Collide

by Crea Reitan

Hockey and football coaches on a collision course….

Lemon

With years of hard work, I’ve made the Rainbow Dorset University Unicorns football team the pride of the state. My reputation speaks for itself, so the school stays out of my way, and that’s how I like it. If they can’t handle my sparkle, they have no business in my shine.

Now there's someone new on campus—a washed up hockey player hired to whip the team into shape. The school had the audacity to cut my budget to pay him!

Needless to say, I’m furious. He just made an enemy he definitely doesn’t want. But why does he have to be so gorgeous?! Why does he have to have a beautiful wife and a perfect life? And why can’t I keep my hands off him and just yell at him like I intend?

Hansley

I was directionless when I retired from hockey. So I jumped on the offer from Rainbow Dorset University to be their head hockey coach. The campus is like nothing I’ve ever seen; full of rainbows, community, kindness, inclusivity. It feels like I’m in a brand new world—a better world—and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Everything is amazing until I meet Coach Lemon Frost, who clearly despises me, though I don’t know why. He’s definitely out for my job. But then he keeps kissing me and sending my entire world spinning on its axis.

I can’t tell if he hates me or wants me. The line is blurred. All I know is Lemon is about to make my entire world implode when I tell my wife I’ve been having an affair. Yet… I think I’m here for it.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Sports, Hockey, Romance, Sports Romance, LGBT

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

About the author

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn you Lemon Frost!!!! I absolutely fucking HATED Lemon in every book he's appeared in so far. He was so predatory towards Declan and never took no as being no, which instantly made me hate him. Then he was just so vile to everyone, Alka and Zarek especially, that I honestly didn't understand why he was even getting a book! Surely there was no way to redeem him?!

I came into this thinking that Hansley would have to be an epic arsehole to want to be with a person like Lemon, let alone to have an affair with him, but weirdly Hansley is actually a really nice guy - if you take out the part where he cheats on his wife with no real reason or explanation as to why... I would have liked to see the aftermath of his relationship with Lemon becoming public knowledge and more of them as an actual couple where they aren't sneaking around, but I'm pretty happy with where the book ended.

Lemon having personal growth actually annoyed me 😂😂 I didn't want to like him and I was certain I was going to DNF this book, but I was weirdly drawn into their story and Lemon was actually a *really difficult to say this* misunderstood sweet guy.... that hurt! Did his explanation excuse his shitty behaviour? I don't truly believe it did, but it did explain more about who he is as a person and why he acts that way. Passing on his newfound understanding of the word NO to one of his football players also was pretty interesting to see, but I would have preferred a proper apology from him to Declan, and also to Zarek!

What the hell is this voodoo where I now think Lemon is an ok character? I was prepared for him to be the villain for this whole story universe and to hate Hansley because of Lemon, but no, I can't even hate Lemon any more and Hansley is nice...😂

[Jess.bookrecs · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5🌟
Unique and entertaining enough but I was just so bored majority of the time, I couldn’t wait for it to finish. Literally.

[Michelle Elman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hail Queen Lemon lol

I wasn't so sure how I'd like this book. Lemon didn't really do anything for me in previous books. Toss in a bi-awakening and I'm sold. Hansley is married and there is cheating, but, hey.. it's fiction and if its to help tell a great story then I'm here for it.

Lemon comes into the new school year not prepared for his football budget being cut practically in half and feels personally offended that the school wants to allocate monies to other athletic department... in comes Coach Hansley. Ex NHL star and first time Coach. Oooh, Queen Lemon goes from hate to lust to love in this one lol

🖤 Dual POV
🖤 MM Romance
🖤 Football Coach x Hockey Coach
🖤 Cheating
🖤 Size Difference
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Hate Orgasms
🖤 Brat
🖤 Bi-Awakening

[Miss S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯. 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦.”

I loved so many things about this book. I loved Rainbow Dorset University and all of its students and the faculty. It was absolutely wonderful to immerse myself in a place where everyone is accepted so fully, a place where everyone supports each other, and even more so when Hansley, one of our guys, manages to make the whole athletic department work together. It was awesome to read.

I loved Lemon most of all. I haven't read any previous books from Crea Reitan, so I haven't had the "pleasure" of meeting Lemon before, but I can understand that he wasn't exactly a liked character, and he isn't very pleasant in the beginning of this book either, so he takes some warming up to. What I loved about Lemon was his growth through the book. When understanding hits as to why he behaves the way he does, and seeing him slowly break down his walls for the people around him, especially Hansley, you can't help but feel for him and love him, I promise.

𝘏𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘰. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴, 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦.

Hansley.. he is so sweet, caring and just an overall good person, except for the fact that he's married and has an affair with Lemon. I know many readers feel very strongly about cheating in books, but for me it's a fictional situation, and I think he handled it... okay. I mean, at least he told her himself.

But he was pretty awesome though. He took on a coaching job with absolutely no experience in coaching, had to handle young adults, fundraises, being hated by the football coach and randomly yelled at and kissed on, and despite all of that, he managed to make Rainbow Dorset University an even better place than it was before, at least in the athletic department, where his players ideas included all of the other teams, they became an inspiration as the other teams started to include everyone as well.

Hansley and Lemon together was intense but amazing as they went from hate-orgasms to something more despite the obstacles in their way. Lemon discovers what it's like to be treated like the queen he is ♥

“𝘚𝘦𝘹𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘴. “𝘍𝘦𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘺. 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭.”

❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Football Coach x Hockey Coach
❥ Sneaking Around
❥ Size Difference
❥ Enemies to Lovers
❥ Hate Orgasms
❥ Brat
❥ Bi-Awakening
❥ Grumpy/Sunshine

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥ Lemon and Hansley ♥
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Rainbow Dorset University # 1
Prior reading not required but to get the full Lemon effect I suggest reading the For Your Love series. Lemon appears in book #3 For Your Mind

🏒💜🏈💜🏒💜🏈💜

Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4.5/5
Spice Level: 2.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Lemon's redemption was magnificent. I really disliked him throughout For Your Mind so much so that I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book. However, I am eating a big plate of crow. Lemon's rind is so hardened by years of feeling unwanted, or unloved that he has become tough to everything. Watching his walls come down with Hansley was so incredibly heartwarming. I enjoyed Hansley's character development as well, I don't want to say too much, but his emotions were very real and raw through everything he went through. Sometimes all you need is a hug. Overall, great addition to the MM Creaverse. All hail Queen Lemon!

🏒💜🏈💜🏒💜🏈💜

Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Football Coach x Hockey Coach
• Size Difference
• Bi-awakening
• Secret relationship
• HEA

🏒💜🏈💜🏒💜🏈💜

Cheating: Yes, but not between MCs. One MC is married to a woman. There is no MF or MMF scenes
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Monikat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crea Reitan has created a magical place in this book and put down the foundations of this series. She's careful to make it real without makingthe outside world perfect. By creating this safe space 🌈 she lets everyone breath and reveal their true colorful, beautiful selves.

Lemon and Hansely's story is ultimately cute and a sweet one. The angst is relevantly low but the sad is there if just for the divorce part. It's refreshing that we didn't get a diatribe about Hensley's bisexuality or sexual identity. It was refreshing that he felt what he felt for Lemon and went with it without doubts.

⚠️The infidelity is strong in this one. Be warned.

Right off the bat, Lemon is a whiny princess. I'm not a fan. But Hansley is a true Prince. Hockey wins in my mind😁

I have to say that their first kisses and sexy time are strange. No talking, no explanation just the doing.
The first half of the book hits a little strangely because of all the rage Lemon has. But as the book progresses you understand his mannerisms and the reasons why he acts that way.
In general, this book has a unique formula. Which ultimately makes it interesting.

😐Cheating on the wife. I know, I KNOW, it happens in real life but it just rubs wrong when you read about it as it happens.

🤔Replace or just add gay/triad/queer with blackindianasianmexicanforeigner and you get why all those houses are for sale .effing bigots.🤬😡🤬😡🤬Away with you! Crea is creating her own world with you gone🌈🤩

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars, rounded. Wow, a Crea Reitan book that I’ve been able to finish within a day? Can you believe it? No, seriously though, it’s been a while since I’ve been able to finish one of her books let alone in a single day. I’m used to marking a lot of her books as DNF or just forgetting to finish them, but color me pleasantly surprised that this one drew me in. Right off the bat, I wasn’t a fan of Lemon. He was bratty, snotty, rude, and self-absorbed. But as I got to read more about him and why he was the way he was, I became quite fond of him. Then there was Hansley, who was decent enough. While I don’t condone cheating, I don’t automatically hate a book if it contains it, at least if it’s not between the main couple. And here, both Hansley and Lemon were in the wrong for what they did, but man were they pretty cute together afterwards.

In full honesty, I’m not excited for Volley and will likely not read it. Not only am I less interested in polyamorous representation nowadays, but I’m just unconvinced that it will feel balanced since Crea’s previous poly books felt biased towards a specific pair within the polyship.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crea already said so in the intro: you will probably hate Lemon at first. She didn’t lie, what a little … He came of as so entitled, getting his own way no matter who he had to plough his way through. It ribbed me the wrong way since the setting is in such an open and accepting place as Rainbow Dorset University is. It feels like the wrong place for someone to behave like that.

His outburst towards Hansley are irrational and childish. But as his character unfolds, the glimpses of his kindness and willingness to be there for his players whenever they need them show such a different man. And Hansley breaks at those walls, to find the person hiding away his brilliance.

Hansley and Lemon together are a trip, with Lemon who keeps running after every single one of their intimate encounters, until he doesn’t. It so simple but so significant.

I loved how Hansley, who had never even looked at another guy before, was so accepting that Lemon just did it for him, no doubt. Even with his marriage complicating his new revelations, he still didn’t hide from those new feelings. Now if you hate the cheating trope (there is no cheating between the MMC’s) then this might not be the book for you. But all in all, it dealt respectfully with the issue in general.

Lemon’s family is hilarious, not just their names but their personalities as well. And even if they won’t all get their own books, I would love it if we could encounter them in future books because they bring so much color!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Flora.reads.books · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 54%

Just no.
Cheating, cheating and cheating again. Nope, nope, nope.

[_bookish_bella_ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately this is a DNF for me. I liked the Blurb, but just couldn't get into it when I started it.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story wasn't what I expected, but I enjoyed it. Lemon is a bit sharp like his namesake, but like real lemons, you just need to add some sweetness for it to become palatable and delicious. It's not hard to work out he has big fences up for a reason. The kids he coaches are the most important people in his life, so when his Football budget is considerably reduced, he goes to war. Of course, his target is aimed at the new shiny hockey coach, Hansley. A retired NHL star, straight and married, he is such a humble, likeble person. These two have a connection and it's almost immediate. Lemon is such a character and I did have a soft spot for him throughout.
This is a great opening book for the series, we meet lots of characters that help give the story more depth. The affair was managed with utmost care, Hansley is a kind person and his honesty and gentleness he showed to his wife gave the sad situation a cushion landing. I'm glad his wife was never the baddie and was cast as a beautiful person throughout. This story highlights chemistry that can't be contained and how people can change what they thought they knew about themselves. Lots of sneaking around in campus, if you like risqué encounters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caroline Forrester · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW:Spicy MM enemies to lovers story with cheating, but not between the MCs.

I devoured this book when the ARC arrived in my inbox. I rushed it to the front of my reading queue because nothing else mattered. I don't know why since I've been in a reading slump, but Crea Reitan's works always calls to me to immediately read. Her pairings(MM, poly, MMM) are not my usual cup of tea. They are always a little spicy and a little bit confusing, however her characters are very real, and not wrapped up in a nice ribbon, but maybe that's why I find them irresistible.

I like that the Rainbow Dorset University series is set more in the 30s and 40s age Personally I've been having a hard time connecting with MM romance in the early 20, so having this series set more in the 30s and 40s feels comfortable for me.

I really enjoyed this book and the college atmosphere that Crea has created. I look forward to more stories from this series.

[MunWolfieSNM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read two Crea Reitan books, the last two she published, and I def need to read the rest. There are a lot of names, a lot of characters I'm sure I should know and would enjoy more if I had read them.

Hansley takes the flowers from me and sets them aside. Then he opens the box on my lap. I’m stunned when he pulls out a crown and sets it on my head.
“For my queen,” he murmurs, with the most handsome smile as he stares into my eyes.
This bitch just made me cry!!

The only bad point about this book: I think their first kiss was too soon. At the moment I was really upset, but now I know Lemon's personality and I know he is impulsive and he doesn't really think before act or talk, so I get why he did that. But I didn't even have time to want it, it was their second real talk, I think. And Hansley, who though was straight and had a wife, didn't care at all about neither of those things.

“Look around you, I bet we can find more than a dozen guys in that room with their nails polished. I bet more than one of them has skirts in their wardrobes. I bet more than half have makeup. And you know what you being you does for them?” Lemon shakes his head. “Gives them the confidence to be themselves. You’re a kick-ass football coach. There’s no arguing that. You’re doing what you love and being you. You’re a positive force in their life for so many more reasons than just football.”

That made me start with low expectations, but oh my god, I ended so invested in their story that I spent an entire afternoon reading them because I couldn't stop.

“So… you want to be with me?”
There’s a whole sea of vulnerability in his voice and while I really meant to not be that committed, as I look into his eyes, I realize that yeah, I want this man. I want him as my own. I want to keep him.
“Yeah, Lemon. I do.”

Please, I've loved Lemon from the first chapter. He is a wonderful, fun and hilarious man. Such a queen. I know he is in a good environment, but the way he keeps being himself, wearing whatever he wants, saying whatever he thinks and going for what he wants, even though he has to piss off people. He knows his value and he shows it. I love him so much, and I admire him so much. And yes, he's selfish and everything that starts with self but man, he doesn't have anyone to tell them good things and to fight for him, so why can he do that himself? Fuck yes, Lemon, you are the best and you know it. I love how impulsive he is, how altered his perception of reality is, how he doesn't care what his family think. How he treats his players!! My god, he has 112 players and he takes the time to know them all. I'm gonna cry.

The thing is, I’m not just attracted to him. I think about him all the time. The line of his jaw, the shape of his lips, the smooth expanse of his neck, the curls on his head. He’s petite, loud, brash. Yet somehow, everything about him screams loudly inside me; forcing me to pay attention.
I want to pay attention.
That’s the problem.

I cried reading this book. Mostly for Lemon. When he said he was too much and they always want someone else I wanted to punch something. I love him. Did I said that already?

Maybe I'm just thinking this because I didn't read Declan's book, but he and the others seemed to forget that he was attracted to someone who didn't want him. That hurts, I get why he was mad at them. They laughed but that must have hurt a lot. I think they didn't make the effort to understand him. He just wanted someone to love him.

“Sexy little queen,” he murmurs. “Feisty. Beautiful.”
I’m breathless. The way his words caress me has me almost whining.

AND HE GOT THE PERFECT MAN FOR HIM. Someone who treats him like the queen he is, who knows that the attitude is just an armor, and who wants to make that armor fall. It's so cute the way they fall in love at the perfect pace to make it believable and real.

I’ve never pretended not to be selfish and self-absorbed. Not to Saffron-level, but in my life outside my family, I’m the queen of self-importance. I learned early on that no one will put me on the pedestal I deserve, so if I want to be treated like a queen, I was going to have to make it happen all on my own.

But Hansley, maybe you're the perfect man for Lemon, but not perfect at all. I'm really angry about how you handled your affair. That conversation must have happened earlier. You knew you weren't going to stop, so you should have talked with your wife the first time it happened. Although I get why the separation was going to be wether Lemon was there or not. You changed and she didn't, life put you into different ways. It's sad, and she didn't deserved that, but you couldn't avoid that change. And I love how he treats Lemon, the romantic gestures, how he follows his lead and respects him, and loves him the way he is. It was beautiful seeing how Lemon starts trusting and trying to do romantic things because Hansley treats him so well and he makes him feel secure and safe in their relationship.

“Go ahead,” he murmurs into my hair, pressing soft kisses to my scalp. “Tell me you hate me, Lemon.”
“I hate you,” I whisper.
He chuckles.
“You can do better than that.”
The thing is, I don’t think I can.

The point is this love story is so real, with people not perfect at all, who make mistakes, who learn from them. And I love when my boys aren't perfect, that makes them human, and I can think about what I'd do if I was them, so I feel what they feel and understand them. That's something about reading that never stops amazing me. They are literally words, but I feel them like human beings.

But this is RDU, so our version of a bro hug is definitely more affectionate and longer. There’s less stigma and healthier expectations here.

And this place is a fucking paradise. My god, what would I give to live in a place like this. Why the entire world can't be like this???? The idea of a safe space for everyone, whatever they look, love or are, is so precious I wanna cry.

I'm so in love with Seth. I need his book with Hakeem asap!!! And all the others Hockey guys: Coach Denis, Matty, Damari, Braxton and Ryan. Please, their conversation about leech bites was so fucking fun I couldn't stop laughing while reading that chapter.

And Oskar, Roux and Alka??? If they don't have a book, I want one.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This felt really preachy at times. Like, it would just go into tangents. I was also bored at times. I liked the blurb and the universe and all of that so I will try book two and another book by the author

[Pat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well cheating is a no no for me, hard pass

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)

I have been hanging out for this series since Reitan announced it. RDU is a place I honestly wish existed, where anyone is welcome, and everyone feels safe to be themselves; I know I would have enrolled there. The way Reitan created the campus, created the wholesome feeling of acceptance; nothing short of perfection, really. Once more, she throws back to some well-established characters in the Crea-verse, creating a cohesive universe full of cross overs and builds on originally published books of hers. I truly enjoyed the inclusion of Quin, Declan and Zarek, as well as mentions of the other characters from the For Your Heart series.

Now, Lemon and Hansley's story. Reitan certainly wasn't lying in her foreword about not liking Lemon. I really struggled initially to connect to him, but the need to know how his story panned out, and if he could divest himself of his bratty ways kept me turning pages. To say there was amazing character growth from Lemon through the course of the story is putting it lightly. It takes some time, but he starts to see what truly matters, and we see Hansley start to break down his walls. I loved the moment discussing budgets later in the story; to me that was the real turning point for Lemon's development.

Hansley. What I love most about this man is his acceptance. He did his research into all things rainbow before starting his coaching job. He fell for Lemon being Lemon; gender didn't really equate into it. His marriage kind of put me on edge a little bit, but Reitan handled it so very well, that it didn't feel awkward or awful. Hansley's heart was in the right place at all times, which I think is what stood out for me. I just wanted to give this man an epic Lemon-hug during the middle portion of the story; he's honestly far too sweet and far too feeling.

As with all Reitan's books, the extended cast make this. Hansley's hockey boys (especially the end chapters, which had my eyebrows raised and curious to know more); Lemon's footballers - Payton honestly holds a special place in my heart after his heart-to-heart moment; Lemon's family - I was cackling over their names, I won't lie; and the athletics department as a whole. Throw in the references to other Crea-verse characters as previously mentioned, and this book had it all. It was spicy and steamy; emotional and heartbreaking. There were laugh out loud moments, moments you just wanted to slap someone *cough*Lemon*cough*, and moments of tooth-rotting sweetness.

Honestly, an amazing start to the Rainbow Dorset University series and I am so keen for the next book.

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series from Crea and I’m excited to see where it goes! I will say that part of me wishes I did read the For Your Love series before this book because so many characters from that one is involved. I have only read book 4 of that series, but you didn’t have to read them to read this new book. But I can see there was some background things that would have made me understand this one better and appreciate it more. So if you are someone who likes to be caught up and all that, you might want to consider! Again, definitely don’t have to! But I reached the point where I know I gotta go back since I’ve read everything else in this whole Crea Universe! LOL. So back to this story. Lemon and Hansley! I will say, like Crea’s author note, it did take me a bit to like Lemon and get into their story. But like all of her characters, there is always more below the surface and I love to see them grow. The story starts with Lemon being his very cranky and dramatic self and being upset that his budget for his football team is cut. Though the money is being split more between the other sports, he is especially surly because part of it going to the new hockey coach, Hansley, and his team. Lemon is used to getting what he wants and believes his team has earned it. And he will do anything for his team. While he keeps everyone at a distance, his team, his kids, they are everything to him. Hansley doesn’t get Lemon’s problem with him but he’ll still be nice. But what baffles him more is when an angry Lemon kisses him. And Hansley realizes he wants to kiss him back and not stop. This is just one thing that makes Hansley realize how much he has changed since he has retired from hockey and took this job. And that includes the relationship with his wife. Yeah, there is cheating (but not between our two MCs) but this was handled so well. Hansley knows immediately that he has to end his marriage and that they were always going down this path. And the more time Hansley and Lemon spend together, the more they are able to get to know one another and break down the walls they keep within. I really loved the development between the two of them. By the end you are rooting for these two and can’t help but love them even if they didn’t give you a reason to when you first start. But they are complex characters who deserve all the love in the world! I couldn’t put their story down. I loved the environment of RDU as well! There are several characters I would love to get stories from. This was just a really great story and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

4++ This book was my intro to Crea Reitan's book world and I am so glad I came to visit! I truly wish such a wonderful place as Rainbow Dorset University existed - it is such a lovely, welcoming place.

Lemon Frost was introduced in the For Your Love series by this author (which I have not read) and as the author remarks in the opening note, Lemon is not particularly likeable in that other series nor at the opening of this book. He is rude, snarky, snide, and demanding - but even from the beginning, I secretly loved him & his queenly attitude & all his sparkly tutus. Despite his rudeness and jealousy, I think you can see that deep down he has a lot of heart, which he shows openly around his team. When Lemon finds out that his team's budget has been diminished by $20k in order to spread the wealth more evenly around all the school's teams (especially the hockey team with its new coach), Lemon goes on a bit of a rampage and instantly develops an irrational hatred of said new hockey coach, Hansley Dorset, a former pro-hockey player who is also a presumably straight married man.

When Lemon and Hansley first encounter each other...Lemon is rude, sparks fly, and....Lemon kisses Hansley. Over time, things happen and an affair ensues. The cheating aspect isn't great, but overall, Hansley handles it well and confesses to his wife. One of the things I like is that he really thinks about the why of everything over the course of the book and doesn't shy away from taking full responsibility. I also appreciate that his wife is not at all painted in a bad light, but neither is she the center of a lot of drama. Despite the cheating, Hansley is...really great. He does good things for the school, the athletic department, his team, and most of all, he helps Lemon to drop his prickly walls. Lemon's character growth is really good to see and the way he develops as a person - and the way their love develops - well, this is where I shed some tears.

Overall, this book is pretty sweet & the author has created a world I wish I could really visit. I very much look forward to visiting again and to reading the next book - I already like those characters and am excited for it.

I received a copy of this as an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Aga Slonina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this one and was very excited to read it, however, life got in the way so I’ve just managed to finish it but it only took me one day to do it. As soon as I started reading it I couldn’t put it down, and I’m giving it 4⭐️ Not going to go into much detail about side characters but man! I absolutely loved the teams both men coached, they were so fun to read about when the interactions appeared in the book!🤩

I enjoyed the enemies to lovers aspect of this book, well the enemies being one sided, it was definitely a fun time. At first I really didn’t like Lemon, like at all, I just couldn’t understand how he can be portrayed as a good man? But wow did I change my mind, I absolutely adore him now, when you learn more about him you see why he is the way he is, why he keeps his walls up, and why he’s so defensive. I understood him more and more with each chapter. He truly is a good man, especially to his team, I loved seeing his interactions with his team. Especially the hugs he gave out🥹 Lemon is just precious for a lack of a better word💕

Hansley I also loved, do I agree with his actions? No, not really. Only because I got frustrated with him sometimes and just wanted to shake him and tell him to stop being scared of hurting other people’s feelings.But, he was perfect for Lemon, made him understand his worth❤️ I mean he just had a way with words, the way he truly cared and wanted Lemon to feel loved was beautiful 🤩 I actually also really liked seeing him confused about Lemon because it made me laugh, like honestly I was as confused as he was with that man🤣 Like with their first kiss I had to sit back and just stare at the page because I was just like “erm… did that really just happen?” And yes, yes it did. I enjoyed reading about them both, how they cared about each other specifically, like Lemon not wanting the media to hurt Hansley’s feelings, or him doing things for him after a team loss so that he’s not sad🫶🏻 The origami and flower petals from Lemon😍🥹And Hansley reassuring Lemon every chance he had because he knew it mean a lot to him💙 Like making sure they still have their daily motorcycle rides😌
#creareitan #mm #bookreview

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yessssss another new series for me to obsess over.

If you’ve read the “For your Love” series, then you’ll recognise one of the main male characters. If you haven’t, then it’s not really an issue, but the four book series gives a little insight to the spiky football coach.

Lemon by name, lemon by nature🍋 he’s sour, rude, obnoxious, arrogant and a total diva!! He’s taken his football team to the finals many times, his players go on to be picked to play for major teams! Does that give him a big head? Yes it does!

Hansley is the total opposite to Lemon. He played ice hockey, he won many games, numerous trophies, management wasn’t really an option, but courted by the university, he’s decided to give coach a go.

Another gay for you story, for this author knows how to write these stories.

Meeting Lemon has Hansley confused. A hetro-male, he’s never looked at men. But something about this feisty man has Hansley questioning his sexuality.

Their relationship has so many ups and downs that it gives you motion sickness 😜 they take one step forward and two steps back. Given the fact that Hansley is still married (hmm) is a bone of contention between the couple. And Lemon is a hard man to please, he’s opinionated, his thought process is the only one he listens too.

But he’s also just a man looking for love. He’s lonely, his prickly exterior keeps people at bay. His first opinion of Hansley is totally out of order. His spending has been cut considerably, and Hansley is at fault.

I loved this couple. I liked how Hansley took on Lemon and “tamed” him 😝 he wanted to make the sparkly coach all his. 💕

So can they really make a go of this relationship? How will Hansley explain to his wife he has a new love? And will Lemon finally mellow?

If this book doesn’t make you go back and read the “for your love” series, then your missing out on meeting Lemon Frost in all his rainbow glory 🌈 😜

🦋

[Louise Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collide is the first book in the a new series, Rainbow Dorset University, by Crea Reitan. It follows Lemon, who is the long standing football coach as his perfectly mapped life is sent into chaos with the changes in budgets for his team and the arrival of the new hockey coach Hansley.

The first thing I want to say is this is a bi-awakening story which does contain cheating so if this is a trigger for you then this may not be the book for you and it did make me weary to read it to start with but the one thing I can say is that I was content with the way the subject was handled in this book, not that I personally agree with cheating of any sort.

Character wise, Hansley was just the sweetest person and was always agonising on how to do things while keeping everyone happy and with the least amount of hurt. Lemon was his total polar opposite. Having met Lemon briefly in some of Crea Reitan’s other books I was kind of expecting the type of character he was but what I wasn’t expecting was what lay behind why he behaved the way he did and I will say by the end of the book I absolutely loved Lemon.

The story itself was interesting. I love the concept of Rainbow Dorset University and that there was somewhere in the world that no matter who you were you would be accepted and it was the perfect setting for this story. I loved watching the characters change over the course of the story and develop and it really did feel like they had a lot of growth between the beginning and end of the book. I loved how the story weaved together so many characters while keeping the main focus on the main characters but I don’t think the book would be the same without that support.

Overall, this was a brilliant introduction to the Rainbow Dorset University world and not only would I recommend giving it a read but I’m looking forward to the release of the next book in the series.

[Dodibook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the books written by Crea Reitan, and this one is no exception. MM romance is my favorite genre, especially when it involves a bi-awakening or a "gay for you" storyline, both of which are present in this book.

The story revolves around Hansley, a happily married straight man who takes on a new job as a college hockey coach. Then there’s Lemon, a man whose name suits him perfectly—he’s sour, self-centered, and not afraid to show it. Lemon is an out-and-proud gay man who loves the color pink and enjoys wearing skirts and dresses. He coaches the football team at the same college, which sets the stage for an intense rivalry.

From the start, Lemon can’t stand Hansley, partly due to funding issues, but there’s also an undeniable attraction between them. The tension between the two is palpable from the very first moment they meet. When Lemon impulsively kisses Hansley, Hansley is initially shocked, but soon after, he eagerly kisses him back. Despite feeling guilty about his wife, Hansley also feels an unexpected sense of freedom in this new connection.

Normally, I don’t enjoy cheating in stories, but in this case, I didn’t mind at all. I found myself rooting for Hansley and Lemon from the start. It’s also worth mentioning that the cheating doesn’t occur between the two main characters, which made it easier to accept.

I love that the book also reveals a softer, more vulnerable side to Lemon. Beneath his prickly exterior, he struggles with low self-esteem and desperately craves love and friendship. Seeing him open up and receive the affection he’s been missing was truly heartwarming.

🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
🏈MM
🏒Hate to Lovers
🏈Hockey / Football
🏒Cheating (not between MMCs)
🏈Bi-Awakening
🏒Secret Relationship

[Plaguedoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I have condoms and stuff in my chicken.”

Lemon, the University's small but feisty football coach, cannot stand the new hockey coach after the school cuts some of the football team's large budget to give to the hockey team. Lemon, therefore, blames Hansley for everything. Hansley is baffled by Lemon's tantrums, and even more baffled when, amid a tantrum, Lemon kisses him.

After the first kiss comes another...sending Hansley into confusion and guilt -- after all, he's always assumed he was straight...and also married. Meanwhile, Lemon is used to keeping people away with his snarly, pompous attitude, a sign that he struggles with fear and self-esteem. Their relationship grows serious relatively quickly and both men need to work through their own issues, as well as working on their casual yet swiftly developing relationship.

I really enjoyed this story, though as expected, Lemon drove me nuts and I wanted to throttle him a few times! Despite Lemon's ire and distrust towards him, Hansley is so patient and shows Lemon that not everyone is out to hurt him.

The story is great, the writing good, characters are well developed and the romance is sweet. It was also nice to see some familiar faces from the For Your Love series! The spice is good, neither too little or too much.

Spice level: 3/5

My favorite bits:

So we sit here, finding comfort in confiding to each other, and it’s probably the most perfect afternoon I’ve ever had.


I’m stunned when he pulls out a crown and sets it on my head. “For my queen,” he murmurs, with the most handsome smile as he stares into my eyes.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Barbara pillole_letterarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I Started Collide what i initially tought is: that's going to be an Interesting book!
Lemon and Hansley are what i would picture when I think of an hate to love story!
.
Lemon is a football coach and is interested only in the benefits for himself and his team when it comes to the start of another school year.
Hansley is an ex hockey player that start the year thinking how to be a good coach for his new athletes!
.
Lem is a born grumpy with everybody except his "kids" and i loved this part of his character.
Halsey is a positive thinker, every problem can be solved with a little bit of hard work.
.
Both of them have a restrained budget to buy the equipment for the next season but they reason it in different way.
Lemon actually hate Hansley for coming to Rainbow Dorset and because he “stole” his money.
Hansley think of different raise funding events where the athletes of each department can take part so everyone can raise their own budget and be happy.
.
At first i didn’t understand where the romance could come from since their initial relationship is job and that’s all. On second hand we see how both of them find the other attractive resolving in a lot of passionate moments that will grow and bit by bit will keep them together.
.
The story is well written and we’ll grow our fondness for the character gradually.
Lemon had a beautiful change that we will see more by the end of the book, he will be more kind to everyone and not only his “kids”.
.
There is only one thing that i didn’t like, Hansley and the way he has no problem divorcing over a few passionate moments with Lemon.
.
Even with this little problem i found Collide amazing and for that reason i gave it 4 stars out of 5

[Velvet Wrapped Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay. I went into this not really knowing what to expect. I have read the rest of Crea's universe that ties into this book, and Lemon has been a character that has always intrigued me.

Honestly, I couldn't stand him for the first half of the book, but it was obvious there were reasons he is the way that he is. His selfishness really grated on me, especially when it was contrasted with his treatment of his team.

But as his walls came down, my heart softened. I know what it's like to be told I'm too much, and to lose friends for absolutely no conceivable reason. He's 43 and has never had someone see and accept him as he is, so it's no wonder those walls are damn high.

I did struggle with Hansley's storyline a little. Normally, cheating is a trope that doesn't bother me (normally because the character cheating was forced to hide their sexuality and 'conform' to heteronormativity, or because the other partner is a really awful person) but because Jess was made out to be so lovely, it felt really icky. Part of me was wondering if/hoping that Hansley would drift to polyamory and stay with both partners, but this didn't eventuate.

I also wondered whether Jess had made the anonymous donation to Lemon, because we never got answers for that.

I am looking forward to the next book in RDU, and I have a feeling Roux will finally get to share his story! I've been wondering about him, since he first appeared in Lix's book, so here's hoping!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. The author gave us a very romantic romcom that had me laughing and smiling throughout. Oh it had its moments that I just wanted to cry for our main characters but those times just made the storyline so much better. Lemon and Hansley just stole my heart. As bad as I wanted to dislike the flamboyant Lemon, I just couldn’t. He is definitely outlandish and opinionated but he is always true to himself. The book starts with Lemon, Rainbow Dorset University’s football coach, learning his budget has been cut to allow the Uni to hire a new Hockey Coach, Hanlsey, a retired NHL player. Lemon instantly hates him before he’s even met the man, especially when he looks him up to see Hansley has the perfect life, career and even a beautiful wife. But when Lemon storms into Hansley’s office planning to give him a piece of his mind, he’s taken aback by Hansley’s good looks and charm. So he does the only thing he can think of - he kisses him and turns around and runs, leaving Hansley wondering what the heck just happened!!!

Well hang on to your book/ereader because Lemon and his personal brand of crazy is just getting started. Ms. Reitan has given us a well written book with lots of laughs, sass and romance. I can’t recommend it enough and I can’t wait to see what happens next at Rainbow Dorset University.

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars

[Dear Reader 0801 · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author and I'm hooked for the rest of this series. When reading an author for the first time, one of the things that makes me take notice is when they give a really good intro. It doesn't have to spoil the book but if it alerts the reader that there are some things to take note before reading, that gives me a good feeling heading into the story. There are some things in this fictional universe that the author alerts particularly cheating as part of the story (not between the two MCs but affects the characters for a good portion of the book).
Also the author gave a good heads up for Lemon's character. He is absolutely prickly and annoying in the beginning but I took the author at their word and held on until we got to the good part and it was worth the wait. I loved seeing his character develop over the course of the story from someone who has held themselves away from everyone as a way to protect themselves from getting hurt to someone who is a work in progress but learning to let people in. Hansley's struggle through the book was interesting as it never felt like a struggle regarding identity but with his decisions and how they affect those in his life.
I am looking forward to more from this series! I read a complimentary copy and this is my honest and fair review.

[fortheloveofmmromancebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review 4.5⭐️

Rainbow Dorset University has a great sports faculty. Lemon Frost is the Football coach, while Hansley Bardot the Ice Hockey coach. Each naturally think their sport is the best and they have rivalry between them.

Lemon loves his sport and does not really understand others. He is a coach who is there for his ‘kids’, and would anything for them.
After his budget for the year is cut, he blames the ice hockey team and instantly has hate for them and their coach.

Hansley is married to Jessica and appears to be happy after retiring from ice hockey. Being the new coach at RDU, he endures the wrath of Lemon.

When Lemon confronts Hansley, fireworks go off and they cannot stay away from each other. Despite Hansley being married, they begin an affair.

Crea Reitan is a new to me author. I loved the easy way the book flowed. To start, I was upset with Hansley and his cheating, but the more I read and the descriptions of love coming from Crea, I realised he was meant to be with Lemon. Lemon on the other hand is an adorable queen, who deserves to be loved.
This rivals to lovers sports romance is set in such a wonderful world of RDU, if only the rest of the world could be like this uni, the world would be a better place.

“You needed someone to show you that you're loveable, even through your grump and anger and thorns. That someone was always going to be me”.

[Mrs. Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read this author's For Your Love series, you will recognize Lemon. He is the head football coach for Rainbow Dorset University and he is a tiny, tutu-wearing terror. He didn't appear to have many redeeming qualities in the previous series, but as always, there was more to him than we could initially see.

Personally, I loved Lemon. I didn't appreciate the way he acted like he was entitled to whatever he wanted when we first met him, but as I got to know and understand him, I realized that he had become who he was due to circumstances in his life.

I absolutely adored Hansley. He was such a cute character. The way Lemon went after him and he accepted all of the things Lemon made him feel was very endearing. There is cheating in this book, not between the MC's, but Hansley is married (this is not a spoiler). The demise of Hansley's marriage is a central part of the story, so this book may not be for you if this is a topic you don't like to read about.

Overall, I thought Lemon and Hansley were perfectly suited and I loved Lemon's sassy personality. How the author created a football coach who could not have been any more different from the stereotype was so interesting. And the impact Lemon had on his players because of his love and care for them hit me in all of the feels.