Possessive Puckboy

Puckboys #8

by Eden Finley, Saxon James

Connor

Finding out those closest to me don’t see me as the great guy I think I am not only kicks me in the gut, it makes me question everything.

Until that happened, I didn’t think I had many regrets in my life. Now, I have nothing but regrets. And when my NHL team is bought out, and the new owner makes his presence known, my existential crisis kicks up a notch. Because he might be my biggest regret of all.

Parker Duchene. I made his life a living hell in high school, and now he’s inserting himself into my career to repay the favor. With everything in my personal life already on the line, I can’t risk hockey too. I need to figure out a way to play nice with the new owner.

Parker

I bought Colorado’s NHL team to honor my late father. I did. Only reason. Emotionally playing with one of my many high school tormentors is a nice bonus though.

Connor Kikishkin may be the one who made me the target for years of name-calling, but I’ve always wondered if my hatred for him bordered too much on the obsessive side to truly be classified as hate. Infatuation is probably the right word for it.

Now his whole life is in my hands, and I can’t wait to see him beg for my mercy. Seeing Mr. Popular find his humility will definitely ease the grief from losing my dad… right? Because right now, that’s all I have, and I need to hold on to it so I don’t crumble.

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

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2025

About the author

Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are mostly full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.

She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.

Reviews

[kris ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the quote “Be nice to nerds, they’ll probably be your boss one day.” by Bill Gates was turned into a book, it would be this one 😂

┈ Read this if you like ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
✦ Hockey Romance
✦ Enemies-to-Lovers
✦ Billionaire Romance
✦ Nerd + Jock
✦ High School Nemesis
✦ NHL Player + NHL Team Owner
✦ Bi/Sexual Awakening
✦ MM Romance
✦ Possessive & Protective Hero
✦ Secret Relationships

┈ MY THOUGHTS ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
- I have been waiting sooooo damn long for this book!!! These two were so angsty and fun, I loved their banter!
- The rat was so unexpected 😂 I love how instantly obsessed Connor's brother was with it. That scene was so funny!
- I was a little sad about Connor’s decision to quit. I just can't fathom the idea of committing to a team and then getting out of it mid-season. He was one of their best players, and in real life, this would have probably significantly impacted the team's performance and morale. The admirable thing to do would have been to finish out the season; a few more months of playing would not have hurt him, plus he would’ve gotten to participate in that last game 😉
- I keep thinking the series is over, then I see another one coming out, and I'm not mad 😅. I'll never say no to reading an MM hockey romance!
- Overall: Loved this!!! The enemies-to-lovers trope was oh so delicious in this one!

┈ OVERVIEW ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
⛔️ Warning - possible spoilers below ⛔️
Emojis: 🏒🥅✈️👨‍💻💵🐀
Pacing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Cover Art: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Format: eBook
POV: Dual 👥
Would I Recommend? 👍
Read Again? 👎
Setting / Location: Denver, Colorado
Hero/MMC: Connor Kikishkin
〰️Characteristics: Classically handsome, brown caramel wavy hair, deep gray eyes, square jaw peppered with stubble, 6-foot-3, thick thighs, big hands,
〰️Occupation: NHL Player - Defenseman
〰️Age: ~26
〰️Nickname(s): Con
Hero/MMC: Parker Duchene
〰️Characteristics: Dark hair, bright blue eyes, lean, 5-foot-9,
〰️Occupation: Billionaire Tech Genius, NHL Team Owner
〰️Age: 26
〰️Nickname(s): Park
H/h virgin? No
First kiss💋: 31%
First time they have sex: 67%
First time they say "I Love You": 97%
Noteworthy Chapters🔥: 13, 16, 16, 21, 24, 27, 30, 39
Kinks: Praise, dirty talk, edging, no condom, 🍑 play
OW/OM Drama? No
H/h cheat? No
Time apart? No
Did I cry? No
Ending: HEA 🥰
Standalone/Series? Yes to both
Epilogue? Yes

Pre-Read Thoughts:
I’m borderline giddy with excitement for this book! Connor and Parker are going to be so 🔥🥵🔥

[⊹ ⁺ ₊ ✧ she's book obsessed ✧ ₊ ⁺ ⊹]

⊹ ⁺ ₊ ✧ Possessive Puckboy ┊ 0 stars ✧ ₊ ⁺ ⊹

paused: 12 %
⤷ 02/04/25 ┊Unfortunately, I’m completely uninterested in this. I guess I’m still stuck in the ao3 trenches…

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄☆⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

✧⋄⋆ pre-read notes ⋆⋄✧
⤷ 01/04/25 ┊It's time for me to read a published book and take a break from the trenches (ao3)... Super excited for this one!! This series is so comforting and I need something light/easy rn so this is perf 🦦

✧⋄⋆ pre-release notes ⋆⋄✧
⤷ 30/08/24 ┊Another one thank you💳💥💳💥💳💥

౨ৎ happy reading ౨ৎ

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy fuck an 8th one!!!! Please keep them coming 🙏

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor is the biggest drama queen and I loved every minute of it 😂 His whole woe is me phase was so funny but it made me love his character so much.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Connor and Parker, especially the way they have to overcome their past grievances. Connor's whole journey of self discovery felt incredibly rewarding to follow and I loved how his decisions about his life and future were so different from anything else we've seen in this series.

The Kiki brothers are almost as good as the Dalton brothers (sorry but Asher will always be my favourite Sadenverse character) and I absolutely loved when they were all together. I'm hoping we get a book for Lachie soon too because I love his chaotic energy.

Parker was an interesting dude too and it was really cute seeing him figuring out his place and what he wanted. Conishkin was also super adorable - that whole adoption scene had me laughing so hard at Connor!!!

Very excited for the next book and I loved the little set up for it. I kind of hope that there'll be an AHL series from Saxon and Eden at some point too because they're so good at hockey stories!

*****
I received an ARC of this book from Foreword PR, and this is my honest review

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

We love Parker, and the 'high school bully falls for the successful nerd' trope, but Connor and his "woe is me, I'm protective and now everyone hates me, or relies on me and I feel pressured" bullshit, GOT OLD SO FAST.
It just felt like shit that got solved in book 7.... Just got extended and drawn out here in the Connor POV instead of anything.... good.


Connor has got to be the most unlikable puckboy so far, and the most enjoyable character in this whole book was… a literal fucking rat 🐀🐀🐀

[Gaby · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a reason I keep reading this series, I'm sure there is, it's just that somehow I can't seem to remember what that is at the moment. Why? do you ask? Well, it's because the books keep getting worse and worse.

With the exception of Bromantic Puckboy , all books are very meh, but this one was just dumb. If anything, this one should have been called Forbidden Puckboy instead of the Brother's best friend, what is more forbidden than literally dating your boss?

Connor is finally realizing he is a dick not only to his brothers but also since he was a teenager, because now, surprise surprise, the new team owner is his ex-bullied victim. One would imagine this was a nice setup for immense grovelling and character growth. Instead, we had: shoving your boss to the wall, getting drunk and feeling sorry for yourself, a random bi-awakening and instant forgiveness from Parker after he saw how pathetic Connor was.

Connor proceeds to throw a tantrum and complain about "expectations" being placed on him, and not really taking responsibility for his attitude, plus one of the blandest Stanley Cup wins ever written.

The worst thing is that I will probably read the next book just because I am a sucker for Russian MCs.

[Mila · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 rating***

Possessive Puckboy was a fun read overall, though a few things didn’t fully land for me.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Connor and Parker—there’s something fun about enemies-to-lovers, especially when it’s layered with personal growth. Connor’s character development was probably my favorite part. Watching him go from being kind of oblivious and overbearing to becoming more self-aware felt really satisfying. Parker’s growth stood out too. I appreciated how he worked through his resentment and actually allowed himself to see Connor differently.

That said, the pacing felt a little off. The beginning pulled me in and I was totally invested, but once their relationship started shifting, it felt like everything started moving a bit too fast. Some of the major decisions came a little too quickly for my taste—I think I just wanted more time to sit in those big moments.

Still, I enjoyed being back in the Puckboys universe—the banter, the chemistry, the cameos—it all added to the experience. Not my absolute favorite in the series, but definitely still worth reading, especially if you’re into second chances, growth arcs, and hockey romance.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weird to say but I think Connor might be the most relatable puckboy lol (to me). As an eldest daughter I completely understood that feeling of having to do what’s expected of you. Feeling protective over younger siblings and people thinking you have your shit together.
Connor felt like a kindred soul and I wanted to hug him so bad.
Loved seeing him let go of all that and finding comfort in Parker which omg Park is so cute and nerdy and so adorable.

We see Connor making a difficult decision and actually mean it! LOVE that part!

Novi? OMG!! I am readyyyyyyyy!!!

I really hope Eden and Saxon are nowhere done with this series, not until we have a queer player in each team at least, for Ezra 🤭

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flow of this book is so good, I can't put it down. And, oh hon, the rat😂. I'm loving it.
In tears, laughing😂😂😂😂😂
A great, low angst, deep meaning, important message giving love story.
A sexy bi awakening that makes a sweet nerd's dreams come true

**I won't remove points because this is my problem, not the author's. I fully respect the author's muse and how they chose to resolve their own story. Without spoilers, I found that I had this exact problem with Tal Bauer's The Quarterback. The ending wasn't right for me, but it was perfect for the story.

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was delicious!

I loved that the narrative actually took time to address the issues that Connor had indirectly - and more directly - created for Parker at high school when he'd been over protective of Easton (see previous book!) before starting on the beginnings of a new friendship.

I loved that Connor's possessiveness and single-minded determination that Parker was who he wanted was allowed to develop and that Parker's reciprocal feelings of liking being the subject of said attention wasn't taken for granted.

I loved that Connor realising he was bisexual was given space to breathe and that it also came along with him starting to look at his life as a whole to work out just what other paths he'd followed because he'd thought it was expected of him.

Part of this book overlaps Forbidden Puckboy as it deals with finding out Parker's bought the team and that whole section with East and Knox, it doesn't feel repetitive though as you get to see things from a different side.

Overall this book is a triumph for me, not only because it addresses the important points of bullying, or the causation of it by not stepping up and stepping in, but also because Connor is actually a super lovely guy with a heart of gold that, once directed with laser precision at a guy who wants to be in his gaze, he's also determined to be a perfect partner too.

It's no secret that Eden and Saxon, both collectively and in their own rights, are on my favourite authors list, they're incredibly talented and have a way of making each ice hockey book they write feel unique, even when covering similar storylines.

Here the eldest Kiki brother gets his chance to shine and we also get the sneak peak at who's book is up next and that's one I was not expecting and am now absolutely dying for!

#ARC kindly received from the authors via Foreword PR, I am voluntarily leaving a review

[kaye taz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.2 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
format: audiobook
narration: 🎤🎤🎤/5

honestly these books are kind of just blurring together at this point. i swear i’ve read all this before.

parker and connor were cute but it didn’t feel like there was a ton of substance there, i don’t know.

am i gonna read the next book though? yeah lol.

[gracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew I was going to like it going in. Something about the nerd becoming the jock's boss just tickles something in me. I liked that Saden made the past bullying aspect respectful and didn't invalidate it's importance to their story, I loved how they still got to be individuals and work through their problems, most of all I loved that Connor's bi awakening did not also come with internalized homophobia. This was such a a refreshing read.

You'd think book 8 in a series is where I draw the line but I've bonded to this series the way a mother bonds to her child and I've committed far too long to quit now!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Eden and Saxon can create characters who feel three dimensional and relatable. Connor is one of my favourite puckboys. He made some mistakes and treated Parker badly when they were in high school, but he's a very sympathetic character. I like that Parker doesn't make him grovel and genuinely forgives him. Such a great take on the enemies to lovers trope. Plus who doesn't love two cuddlebugs finding each other AND a pet rat?!
I removed a star for Connor choosing not to win the cup. I get it, I really do. It makes complete sense for his character. I just can't handle it

[lakshmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Parker, if another man tries to touch you, I’ll break every bone in his fucking hand.”


okay hear me out. when the title said “possessive puckboy”, I automatically assumed that the overgrown hockey player would be borderline toxic level possessive - don’t touch him don’t look at him don’t breathe near him - type of possessive. it wasn’t. it was a healthy level ( my definition of healthy ) of possession or I guess more over protectiveness . which is fine, totally fine, completely appropriate.


“We’re both sorry.
We’re both hurting.
And it’s not fair to take it out on each other.”


but surprisingly I liked the overall story; especially the characters. I loved the whole premise of the bullied nerd becoming the jocks boss- it’s just so ironic and Im glad the author made it into a very understanding and respectful storyline where Parker only wanted to show Connor how much his bullying affected him and nothing more (😭)


“You are so fucked-up.”
“Yeah. And you made me this way.”


but still. a good read. very minimal skipping and skimming involved.

[Vanessa GLP · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5✨ ya se están sintiendo un poco repetitivos

[iam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 8th installment of the Puckboys series made me a bit wary of it by featuring a bit of (former) bully-victim trope. However, seeing both Conner and Parker already introduced in Forbidden Puckboy made me quite excited for this one, as I really enjoyed Connor's arc in it.

I enjoyed the first half of the book a lot. The book has overlap with Forbidden Puckboy , and Connor starts out in a bit of a crisis after realizing that his little brother is feeling smothered by his overbearing protectiveness. And it has him questioning all other aspects of his life as well.

The whole plotline with Parker buying Connor's team to "make his life living hell" as revenge for getting bullied in high school is immediately revealed as a setup - Parker has no revenge plans, and his grudge is overshadowed by grief for his father, who is the real reason why he bought the hockey team.

There still is plenty of resentment between the two for a good chunk of the beginning of the book. But it was mostly understandable. I liked reading about how these two got closer.
However, even as I was enjoying myself, there were some cracks in there that didn't sit quite right with me - Connor doesn't seem to grasp the horrors of bullying that Parker went through (even if not at his hand), and while he eventually gives an genuine apology, there are repeated comments or stray thoughts that show he does not really understand that trauma. Even in the epilogue there's a comment, which felt really out of place.

I enjoyed Connor a lot in Forbidden Puckboy as the levelheaded, a bit too serious older brother. So I was a bit dissappointed when his characterization in Possessive Puckboy veered much more into sulky and meatheaded, with a bit of density for what mostly felt like comedic relief in situations that didn't really need it. At the same time he was also ready to be vulnerable and unselfconscious, which I appreciated and liked a lot. All that, however, didn't quite fit together with the possessive streak that gives the book its title.

Which is exactly the problem I had with the book - it did not feel like it was entirely cohesive. I enjoyed the first half of the book, but the second half did not seem to fit with it at all. The direction both Parker's and Connor's stories take together was almost completely removed from where they start at the beginning, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but Connor's in particular hit me completely out of left field. It is set up, in a way, but still felt underdeveloped and made me feel a bit concerned.
I did not have an issue with Connor deciding to quit hockey, but the timeline from the first inkling to definitely quitting felt way too fast, and that's not really addressed at all. And it's not like he has a plan B?? I guess he has a ton of money and doesn't need to worry about getting a new job, but it still bothered me.

The book of course has a happy ending, and I am glad for the characters, but for me it didn't feel really satisfying because I couldn't quite get on board with how fast and definite the big decisions the characters make felt. Maybe that's me-issue.

I also felt like there was a big stretch towards the latter half of the book that was really focussed on the romance, that would have done better with some outside influence to the characters. I would have enjoyed more cameos of the familiar characters, and more focus on the pet that Parker gets eventually, that felt a bit like an afterthought.

There is setup for the next book, which I'm looking forward to, even though it's not what I expected. I was really surprised to see very little of Lachie, the youngest Kikishkin brother, who I expected to be the main character in the next Puckboys book. Instead we get two new characters, one of which gets an introduction quite late in this book.

Overall a fine hockey romance, but far from my favourite in this series due to how the main character doesn't seem to genuinely understand what bullying does to its victims, the lack of cohesion in the plot, and some personal issues with how the story progressed.

I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay this is slightly better than what they put out recently, but damn it felt so boring

[Kaity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio:
5 stars for Iggy Toma
3 stars for Alexander Cendese
Audio is on Everand

Book: 3 stars

I feel like this could be read as a standalone… I forgot most of the collective to be honest haha!

Decent beginning but idk didn’t click with me like other Eden Finley and Saxon James books.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and had a fun time reading it. It was really hard to put down at times. I really really loved the first half (or maybe more) the end didn't keep my attention as much, but it was still really enjoyable. I appreciated this one didn't have as many annoying cameos from past characters like other books. (There was some, especially with the brother, and some in the epilogue but not a ton like has annoyed me in past books)
The set up for the next book sounds really good, but it also really reminds me of the exact same premise from the most recent Sarina Bowen hockey book.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 - Connor and Parker’s story was so good. The angst and tension was built so well. I enjoyed that there was depth to Parker’s character with his dad. I enjoyed see more of the Kiki brothers and hope to have Lachie get a book in the future.


THAT COVER!!!!!!!! CONNOR IS HOT😍💙

Connor and Parker?! I’m really intrigued to see how this is going to play out. Maybe bi awakening?

NO WAY. ANOTHER ONE THANK YOU💙

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I’m obsessed with this series, these books are always so much fun to read and this is my new favorite. I’ve been excitedly waiting for Parker and Conner’s story ever since finishing Forbidden Puckboy, I knew it was going to be so good, and it was even better than I hoped. I already can’t wait for the next one!

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really was enjoying this up until 70%, other than thinking both these characters really needed therapy. After 70%, I felt like the story fully jumped ship and I was honestly fully “wtf is even happening” and also “where did the ‘romance’ go.”

Another meh to these authors but better than the last few.

[☆Kylie☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say 2.80 but 3 for the sake of it.

I got a little bored.

A more complete review to come

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was absolutely the best book in this series so far. Hands down.
It's not perfect, but the writing is substantially better than in all the installments so far, the lame jokes have somehow stopped (I've encountered only two short ones) and I have to say I simply enjoyed this book. I really did.

So, it's a 4 - 4.25⭐ from me and I do recommend it.
You really don't need to read other books in the series, but maybe the previous one, because Connor was really good there and I liked him a lot.
Now, I'm almost a fan.

🟢 High school is where they first meet, one MMC is not a bully, but makes it really easy for other kids to bully the other MMC and he lets it happen
🔵 Both 26 years old
🟠 Size difference
🟣 Gay/bi awakening (although to me Connor seemed GFY)
🟢 Not a lot of tension, if that's what you're expecting from the previous book, but it's good nevertheless
🟡 A really good, happy, healthy relationship
🌶️ A lot of intimacy, sex not as much; kissing, cuddling, frotting, oral, one penetrative scene on page (sadly, because it was really good); t/b



Connor is the older Kiki brother who's had to be the protector his whole life. He's got two younger brothers who are also hockey players and both gay and Connor thinks he was doing his job as an older brother with directing and protecting them, but after that fight with Easton he's realizing he's been playing a role that was imposed on him by his parents.

Consequently he's never had the time to find out who he really was or what he wanted, so when Parker crashes back into his life, he shakes up quite a few things for Connor. Parker was the nerdy kid who got bullied in high school with Connor opening up the gates for it, he had no friends because of it and he's resented Connor ever since. Hell, he bought this team also to make his life hell, right?

There's no specific or long-term animosity, because Connor and Parker are simply really good people, so I can't see them fighting it out, it doesn't happen.
Connor's more and more attracted to Parker, he's never thought about being attracted to guys before and maybe he really isn't, but with Parker everything comes rushing in full speed, the simple guy who's been hurt in the past and resented Connor is now the guy who's bringing in exactly what Connor needs and has been missing this whole time.



Connor knows what he wants and he knows Parker's it for him, he wants a serious relationship and he's trying to figure out if playing hockey is really what he wants, considering he's been doing so many things other people wanted him to do throughout his life.

"I don’t know why it’s different with him, but it is. I want him to be mine to cherish, to dote on, to own, but at the same time, I’m too worried about letting that out. About being too much. Too fast."

Connor's decisions seem mature and thought-out, he's not rushing into anything just because he's falling in love, so I definitely liked that Connor and Parker were being very mature about deciding on every future step together.

I can't help but simply like Connor, he's such an amazing, steady, mature character and Connor's possessive tendency is actually loyalty and Parker's all here for it, he loves it. He wants to belong and to feel cared for and Connor is delivering, big time.
They were so, so good together.

What was missing for me was definitely more on-page sex. There was intimacy, a lot of emotional intimacy as well, but I'd like more of the physical side of it, simply because it was Connor's first time and they were amazing in bed. I really wanted more of it. But if you don't mind that, you'll get plenty of devotion, cuddling, sleeping together, kissing, talking and growing.

The epilogue didn't address the part after Connor was supposed to retire, they weren't out as a couple either, and that's something I really wanted to experience. It was just cut short after the team won the Stanley cup, so I feel like there was so much of Connor and Parker missing in those final stages of the book. This wasn't a HEA, but more of a HFN.


Considering this book is so much better written than all the rest thus far, I'm actually looking forward to the next installment.
There's going to be a Russian player and a dickhead coach, they apparently hate each other, so that ought to be fun - unless the authors go down the juvenile writing path again (hopefully not).

[Declan Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Character- 4.75/5
Plot- 4.25/5
Pacing- 4.5/5
Entertainment- 5/5
Rating- 4.5/5

Oh this one is right up there with Bromantic Puckboys for me, and I honestly couldn't get enough. And what's funny about this, is that I actually love Connor more than the actually relationship between him and Parker. Now don't get me wrong, I like these two together, but its not their chemistry that's captured my imagination in this book, but Connor's development as a character.

What we have is a guy who is sort of an asshole having to rediscover himself after being firmly knocked down a peg by his family. He has been parentified by his family since a young age, and has no idea who he is outside of that protective parental role. It lead him to make decisions that were only in service of his brothers, and a lot of that has come back to bite him on the ass, primarily in the form of Parker, who was inadvertently bullied as a result of Connor's behaviour.

What we have is someone learning to set aside his self-loathing and guilt, and for the first time, self-reflect on who he is and what he wants. I love a particular decision he makes at the end of this book, and I applaud Eden Finley and Saxon James for committing to his change as a character.

Parker is also a sweet character who is learning to let go of his past grudges and work towards finding new dreams, after selling his company and losing his father. This can be complicated by his re-emerging feelings towards Connor, but its nice that they both have this journey to go through together.

Is this my favourite couple? No not really, but it is my favourite character journey out of all the books in this series, and I really hope this marks a positive trend of well realised character journeys melded seamlessly with the plot. Honestly, our two authors did an amazing job of this one, and I'm now very excited to read next about our Russian hockey player with the very interesting backstory.

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the tag says, this was basic Sadenverse for me. While they have some bangers(looking at you, Teddy and Topher), this was more the usual don't hate it but don't love it.

So my thoughts on it are just that - random thoughts and not really a review.

Hated how flippant Connor was about the whole starting the bullying train on Parker when they were younger thing. It felt like willful ignorance, and I hated that even when the apology came, he was drunk for it.

This actually seemed to have multiple plot lines and wasn't just smut.

*Connor grappling with becoming the resident Kiki brothers' bully after spending his life ensuring no one else could.
*Parker trying to do something meaningful for his father's legacy after the revenge plot gets sidelined like 3 chapters in💀
*Connor realizing he actually really doesn't like hockey.

Regardless, I wasn't AS invested in their story as I could have been and I'm not quite sure why.

Them adopting a household pest didn't help.

Parker turning from his revenge agenda almost immediately didn't help.

What massively helped, though, was that the Queer Collective only turned up at the end. Epilogue even. Aside from Easton who couldn't be helped because as a brother to the MC and a teammate, there was no escaping him. And Tripp at some point in the middle. But it was very brief and I ADORE Tripp.

More of this. I love Ezra as much as the next Anton but we get it. He's a loveable scamp. He doesn't need to prove it over and over again in everyone's book. We get it.

But......I'm aware my issues with cameos from prior MCs may not be the norm. However. If it must happen, I'm okay with it happening the way it did in this.

Are we getting a book for the Russian? Sounds like it would be a second chance thing, which would be blegh, but I'll read it regardless.

Basically my thoughts on Sadenverse in a nutshell. Read their work early on in my MM reading career and now it seems that no matter how little recent releases measure up to their early work, I'm destined to keep chasing that high.

Also, lol but I haven't heard Iggy Toma's voice in a looooong while(thank fuck). Until this.

Still sounds like an unwell Victorian child forced to make conversation when he'd rather be at the seaside healing from consumption.

Like I said. Basic Sadenverse.

[dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don’t get the excitement over this series, but since I’m an actual queer man, I guess that I’m not the target audience. But regardless, these characters desperately need therapy, and I just find them tedious. And the side characters are surprisingly bitchy queens considering they’re all athletes.

Otherwise, I can’t figure out whether these authors *created* all of the gay hockey romance tropes they overuse or not. Either way, I rolled my eyes a lot.

[Mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yummy You’re Mine Vibes! This one has some great themes of animosity to attraction to love, a bit of a bully redemption ARC, some bi awakening, hot sexual exploration and first times and then about halfway through going all in on the possessiveness but in the best way. The authors do a fantastic job of transitioning through all of this and giving us great characters to root for. I loved how Parker doesn’t bend immediately and I liked the growth and self reflection Connor has to go through. I liked seeing all the other characters again. If you like this series this one is a great addition though I feel it can be read as a standalone too and definitely recommend checking it out, Parker and Connor are spectacular together and the Kikishkins tribe is an adorable one. There are a ton of sweet funny moments and the pacing is great, it was a quick read for me and I really enjoyed it

“Parker, if another man tries to touch you, I’ll break every bone in his fucking hand.”

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should be over this, and I kind of am, because the things I minded and rolled my eyes at I could so predict (the series thing, the tons of other characters, and, I mean this, stupid conflict) but the chemistry, the first 60% were so good, I will forgive a lot of it. (Stupid series thing though).

I really liked both characters and their chemistry, it was just that we got to the 60% mark and it was like author decided series ties and conflict were absolutely necessary and those kind of ruined it all. Also the quitting hockey felt imature as fuck, like some soft shelled teenage priority and it made no sense - objectively it should bring my rating down, but I still liked the beginning and I will forgive it perhaps because its flaws were expected, predictable if you read more of her books, you know what to expect and within her books this is on the better half.

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: nerd/jock, player/owner, former bully, secret relationship
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: grief, recent death of Father due to cancer, mild references to homophobia
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: neither are with anyone else during the book or have interest in anyone else once they start something. Their first hookup is triggered because Parker was arranging a hook up on an app and Connor got possessive

3.75 stars

Connor and Parker are 26. Parker is gay and out. Connor has always identified as straight, but his brothers are both gay and he is extremely supportive and protective. Connor and Parker went to high school together and Connor gave Parker the nickname douche that spread like wildfire and was the kickoff to Parker being bullied throughout high school into college, and him being friendless even now. Connor plays in the NHL, and so do his two brothers. Parker became a tech billionaire and bought the team that Connor plays on. He bought it because his dad recently died, and his dad was a fan of the team and a former hockey player but it's a side benefit that he can get his revenge on Connor and have power over him.

As they interact and talk, they began to understand each other. Parker realizes Connor isn't a bad guy, he's just a protective brother and Parker is more attracted to him than he is mad at him. And Parker makes Connor question what he knows about himself and what he wants in life, because he's always been in the role of being a protective brother and he's never really made conscious thoughtful choice for himself. Connor realizes in trying to be the perfect problem-free brother and caretaker, that he has never even let himself consider that he might like guys as well as girls and once he thanks on that he realizes the way that he feels for Parker is not platonic. They start hooking up but in secret because their relationship would be a scandal. Parker isn't convinced Connor is in this for the long haul.

This was a good book. It wasn't as antagonistic or vibrantly possessive as the premise promised it would be, which was a little bit of a letdown. (I felt like we were told Connor was possessive way more than we were shown that he was possessive, which is silly given the book is named after him being possessive) But the characters were mature emotionally and they communicated well for the most part and they had a real connection. I liked that Parker had a weakness for affection and him and Connor made cuddling a special part of their relationship. Them adopting a rat as a pet together was cute and funny.

I loved the scene where Parker ended up with three drunk Kiki brothers and Knox... It was an epic scene that definitely rivaled thrift shop roulette from Foolish Puckboy in its epic zany hilarity. That prolonged scene was the best of this book.

Spoilers here.... I wasn't terribly happy with the way the book ended. And this was totally me being biased and just wanting something different. But I wish Connor had stayed with hockey, he was living the dream of so many people and he stepped away and I feel like that could leave a person with a lot of regrets and it was just anti-climactic. I have been loving the Kiki Brothers and wanted to see them continue to dominate the sport and it kind of deflates the balloon a little bit for Connor to peace out.


Some notable moments:

"“Sooooo,” Knox says. “Should I be worried that both my Kikis want to speak to me? At the same time? You haven’t killed each other, so there’s one of my concerns gone, but I have about a billion more. Which one of you is being traded, who hit who, or which one of you was swapped with me at birth and I’ve actually been having sex with my biological brother all this time?”"

"“No, no. No. No, that’s not the right idea. I’m here. But I don’t want to be here. I need to go, but they kidnapped me.” I jolt upright in bed. “Who kidnapped you?” “My brothers.” Relief sweeps over me. “How much have you had to drink?” “Just … this … much …” “You are aware I can’t see you, right?” “Maybe eleventy. Or twenty. No … Yeah. Twenty.” “Twenty what?” Dear God, do I need to confiscate his liver?"

"Knox is shirtless in my kitchen, standing next to my humming coffee machine, Easton is sitting at the counter with his head in his crossed arms, and Lachie is sprawled over my couch with Conishkin on his chest. “Umm … hello?” That’s a totally normal greeting for this very unnormal situation, isn’t it? “Morning,” Knox replies, and all I get is a grunt out of Easton. “You know,” Lachie says like we were already in the middle of a conversation, “if you ever get sick of my brother, I’d date you just for this apartment.” I don’t know how to feel about that. “Thanks?” “Way to make yourself sound like a whore,” Easton grumbles."



*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.