’ve always had.
Second review August 2024
So, I Re Read the whole series again before I read the kindle version hoping this last book would be different than the fanfic sadly, it was not! I don’t know, the 3 books hit me differently this time I didn’t love David as much as before. I found myself leaning more towards Jake. Honestly he deserved better! I’m gonna say this again this wasn’t a bad book it just needed to be more about Jake and David! Yes, it was good to see David flourish be more social accept he could have friends and hockey. But why couldn’t Jake have been there with him?! I felt like this book had so much more potential to be better.
3.5 stars**
First review written July 2022
Love David, always have always will! My rating it’s not because I didn’t love this, is more that I wanted more of David and Jake, way more. I know David had to find himself discover friendships, and to see that there is more than hockey in life. I just wished Jake was there with him, at least as friends. I was missing the angst between them the chemistry they’ve always had.
Second review August 2024
So, I Re Read the whole series again before I read the kindle version hoping this last book would be different than the fanfic sadly, it was not! I don’t know, the 3 books hit me differently this time I didn’t love David as much as before. I found myself leaning more towards Jake. Honestly he deserved better! I’m gonna say this again this wasn’t a bad book it just needed to be more about Jake and David! Yes, it was good to see David flourish be more social accept he could have friends and hockey. But why couldn’t Jake have been there with him?! I felt like this book had so much more potential to be better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
David knows he isn't easy.
The best things in life never are. But they're worth it — and worth waiting for. This volume was everything I wanted it to be.
The best things in life never are. But they're worth it — and worth waiting for. This volume was everything I wanted it to be.
June 30, 2024
My heart is so full. Finally. Fucking finally.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
My review is going to be all over the place.
I read books 1 and 2 in 2022. I’ve been waiting for this for two years. No really. I read hundreds of books since, most of the time I forget the MCs as soon as I start the next book. I’ve been thinking about David and Jake for two years. TWO YEARS.
David. The growth. The feelings. The friendships he is making along the way. The pining.
Jake. Trying your best to get over him. We don’t see as much Jake as I would like. This is David’s story after all. But the Jake we see is everything.
I read this in less than a day. I never do that anymore. I read it in my phone because I couldn’t make the file work on my kindle. I HATE reading on my phone.
This book is everything I wanted.
“We got this,” Jake says. “Like. I can’t really guess what’s coming or whatever, but. It’s not going to be like last time. We got this.”
“I know,” David says.
“Yeah?” Jake asks.
“Yeah,” David says. “We got this.”
“You’re making a face right now,” Jake says.
“‘We got this’ isn’t proper grammar,” David says. “But.”
“I love you,” Jake says.”
My only complaint? She made the Whalers win the cup in 1993. How much of a Habs hater are you Taylor? Don’t take 1993 away from us. 😭😭😭
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
My review is going to be all over the place.
I read books 1 and 2 in 2022. I’ve been waiting for this for two years. No really. I read hundreds of books since, most of the time I forget the MCs as soon as I start the next book. I’ve been thinking about David and Jake for two years. TWO YEARS.
David. The growth. The feelings. The friendships he is making along the way. The pining.
Jake. Trying your best to get over him. We don’t see as much Jake as I would like. This is David’s story after all. But the Jake we see is everything.
I read this in less than a day. I never do that anymore. I read it in my phone because I couldn’t make the file work on my kindle. I HATE reading on my phone.
This book is everything I wanted.
“We got this,” Jake says. “Like. I can’t really guess what’s coming or whatever, but. It’s not going to be like last time. We got this.”
“I know,” David says.
“Yeah?” Jake asks.
“Yeah,” David says. “We got this.”
“You’re making a face right now,” Jake says.
“‘We got this’ isn’t proper grammar,” David says. “But.”
“I love you,” Jake says.”
My only complaint? She made the Whalers win the cup in 1993. How much of a Habs hater are you Taylor? Don’t take 1993 away from us. 😭😭😭
October 19, 2024
5 ⭐️
And we finally got our HEA for these boys 🥰
I love Taylor Fitzpatrick’s writing. Just love it.
This was such a brilliant study of an autistic character without loudly acknowledging the MC was autistic. David and Jake are precious. So is Kiro. I love them.
Also. Yes, this is a hockey book. But the game is a beautiful backdrop for a tale about people. And I loved it so much.
And we finally got our HEA for these boys 🥰
I love Taylor Fitzpatrick’s writing. Just love it.
This was such a brilliant study of an autistic character without loudly acknowledging the MC was autistic. David and Jake are precious. So is Kiro. I love them.
Also. Yes, this is a hockey book. But the game is a beautiful backdrop for a tale about people. And I loved it so much.
August 12, 2022
2.5 stars
I’m going to be the asshole that stands out here, but this was so disappointing.
I know this isn’t official published yet, and I grabbed the version that’s available on the author’s tumblr, so my opinion might change if this goes through heavy edits for publishing.
It is undeniable that this author has a fantastic writing style and writes incredibly captivating characters. Watching David grow and become a far better person than he is in book one was so enjoyable. However, that’s really what this story is about. David’s growth and journey into being a decent human. The romance with Jake is like a side thought, barely a part of the overall book other than
So I will say this is a fantastic character study, but an incredibly disappointing romance.
I’m going to be the asshole that stands out here, but this was so disappointing.
I know this isn’t official published yet, and I grabbed the version that’s available on the author’s tumblr, so my opinion might change if this goes through heavy edits for publishing.
It is undeniable that this author has a fantastic writing style and writes incredibly captivating characters. Watching David grow and become a far better person than he is in book one was so enjoyable. However, that’s really what this story is about. David’s growth and journey into being a decent human. The romance with Jake is like a side thought, barely a part of the overall book other than
So I will say this is a fantastic character study, but an incredibly disappointing romance.
July 27, 2024
This can't be how it ends.... right?
I neeed mooooooooore.
I neeed mooooooooore.
July 6, 2024
David, you've come so far. You too, captain Jake.
Robbie and Georgie, don't worry, you're next.
Kiro and Oleg, best ride-or-dies ever.
A wonderful ending and worth the wait 💜💜💜
Robbie and Georgie, don't worry, you're next.
Kiro and Oleg, best ride-or-dies ever.
A wonderful ending and worth the wait 💜💜💜
November 22, 2024
2.5 stars. This series has been a bit of a letdown after the intense promise of book 1. It's more coming-of-age hockey fiction (albeit a bit later than usual) than romance. Especially this book, which is much more focused on David fitting in and making friends on a new team than his romance with Jake. In fact, Jake only really features again in the last quarter or so of the book. David has definitely grown, for sure we see his personal development and the broadening of his social circle, but he remains so far in the closet that he literally comes across as homophobic, and although he grapples with this a bit, I didn't get the sense that he really learned his lesson. I spent a large portion of this book finding him extremely frustrating. And even though we get our happy ending, it felt very lukewarm and unearned. I just did not really understand why Jake was so hung up on David, why he consented to being strung along for so long. I know David didn't mean it, I know he's neurodivergent, I know he doesn't understand why his actions come across as callous, but I still never grew to actually like him as a person. It's safe to say that I did not enjoy this book, I found it deeply unsatisfying. I would give anything to read this exact story from Jake's perspective, but I found David pretty exasperating.
August 24, 2025
Naciągane lekko to cztery, ale ten tom zasługuje na zdecydowanie wyższą ocenę, niż drugi, zatem muszę to wyraźnie podkreślić...
W tym tomie było lepiej, David troszkę się zmienił jako człowiek (no tak odrobinkę, ale jednak) i miałam ochotę go udusić tylko przez jakieś 20% książki, a nie 80% (jak w poprzednim tomie).
Ale po całej trylogii POV Davida (jedyny, jaki jest) i sam David tak bardzo zmęczyli mnie psychicznie, że muszę teraz zrobić jakieś reready czegoś ukochanego i przynoszącego mi komfort, żeby to odkręcić...
W tym tomie było lepiej, David troszkę się zmienił jako człowiek (no tak odrobinkę, ale jednak) i miałam ochotę go udusić tylko przez jakieś 20% książki, a nie 80% (jak w poprzednim tomie).
Ale po całej trylogii POV Davida (jedyny, jaki jest) i sam David tak bardzo zmęczyli mnie psychicznie, że muszę teraz zrobić jakieś reready czegoś ukochanego i przynoszącego mi komfort, żeby to odkręcić...
November 19, 2024
I feel like this book had a lot less Jake than I was hoping for���
BUT. David made a good life for himself outside of Jake, which I feel ultimately made him more understanding of Jake's decisions, if not forgiving. So there's that.
He totally got off scott-free with that kiss, though. And I was really hoping he'd have to have an awkward conversation with Robbie but oh well.
Also, I wonder if there's a Georgie x Robbie book?
On the romance side of it, though, I maintain my thoughts on the matter of Jake doing 90% of the heavy lifting in this relationship. It can be argued that he committed a serious crime so deserved the penance but.....I don't know. I didn't love how much he had to do for it to work in comparison to David.
But in all fairness, David does have a lot going on his head ALL THE TIME and he REALLY can't pick up on hints(or obvious things, really) so maybe it's for the best that Jake took point on this.
I'm glad this didn't have a grand gesture at center ice because I would NOT have bought that AT. ALL. 💀
Not our David, that's for sure.
This is one of those books where I would have wanted an epilogue, though. Because I feel like there's so much left unresolved. But I also feel like knowing David, I can probably make a near accurate guess at the answers to the questions that an epilogue would answer.
So.
BUT. David made a good life for himself outside of Jake, which I feel ultimately made him more understanding of Jake's decisions, if not forgiving. So there's that.
He totally got off scott-free with that kiss, though. And I was really hoping he'd have to have an awkward conversation with Robbie but oh well.
Also, I wonder if there's a Georgie x Robbie book?
On the romance side of it, though, I maintain my thoughts on the matter of Jake doing 90% of the heavy lifting in this relationship. It can be argued that he committed a serious crime so deserved the penance but.....I don't know. I didn't love how much he had to do for it to work in comparison to David.
But in all fairness, David does have a lot going on his head ALL THE TIME and he REALLY can't pick up on hints(or obvious things, really) so maybe it's for the best that Jake took point on this.
I'm glad this didn't have a grand gesture at center ice because I would NOT have bought that AT. ALL. 💀
Not our David, that's for sure.
This is one of those books where I would have wanted an epilogue, though. Because I feel like there's so much left unresolved. But I also feel like knowing David, I can probably make a near accurate guess at the answers to the questions that an epilogue would answer.
So.
July 10, 2024
I love this series so much. It's really one story in 3 volumes. Coming of age as much as a romance. Volume 1 ends in a kind of happy for now way, it's not so hard to pause after that one.
But oh, does Fitzpatrick put them through it in volume 2. You won't want to stop after that.
At the same time David is going through the worst of it, he's slowly, inadvertently even, finding a type of support he's never had.
That continues here, in volume 3, both in his professional life, and personal, as he joins his new team, and makes another friend.
He's still a long way from secure in his own skin. He's got a long way to go, a lot to overcome. But he's come a long way from where he started, and with the relationships he's developed by the end of the series, he might just be ok.
But oh, does Fitzpatrick put them through it in volume 2. You won't want to stop after that.
At the same time David is going through the worst of it, he's slowly, inadvertently even, finding a type of support he's never had.
That continues here, in volume 3, both in his professional life, and personal, as he joins his new team, and makes another friend.
He's still a long way from secure in his own skin. He's got a long way to go, a lot to overcome. But he's come a long way from where he started, and with the relationships he's developed by the end of the series, he might just be ok.
July 14, 2024
Overrated. Lazy writing.
I actually forgot that this was a romance book. Three quarters of the book were like David's autobiography, no Jake. Just daily life of David. David and his hockey. Kiro made this thing better. Otherwise it would have been dead.
David's behavior seemed off and the author belatedly told us he is autistic in her author's note. I think to make up for David's terrible character.
We never knew much about Jake. It was like he was some other minor character in the story
The ending was abrupt, the get together was abrupt. This story would have been sooo good if the author was not lazy. It had so much potential.
I actually forgot that this was a romance book. Three quarters of the book were like David's autobiography, no Jake. Just daily life of David. David and his hockey. Kiro made this thing better. Otherwise it would have been dead.
David's behavior seemed off and the author belatedly told us he is autistic in her author's note. I think to make up for David's terrible character.
We never knew much about Jake. It was like he was some other minor character in the story
The ending was abrupt, the get together was abrupt. This story would have been sooo good if the author was not lazy. It had so much potential.
July 15, 2024
This series is so good that even the author's note made my heart feel too big for my chest. This is a happy ending, but it was so hard earned that I'm a little bit bruised. This kind of feeling is why I read romance, so I won't be complaining. I'm adding Taylor Fitzpatrick to my auto-buy list. This is such a wonderful story and everyone should read it. Audhd gang rise up!
July 3, 2025
This was a really unique series. It’s part love story, but also, and really more, a story about a young man growing up, making friends, accepting his sexuality and creating a found family. I really struggled with the first book. I didn’t even rate it. It was five star writing but I disliked David’s actions so much. I intellectually understood what he was going through, but he was so cruel to Jake (although not on purpose). Book two was way better for me and my compassion for him. This book is the happy ending they all deserve. There’s actually very little of Jake in the book (which is unique for a love story) but somehow it still works. It was all really lovely and I couldn’t help but feel happy for how far David has come. And Jake….. perfection. Everyone should have their own Jake. Great cast of side characters. I’m headed over to AO3 to read their stories next.
December 13, 2025
I read this entire series on an epically long series of international flights and it was so good I didn’t even mind the extended sleep deprivation.
The extra content on TF’s AO3 (youcouldmakealife) and Patreon is also INCREDIBLE. Do yourself a favour and go read it 💕💕💕.
The extra content on TF’s AO3 (youcouldmakealife) and Patreon is also INCREDIBLE. Do yourself a favour and go read it 💕💕💕.
September 2, 2024
I have read this twice already. And then I went and read every single tumblr, Patreon and AO3 post by the author that included these characters. Which got me sucked back into the rest of the author’s vast hockey AU. So now two months later I’ve finally surfaced to write a review.
It’s strong. The ending is lovely and the main character’s emotional intelligence growth along with the growth of his found family is profoundly satisfying.
Why not five stars? I think because while her books are among the best in the sub-genre, this author truly shines in serial and slice of life post format. Unrestricted by fitting a story arc into a book word count, she flies. The books are a distilled version of her genius. I appreciate them, but I appreciate the richness of her world and characters better outside of novel format.
That said, it’s frustrating to have to wind your way through the multiple places she posts things, especially as she posts unique things on each. A book is easier. Whatever. I’m glad this author exists and gives us so much of herself.
It’s strong. The ending is lovely and the main character’s emotional intelligence growth along with the growth of his found family is profoundly satisfying.
Why not five stars? I think because while her books are among the best in the sub-genre, this author truly shines in serial and slice of life post format. Unrestricted by fitting a story arc into a book word count, she flies. The books are a distilled version of her genius. I appreciate them, but I appreciate the richness of her world and characters better outside of novel format.
That said, it’s frustrating to have to wind your way through the multiple places she posts things, especially as she posts unique things on each. A book is easier. Whatever. I’m glad this author exists and gives us so much of herself.
July 11, 2024
I don't think I will hurry to read any more of this author's books. Nothing can top
. Which is not only my favorite hockey MM by a long shot, but also one of my fave MM's period.
The POV is so unique - we hardly ever get the POV of the gruff, silent man's man. And so real. And tho the MC never says so, even indicates the opposite, you totally feel how deeply he feels for his love interest. How he hurts when the other man doesn't show the same devotion back just because he doesn't hear the words or sees certain gestures. It took time, but his love did eventually learn and catch on. But the MC didn't make it easy. Never made it easy to love him, even through to the end. And yet, I loved him so!
Anyway, THAT book was 5+ stars all the way.
This one... These THREE books are not really romance, I would say. But a coming of age and self-discovery and personal development. It's about an MC who is awkward and insular and different (in many ways, but I won't spoil it for readers who don't know). How he perceives and interacts with the world, including reconciling the fact that he could be gay. Is in love with another man.
And that's all fine. I don't even mind the minimal sex scenes (sort of).
But I probably wouldn't have read these books if I knew what they were focused on vs the romance. Maybe it was just my misinterpretation after the love for Thrown Off the Ice that all her books would be like that.
Anyway, there are parts I didn't like as well outside of all of the above, like David suddenly kissing that other guy (who thankfully rejected him and brushed it off as something that wasn't meant to be). I kind of knew why he did it. Doesn't mean I liked it.
And I'm sure Jake wasn't totally celibate while they've been apart, but at least I don't have to read about that.
Also, the writing is a little too... real. Meaning the way these guys talk to each other - in incomplete sentences, ending on "But." "Like." "Yeah." etc.
I don't know. There's a unique quality to this author's writing that I like, but I just wasn't moved much by David's story.
. Which is not only my favorite hockey MM by a long shot, but also one of my fave MM's period.The POV is so unique - we hardly ever get the POV of the gruff, silent man's man. And so real. And tho the MC never says so, even indicates the opposite, you totally feel how deeply he feels for his love interest. How he hurts when the other man doesn't show the same devotion back just because he doesn't hear the words or sees certain gestures. It took time, but his love did eventually learn and catch on. But the MC didn't make it easy. Never made it easy to love him, even through to the end. And yet, I loved him so!
Anyway, THAT book was 5+ stars all the way.
This one... These THREE books are not really romance, I would say. But a coming of age and self-discovery and personal development. It's about an MC who is awkward and insular and different (in many ways, but I won't spoil it for readers who don't know). How he perceives and interacts with the world, including reconciling the fact that he could be gay. Is in love with another man.
And that's all fine. I don't even mind the minimal sex scenes (sort of).
But I probably wouldn't have read these books if I knew what they were focused on vs the romance. Maybe it was just my misinterpretation after the love for Thrown Off the Ice that all her books would be like that.
Anyway, there are parts I didn't like as well outside of all of the above, like David suddenly kissing that other guy (who thankfully rejected him and brushed it off as something that wasn't meant to be). I kind of knew why he did it. Doesn't mean I liked it.
And I'm sure Jake wasn't totally celibate while they've been apart, but at least I don't have to read about that.
Also, the writing is a little too... real. Meaning the way these guys talk to each other - in incomplete sentences, ending on "But." "Like." "Yeah." etc.
I don't know. There's a unique quality to this author's writing that I like, but I just wasn't moved much by David's story.
December 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this last book - we get to see David's growth and finally in a happy place. I also loved all the side characters, but especially Kiro, Oleg and Robbie, what amazing friends to have (and we know David doesn't make friends easily). I still wish we could've gotten a bit more insight into Jake's mind, but the romantic in me was still happy with how their relationship developed. I also found the author's note at the end quite thoughtful
January 2, 2026
1 january 2026
i am just coming on here to say that after reading robbiegeorgie the first 2/3 goes from painful to something akin to “death would be kinder”. david’s 24th birthday party is so tense i want to chew my arm off.
—
how am i supposed to move on with my life after that
more of a series review, because i fucking devoured these books, but i think this has become my #1 hockey book.
david chapman david chapman i love you i am so fond of you and i love his storyline so damn much. look: david and i have the same brand of autism, and i do not know if i have ever felt as Seen as i have while reading this trilogy. david is quiet, he's awkward and Bad At People, he's determined with the things he's passionate about and doesn't really care about the rest. (can't drive!) he's allowed to be so flawed and blunt and -- oh, he's hard to love and he knows it, he's difficult and rigid, and yet he's loved anyways, and he tries so hard, and, well, doesn't that make me want to collapse wailing to the floor. and, as fitzpatrick puts it, he remains perfectly himself and still get to have his happy ending.
i think i have a new The Character because i literally haven't been able to stop thinking about david oh my god oh my god oh my god
i am just coming on here to say that after reading robbiegeorgie the first 2/3 goes from painful to something akin to “death would be kinder”. david’s 24th birthday party is so tense i want to chew my arm off.
—
how am i supposed to move on with my life after that
more of a series review, because i fucking devoured these books, but i think this has become my #1 hockey book.
david chapman david chapman i love you i am so fond of you and i love his storyline so damn much. look: david and i have the same brand of autism, and i do not know if i have ever felt as Seen as i have while reading this trilogy. david is quiet, he's awkward and Bad At People, he's determined with the things he's passionate about and doesn't really care about the rest. (can't drive!) he's allowed to be so flawed and blunt and -- oh, he's hard to love and he knows it, he's difficult and rigid, and yet he's loved anyways, and he tries so hard, and, well, doesn't that make me want to collapse wailing to the floor. and, as fitzpatrick puts it, he remains perfectly himself and still get to have his happy ending.
i think i have a new The Character because i literally haven't been able to stop thinking about david oh my god oh my god oh my god
December 31, 2022
Couldn't resist it and went ahead to read the uncut version, available in TF's Tumblr.
LOVED IT SO FREAKING MUCH!!
What a journey! David, my sweet child!! Jake, you stupidly beautiful human being!! I am so glad they finally "got this."
Having read the unpublished and published version's of book 1 and 2, and seeing the small changes and additions that made the published books so much more emotionally compelling and beautiful, I can honestly say I am beyond excited to eventually read the final version to be released, some time on 2023.
LOVED IT SO FREAKING MUCH!!
What a journey! David, my sweet child!! Jake, you stupidly beautiful human being!! I am so glad they finally "got this."
Having read the unpublished and published version's of book 1 and 2, and seeing the small changes and additions that made the published books so much more emotionally compelling and beautiful, I can honestly say I am beyond excited to eventually read the final version to be released, some time on 2023.
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