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North Shore Titans Hockey #4
Forbidden Titan
"The devil wears many faces. Today, he wore the one I've been running from for five years."
Five years spent running, reinventing myself at every turn, until my stepbrother finally caught up to me.
Zach Knight is cold, dangerous, and determined to make me pay for almost destroying his hockey career. But beneath that icy exterior burns something far more intense than revenge.
Now I'm back home, trying to build a future while dealing with the fierce attraction between us. Every touch, every heated glance draws me deeper into dangerous territory.
My stepbrother may be broken in ways I'm only beginning to understand, but so am I. His darkness calls to mine, and when he claims me as his, I can't resist falling.
They say the opposite of hate is love, but with Zach Knight, the line between the two threatens to consume us both.
Falling for the forbidden titan was never part of the plan.
But neither was becoming his salvation.
Five years spent running, reinventing myself at every turn, until my stepbrother finally caught up to me.
Zach Knight is cold, dangerous, and determined to make me pay for almost destroying his hockey career. But beneath that icy exterior burns something far more intense than revenge.
Now I'm back home, trying to build a future while dealing with the fierce attraction between us. Every touch, every heated glance draws me deeper into dangerous territory.
My stepbrother may be broken in ways I'm only beginning to understand, but so am I. His darkness calls to mine, and when he claims me as his, I can't resist falling.
They say the opposite of hate is love, but with Zach Knight, the line between the two threatens to consume us both.
Falling for the forbidden titan was never part of the plan.
But neither was becoming his salvation.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2025
About the author
E.V. Olsen
15 books693 followersI'm a romance author who loves Over The Top alpha males who are possessive and completely obsessed with their person or mate. Nothing will get in their way from claiming what's theirs. I enjoy writing darker type romances whether in the contemporary world, PNR worlds, or even post-apocalyptic worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 487 reviews
March 23, 2026
Not one, but TWO pierced dicks. I repeat, 🔥🌶🔥TWO PIERCED COCKS!!! 🔥🌶🔥
After a terrible misunderstanding that puts Zach in the hospital and his hockey career at risk, his stepbrother Merci runs away from home. Merci thinks everyone is better off without him and Zach agrees- he hates his stepbrother and wants him permanently gone. He tracks Merci down to seek his revenge, only to realize that sometimes there's a very thin line between love and hate.
The North Shore Titans Hockey series is so fun to read, with a great mix of plot, spice, unhinged hijinks, romance and sports. I like EV Olsen's writing and the way she brings characters to life. Each time I think, "am I going to like this flawed character?" and each time I end the book liking the titan better than the normal(ish) guy he ends up with. Forbidden Titan was no exception although this time I think EV gave us 2 unhinged characters 😆😆. I liked the book a lot, but I was looking for a little more to wrap up a few of the more complex plot points. The books are all quick paced but this one moved a bit too rapidly from enemies to in love and was lacking a little something for me. Overall, it is another good book in the series but not my favourite.
Rating: 3.5
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
"If I could go back, if I could change everything . . . maybe things would be different. Maybe neither of us would be so broken."
After a terrible misunderstanding that puts Zach in the hospital and his hockey career at risk, his stepbrother Merci runs away from home. Merci thinks everyone is better off without him and Zach agrees- he hates his stepbrother and wants him permanently gone. He tracks Merci down to seek his revenge, only to realize that sometimes there's a very thin line between love and hate.
"We’re both broken. But with you. . . “ His forehead creases, facial features pinching together, as if he’s struggling to find the right words. “With you, I feel whole.”
The North Shore Titans Hockey series is so fun to read, with a great mix of plot, spice, unhinged hijinks, romance and sports. I like EV Olsen's writing and the way she brings characters to life. Each time I think, "am I going to like this flawed character?" and each time I end the book liking the titan better than the normal(ish) guy he ends up with. Forbidden Titan was no exception although this time I think EV gave us 2 unhinged characters 😆😆. I liked the book a lot, but I was looking for a little more to wrap up a few of the more complex plot points. The books are all quick paced but this one moved a bit too rapidly from enemies to in love and was lacking a little something for me. Overall, it is another good book in the series but not my favourite.
Rating: 3.5
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
June 22, 2025
The longest book in the series so far but it still manages to be ridiculously instalove 😂
I did like that we got way more background story for these two than any other couples in the series, but sometimes it felt a little robotic and forced?
The drama and OTT behaviour, plus the extreme violence, seems to get funnier and more unbelievable with every book too! That said, I am curious about Connor's story, but at this point it's more of a 'what else can really happen ' curiosity rather than wanting to know the character better.
I did like that we got way more background story for these two than any other couples in the series, but sometimes it felt a little robotic and forced?
The drama and OTT behaviour, plus the extreme violence, seems to get funnier and more unbelievable with every book too! That said, I am curious about Connor's story, but at this point it's more of a 'what else can really happen ' curiosity rather than wanting to know the character better.
November 10, 2025
Wow... Forbidden Titan is an intense stepbrother romance between Zach and Merci. Their shared history with one another is intense, destructive, and all-consuming. I was impressed with the passion between these two. They share an incredibly strong bond due to their shared trauma and unrelenting desire for one another. I enjoyed their primal connection and ability to sense the others' pain while remaining open and honest with one another.
Overall Forbidden Titan is a great continuation of this intense series of opposites attract with largely unhealthy, and co-dependent relationships that I cannot get enough of. This pairing in particular takes my breath away due to their intense bond, desire, and connection with one another that keeps you on your toes throughout the story.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall Forbidden Titan is a great continuation of this intense series of opposites attract with largely unhealthy, and co-dependent relationships that I cannot get enough of. This pairing in particular takes my breath away due to their intense bond, desire, and connection with one another that keeps you on your toes throughout the story.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
February 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I will say after Viktor and Becks, Merci and Zach are a close second.
I’m a total sucker for broken boys and stepbrother romances, and absolutely ate this up!
- hockey
- stepbrothers
- hate to love
- jealous and possessive MCs
- broken boys
- pierced weens
I will say after Viktor and Becks, Merci and Zach are a close second.
I’m a total sucker for broken boys and stepbrother romances, and absolutely ate this up!
- hockey
- stepbrothers
- hate to love
- jealous and possessive MCs
- broken boys
- pierced weens
March 12, 2025
I don’t like these books at all, and yet I have read all of them
December 11, 2025
I’m back to this series again because there are already two new books out, and even though the last three didn’t do much for me, I’m definitely finishing up this series. For me, this was a 3.5–3.75⭐ book, definitely rounding it down.
This one actually had a likeable Titan. Merci I didn’t enjoy as much and I didn’t feel he was a great match for Zach.
The story had more depth than most of the others so far. It could have been better, considering what both characters have been through, their love story deserved more development and they needed a stronger epilogue, but if you enjoy the Titans and the chaos that comes with them, you’ll probably like this one.
🟣 Stepbrothers
🔵 Age gap 15/17 to 20/22
🟡 Size difference
🟢 A lot of trauma on both sides (childhood neglect and abuse, TBI, running away from home, sex work, a lot of physical injuries)
🔵 Hurt/comfort
🌶️ A few good sex scenes; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b, hinting at vers in the bonus chapter
I really liked Zach. He’s an interesting character and I wanted more for him than a stepbrother who turned out to be an annoying brat.
Zach and Merci didn’t really have a relationship when they started living together. When the fallout happened, Merci nearly got Zach killed because of his own trauma, then ran away and five years later almost got murdered himself - by Zach.
But at that point, the story was still salvageable.
You can have all that drama without the characters acting as over the top as they do, but I do think the author put more effort into this book, so it’s not as crazy as the others.
Still, both Zach’s and Merci’s pasts weren’t addressed enough and when they finally got past the exhausting mating dance and got together, it didn’t feel like a big moment. A few sex scenes to spice it up and… that was it. Done.
"I saunter over, putting an extra swing in my hips. "Are those for me?"
He holds out the flowers. "Pink. Like your milkshakes."
I double over laughing, the sound echoing across the parking lot. "You think I drink strawberry milkshakes because they're pink?"
His brow furrows, lips pursing as he stares at the bouquet.
Fuck. Now I feel like an asshat."
Damn, that twink was... unpleasant. Antipatico. Go away. Shoo.
Zach just needed someone who'd really get under his skin, really crawl in there and attach himself, live and breathe with him and comfort and nurture him in every possible way, he needed a damn soulmate, but what Merci was offering wasn't enough. Merci seemed like hard work and I didn't like that for Zach. A nice ass, but almost nothing else to offer. They didn't have long-term potential at all.
I'm kind of looking forward to Connor's book.
This one actually had a likeable Titan. Merci I didn’t enjoy as much and I didn’t feel he was a great match for Zach.
The story had more depth than most of the others so far. It could have been better, considering what both characters have been through, their love story deserved more development and they needed a stronger epilogue, but if you enjoy the Titans and the chaos that comes with them, you’ll probably like this one.
🟣 Stepbrothers
🔵 Age gap 15/17 to 20/22
🟡 Size difference
🟢 A lot of trauma on both sides (childhood neglect and abuse, TBI, running away from home, sex work, a lot of physical injuries)
🔵 Hurt/comfort
🌶️ A few good sex scenes; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b, hinting at vers in the bonus chapter
I really liked Zach. He’s an interesting character and I wanted more for him than a stepbrother who turned out to be an annoying brat.
Zach and Merci didn’t really have a relationship when they started living together. When the fallout happened, Merci nearly got Zach killed because of his own trauma, then ran away and five years later almost got murdered himself - by Zach.
But at that point, the story was still salvageable.
You can have all that drama without the characters acting as over the top as they do, but I do think the author put more effort into this book, so it’s not as crazy as the others.
Still, both Zach’s and Merci’s pasts weren’t addressed enough and when they finally got past the exhausting mating dance and got together, it didn’t feel like a big moment. A few sex scenes to spice it up and… that was it. Done.
"I saunter over, putting an extra swing in my hips. "Are those for me?"
He holds out the flowers. "Pink. Like your milkshakes."
I double over laughing, the sound echoing across the parking lot. "You think I drink strawberry milkshakes because they're pink?"
His brow furrows, lips pursing as he stares at the bouquet.
Fuck. Now I feel like an asshat."
Damn, that twink was... unpleasant. Antipatico. Go away. Shoo.
Zach just needed someone who'd really get under his skin, really crawl in there and attach himself, live and breathe with him and comfort and nurture him in every possible way, he needed a damn soulmate, but what Merci was offering wasn't enough. Merci seemed like hard work and I didn't like that for Zach. A nice ass, but almost nothing else to offer. They didn't have long-term potential at all.
I'm kind of looking forward to Connor's book.
January 7, 2026
Forbidden Titan is book five in the North Shore Titans series. This MM college hockey romance story is about Zach and Merci.
Zach and Merci are stepbrothers, and after a horrible incident when they were younger, Merci runs away. Zach blames him and wants revenge, and five years later he finally tracks Merci down and brings him back home. It takes some time for these two to figure things out. Zach and Merci both had issues from their past, and their parents didn’t disclose this information to either of them. Things made a lot more sense once they learned of it, and maybe things wouldn’t have gotten so bad if they had known. But despite all of this, Zach and Merci still fall for each other and found ways to work with their issues.
We see how much guilt Merci had with what happened with Zach, and I wish Zach would have taken more accountability. And with what Zach and his friends did to Merci in the beginning, I feel like everyone owed Merci an apology. It was great all the Titans had Zach’s back, especially Viktor. And as much as I loved Viktor in the last book, I wasn’t a fan of his behavior in this book.
There were parts to this story I really enjoyed, but unfortunately there were others where I found myself frustrated with the characters and their behavior. Unfortunately this book didn’t hit for me like the last two. I do love stepbrother romances, but this one was just okay for me.
Zach and Merci are stepbrothers, and after a horrible incident when they were younger, Merci runs away. Zach blames him and wants revenge, and five years later he finally tracks Merci down and brings him back home. It takes some time for these two to figure things out. Zach and Merci both had issues from their past, and their parents didn’t disclose this information to either of them. Things made a lot more sense once they learned of it, and maybe things wouldn’t have gotten so bad if they had known. But despite all of this, Zach and Merci still fall for each other and found ways to work with their issues.
We see how much guilt Merci had with what happened with Zach, and I wish Zach would have taken more accountability. And with what Zach and his friends did to Merci in the beginning, I feel like everyone owed Merci an apology. It was great all the Titans had Zach’s back, especially Viktor. And as much as I loved Viktor in the last book, I wasn’t a fan of his behavior in this book.
There were parts to this story I really enjoyed, but unfortunately there were others where I found myself frustrated with the characters and their behavior. Unfortunately this book didn’t hit for me like the last two. I do love stepbrother romances, but this one was just okay for me.
December 23, 2025
⚠️ Warning: This book contains one feral hockey player, an unhinged grudge, and enough tension to melt the ice. Proceed with caution. 🚨🔥
Zach has always been a mystery—silent, broody, and definitely hiding something in the previous books. But holy hell, I was not ready for just how much was lurking under that cold exterior. And Merci? My sweet, sharp-tongued chaos gremlin? He walked right into the fire like he belonged there.
Their relationship is the definition of messy—pain, anger, and a chemistry so intense it practically crackles off the page. The hate? 🔥 The possessiveness? 🫠 The jealousy? Yes, please! Zach starts out hellbent on revenge, but somewhere along the way, it turns into something neither of them expected. And I lived for every second of it.
And the banter?? Top. Tier. These two push each other’s buttons constantly—whether it’s sharp insults, teasing, or those heated arguments that somehow turn into something very different 👀. It’s snarky, it’s electric, and it makes their dynamic even more addictive.
This is hands down my favourite book in the series! I didn’t want it to end and just want more of Zach and Merci. Their story is dark, raw, and absolutely addictive. The way they challenge each other, the way Zach tries so hard not to fall, and the way Merci gets under his skin—it’s perfection.
Also, can we take a moment for Viktor? That little menace stole every scene he was in. We love an unhinged bestie who encourages chaos. 👏
I swear, each book in this series gets darker and better, and this one was everything. Zach and Merci’s dynamic was explosive, their love talk? Unhinged. The hockey? Brutal. And my heart? Fully owned by this book. 🖤🔥
*I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this is my honest and voluntary review!*
Zach has always been a mystery—silent, broody, and definitely hiding something in the previous books. But holy hell, I was not ready for just how much was lurking under that cold exterior. And Merci? My sweet, sharp-tongued chaos gremlin? He walked right into the fire like he belonged there.
Their relationship is the definition of messy—pain, anger, and a chemistry so intense it practically crackles off the page. The hate? 🔥 The possessiveness? 🫠 The jealousy? Yes, please! Zach starts out hellbent on revenge, but somewhere along the way, it turns into something neither of them expected. And I lived for every second of it.
And the banter?? Top. Tier. These two push each other’s buttons constantly—whether it’s sharp insults, teasing, or those heated arguments that somehow turn into something very different 👀. It’s snarky, it’s electric, and it makes their dynamic even more addictive.
This is hands down my favourite book in the series! I didn’t want it to end and just want more of Zach and Merci. Their story is dark, raw, and absolutely addictive. The way they challenge each other, the way Zach tries so hard not to fall, and the way Merci gets under his skin—it’s perfection.
Also, can we take a moment for Viktor? That little menace stole every scene he was in. We love an unhinged bestie who encourages chaos. 👏
I swear, each book in this series gets darker and better, and this one was everything. Zach and Merci’s dynamic was explosive, their love talk? Unhinged. The hockey? Brutal. And my heart? Fully owned by this book. 🖤🔥
*I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this is my honest and voluntary review!*
March 5, 2025
Zach was always the mysterious one in the previous books. He was present but was a slippery guy when it came to personal information. It was clear that him and Viktor were close and that’s about it.
Whew, I wasn’t ready for the rollercoaster that was behind all of that mystery.
The beginning of this book really broke my heart but as EV always does, she mended it immediately (then broke it 6 more times).
It’s VERY important that you read the previous books in this series. You could *probably* get by without it but you’d be pretty lost with all of the moving parts and people.
Merci was everything I wanted and needed him to be. He is the perfect match for Zach and their chemistry is off the charts.
Overall, this was a wonderful addition to this series and I can’t wait for Connor to spill all of his secrets in the next book. 😈
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review 🖤
Whew, I wasn’t ready for the rollercoaster that was behind all of that mystery.
The beginning of this book really broke my heart but as EV always does, she mended it immediately (then broke it 6 more times).
It’s VERY important that you read the previous books in this series. You could *probably* get by without it but you’d be pretty lost with all of the moving parts and people.
Merci was everything I wanted and needed him to be. He is the perfect match for Zach and their chemistry is off the charts.
Overall, this was a wonderful addition to this series and I can’t wait for Connor to spill all of his secrets in the next book. 😈
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review 🖤
January 20, 2026
I felt more invested in this one!
KU Read
354 Pages
Dark MM Romance
College Hockey Setting
Forbidden
Step-Brothers
Childhood Trauma
Disabilities Rep
Hate to Love
Size Difference
This has been the best in the series so far and I think that is because it was a longer book. It allowed me to immerse myself in their story better and connect with the MC's better than I do in shorter books. I definitely prefer a full length novel.I
This is Zach (Knight) and Merci's story restarts back when they are teens and their parents got together. A horrible accident; triggered by Zach being mean and Merci reacting badly due to ptsd, see's their already tense relationship turn volatile and Merci fleeing the family home. Now 5 years later, Zach has tracked him down in an attempt to get revenge only instead becomes his protector. This story has a lot of complex nuances that make their road to understanding tricky but they make it in the end.
KU Read
354 Pages
Dark MM Romance
College Hockey Setting
Forbidden
Step-Brothers
Childhood Trauma
Disabilities Rep
Hate to Love
Size Difference
This has been the best in the series so far and I think that is because it was a longer book. It allowed me to immerse myself in their story better and connect with the MC's better than I do in shorter books. I definitely prefer a full length novel.I
This is Zach (Knight) and Merci's story restarts back when they are teens and their parents got together. A horrible accident; triggered by Zach being mean and Merci reacting badly due to ptsd, see's their already tense relationship turn volatile and Merci fleeing the family home. Now 5 years later, Zach has tracked him down in an attempt to get revenge only instead becomes his protector. This story has a lot of complex nuances that make their road to understanding tricky but they make it in the end.
April 15, 2025
Zach et Merci avec un Culomètre à 🥵🍆
On est dans la lignée de précédents : violent et chaud !
Depuis cinq ans, Zach recherche son demi-frère Merci afin de le faire payer de sa vie ce qu'il lui a fait. Quand il le retrouve dans un club de strip-tease, il est temps de le faire disparaitre. Sauf que tout ne va pas se passer comme prévu...
Âmes sensibles s'abstenir ! Mais si vous êtes au tome cinq, c'est que vous savez dans quoi vous vous embarquez avec cette série et ce tome. Quoique, je ne savais absolument pas dans quoi je m'étais les pieds ici, je savais juste que Zach était l'homme le plus violent de la bande et qu'il cherchait son demi-frère pour le tuer et se venger.
Écoutez, malgré le scénario de départ qui avait l'air hyper violent et un peu cliché, j'ai trouvé l'histoire pas si tirée par les cheveux et assez cohérente. Déjà, le personnage de Zach est très travaillé : ayant vécu un violent traumatisme étant petit, il ne ressent plus rien, que ce soit au niveau des émotions, mais aussi son gout a été altéré ainsi que sa compréhension des gens. Du coup, il ne sent pas ce qu'il mange, ce qu'il boit, il ne ressent pas la douleur, ne sait pas analyser ses émotions, ni son jeu sur le terrain. Ce qui est autant un point fort pour un joueur de hockey, qu'une faiblesse. D'autant plus qu'il a des problèmes à sa main dominante et des lésions cérébrales, ce qui pourrait mettre un stop à sa carrière sur le point de décoller.
Tout ce package est lié à son demi-frère Merci, qui l'a poussé dans les escaliers des années plus tôt après une crise de SSPT assez violente. Parce que Merci aussi a subi pas mal de traumatismes dans son enfance, son père l'enfermant dans un frigo à la cave durant toute son enfance.
Et, franchement, ça crée une base solide et cohérente pour la romance, qui marche très bien ! La construction des personnages est parfaitement menée et leur développement est compréhensible. On peut y voir beaucoup de défaut, mais en réalité, au fur et à mesure des pages, on finit par adhérer au truc ! Et pour ça, je tire mon chapeau !
Bon, après, il y a aussi pas mal de sexe et très détaillé, il faut aimer ça, mais c'est ce que nous propose la série !
Bref, c'était une très bonne surprise, comme tous les tomes précédents !
On est dans la lignée de précédents : violent et chaud !
Depuis cinq ans, Zach recherche son demi-frère Merci afin de le faire payer de sa vie ce qu'il lui a fait. Quand il le retrouve dans un club de strip-tease, il est temps de le faire disparaitre. Sauf que tout ne va pas se passer comme prévu...
Âmes sensibles s'abstenir ! Mais si vous êtes au tome cinq, c'est que vous savez dans quoi vous vous embarquez avec cette série et ce tome. Quoique, je ne savais absolument pas dans quoi je m'étais les pieds ici, je savais juste que Zach était l'homme le plus violent de la bande et qu'il cherchait son demi-frère pour le tuer et se venger.
Écoutez, malgré le scénario de départ qui avait l'air hyper violent et un peu cliché, j'ai trouvé l'histoire pas si tirée par les cheveux et assez cohérente. Déjà, le personnage de Zach est très travaillé : ayant vécu un violent traumatisme étant petit, il ne ressent plus rien, que ce soit au niveau des émotions, mais aussi son gout a été altéré ainsi que sa compréhension des gens. Du coup, il ne sent pas ce qu'il mange, ce qu'il boit, il ne ressent pas la douleur, ne sait pas analyser ses émotions, ni son jeu sur le terrain. Ce qui est autant un point fort pour un joueur de hockey, qu'une faiblesse. D'autant plus qu'il a des problèmes à sa main dominante et des lésions cérébrales, ce qui pourrait mettre un stop à sa carrière sur le point de décoller.
Tout ce package est lié à son demi-frère Merci, qui l'a poussé dans les escaliers des années plus tôt après une crise de SSPT assez violente. Parce que Merci aussi a subi pas mal de traumatismes dans son enfance, son père l'enfermant dans un frigo à la cave durant toute son enfance.
Et, franchement, ça crée une base solide et cohérente pour la romance, qui marche très bien ! La construction des personnages est parfaitement menée et leur développement est compréhensible. On peut y voir beaucoup de défaut, mais en réalité, au fur et à mesure des pages, on finit par adhérer au truc ! Et pour ça, je tire mon chapeau !
Bon, après, il y a aussi pas mal de sexe et très détaillé, il faut aimer ça, mais c'est ce que nous propose la série !
Bref, c'était une très bonne surprise, comme tous les tomes précédents !
July 8, 2025
I’m not going to lie…I was kinda disappointed. I don’t know why exactly, maybe Becks and Victor just set the bar way too high but this novel just didn’t hit the same way. Don’t get me wrong, I loved finally figuring out what was up with Zach and how that situation with Victor went down - that was cool.
Major thing I HATED - Victor saying to Becks that he would threaten their relationship over his friendship with Zach. Like…wtf?! Hated it. So much. So inappropriate and if I was Becks I would have felt so disrespected - he has every right not liking how close they are.
Major thing I HATED - Victor saying to Becks that he would threaten their relationship over his friendship with Zach. Like…wtf?! Hated it. So much. So inappropriate and if I was Becks I would have felt so disrespected - he has every right not liking how close they are.
April 5, 2025
This book was so freaking amazing. I loved Zach and Merci, they were perfect and I loved how they both tried to be better for each other. Zach and Victor friendship was amazing in this book, gahh I really loved Victor in this book and he was very entertaining. Also, all the other guys were amazing and I loved how much they cared for each other.
I highly recommend this series because it's so freaking awesome and I am looking forward to Ruthless Titan which is series finale and Connor's book, his character has been interesting.
I highly recommend this series because it's so freaking awesome and I am looking forward to Ruthless Titan which is series finale and Connor's book, his character has been interesting.
March 19, 2025
This friend group is really starting to grow on me but a bit too instant-lovey for me
April 16, 2026
3 ⭐ - I wouldn't still be reading this series if the audiobooks weren't duet narrations with great narrators. The stories actually make me laugh with how OTT they are, they're ridiculous... but still slightly entertaining? Anyway, on to the last one!
March 19, 2025
Like it wasn’t bad but it all just happened too fast?
December 5, 2025
I liked Zach his character was cool but I cant stand Merci, He was a annoying little shit who constantly got himself into trouble and needed Zach to save him.
November 14, 2025
4 🌟
audio read 🎧 — Gregory Salinas and Nick J Russo
Zach and Merci 🖤
This is the longest book in this series, and we definitely get more backstory about Zach and Merci than we have with previous couples. They still get together pretty quickly, especially when you consider how much hatred has been brewing the past five years, but the slowest buildup of the series so far.
Soooo I love Viktor so much, I was worried I’d be like Becks and not be able to get over what happened between him and Zach. But learning about some of Zach’s struggles makes it slightly more understandable how things happened. Although, what Viktor said to Becks pissed me off. I know it’s not their book, but I wanted to see more of Becks handling that because he deserved to lose his shit after that threat.
After binging the series, I did notice some discrepancies, mainly regarding what happened between Zach and Viktor (how many times they hooked up, when he injected tracker etc) which isn’t a huge deal but definitely something I picked up on which pulled me out of the story slightly.
Merci was quite the match for Zach. He was feisty and bratty and resilient and didn’t back down from anything or anyone. He was young when everything happened and had been running on straight survival mode for years, and you could tell how that impacted him.
I enjoyed seeing Zach learn to show love and work through his emotions. It’s not easy for him, but I appreciated how hard he worked to understand what he was feeling and how to support Merci.
I’m ready to see what’s going on with Connor and Ryan next! Those two seem to both have a lot going on behind the scenes that no one knows about.
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‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — strict
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— stepbrothers
— forbidden romance
— hurt / comfort
— hate to love
— possessive / protective
— touch him and 💀
— bratty / feisty MMC
— “baby”
— “little scorpion”
— both are pierced 🍆
— degradation
— spanking
— collar / leash
— rimming
— toys
— sex swing
— fisting
audio read 🎧 — Gregory Salinas and Nick J Russo
Zach and Merci 🖤
This is the longest book in this series, and we definitely get more backstory about Zach and Merci than we have with previous couples. They still get together pretty quickly, especially when you consider how much hatred has been brewing the past five years, but the slowest buildup of the series so far.
Soooo I love Viktor so much, I was worried I’d be like Becks and not be able to get over what happened between him and Zach. But learning about some of Zach’s struggles makes it slightly more understandable how things happened. Although, what Viktor said to Becks pissed me off. I know it’s not their book, but I wanted to see more of Becks handling that because he deserved to lose his shit after that threat.
After binging the series, I did notice some discrepancies, mainly regarding what happened between Zach and Viktor (how many times they hooked up, when he injected tracker etc) which isn’t a huge deal but definitely something I picked up on which pulled me out of the story slightly.
Merci was quite the match for Zach. He was feisty and bratty and resilient and didn’t back down from anything or anyone. He was young when everything happened and had been running on straight survival mode for years, and you could tell how that impacted him.
I enjoyed seeing Zach learn to show love and work through his emotions. It’s not easy for him, but I appreciated how hard he worked to understand what he was feeling and how to support Merci.
I’m ready to see what’s going on with Connor and Ryan next! Those two seem to both have a lot going on behind the scenes that no one knows about.
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‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — strict
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— stepbrothers
— forbidden romance
— hurt / comfort
— hate to love
— possessive / protective
— touch him and 💀
— bratty / feisty MMC
— “baby”
— “little scorpion”
— both are pierced 🍆
— degradation
— spanking
— collar / leash
— rimming
— toys
— sex swing
— fisting
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
If you thought the previous Titans were crazy then you are in for a big surprise.
Zach and Merci are stepbrothers who hate each other, like this hate runs deeper than hate itself... well, at least on Zach's side. Merci ran away and Zach took it upon himself to bring his brother back home. Isn't that sweet? Yeah well Zach doesn't do sweet especially when Merci turns out to be a lot more bratty than when they last saw each other.
Zach scared me to be honest. The things he did and how he acted really had me wondering how he was going to redeem himself. And redeem he did because he ended up being the most adorable, affectionate bulldog with sharp teeth. I liked seeing his inner turmoil as it lessened the weight of his dislikable actions.
I had a blast reading Merci. My heart tore apart at what he went through and what he still is going through. He didn't deserve any of that. But dang, that mouth of his should be muzzled.
I enjoyed how these two would push each other's buttons like ALL THE TIME. There was never a dull moment and their love talk? Adorable.
Side note: I never expected ice hockey to be this... brutal. Half the time I was right there with Merci being concerned and stuff.
And their friend group? Absolutely entertaining (I'm looking at you Viktor)
//ARC Review//
Zach and Merci are stepbrothers who hate each other, like this hate runs deeper than hate itself... well, at least on Zach's side. Merci ran away and Zach took it upon himself to bring his brother back home. Isn't that sweet? Yeah well Zach doesn't do sweet especially when Merci turns out to be a lot more bratty than when they last saw each other.
Zach scared me to be honest. The things he did and how he acted really had me wondering how he was going to redeem himself. And redeem he did because he ended up being the most adorable, affectionate bulldog with sharp teeth. I liked seeing his inner turmoil as it lessened the weight of his dislikable actions.
I had a blast reading Merci. My heart tore apart at what he went through and what he still is going through. He didn't deserve any of that. But dang, that mouth of his should be muzzled.
I enjoyed how these two would push each other's buttons like ALL THE TIME. There was never a dull moment and their love talk? Adorable.
Side note: I never expected ice hockey to be this... brutal. Half the time I was right there with Merci being concerned and stuff.
And their friend group? Absolutely entertaining (I'm looking at you Viktor)
//ARC Review//
March 11, 2025
Stepbrothers romance where one is unhinged and the other is a feral cat and both are broken boys, want to kill each other but can't and oh, then their feelings and pierced peepees get involved? Uh huh, sign me the fuck up
April 16, 2026
3.5⭐️
April 8, 2026
This was pretty intense at the start, great dark stuff. probably my favorite in the series because it not only told a dark story, but it was normal book size, giving space to tell a whole story in detail. The enemies part was true and brutal. What these boys went through was painful and the healing process was great to watch.
These brutes grow on you no matter how over the top (and childish-no filter) they are. The found family and the way they support each other is beautiful.
The thing I like about E.V. Olsen's writing is that she gets to the point quickly. She does not embellish the writing to prolong the angst. Things happen and things get resolved in a way that does not leave you hanging which makes for an enjoyable read when I'm in the mood for something like this.
*f**ting kink unlocked (meh, not my thing but first time in a book😉)
*favorites
*Reread April 8, 2026
These brutes grow on you no matter how over the top (and childish-no filter) they are. The found family and the way they support each other is beautiful.
The thing I like about E.V. Olsen's writing is that she gets to the point quickly. She does not embellish the writing to prolong the angst. Things happen and things get resolved in a way that does not leave you hanging which makes for an enjoyable read when I'm in the mood for something like this.
*f**ting kink unlocked (meh, not my thing but first time in a book😉)
*favorites
*Reread April 8, 2026
November 15, 2025
Read as arc
I’m so happy we are finally at book 4!
This series was easy to jump back into, I love the obsessed MMC’s hate to love step sibling tropes 🫶🏼
This was probably my second favourite in the series and I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy these sweet but broken boys ❤️
The way Merci and Zach both grew so much in this story, it was also just a treat to see all our other boys and kinda what’s beening going on for them
I’m so happy we are finally at book 4!
This series was easy to jump back into, I love the obsessed MMC’s hate to love step sibling tropes 🫶🏼
This was probably my second favourite in the series and I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy these sweet but broken boys ❤️
The way Merci and Zach both grew so much in this story, it was also just a treat to see all our other boys and kinda what’s beening going on for them
February 9, 2026
Stepbrothers romance? Yum.
Give me morally questionable hockey players and family drama I legally shouldn’t be enjoying—yes, I’m in. This book was chaotic in the best way. I laughed, I blushed, I questioned my morals more than once (and didn’t even feel bad about it). It’s messy, it's hot, and somehow still kinda sweet? Another unhinged win for this series. Loved it.
Give me morally questionable hockey players and family drama I legally shouldn’t be enjoying—yes, I’m in. This book was chaotic in the best way. I laughed, I blushed, I questioned my morals more than once (and didn’t even feel bad about it). It’s messy, it's hot, and somehow still kinda sweet? Another unhinged win for this series. Loved it.
December 12, 2025
If it's one thing I live, it's a stepbrother romance 😉 Really enjoyed this a lot! I mean yeah, we started this book with Zach wanted to kill Merci - literally -, but hey, they got over that part fast 😂
If I didn't enjoyed the found family trope in the other books, I would have started to love that trope here, I just love the boys together 😍
Will start the final book soon enough! Connor and Ryan - an interesting couple if I say so myself 🤔 I hope I end up loving them too!
If I didn't enjoyed the found family trope in the other books, I would have started to love that trope here, I just love the boys together 😍
Will start the final book soon enough! Connor and Ryan - an interesting couple if I say so myself 🤔 I hope I end up loving them too!
March 14, 2025
3.5⭐️
This dark MM stepbrother romance is packed with angst, tension, and unresolved emotions.
After a devastating accident jeopardizes Zach’s hockey career, his stepbrother Merci vanishes, convinced everyone is better off without him. Zach agrees; he hates Merci and wants him gone for good. But when Zach tracks him down five years later, seeking revenge, he realizes the line between hate and something much deeper is razor-thin.
The setup is intense and messy, but the story moves too fast, making the shift from enemies to lovers feel rushed. It had all the right elements, just not quite enough depth. Still, if you love high-drama, fast-paced forbidden romance, this one delivers the angst and heat in spades! 🔥
This dark MM stepbrother romance is packed with angst, tension, and unresolved emotions.
After a devastating accident jeopardizes Zach’s hockey career, his stepbrother Merci vanishes, convinced everyone is better off without him. Zach agrees; he hates Merci and wants him gone for good. But when Zach tracks him down five years later, seeking revenge, he realizes the line between hate and something much deeper is razor-thin.
The setup is intense and messy, but the story moves too fast, making the shift from enemies to lovers feel rushed. It had all the right elements, just not quite enough depth. Still, if you love high-drama, fast-paced forbidden romance, this one delivers the angst and heat in spades! 🔥
March 16, 2025
step brothers
hate to love
violence
collars
past trauma
past characters from previous books
brain injury
love this series
hate to love
violence
collars
past trauma
past characters from previous books
brain injury
love this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
May 10, 2025
Dark? Check. Enemies to lovers? Check. Stepbrothers? Check. Hockey? Check. 🖤🏒🩸🧠
December 9, 2025
I have been enjoying this series but this one didn’t work at all. We go from one character living on the run, afraid to stay in one place, and the other one kidnapping and torturing him, to falling in love just because their dicks twitched. I am a big fan of insta-love and even obsessive lust equals love, but you have to give me SOMETHING to work with. Despite this book being longer than the others in the series, this one gave me nothing to help me see or feel any kind of connection between the characters. The sex was detailed but felt scripted l. Also, the characters from previous books are completely out of character. Eli has morphed into a manic pixie dream gay. The Titans have gone from stone cold killers who express love for each other through violence to warm fuzzy bunnies. I have no idea what the author was trying to achieve here but I desperately hope they get back to what the series was in the first three books
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