Play Maker

Bar Down #2

by Ava Olsen

Axel They call me the play maker. I make hockey wins happen. Until I'm confronted with Jace, my college rival for the coveted center spot. And, my BFF’s ex. I know secrets about Jace and I’m not happy to be on the same team as him, never mind the same line. But as our competition on the ice heats up, things off the ice get complicated. No matter what, I’m not getting outplayed.

Jace Axel Lund, the conceited jerk, thinks he’s gonna waltz in and take the top spot on my hockey team? No way. The cocky forward thinks the worst of me, but he doesn’t know the truth. And every encounter with him cracks my icy control. But I’m not getting played by Axel. If anything, I’m going to play him.

Play Maker is a bi awakening, rivals to lovers, college hockey MM romance. Get ready for cocky boys, intense chemistry, and a heated play to HEA.

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

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2025

About the author

Ava Olsen writes steamy & dreamy contemporary romance.

Reviews

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed book 1 in this series so I was quite excited to read this one. Once I started I had no idea how this book was going to go because of drama surrounding their hatred for each other! I loved the progression from enemies to lovers and it really ended up making sense for them!

Axel and Jace had amazing chemistry. And seeing them work together to make their game better was awesome! I loved seeing them open up to each other! I loved the ending and absolutely recommend this story!

We know who the MCs are for the next book in the series and I cannot wait!!!!!! I love a good forbidden romance and these two intrigued me from the glimpses we got of them in this story!

[Sjoukje · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in this series was rather good, and I was looking forward to this book because of that. It didn’t deliver as much as I hoped though. It took them forever to get over their feud, and I didn’t understand why. Yes, Jace hurt Axel’s best friend. And they were aiming for the same spot (what is a center in hockey? This is literally the first hockey book I read where this was a thing. I’ve read about first lines. But it’s never been a big deal who was the center like it was as special as being a captain. And also: why would the coach name someone the official captain after Dane already was the interim captain for a year? It’s college hockey! That didn’t make sense at all.) The whole story around Axel’s parents was weird as well, especially when Axel found out who his real dad was. Why wouldn’t he reach out to him? And Preston flying out to him: also a bit strange.

Anyway, when Jace and Axel finally got talking it was a lot better. And their love story was sweet.

Three stars it is. I hope the next one is more to my taste. The premise sounds good…

[NitaBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

College hockey team mates ✅
Besties ex boyfriend ✅
Enemies to lovers ✅

I did get vibes from book 1 that Axel and Jace were going up get their own book and here we are.

It’s a good read but probably not a re-read from me.

Axel has a rich dysfunctional family. He was a bit of a douche in book one so I guess we are going to find out why.

His best friend , Preston Pearson, ( total villian douche name ) dated Jace and had a terrible breakup that apparently left him shaken but I don’t believe it. Axel does believe it and believes in revenge.

Axel gets transferred to Jaces’s college and hockey team.

Wait … is Jace … bulimic?

Preston is

‘But the longer I played with the team and with Jace, the more confused I was about Preston’s history with him. My head told me to be wary of falling for Jace’s charm, but my instincts were starting to fight.’

oh I was right. Jace confesses to Axel that he has bulimia. Which feels a bit out of the blue. And Preston gave Jace a STD. Axel is in a state of shock and doesn’t know what to believe. He’s torn up about the whole situation.

They both have this realisation they are sexually attracted to one another .

Then there’s the time they tried to prank their teammates but end ups in mutual orgasms.

Jace gets a position on the team Axel wanted which leads to angry /confused/ smug sex

“Hold on to my hair. Or the wall. Either way, grab something, because your knees are about to give out. It’s your only warning.” Axel shook his head. “So fucking cocky,” he muttered, licking his lips, his eyes sparking fire. “Damn right.”

There’s some intense moments where they about to kiss and it gets broken up because people think they are gonna start brawling 🤣

Axels family is awful.

“It’s our team nicknames,” I explained. “Thanks to Ethan Walker. I’m Hot and Jace is Honey.”

These boys both get all growly and possessive and jealous .

Some sexy times with honey 🍯

They are boyfriends.

“I’m going to buy a jersey with my name and number on it so you can wear it every day. That way there’s no question about who you belong to.” “Every day?” Axel leaned forward, and playfully nipped my lips. “Every. Single. Day.”

Preston is arrested. His dad pays his bail and he heads to see Axel .

“Isn’t this a fun little reunion?” he announced with a sneer. “My ex and my ex-BFF getting cozy in this dank, smelly rink.”

Preston attempts to blackmail Axel and his family but fails. It feels like it was meant to be this dramatic show down but felt more like a blink and you’ll miss it scenario.

‘Look at us. This is what love is. “I think it’s time we told everyone on the team that our rivalry has a new chapter,” I proclaimed and kissed him soundly.’

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hate to Lovers, MM Hockey romance with BFF's ex, bickering as teammates, forced proximity, lil size difference, bi x bi-awakening, mental health rep & sports shenanigans!
It took me couple chapters to remember everyone again but then I was SO IN. This book had me hooked! I devoured my #ARC in 9hrs, loved Jace & Axel! Oof I'm late to reading this 🥺 but better late than never, so fun 😍.

Jace has carved his future from poverty, excels at college, hockey & hookups of all genders. J's curious, friendly, loud, sassy. A past relationship had hurt him so much 🥺, he no longer takes anyone's BS.
Axel comes from the riches, but it's a f'ed up world & he never wants to go back, but is he truly free? Ax's pissy, quieter, so lonely 😩. Almost aimless life alights when J's in it, whether it's to fight or... new feelings 😏.

TW: Eating disorder, Depression. They've gone to therapy 🙌.

Ax hates Jace as J's his BFF's ex. But is the story of their relationship true...? 🙄 Well, a little forced proximity can do wonders. Truths, "weird" tensions... practices, 'work' meetings... it's like mild (slow?) burn to a blaze 🥵. Loved first times, "teach me" 😏, cute jealousy & vers couple! It's kinda sweet how J's cautious in love yet Ax sort of falls fast 🤣 (makes sense).

Are their outtie masks so good tho? I totally thought they'd stew in communication issues more, with all that inner push/pull, but it actually solved fairly quickly, 180° eh 😳! I adored seeing them bloom together, the fun, sporting, protectiveness & cuties 🥰. Their reveal was fun too! Ugh, the ex is sooo toxic, I HATE HIM. I'm so excited for Coach's book!

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Got me hooked! 5+/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😅🤨😂😏🤭😬🥺💞🥵😜😩🙃😍😌😤😶🥰😤😙🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 3/5
5) Levels: Cute+Fun: 4.25/5
Angst: 3/5
Dark: 2/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Hate, Hockey, Teammates) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Play Maker by Ava Olsen is book 2 in the Bar Down series. This book is an enemies to lovers rivalry between Axel and Jace. Jace is Axel’s best friend’s ex who was accused of being violent and cruel towards. We soon learn that there is more to the story and that Axel has not been told the truth.

I felt like Axel and Jace were a pretty good match though Jace got on my nerves for a good portion of the book. He goaded Axel so much and then was like ‘I’ll go to the coach if it gets worse’. For what, dude? You keep pushing him and he responds. I guess they did act their age though- lol. Axel’s family sucks and I was happy for him to get away.

I do love a good hockey story and this one hit the spot. I look forward to more from this series.

I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review

[Kaija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a quick read! I loved their story so much!

It’s an enemies to lovers/rivals to lovers that is SOO steamy!
I loved watching Axel grow and become more himself outside the influence of Preston and his family’s
Jace is healing from what Preston did to him and then seeing him fall in love with Axel and Axel fall in love with him was just amazing!

Axel is headfirst steady all in from the first kiss and I love that for him!

This was a quick steamy read that I was lucky enough to ARC read!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel’s transfer to Sutton U was much needed. He found a way to escape from his awful family and the town they think they run. But in transferring it means playing on the same team has his best friend’s ex, Jace. The tension between them is thick. On and off the ice. And things are getting heated more and more by the minute. But things start to also change little by little. Especially when Axel learns the truth about what happened between his best friend and Jace. Things that are making Axel realize that he really has no one in his corner. But Jace and this new team, might just have his back if he lets them in. Jace is finally fed up with the hostility and tension between him and Axel. So he braces himself to tell the truth. And in doing so, it sets them both free a bit. Including the attraction that lingers between them. There is no real reason to fight it anymore. Nothing to hide it or push it down. And when they give in? Everything changes in only the best way. If they are brave enough to take it. I really loved Jace and Axel’s story! A def fun enemies to lovers vibe. But I also loved when they were able to put down their walls for one another and actually talk. Their chemistry was so great, on and off the ice. And I loved how they just fought for one another. When they are in, they are in. Another great book in this series and I’m looking forward to the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

I enjoyed getting to know Axel and Jace and watching their rivalry turn into something more. This book definitely had a different vibe than the first book in the series, but I enjoyed watching their initial tension and how they started figuring things out as time went along.

It was definitely steamy and a little angsty and caught my attention from start to finish. I can't wait to see where this series continues.

[Crisana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite up there like book one but it was a good read nonetheless.
They were cute together and I liked how Axel was all in after realising how into Jace he was.
But the Preston bit and Axel's family felt flat at the end. It seemed like everyone in Axel's life was horrible, no redeeming qualities at all which felt slightly off.
I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book covers some topics I haven’t seen before and it was handled really well. Book 2 was an anticipated read for me and it didn’t let me down. Can’t wait for book 3 and see what happens with Silas and Coach.

[GlamLawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed that one. I liked how they communicated and there was no unnecessary drama between the MCs. Once they were in, they were completely in.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Axel and Jace

[li (stupid canadian wolf bird fanatic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading this and I never wanted it to end. good lord. this was unreal. jace and Axel are perfect for each other, the Heated banter was everything and then all the sweet moments? the way they could go to war for each other? I feel i was swooning, crying, laughing, feeling EVERYTHING with these two. and as i said, I didn't want it to end. I want 5 more books just with these two. The way Ava write is everything to me and it's unreal how much I love it.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to Play Maker since I read Rule Breaker last year and this did not disappoint. Axel and Jace are such fun characters, from the first page I was completely enveloped into their world.

Axel especially - the poor boy could not catch a break. By the 50% mark I was like god - is anyone in this guy's life not some evil Disney villain?! No wonder he is the way he is, no one in his life was even a moderately good person. That is..until he met our lovely Sutton U boys and Jace of course. Jace has also been through a lot, but he is at a point in his life where he's grown from it and surrounded himself with good people, which made it even more beautiful to see him get to be that light in Axel's life. One last thing to note is I loved how Axel was all in once he realized his feeling/attraction to Jace. He loved so fiercely and openly, it made me fall in love with him as a character even more.

What really holds me back from rating this 5 stars is that there just feels like a lot of stuff was left unresolved. Specifically with Axel's family and ex-best friend Preston - like that guy was evil incarnate and he just got away with it all? I was also kind of curious/hoping his uncle would come into play. And I wanted more details on the trust fund, since he mentions going and talking to someone about it. Or if there was ever any impact that came from his family's downfall. Lastly, at the end we kind of see Axel almost come to terms with being not as good as Jace, which kind of saddened me. I would have loved to see him come more into his role as the "Play Maker" and be recognized for it. When Coach was giving that speech about team effort and everyone is important to the role players, I really thought he was going to highlight Axel's play making abilities (because it gets brought up quite a few times off handedly from other character) but sadly not. All these things don't really take away from the overall enjoyment of the book, but they are all things I think would elevated the story had they been explored more.

All in all, a really good addition to the series though. If you're a hockey romance enthusiast - I don't think you are going to have any issue falling completely in love with the characters and this book.

Final Rating: 4/5

Notable Tropes
- Hockey Romance
- Forced Proximity (Teammates)
- Bi-Awakening
- Rivals to Lovers / Dislike to Love
- Mental Health Rep

⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️

CWs/TWs: References to Depression, References to Eating Disorder (Bulimia), Toxic Family Dynamics

[Theodore · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 22%

The intro setting up Axel's past was awkward, particularly when he overheard his parents arguing about how his mom was a homewrecker and his dad didn't actually like Axel. Not only was it cliche to overhear something so very obviously not meant to be heard, the fact that his parents were doing it loudly in some place not secret was eye-rolling. As if people who had deep secrets just went around arguing about it without lockong the door or making sure they were in a secure place first.

Oh my god, did we need to get introduced to every single hockey team member in Jace's chapter? I swear my eyes rolled to the back of my head after we got five different names shotgunned at us.

Axel and Jace refusing to hash out what exactly was causing animosity between them (aka Jace and Preston's old relationship) wasn't creating tension, it was just annoying. Their freaking coach seeing them arguing, then telling them off for arguing as opposed to encouraging them to deal with it (like he wanted them to do) was whiplash inducing. Imagine getting mad at people you told to resolve their issues because they started to argue (which obviously is part of conflict resolution for two young, hot headed hockey players).

I DNFed after the second couple/MC setup that happened (not even counting the throwback to Kayden and Maddox). Idgaf about Finn and his demisexualilty or Dane and Jackson when Axel and Jace hadn't even begun interacting with each other meaningfully.

TL;DR: Story'a confict hinged on a misunderstanding between Axel and Jace regarding Jace's prior relationship with Axel's best friend. There isn't enough development with regards to actually dealing with the misunderstanding so there's just a lot of repetitive "Jace/Axel is such an asshole" scenes surrounded by awkward expo dumping and annoying future book setups/past book references that all combined made me want to just dnf. I'm rating this a 1.5 and very tenuously rounding up when I almost want to round down.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY OPINION: Yup, loved this one too. The first book in the series, I enjoyed a lot, and had such high hopes for book two, and for me, it delivered. Focusing on Jace and Axel, you find that these two have a hatred for each other from the start. Bits and pieces come out that perceptions and lies may have been the root of the hatred. Plus, there was a heat between them, something neither of them could deny, and it was a huge surprise to Axel since he was straight.

For me, I know a book is good because it draws you in, and when you have to set it down, you can’t wait to get back to it. Then you find yourself thinking about it, wondering about the story, about how they will navigate obstacles. These books did that to me. Play Maker has two great main characters, whom you get to know well, their good and their bad. You find out secrets, and you share in their passion. Personally, I couldn’t get enough of these two.

There is an extensive friend group that passes through the story, the same ones from book one, that link the stories together. There are several plot threads that you can’t wait to unravel. There is also enough hockey that you feel the pressure and how important it is to them. You understand their greatest goals by being part of it. These are flawed people who find each other in a sea where they both feel a little afloat. Sharing the love story is amazing, and the spice….very passionate, very steamy, and a lot of flirting, touching, teasing, it's all quite wonderful. I look forward to the third book. If you like hockey romance, this is 100% something you should read, if you like a wonderful romance with hockey… read it. In fact, if you like MM College Romance in general, yup, read it. Put it on the top of your TBR, it’s a winner. Read book one while you are at it, too.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to be back at Sutton U with the Cougars! I really enjoyed getting to know Jace and Axel. Despite coming from an afluent family, Axel's life wasn't all roses and rainbows. It was great to see a bit of their senior year in high school, it was what we needed so that the story made sense and we knew where their animosity came from. Jace dated Axel's best friend, but they didn't end things on good terms, so Jace and Axel's reunion at Sutton U wasn't a great one. Their animosity is palpable and they don't work well together, but at least they spur each other on to be the best. I was glad when they aired things out concerning Jace's relationship with Preston(Axel's best friend), because that was the root of their animosity. Safe to say that my heart went out to Jace for what happened. Axel was shocked because the story he heard was vastly different. I loved that despite their dislike for each other they were honest and opened up to each other about their life. I really enjoyed the tension between them and when they did act on their feelings it was scorching! I loved how easily Axel accepted his feelings toward Jace. They were both a bit anxious about their relationship, but I felt like they talked things through pretty thoroughly and gave each other the reassurances they both needed. I loved how sure Axel was about what he wanted and needed and would not let anyone deter him. I also really enjoyed how jealous and possessive they both were.

I loved all of the Kayden and Maddox cameos, the banter between the teammates and the friendships that they have.

This was a fun enemies to lovers story, with a bit of angst, loveable and fun characters, competitive main characters who brought out the best in each other on the ice and loved each other loud and proud off the ice.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

********** Contains Spoilers**********

I rated this book 4.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Bar Down Series. This is a college hockey, bi-awakening and rivals to lovers romance. The tension between Axel and Jace is palpable, at first it was their heated rivalry and animosity but eventually turned into so much more. Both Axel and Jace made assumptions about the other, mainly due to what Axel had heard from his best friend Preston/Jace’s ex and what Preston put Jace through made him believe that Axel was that type of person as well and Axel’s a*sehole attitude didn’t help matters. They both deal with mental health issues and I thought that it was handled well throughout this book.

I liked when they actually started getting to know each other properly, therefore allowing them to start lowering their walls where the other is concerned. I also thought that they were good together and their chemistry was completely off the charts, as well as hot as hell. It sucked that Axel didn’t have anyone in his life who isn’t a complete and utter manipulative a*sehole, especially his supposed best friend Preston. His family also completely sucks and never deserved him. I’m glad that he found Jace and true friends in his teammates. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this series as it continues, as well as more books from Ava Olsen in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.

******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the author’s Bar Down series featuring Jace from the Sutton University Cougars hockey team and Axel, a new transfer to the team with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.

I loved Jace and Axel so much but unfortunately, in the beginning they did NOT feel the same. When they first met, they downright despised each other due to the lies of a past mutual acquaintance and fought constantly, at times even endangering their position on the team. I (and the team) wanted to smack ‘em upside the head and tell ‘em to get their heads out of their rear ends! Of course, Axel finally found his place on the team and settled in so the friction between the two improved and they were able to see the other wasn’t the enemy and might, in fact, be what they hadn’t even known they were looking for.

This was an awesome read! It’s an enemies to lovers, semi slow burn, hockey romance with tons of misunderstandings, no third act breakup yet LOTS of steam. Hockey fans will especially enjoy it, I think, because it’s a hockey book that actually HAS hockey. That sounds silly, I know, but I’ve read some hockey romances where they never stepped foot on the ice once during the entire book! Although this one contains quite a bit of on-ice time, it wasn’t difficult to follow at all which is a good thing since I know absolutely nothing about it except the bits and pieces, like some of the terminology, I’ve picked up here and there from the books I’ve read. If any of this sounds like something you might enjoy, give it a try, you might find yourself loving it every bit as much as I did. 5 stars!

I received a copy of this book for free from GRR but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace and Axel’s story was a steamy rivals-to-lovers romance with hockey at its core. I got hooked on the messy, hotheaded energy of the two leads and ate up their on- and off-ice rivalry. For two guys who hated each other’s guts, they sure did spend a lot of time thinking about each other, and it wasn’t long before those thoughts turned decidedly carnal in nature. The will they/won’t they energy was perfection, and it was extremely entertaining to watch the two of them posture and circle around each other in the beginning chapters. Axel had never been attracted to a man before, but he handled his newfound interest surprisingly well and if anything seemed more eager to get his hands on Jace. Jace was somewhat guarded because of his prior negative experiences with his ex, but once he let down his guard he was all-in with Axel. Their steamy explorations were hot as heck, and Jace and Axel had incredible natural chemistry that only grew the more time they spent together. Axel ended up being a total possessive caveman when it came to Jace, but when Jace wanted to take the lead he melted like putty. The two of them dealt with a ton of outside pressures and drama, but relationship-wise they were sure and steady for most of the latter half of the book. Between the romance-building, hockey playing, and drama resolution, I walked away feeling satisfied and excited about Axel and Jace’s future prospects. I’m eager to read more from this universe and see which team member will be front and center next!

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙨. 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚. 𝙊𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙚. 𝙄𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙄’𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙.

Pʟᴀʏ Mᴀᴋᴇʀ • Ava Olsen
Bar Down • Book 2

Axel and Jace

Axel is tired of living the life his parents have forced him to. When he overhears some family secrets, he uses them to his advantage. The only problem is that he is now at the same school and on the same team as his rival and best friend’s ex, Jace.

Jace has been moving on from his past trauma and was doing well until his ex’s best friend, Axel, transferred to his school and hockey team. Jace ultimately has to make a decision: he can ignore Axel or tell him the truth about his best friend, hoping he believes him.

Axel and Jace’s animosity towards each other is thick with tension from the very beginning, and slowly changes to more over time as they are forced to spend time together. The banter between them is fantastic, even after the tables have turned. I loved how both of them grew throughout the book, both as hockey players and as people and were able to open up and be vulnerable with each other.

I love the vibes of the team and their little found family, and I am excited for more from the Bar Down series.

Take a chance if you love…

🏒 College Hockey
🏒 Rivals & Teammates
🏒 Ex•Boyfriend’s Best Friend
🏒 Bi•Awakening • First Times
🏒 MM w/HEA

🍁🍁🍁🍁.5

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A STEAMY RIVALS TO LOVERS BI AWAKENING!💕🏒

I knew there was more to Axel Lund’s reaction regarding Maddox and Kayden and this book showcases all his personal struggles and how he overcame it with the help and support of his biggest rival- Jace Rowland..

“Jace had shown me that with hard work and the right mindset, I could achieve anything I wanted.”

The tension was rife between them as players and teammates and everyone could pick up on it- even the coach… and then he unknowingly played matchmaker again by forcing them to work on a project together and do extra practices together…

They were a force to be reckoned with on the ice once their issues were sorted out and the chemistry on and off the ice was so intense and hot!🥵

“We fucked the way we played—all in.”

I loved how Axel accepted his sexuality with the utmost calm and the possessiveness they both showed was so cute and sexy!

Their emotional and personal growth development was amazing to see and the emotional support they gave each other regarding their mental health issues was awe inspiring!

The toxic family dynamic of Alex and his parents and younger brother was very intense and explained a lot…

The found family aspect of the team was close knit and sweet with a lot of banter, teasing and parties!

I look forward to the next book with a certain player and his coach…

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Bar Down series. This is the story of Axel Lund and Jace Rowland. Axel has a lot of pressure on him from his family. Axel uses hockey to escape and have something that is his alone. It isn't until he overhears his parents talking that he realizes why his parents don't love him. And he smartly uses that info to blackmail his parents into letting him change schools. He is happy to arrive at his new school and start playing with the hockey team. All except for one thing. He can't forgive Jace for hurting his best friend. Jace is happy to be playing hockey and plans to earn that center position. Jace is also slowly rebuilding his life after breaking up with Axel's best friends. The two are at logger heads from the very beginning. The constant bickering and chirping is disrupting the team. So the coach puts them together for extra training and puts them in charge of an important fund raising event. Eventually Jace realizes that he has to tell Axel the truth about his best friend and hope that he believes him. Slowly Axel's resentment and anger begins to fade. Then they begin to learn who the other is after the rink. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series.

I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Maker - Ava Olsen
5/5✨🌟

** SPOILER **

𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱. 𝘐𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥…𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.

This is my favorite book by Ava. I seriously could not put it down and I was so sad when this book was over with. I’m so excited for the next installment with this series.

Axel and Jace had the best chemistry of enemies to lovers that I’ve ever read and I was so here for it. The angst was so good and it made me be on the edge of my seat to see what other turmoil these two would get into.

How Jace was portrayed was horrible by Axel’s best friend and Preston was just awful. I’m so glad that Axel finally did believe Jace over Preston because it was so messed up. Both Jace and Axel definitely went through some things in life and I loved the mental health rep because it made you feel so many things.

Axel’s family was completely awful and I’m glad that they got what they deserved. I loved the spicy scenes with Axel and Jace. It was super spicy and I especially loved the hotel room scene. Totally was not expecting that much spice.

The found family here was amazing and I love that Axel finally found his footing and finally got the acceptance that he needed. Also, I loved that these two were here for one another through the tough times.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Noa Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I wanted to fit in somewhere, anywhere, and most of all here. I just didn’t know how." - Axel

"Spilling my guts to my rival? Sure. But my friend? Nope." - Jace

Axel is best friends with Jace, his ex. That means that they really couldn't stand each other for a while, until Jace had a conversation with his aunt Josie, who made him realize that Axel may not know the truth about his best friend. They had conversations about that, and they understood each other's side more. There was an attraction between them, and they explored that. I loved the moments between the players and that the other character from the other books could help Axel and Jace. It's hard for Axel to open up, but he really has a great team around him now. He made friends, and they found each other.

This book has a lot of spicy times and to me that made the book feel flat, I just don't feel their chemistry and I just don't really understand why they like each other, I just didn't feel this book. It felt like everything except spicy time was very on the background. I really loved the first book (Rule Breaker, almost gave that 5 stars) and that had a more deeper meaning in showing mental health (that had more details), and forming a connection and this book just wasn't it for me.

I received an ARC copy of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two are cute together. I like this author’s way of creating characters who shouldn’t like each other but just can’t help being drawn together. That same vibe from book 1 carried through into this one. The romance is sweet & spicy and I thought the family and personal issues were handled well and integrated into the story.

This does lose points for hockey inaccuracy, which drives me bananas in sports romances. The “center line” position is *not a thing* and it’s not something that gets selected or assigned as a leadership position by the coach. Someone could be the first line centre, yes, but that could change from game to game and is not assigned permanently. Two guys who sometimes play together and sometimes play on different lines would not both be likely to be vying for first line centre - the way these two practice and work together on the ice they would much more likely be a centre and a winger. And sometimes they’d be on the first line and sometimes not depending on the coach’s whim, the play of the game, injuries, etc. Not getting facts right in a book that’s meant to be about that subject is a huge pet peeve of mine. /rant

Other than that this is a cute, fun, spicy read.

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

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to be back at Sutton U with the Cougars! Play Maker brings a fiery enemies-to-lovers romance between Axel and Jace, filled with tension, chemistry, and just the right amount of angst. Their animosity stems from high school drama involving Jace's messy breakup with Axel’s best friend—an event that clouded their reunion at Sutton. But as truths come out and misunderstandings are cleared, we see just how compatible they truly are.

Axel and Jace have fantastic on-ice chemistry and even better off-ice heat. I loved that they opened up to each other, supported one another, and didn’t shy away from confronting their feelings. Axel's confidence and determination to go after what he wants—despite his toxic family and complicated past—really stood out. And while Jace tested my patience at times, his emotional growth made their romance feel earned.

The side characters, team banter, and cameos from Kayden and Maddox added a fun, familiar vibe. The setup for the next book has me very excited—especially since it looks like a forbidden romance is brewing!

A fun, heartfelt sports romance with great pacing, strong character arcs, and an emotionally satisfying payoff. Highly recommend this one if you love rivals-to-lovers, hockey boys, and found family feels.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fab book by Ava Olsen, who is fast becoming one of my must read immediately author's!
Book 1 I adored, this was pretty amazing too.
Jace and Axel took their time to get through their conflicts and finally face what we could all see, they are just so right for each other!
It felt like Axel was just so unlucky, he had the worst family ever, his only true friend wasn’t a nice person at all, he hated his college course and never felt he belonged anywhere, my heart went out to him and I just wanted him to find his HEA.
Jace has his own issues, life hasn’t been easy for him either but I liked that both MC’s were a little broken.
I loved the angst and drama, followed by the passion and laughs, I loved the friends and the banter, the support everyone gives each other, I loved the premise for the next book and can’t wait for it, the only thing I didn’t love so much was that I still have so many questions! What will happen to Axel’s parents, his brother? What will he do about his ‘uncle’? Why did Preston need to appear? And what will happen to him! All things we don’t really need to know but ultimately I need answers!!
Looking forward to the next instalment.

[August June 💘 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was such a disappointment and I am seriously offended. I don't understand why the authors set up a story line in the beginning in a particular way but fail to go through it towards the later chapters. In the initial chapters, you will hear repeatedly from Jace that he is bossy and he wants/needs control in the bedroom and Axel is shown as blushing and wanting to bottom so much even though he is 'straight'.

I have read and have been OK when the storyline supports change in MC's personalities where the dominating one wants to let go with the MC as he found the right person. But no such discussion happens here. Author just puts up that bossy storyline in the 1st half and just flips the characters. The only scene where Axel is begs is when he wants a kiss from Jace. This happens twice. I am sorry, is this what Jace being 'bossy' mean?! Not to say, Jace becomes almost exclusive bottom and Axel is happy topping. Then why the hell would author wants to set us up for failure with inconsistent storyline. wth.

I dont like fillers in my books. But this book has so much about others and not as much interaction between MCs as I would like and want.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

story of Jace and Axel

This is an rivals to more romance, featuring Jace and Axel, and is book two in the Bar Down series.

Rivals on and off the ice, Axel and Jace are forced onto the same college hockey team, where old grudges and buried secrets ignite a fierce competition. But as their chemistry builds, their rivalry turns into something much more complicated.

I’m loving this series. This story is pretty low angst but there are times where Jace’s past comes up and his mental health is discussed. Axel and Jace had fiery chemistry and once they start working together in the ice, spicy action follows and I loved seeing their relationship blossom.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM college romance
Rivals to more
Hockey teammates
Family secrets
Hurt / Comfort
Mental health themes
Push / Pull
Bi awakening
Flirting
Secret relationship
Spicy times & dirty talk
Marking
Obsessed & possessive
Honey play
Pet names
Both fall hard
Coming out
HEA