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Monumental
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
CODY
"I know who I am and I know where I'm going."
Or at least, I always thought I did. Until I meet him. Luke Carrington, defenseman for the Aurora Mountain Lions. The most happy-go-lucky guy I've ever met. My new teammate. My new roomie. Someone who sends pucks flying around in my belly when I promised myself I'd never fall for a guy again unless he's ace.
From my dad and brother leaving to my mom micromanaging my life, I've set one goal for to reach the NHL and become the best goalie I can be. But now that I'm here, I find myself wanting more. I find myself wanting him.
LUKE
They don't call me the Comeback Kid for nothing. Nothing gets me down - not even a freeze-your-butt-off Colorado winter or a failing season. There isn't a challenge I won't take on. And I wanna take on our new goalie, Cody Mitchell. Only he's ace and he's friend zoned me. And me... Well, come to think of it, I'm not sure. From living and breathing hockey all my life, there's been no time for love or dating.
As easy as life has been, things always going my way, I suddenly find myself wanting the one thing I can't have. Him.
MONUMENTAL is a low-angst ace MM hockey romance featuring two swoonie MCs falling for each other while playing the game they love. Expect a whole lotta locker room banter, an out-of-control obsession with Reese's Cups, and cute celebrity crushes. So lace up your skates for some top-tier pining, kisses that'll leave you breathless and guys who've got flow.
CODY
"I know who I am and I know where I'm going."
Or at least, I always thought I did. Until I meet him. Luke Carrington, defenseman for the Aurora Mountain Lions. The most happy-go-lucky guy I've ever met. My new teammate. My new roomie. Someone who sends pucks flying around in my belly when I promised myself I'd never fall for a guy again unless he's ace.
From my dad and brother leaving to my mom micromanaging my life, I've set one goal for to reach the NHL and become the best goalie I can be. But now that I'm here, I find myself wanting more. I find myself wanting him.
LUKE
They don't call me the Comeback Kid for nothing. Nothing gets me down - not even a freeze-your-butt-off Colorado winter or a failing season. There isn't a challenge I won't take on. And I wanna take on our new goalie, Cody Mitchell. Only he's ace and he's friend zoned me. And me... Well, come to think of it, I'm not sure. From living and breathing hockey all my life, there's been no time for love or dating.
As easy as life has been, things always going my way, I suddenly find myself wanting the one thing I can't have. Him.
MONUMENTAL is a low-angst ace MM hockey romance featuring two swoonie MCs falling for each other while playing the game they love. Expect a whole lotta locker room banter, an out-of-control obsession with Reese's Cups, and cute celebrity crushes. So lace up your skates for some top-tier pining, kisses that'll leave you breathless and guys who've got flow.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
49 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 20, 2025
3,5 stars rounded up, because we need more books with ace MCs!!!
I loved the ace rep, both Cody ad Luke were on the ace spectrum. The author treated the topic with care and love. She said in her author's note that she discovered as an adult married woman with 2 children that she was asexual, and I felt throughout the book how dear the topic to the author was.
I wasn't a fan of the selfish-mum-villain plot and everything that entailed.
The hockey part felt more like background noise, not central to the story.
But yes, I loved the book's intent and how the author wrote the intimacy between Cody and Luke.
Ps if someone can recommend mm romances with ace characters, I'd be very grateful!
I loved the ace rep, both Cody ad Luke were on the ace spectrum. The author treated the topic with care and love. She said in her author's note that she discovered as an adult married woman with 2 children that she was asexual, and I felt throughout the book how dear the topic to the author was.
I wasn't a fan of the selfish-mum-villain plot and everything that entailed.
The hockey part felt more like background noise, not central to the story.
But yes, I loved the book's intent and how the author wrote the intimacy between Cody and Luke.
Ps if someone can recommend mm romances with ace characters, I'd be very grateful!
April 30, 2025
I didn't think it would be so difficult to write a review of this book. I can't quite seem to explain what I thought of it. I was going to say that the writing style didn't quite work for me, but I can't explain why. I was going to say that the plot was sugary sweet, but it didn't really do much for me and again, I couldn't really put my finger on why. And then I thought about the ace rep, which I liked quite a bit, but then I wanted to say that there are other books that portray ace a tiny bit better. And I immediately felt bad about those thoughts, because there is literally nothing wrong with this representation. Nothing. It was really good, with lots of explanation and deep thoughts from the characters. It worked. It just might not have been my favourite. So again, I don't really know what to make of this book, but I definitely can't say I didn't like it.
December 8, 2024
Where to even begin?
This book is my favorite of Anja’s. It has everything I could ever want and even more I didn’t even know I needed.
Such a different story to other hockey books, the way Cody is afraid to be with someone who isn’t ace because he wants to stay true to himself and not feel forced in a relationship to be sexual. Luke’s journey as he figures out he too is ace and them working together and communicate their wants and needs in a relationship. So beautifully written!
Luke is my newest book boyfriend. He’s so perfectly himself. Fun, caring, swoon worthy, protective, and sweet 😍
Cody… poor Cody. I wanted to hug him so many times. He deals with a lot, but luckily Luke comes along and now he won’t have to be alone anymore.
The hockey scenes! Omg it was like I was there. I was so invested in their games, something I normally skip through in most hockey books since I honestly find them boring most of the time. But not this one! My heart was beating and I willed my eyes to read faster and faster. It was amazingly good!
Anja made sure to add a lot of how both Cody and Luke experienced being ace, how they felt and what it can mean to be ace in a relationship even with a partner who isn’t ace.
I was lucky enough to beta read it and I had so many notes to Anja with “love” and “lol” because I simply couldn’t find other words, too busy reading this wonderful story to formulate sentences 😍😂
This book is my favorite of Anja’s. It has everything I could ever want and even more I didn’t even know I needed.
Such a different story to other hockey books, the way Cody is afraid to be with someone who isn’t ace because he wants to stay true to himself and not feel forced in a relationship to be sexual. Luke’s journey as he figures out he too is ace and them working together and communicate their wants and needs in a relationship. So beautifully written!
Luke is my newest book boyfriend. He’s so perfectly himself. Fun, caring, swoon worthy, protective, and sweet 😍
Cody… poor Cody. I wanted to hug him so many times. He deals with a lot, but luckily Luke comes along and now he won’t have to be alone anymore.
The hockey scenes! Omg it was like I was there. I was so invested in their games, something I normally skip through in most hockey books since I honestly find them boring most of the time. But not this one! My heart was beating and I willed my eyes to read faster and faster. It was amazingly good!
Anja made sure to add a lot of how both Cody and Luke experienced being ace, how they felt and what it can mean to be ace in a relationship even with a partner who isn’t ace.
I was lucky enough to beta read it and I had so many notes to Anja with “love” and “lol” because I simply couldn’t find other words, too busy reading this wonderful story to formulate sentences 😍😂
September 8, 2025
In principle, this is a decent book.
🏒 MM sport (hockey) romance
♥️ ace/ace-awakening
🏒 dual POV
♥️ introvert/extrovert
🏒 found family and tenderness
♥️ no spice (well, obv).
And yet ...
a) I was more invested in Cody's family dynamics than the romance
b) Dear A.E. Jensen, maybe stick to what you know ♥️
Excerpt 1:
KILL ME BEFORE I READ THIS DIALOGUE [I am too Italian for this - plus, they went on and on about how tagliatelle are just larger spaghetti]
Excerpt 2:
Totally unrealistic portrayal of the Nordics. The Nordics do have socialist roots, but these days buying an apartment in one of the major cities will cost you around 9,000 Euros per square meter - so welcome to capitalism in the Nordics 💸💸💸 (yes, I am in debt for the rest of my days). I get why you might dislike the US, but do your homework before idolizing what's on the other side of the pond.
KILL ME BEFORE I READ THIS
Excerpt 3:
And that typo where caUsality became casUality?
KILL ME BEFORE I READ THIS TYPO
🏒 MM sport (hockey) romance
♥️ ace/ace-awakening
🏒 dual POV
♥️ introvert/extrovert
🏒 found family and tenderness
♥️ no spice (well, obv).
And yet ...
a) I was more invested in Cody's family dynamics than the romance
b) Dear A.E. Jensen, maybe stick to what you know ♥️
Excerpt 1:
“I hope you like tagliatelle,” [...]
“Taglia...” he blushes shyly, his voice wary. Uncertain.
“It’s just a fancy name for spaghetti,” my father says, blowing on his coffee, and Cody nods, relief painted across his face.
KILL ME BEFORE I READ THIS DIALOGUE [I am too Italian for this - plus, they went on and on about how tagliatelle are just larger spaghetti]
Excerpt 2:
Totally unrealistic portrayal of the Nordics. The Nordics do have socialist roots, but these days buying an apartment in one of the major cities will cost you around 9,000 Euros per square meter - so welcome to capitalism in the Nordics 💸💸💸 (yes, I am in debt for the rest of my days). I get why you might dislike the US, but do your homework before idolizing what's on the other side of the pond.
KILL ME BEFORE I READ THIS
Excerpt 3:
And that typo where caUsality became casUality?
KILL ME BEFORE I READ THIS TYPO
January 13, 2025
When I saw the tropes and blurb, I just knew I was gonna love this book.
But I have to admit that I wondered how I would feel about the lack of sex, cause I kinda love those scenes in books. It shows an intimacy and bond between the characters that I love. And I’m not gonna lie, it’s hot as f!
Did I have reason to feel worried about any of this? NOT AT ALL! It’s A.E Jensen! Of course she can bring the intimacy and bond between the characters in different ways 💛
And it’s an ACE romance, not all ACE persons are the same.
Anja wrote these precious boys amazingly well. It’s so emotional and I just love the connection between them. I’ve been teary eyed because of the beauty of this story, and the way she let the characters grow 💛 And love, tender touches, intimacy, feelings, kisses and affection between the characters are hot as f! Because true love is hot! I’m in awe… it’s just everything I hoped for.
As always A.E Jensen writes characters we fall in love with, and want to protect and hug! Luke is just freaking amazing. I loved his outgoing, easy way of being himself.
And Cody, my poor boy, you are so true to yourself and I’m so glad you took a chance on opening up to Luke. You deserve all the love!
Luke has some protective, «mine» vibes to him, and I loved that!!!
I’m not a huge hockey fan, yes I can watch it cause it’s fun. In this story it’s written like I’m there watching everything, even though I don’t know all the hockey terms and rules. Good job!
If you’ve read and loved A.E Jensen in the past, you know you get a beautiful, unique story. If this is your first, enjoy 💛
But I have to admit that I wondered how I would feel about the lack of sex, cause I kinda love those scenes in books. It shows an intimacy and bond between the characters that I love. And I’m not gonna lie, it’s hot as f!
Did I have reason to feel worried about any of this? NOT AT ALL! It’s A.E Jensen! Of course she can bring the intimacy and bond between the characters in different ways 💛
And it’s an ACE romance, not all ACE persons are the same.
Anja wrote these precious boys amazingly well. It’s so emotional and I just love the connection between them. I’ve been teary eyed because of the beauty of this story, and the way she let the characters grow 💛 And love, tender touches, intimacy, feelings, kisses and affection between the characters are hot as f! Because true love is hot! I’m in awe… it’s just everything I hoped for.
As always A.E Jensen writes characters we fall in love with, and want to protect and hug! Luke is just freaking amazing. I loved his outgoing, easy way of being himself.
And Cody, my poor boy, you are so true to yourself and I’m so glad you took a chance on opening up to Luke. You deserve all the love!
Luke has some protective, «mine» vibes to him, and I loved that!!!
I’m not a huge hockey fan, yes I can watch it cause it’s fun. In this story it’s written like I’m there watching everything, even though I don’t know all the hockey terms and rules. Good job!
If you’ve read and loved A.E Jensen in the past, you know you get a beautiful, unique story. If this is your first, enjoy 💛
April 6, 2025
This MM Hockey Romance is very different from any other I’ve read before, in so far as both MC are struggling to define their boundaries, being asexual men.
I’m a huge fan of A.J. Jensen and have read all her books to date, all very different, yet still written with her distinct touch. I love how deep she goes in building her characters. Cody and Luke stole my heart watching their struggles, especially, Cody. What a despicable, vengeful piece Cody’s mother was to her children. 😱🤮. Loved the characters in their team and the camaraderie between such a diverse bunch. Waiting patiently for AJ’s next book.
I’m a huge fan of A.J. Jensen and have read all her books to date, all very different, yet still written with her distinct touch. I love how deep she goes in building her characters. Cody and Luke stole my heart watching their struggles, especially, Cody. What a despicable, vengeful piece Cody’s mother was to her children. 😱🤮. Loved the characters in their team and the camaraderie between such a diverse bunch. Waiting patiently for AJ’s next book.
January 4, 2025
Arc Review
Incredible Anja, how do you write such powerful books.
What a book. I am going to have to read something phenomenal to beat this to my favourite read of the year.
Cody Mitchell (Manning) was left heartbroken at age nine when his two favourite people in the world, his dad and brother left him and his mom. Dad promised he would come back and get Cody once he was settled after the divorce. His mom then continued to feed his hatred towards his dad.
Cody loved to play ice hockey and wanted to make it big in the NHL.
Luke Carrington is the D-man for the Aurora Mountain Lions NHL team and their season is going from bad to worse. Loosing most of their games and now their first goalie is injured and out for the rest of the season.
Cody is called up to be the replacement second goalie, fulfilling a lifetime dream. He impresses that much on his first skate he gets to play and with that the team win. Cody thinks about his dad and brother all the time.
Cody thinks the world of Luke and has seen him play many times and cannot believe he gets to play alongside him as well as be his roommate.
Cody is ace 🖤🩶🤍💜and has always found it difficult to be attracted to anyone or have feelings. This low angst beautiful story is written with such grace and knowledge. I cried happy and sad tears. The main characters are wonderfully described, you can imagine what they look like and how they would act.
Anja, every book you write just gets better and better. You truly are amazing and were born to be an author. Everyone should read all your books. Whatever you write I will read, even if you wrote the phone book.
If you want beautifully written, pure love that emanates the pages then this is for you. I honestly cannot give this book enough stars. I cried sad tears, cried happy tears and was totally immersed.
I would like the slap Cody’s mom.
I would like to give this more than the 5⭐️ as it deserves so much more.
“Kissing Cody is like seeing the beginning of time while someone whispers all the secrets of the universe into your ear”.
Incredible Anja, how do you write such powerful books.
What a book. I am going to have to read something phenomenal to beat this to my favourite read of the year.
Cody Mitchell (Manning) was left heartbroken at age nine when his two favourite people in the world, his dad and brother left him and his mom. Dad promised he would come back and get Cody once he was settled after the divorce. His mom then continued to feed his hatred towards his dad.
Cody loved to play ice hockey and wanted to make it big in the NHL.
Luke Carrington is the D-man for the Aurora Mountain Lions NHL team and their season is going from bad to worse. Loosing most of their games and now their first goalie is injured and out for the rest of the season.
Cody is called up to be the replacement second goalie, fulfilling a lifetime dream. He impresses that much on his first skate he gets to play and with that the team win. Cody thinks about his dad and brother all the time.
Cody thinks the world of Luke and has seen him play many times and cannot believe he gets to play alongside him as well as be his roommate.
Cody is ace 🖤🩶🤍💜and has always found it difficult to be attracted to anyone or have feelings. This low angst beautiful story is written with such grace and knowledge. I cried happy and sad tears. The main characters are wonderfully described, you can imagine what they look like and how they would act.
Anja, every book you write just gets better and better. You truly are amazing and were born to be an author. Everyone should read all your books. Whatever you write I will read, even if you wrote the phone book.
If you want beautifully written, pure love that emanates the pages then this is for you. I honestly cannot give this book enough stars. I cried sad tears, cried happy tears and was totally immersed.
I would like the slap Cody’s mom.
I would like to give this more than the 5⭐️ as it deserves so much more.
“Kissing Cody is like seeing the beginning of time while someone whispers all the secrets of the universe into your ear”.
January 9, 2025
Monumental is the latest offering from the very fabulously A E Jensen, and this story is just simply beautiful.
Luke and Cody are both hockey players who are drafted to the same team. They have an instant connection but neither of them know what to do with it. Cody is clear in his asexuality, where as Luke isn’t clear where he fits into the spectrum of asexuality. These two fabulous men find a peace in each other that they didn’t know they needed. They work together to find their own identity and what they mean to each other.
The difference between the up bringing and the families of these two men is so vast and a little heart breaking. Cody was raise by a controlling mother who removed his father and brother from his life. Luke was raised by loving parents and has two sassy sisters. The journey Cody goes on to find himself with regards to family, finding his dad and brother and accepting Luke’s family as his own, is heart breaking and beautiful all at the same time.
Their story is simply beautiful, and educational, which as a non asexual person, I appreciate.
A E Jensen writing is always beautiful and powerful, but this story on particular is both of things and so much more.
Side note… I agree, Reese’s over Snickers everytime 😜
Luke and Cody are both hockey players who are drafted to the same team. They have an instant connection but neither of them know what to do with it. Cody is clear in his asexuality, where as Luke isn’t clear where he fits into the spectrum of asexuality. These two fabulous men find a peace in each other that they didn’t know they needed. They work together to find their own identity and what they mean to each other.
The difference between the up bringing and the families of these two men is so vast and a little heart breaking. Cody was raise by a controlling mother who removed his father and brother from his life. Luke was raised by loving parents and has two sassy sisters. The journey Cody goes on to find himself with regards to family, finding his dad and brother and accepting Luke’s family as his own, is heart breaking and beautiful all at the same time.
Their story is simply beautiful, and educational, which as a non asexual person, I appreciate.
A E Jensen writing is always beautiful and powerful, but this story on particular is both of things and so much more.
Side note… I agree, Reese’s over Snickers everytime 😜
May 26, 2025
Rounding up from 3.5
Read this in one sitting so I definitely cared about the characters.
Love the ace rep. This was sweet. I don’t think the mom had to be vilified to such an extent. Loved the teammates. I’m sure they’ll be in future books.
Read this in one sitting so I definitely cared about the characters.
Love the ace rep. This was sweet. I don’t think the mom had to be vilified to such an extent. Loved the teammates. I’m sure they’ll be in future books.
January 10, 2025
Luke and Cody were so unbelievably sweet. This book is a lovely love story that at its core is about self discovery and healing. I loved both characters and I really enjoyed how the author built up their connection and intimacy slowly but surely. An intimacy that may not be the norm in most romance novels but which was unbelievably beautiful nonetheless. It was touching, how steadfast Luke is, how soft and sure Cody is. While their connection feels inevitable the author gave them quite the task of figuring out and trusting what their HEA could look like. I also loved Luke’s family.
This is a sweet, low angst, happy and swoony hockey romance with a ton of depth in the messages of celebrating differences, inclusivity, self love and tribe, that it leaves you with.
Expect:
🖤 Hockey romance
🩶 Ace MCs
🤍 Roomies/teammates
💜 You’re mine vibes
🖤 Sexual Awakening
🩶 Hurt/comfort
🤍 Tons of endearments
💜 Protective MC
🖤Tattoos
This is a sweet, low angst, happy and swoony hockey romance with a ton of depth in the messages of celebrating differences, inclusivity, self love and tribe, that it leaves you with.
Expect:
🖤 Hockey romance
🩶 Ace MCs
🤍 Roomies/teammates
💜 You’re mine vibes
🖤 Sexual Awakening
🩶 Hurt/comfort
🤍 Tons of endearments
💜 Protective MC
🖤Tattoos
February 3, 2025
2,5 rounded to 3 stars because I totally agree with the authour's values and opinions.
slight edits to my original review of a few days ago.
Still essentially only ramblings...
My thoughts are still more ramblimgs than a review...
The story is clearly very very dear to her heart. Espescially the ace topic.
I was so thrilled to finally get MCs that are not personified eggplant emojis!
But being too personally involved might also create a problem - and the ace topic felt more like a lecture than part of the story, at least to me.
Sometimes, if we are too involved, this affects the flow of the story itself.
It'd have been sooo much better if the ace agenda and political opinion could have been worked more seamlessly INTO the story than sitting in front.
I wish the political situation in Europe were so sensible as seen here - even countries that should know better than to give the far right any leeway do so right now. Scandinavia might be less stupid still, but I wish the rest of us were more intelligent!!
Cody, the youngster without any college background and an airhead as parent, has a rather educated view of the political landscape in the US and Europe. With the US education system being what it is (US centric), that's not impossible but not very likely unless we see him actively following politics. It's quite a feat to stay on top of politics depending on your news channels. I'd say it'd have been necessary to SHOW him reading /watching the news /newspapers of good quality at least every once in a while, but unless I've missed a lot we did not get him spending time doing so.
Why not have him have discussions about such topics on a more basic level with Luke, or his European colleagues who should have a broader horizon, e.e. all sorts of people? Not just with Luke's parents at their first meeting. Also, it was more one lecture by Cody and praise by Luke's parents, no real exchange.
However, the MCs mainly watch Netflix?
And watch trendy queer movies and series?
I'm aware the younger players are not afraid to e.g. confess to knowing and liking e.g. Taylor Swift. But Heartstopper?
It's a great series, yes, but it seems very wishful thinking. As I follow some teams on Social Media, the vibe I get even from the less macho teams is still different less Heartstopper-Love Simon, more Mario Kart loving, golf afficionados. Though I might be wrong.
Both MCs were cute, but I really never got a proper feeling of them as real people. Too ideal/perfect?
And players that obsessed with sweets? Though I might be wrong.
Also, a lot of the hockey stuff didn't sit comfortably with me:
Cody comes across like a superheroe, he's such a brick wall as a goalie - no nerves and invincible immediately. He gets a huge amount of starts, a rookie which seems quite a lot for a young guy whom no one wants to burn out.
And the locker room was that accepting, instantly? Not even the asshole is a proper asshole?
A rookie having the balls to confess to Troye Sivan as his celebrity crush? Wow. Cody must have balls of steel even - but invincible as he is, he might be able to pull this off.
Also, he's got this strange timid-superhero switch thing going on: I just can't get a handle on both the MCs, they simply don't feel like threedimensional characters to me.
Then their roles: As far as I know hockey, yes, the goalie and his defense forms a kind of unit.
But I always thought that the d-men are more closely knit and the goalie is a kind of planet of his own. Though I might be wrong?
D-men and goalies can be close - see the Oilers' Vinny and Skinny in 23/24 (Desharnais and Skinner). Yet the d-men usually work in twos and the defense relies on well oiled d-men pairings (see Dunn and Larsson in Seattle).
One d-man and the goalie as dyamic duo? It seems strange. But then I could be wrong.
But then: The epilogue with the cup final - noooo way!
First: the two MCs playing against each other. As head coach, I'd have my doubts if I could trust Luke/Cody respectively enough to not inadvertentely not play 1000 % against the other.
But one has to lose - and he loses this nonchalantly?
The fucking STANLEY Cup finals????
And the beat reporter is hunting for a top story and regards a private matter like a marriage as more important than any tidbit about the fucking STANLEY CUP FINALS?
On a night like the that, would a player as important as the goalie really just exit the locker room and go about his evening with his husband.
Who just LOST the game to the other team??? REALLY??
Yes, goalies are said to be weird. Not celebrating the win with your team would be the weirdest thing a goalie could do in that moment, I guess.
Seems VERY weird to me considering the nature and intensity of the game and the role of team dynamic. You win as a team. It's just too intense a game and too grueling a competition not to celebrate like crazy. An absolute wonderful description of such a celebration can be found in Ari Baran's Delay of Game - it reminded me of the Vegas Knights celebrating the 2023 cup run, just much better. You felt the TEAM and each player celebrating.
And almost last but not least: The insta love. That's my pet peeve. I don't get it, for me it's falling in love with one's idea of a person not the person him/herself. Instant attraction, yes, that is totally fine.
I'm just VERY hesitant if the MC/MCs are smitten from almost the start. Please, get to know the other person and THAN fall helplessly in love. That's loving the person, not your idea of him/her.
LAST bit: yes, some people cry easily. But a young man, a pro athlete who had to fend for himself from so early on, to cry so easily? I could be totally wrong, but it didn't feel right.
And wow, did the Mannings cry easily...
slight edits to my original review of a few days ago.
Still essentially only ramblings...
My thoughts are still more ramblimgs than a review...
The story is clearly very very dear to her heart. Espescially the ace topic.
I was so thrilled to finally get MCs that are not personified eggplant emojis!
But being too personally involved might also create a problem - and the ace topic felt more like a lecture than part of the story, at least to me.
Sometimes, if we are too involved, this affects the flow of the story itself.
It'd have been sooo much better if the ace agenda and political opinion could have been worked more seamlessly INTO the story than sitting in front.
I wish the political situation in Europe were so sensible as seen here - even countries that should know better than to give the far right any leeway do so right now. Scandinavia might be less stupid still, but I wish the rest of us were more intelligent!!
Cody, the youngster without any college background and an airhead as parent, has a rather educated view of the political landscape in the US and Europe. With the US education system being what it is (US centric), that's not impossible but not very likely unless we see him actively following politics. It's quite a feat to stay on top of politics depending on your news channels. I'd say it'd have been necessary to SHOW him reading /watching the news /newspapers of good quality at least every once in a while, but unless I've missed a lot we did not get him spending time doing so.
Why not have him have discussions about such topics on a more basic level with Luke, or his European colleagues who should have a broader horizon, e.e. all sorts of people? Not just with Luke's parents at their first meeting. Also, it was more one lecture by Cody and praise by Luke's parents, no real exchange.
However, the MCs mainly watch Netflix?
And watch trendy queer movies and series?
I'm aware the younger players are not afraid to e.g. confess to knowing and liking e.g. Taylor Swift. But Heartstopper?
It's a great series, yes, but it seems very wishful thinking. As I follow some teams on Social Media, the vibe I get even from the less macho teams is still different less Heartstopper-Love Simon, more Mario Kart loving, golf afficionados. Though I might be wrong.
Both MCs were cute, but I really never got a proper feeling of them as real people. Too ideal/perfect?
And players that obsessed with sweets? Though I might be wrong.
Also, a lot of the hockey stuff didn't sit comfortably with me:
Cody comes across like a superheroe, he's such a brick wall as a goalie - no nerves and invincible immediately. He gets a huge amount of starts, a rookie which seems quite a lot for a young guy whom no one wants to burn out.
And the locker room was that accepting, instantly? Not even the asshole is a proper asshole?
A rookie having the balls to confess to Troye Sivan as his celebrity crush? Wow. Cody must have balls of steel even - but invincible as he is, he might be able to pull this off.
Also, he's got this strange timid-superhero switch thing going on: I just can't get a handle on both the MCs, they simply don't feel like threedimensional characters to me.
Then their roles: As far as I know hockey, yes, the goalie and his defense forms a kind of unit.
But I always thought that the d-men are more closely knit and the goalie is a kind of planet of his own. Though I might be wrong?
D-men and goalies can be close - see the Oilers' Vinny and Skinny in 23/24 (Desharnais and Skinner). Yet the d-men usually work in twos and the defense relies on well oiled d-men pairings (see Dunn and Larsson in Seattle).
One d-man and the goalie as dyamic duo? It seems strange. But then I could be wrong.
But then: The epilogue with the cup final - noooo way!
First: the two MCs playing against each other. As head coach, I'd have my doubts if I could trust Luke/Cody respectively enough to not inadvertentely not play 1000 % against the other.
But one has to lose - and he loses this nonchalantly?
The fucking STANLEY Cup finals????
And the beat reporter is hunting for a top story and regards a private matter like a marriage as more important than any tidbit about the fucking STANLEY CUP FINALS?
On a night like the that, would a player as important as the goalie really just exit the locker room and go about his evening with his husband.
Who just LOST the game to the other team??? REALLY??
Yes, goalies are said to be weird. Not celebrating the win with your team would be the weirdest thing a goalie could do in that moment, I guess.
Seems VERY weird to me considering the nature and intensity of the game and the role of team dynamic. You win as a team. It's just too intense a game and too grueling a competition not to celebrate like crazy. An absolute wonderful description of such a celebration can be found in Ari Baran's Delay of Game - it reminded me of the Vegas Knights celebrating the 2023 cup run, just much better. You felt the TEAM and each player celebrating.
And almost last but not least: The insta love. That's my pet peeve. I don't get it, for me it's falling in love with one's idea of a person not the person him/herself. Instant attraction, yes, that is totally fine.
I'm just VERY hesitant if the MC/MCs are smitten from almost the start. Please, get to know the other person and THAN fall helplessly in love. That's loving the person, not your idea of him/her.
LAST bit: yes, some people cry easily. But a young man, a pro athlete who had to fend for himself from so early on, to cry so easily? I could be totally wrong, but it didn't feel right.
And wow, did the Mannings cry easily...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐
Monumental is a standalone book by author A.E. Jensen. Here’s what you can expect from Luke and Cody:
🖤 MM hockey romance
🩶 First person dual point of view
🤍 Guaranteed happily ever after
💜 Asexual representation
🖤 Roommates/teammates to boyfriends
🩶 Hurt/comfort
🤍 Locker room banter, Reese’s vs. Snickers, and celebrity crushes
💜 Boundaries and communication
As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings and triggers may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
I was so excited when I learned A.E. Jensen was going to be writing an asexual romance, and even more excited when I saw it was going to be a hockey romance! I love reading books with different kinds of representation, and one with two asexual main characters isn’t something I’ve encountered just yet. I thought she did an amazing job with it, and it’s clear her life experience shaped this book in the best possible way. I loved how Cody was so sure of his sexuality, and although he knew it could be a lonely place to be (especially when you couple it with his tumultuous upbringing), he was proud of who he was. In contrast, Luke hadn’t quite figured it out yet. We got to go along on his journey to learning about his asexual identity, and it was such a beautiful and emotional ride we went on with him. It was incredible seeing him go to the asexual support groups with Cody, while prioritizing learning about himself. As much as he cared for Cody, he didn’t want to “fit” simply to be with him. He wanted to learn about himself so he could be his best, true self and I think that’s very admirable.
This book was just incredibly sweet and emotionally intimate. Watching Luke and Cody transition from teammates and roommates to friends to boyfriends was adorable. I hated how they had to go back and forth, and it was understandably difficult for them to come together as Luke was still learning about himself and they both wanted to protect their team and hockey careers. But they were so strong as a couple, and I appreciated that the angst in the later part of the book came from outside their relationship because it only strengthened their bond. I also think Jensen did an awesome job with the hockey portions of the story! It was such an important piece to Luke and Cody’s development, and I felt like there were times when I was fully immersed on the ice with them. Her trademark emotions and hurt/comfort style of writing shone through, and Cody and Luke’s story truly was a breath of fresh air to read.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Monumental is a standalone book by author A.E. Jensen. Here’s what you can expect from Luke and Cody:
🖤 MM hockey romance
🩶 First person dual point of view
🤍 Guaranteed happily ever after
💜 Asexual representation
🖤 Roommates/teammates to boyfriends
🩶 Hurt/comfort
🤍 Locker room banter, Reese’s vs. Snickers, and celebrity crushes
💜 Boundaries and communication
As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings and triggers may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
I can’t possibly go back to a life in the shadows now that I know how good— how phenomenal— it feels to be basking in the warmth of Luke’s attention.
I was so excited when I learned A.E. Jensen was going to be writing an asexual romance, and even more excited when I saw it was going to be a hockey romance! I love reading books with different kinds of representation, and one with two asexual main characters isn’t something I’ve encountered just yet. I thought she did an amazing job with it, and it’s clear her life experience shaped this book in the best possible way. I loved how Cody was so sure of his sexuality, and although he knew it could be a lonely place to be (especially when you couple it with his tumultuous upbringing), he was proud of who he was. In contrast, Luke hadn’t quite figured it out yet. We got to go along on his journey to learning about his asexual identity, and it was such a beautiful and emotional ride we went on with him. It was incredible seeing him go to the asexual support groups with Cody, while prioritizing learning about himself. As much as he cared for Cody, he didn’t want to “fit” simply to be with him. He wanted to learn about himself so he could be his best, true self and I think that’s very admirable.
This book was just incredibly sweet and emotionally intimate. Watching Luke and Cody transition from teammates and roommates to friends to boyfriends was adorable. I hated how they had to go back and forth, and it was understandably difficult for them to come together as Luke was still learning about himself and they both wanted to protect their team and hockey careers. But they were so strong as a couple, and I appreciated that the angst in the later part of the book came from outside their relationship because it only strengthened their bond. I also think Jensen did an awesome job with the hockey portions of the story! It was such an important piece to Luke and Cody’s development, and I felt like there were times when I was fully immersed on the ice with them. Her trademark emotions and hurt/comfort style of writing shone through, and Cody and Luke’s story truly was a breath of fresh air to read.
“Yes,” I say. “I think you’re the most beautiful boy in the world, Cody. So beautiful that my heart hurts just looking at you.” And it’s true. It hurts. But in a good way. In the fucking best of ways.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2024
I received an ARC of Monumental by A.E. Jensen, and I devoured this book. This grabbed a hold of me and did not let me go. This is the kind of book that will stick with me long after I've put it down. Cody and Luke are as monumental as the title and I'm so thankful to have gotten to read this & experience their journey.
As soon as I heard the author talk about this book, I knew I needed to read it. I was so excited about this book it was almost ridiculous, and it exceeded every expectation that I had. I don't think I've ever read a book with a more fitting title because the way this book made me feel was Monumental, like my feelings were too much to contain throughout so many parts of this book. It's been a long time since I've read something that legitimately made me cry. I was needing tissues in the first chapter and don't get me started on the ugly happy tears I shed in the last few chapters.
The book says low angst and I think that the low angst is in relation to the two MC's journey together. Once Luke gets ahold of Cody, he never lets go. They navigate solidly together and while there are harsh moments while figuring things out, Luke never fails to be the rock that Cody needs. The solid voice of reason to hush all the demons in Cody's head when they get too loud.
But Cody's individual journey in this story is anything but low angst. Cody resonates because the author shows the damage to an amazing human's mental health that was caused by an emotionally abusive and manipulative parent from an early age. A significant sense of loneliness and lack of self worth. A mind built around walls because all he knows is the despair of forever being isolated and alone and that he's never enough. And even when Luke comes along to fix all of his broken bits, the very real fear and hesitation that runs through Cody while he learns to trust in Luke and he learns to trust in himself that he deserves Luke and all the good things that Luke brings to his life.
Cody and Luke are absolutely adorable. They are kick your feet in the air sweetness that even the coach laments that too much time spent in their presence is diabetes inducing. Their exploration of intimacy is spell-binding. I felt more reading their intimate moments than I have while reading pure spice in other books.
I loved the ace representation. The individual journeys that the concept that knowing doesn't automatically quantify to having it all figured out. Cody knew his sexuality and Luke didn't realize his until Cody came along. But even though Cody knew he was ace, his relationship with Luke still had him questioning and testing his own boundaries within both himself and his relationship.
I love that Luke gave Cody the strength to draw boundaries in his life and to reach out for the things he wanted and feared the most. Both of these men are simply amazing humans. I feel like Cody's journey is so significant and emotional and Luke is just this superhero of epic proportions.
Their love is a beautiful journey of intimacy, the way they orbit around each other is everchanging and with constant support, patience, and open communication they know they'll grow and figure out all the pieces together. Absolutely lovely story through and through, and I ate this up, could not put it down, and just devoured this book. Impossible not to love the characters, to understand them, resonate with them, cry with them, and cheer with them. This is easily one of my favorite all time reads and will be one of those comfort books that I'll come back to and re-read over and over again.
As soon as I heard the author talk about this book, I knew I needed to read it. I was so excited about this book it was almost ridiculous, and it exceeded every expectation that I had. I don't think I've ever read a book with a more fitting title because the way this book made me feel was Monumental, like my feelings were too much to contain throughout so many parts of this book. It's been a long time since I've read something that legitimately made me cry. I was needing tissues in the first chapter and don't get me started on the ugly happy tears I shed in the last few chapters.
The book says low angst and I think that the low angst is in relation to the two MC's journey together. Once Luke gets ahold of Cody, he never lets go. They navigate solidly together and while there are harsh moments while figuring things out, Luke never fails to be the rock that Cody needs. The solid voice of reason to hush all the demons in Cody's head when they get too loud.
But Cody's individual journey in this story is anything but low angst. Cody resonates because the author shows the damage to an amazing human's mental health that was caused by an emotionally abusive and manipulative parent from an early age. A significant sense of loneliness and lack of self worth. A mind built around walls because all he knows is the despair of forever being isolated and alone and that he's never enough. And even when Luke comes along to fix all of his broken bits, the very real fear and hesitation that runs through Cody while he learns to trust in Luke and he learns to trust in himself that he deserves Luke and all the good things that Luke brings to his life.
Cody and Luke are absolutely adorable. They are kick your feet in the air sweetness that even the coach laments that too much time spent in their presence is diabetes inducing. Their exploration of intimacy is spell-binding. I felt more reading their intimate moments than I have while reading pure spice in other books.
I loved the ace representation. The individual journeys that the concept that knowing doesn't automatically quantify to having it all figured out. Cody knew his sexuality and Luke didn't realize his until Cody came along. But even though Cody knew he was ace, his relationship with Luke still had him questioning and testing his own boundaries within both himself and his relationship.
I love that Luke gave Cody the strength to draw boundaries in his life and to reach out for the things he wanted and feared the most. Both of these men are simply amazing humans. I feel like Cody's journey is so significant and emotional and Luke is just this superhero of epic proportions.
Their love is a beautiful journey of intimacy, the way they orbit around each other is everchanging and with constant support, patience, and open communication they know they'll grow and figure out all the pieces together. Absolutely lovely story through and through, and I ate this up, could not put it down, and just devoured this book. Impossible not to love the characters, to understand them, resonate with them, cry with them, and cheer with them. This is easily one of my favorite all time reads and will be one of those comfort books that I'll come back to and re-read over and over again.
January 4, 2025
What a story! It was a feast of recognition, it was everything!
First a little introduction.
Cody’s mom is a constant noise in his ear. “Forget you’re Dad, he got your brother, I’ve got you! He’s a loser. He doesn’t care about you”
Indoctrinated by his mom, who’s micromanaging his life, Cody is hurt, and he just can’t seem to keep her at arm’s length.
He misses his dad and brother. He missed so much while growing up. You’ll understand soon enough his soul is scarred.
His chance to climb up the ladder to the NHL, and become the best goalie, secretly imagining a proud dad, is his only goal in life.
Luke is trained to: ‘keep going, get up, go on, put yourself together, keep going’.
And it worked, nothing gets him down. Well, maybe one thing, someone… the new goalie Cody.
So far the introduction.
What follows was just mindblowing good. The ace rep was everything, I got hugely emotional.
Cody is ace and has a bad experience with a boyfriend. Luke is open about his attraction, but Cody made it clear he can’t get involved with Luke. His already scarred soul can’t handle any more rejection.
Sweet considered Luke (I want to scream from the rooftops how much I love him) is so warm, open, and kind, Cody was just swept off his feet by Luke’s charming personality.
“I’m so far gone for this man. If I was any more gone, I would be invisible.”
I don’t want to spoil about what follows. Believe me, it’s precious!
Ice Hockey and the teammates are important in this story, family too, (except one, ugh).
While the secondary plot lines are important and entertaining, the big line is about the blooming relationship between Luke and Cody, the significance of being ace, and the learning curve of it in their relationship.
The author did a sublime job! The process was wonderful and smooth!
It’s written with so much love in it, that my heart skipped more than once. The whole story made me feel in awe of the writing skills of this author, where do all these beautiful words come from?
I found both guys magnificent, the way they love, so deeply, be still my heart!
Overall, it was a precious moving story I didn’t want to end, it was super romantic and full of the best love levels!
Why do good books have to end 🥹
First a little introduction.
Cody’s mom is a constant noise in his ear. “Forget you’re Dad, he got your brother, I’ve got you! He’s a loser. He doesn’t care about you”
Indoctrinated by his mom, who’s micromanaging his life, Cody is hurt, and he just can’t seem to keep her at arm’s length.
He misses his dad and brother. He missed so much while growing up. You’ll understand soon enough his soul is scarred.
His chance to climb up the ladder to the NHL, and become the best goalie, secretly imagining a proud dad, is his only goal in life.
Luke is trained to: ‘keep going, get up, go on, put yourself together, keep going’.
And it worked, nothing gets him down. Well, maybe one thing, someone… the new goalie Cody.
So far the introduction.
What follows was just mindblowing good. The ace rep was everything, I got hugely emotional.
Cody is ace and has a bad experience with a boyfriend. Luke is open about his attraction, but Cody made it clear he can’t get involved with Luke. His already scarred soul can’t handle any more rejection.
Sweet considered Luke (I want to scream from the rooftops how much I love him) is so warm, open, and kind, Cody was just swept off his feet by Luke’s charming personality.
“I’m so far gone for this man. If I was any more gone, I would be invisible.”
I don’t want to spoil about what follows. Believe me, it’s precious!
Ice Hockey and the teammates are important in this story, family too, (except one, ugh).
While the secondary plot lines are important and entertaining, the big line is about the blooming relationship between Luke and Cody, the significance of being ace, and the learning curve of it in their relationship.
The author did a sublime job! The process was wonderful and smooth!
It’s written with so much love in it, that my heart skipped more than once. The whole story made me feel in awe of the writing skills of this author, where do all these beautiful words come from?
I found both guys magnificent, the way they love, so deeply, be still my heart!
Overall, it was a precious moving story I didn’t want to end, it was super romantic and full of the best love levels!
Why do good books have to end 🥹
January 9, 2025
"𝙰𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚜 𝙸 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚏𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚎, 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚞𝚗𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚍. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚑𝚒𝚖. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚖. 𝙸𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚎𝚜."
Oh, Luke and Cody...these sweet and special lover boys!!
From the beginning, I wanted to protect Cody forever and always. I don't know that I would describe him as shy but he's very guarded - which makes sense when you know what he experienced growing up.
Luke is just a ray of sunshine. When he and Cody land on the same hockey team together, they're instantly drawn to each other. It's so cute because Luke is this adorable yapper and you can tell Cody is unsure at first but instinctively recognizes that Luke is a safe space. It's like when you don't realize how tightly your muscles are contracted until your shoulders start to subconsciously relax - this is what I visualized for Cody as he was growing into himself through his relationship with Luke.
This is the first book I've read with two ace characters, maybe the first book with ace rep I've read at all. I really appreciated Luke and Cody's communication on what it means to be asexual, the struggle in knowing what it means for yourself as an individual and as a person in a relationship - that's it's not one size fits all, and the absolute swoon-fest they proved to be as they navigated all of it together.
The sweetest kisses, maximum cuddling, an ultra protective mc - and both literal and figurative found family...there's no part I wasn't in love with. 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 is so fitting for Luke and Cody because that's what it felt like reading their story. And obviously, Reese's beats Snickers any day of the week!
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
Oh, Luke and Cody...these sweet and special lover boys!!
From the beginning, I wanted to protect Cody forever and always. I don't know that I would describe him as shy but he's very guarded - which makes sense when you know what he experienced growing up.
Luke is just a ray of sunshine. When he and Cody land on the same hockey team together, they're instantly drawn to each other. It's so cute because Luke is this adorable yapper and you can tell Cody is unsure at first but instinctively recognizes that Luke is a safe space. It's like when you don't realize how tightly your muscles are contracted until your shoulders start to subconsciously relax - this is what I visualized for Cody as he was growing into himself through his relationship with Luke.
This is the first book I've read with two ace characters, maybe the first book with ace rep I've read at all. I really appreciated Luke and Cody's communication on what it means to be asexual, the struggle in knowing what it means for yourself as an individual and as a person in a relationship - that's it's not one size fits all, and the absolute swoon-fest they proved to be as they navigated all of it together.
The sweetest kisses, maximum cuddling, an ultra protective mc - and both literal and figurative found family...there's no part I wasn't in love with. 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 is so fitting for Luke and Cody because that's what it felt like reading their story. And obviously, Reese's beats Snickers any day of the week!
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
January 7, 2025
My God, Anja.... After every book of yours I read, I think I fall a little more in love with your writing. You wrote something outside your normal, outside the "normal" romance genre, and it paid off. This far surpassed what I was expecting. I don't see a lot of Ace representation in books. Whether that's because of backlash (you know those who say this isn't being Ace) or 'those people' who think it isn't real, that it's all just in your head. Or because people really don't know the best way to write it and still make an interesting book. Who knows for sure. But A.E. Jensen nailed it. I'm so proud of you for accomplishing something you've wanted to do for so long. For writing a book that shows that no matter who you are or what you do, you matter. You're important, and your feelings are valid.
Cody and Luke are so freaking adorable. Cody is a shy cinnamon roll, and Luke is an over excited golden retriever. Their magnetism toward each other was instantaneous. The rooftop scene had me squealing and wanting to throw my Kindle from one sentence to the next. I wanted to throttle Cody. I understand, but I just wanted to shake him and scream to just let himself be loved!! There were so many great and memorable scenes. There is one i was praying would be in there somewhere, and it was!! The scene where the opposing team player goes after Cody (the goalie) and Luke sees red. I wanted a "Don't touch our goalie!" fight and they delivered. It was perfect.
I love that Luke had his conversation with Riley. I actually laughed through most of that scene. His drawings were a nice touch to his personality. And I'm glad the boys have him in their corner.
If I could change anything, I would have liked to see what happened between Cody and his dad. We see Danny, but not Dad.
Congratulations, A.E. Jensen on another incredible book. It is truly Monumental.
Cody and Luke are so freaking adorable. Cody is a shy cinnamon roll, and Luke is an over excited golden retriever. Their magnetism toward each other was instantaneous. The rooftop scene had me squealing and wanting to throw my Kindle from one sentence to the next. I wanted to throttle Cody. I understand, but I just wanted to shake him and scream to just let himself be loved!! There were so many great and memorable scenes. There is one i was praying would be in there somewhere, and it was!! The scene where the opposing team player goes after Cody (the goalie) and Luke sees red. I wanted a "Don't touch our goalie!" fight and they delivered. It was perfect.
I love that Luke had his conversation with Riley. I actually laughed through most of that scene. His drawings were a nice touch to his personality. And I'm glad the boys have him in their corner.
If I could change anything, I would have liked to see what happened between Cody and his dad. We see Danny, but not Dad.
Congratulations, A.E. Jensen on another incredible book. It is truly Monumental.
December 31, 2024
4.5 stars!
Boy was this a different way to look at romance! Going in I knew that we were being introduced to Ace characters, and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but as always Anja had me in all of my feels the whole book. Whether it was my brain trying to navigate what being Ace is like for a person, or how sad I was for sweet Cody, or how in awe of the most perfect book boyfriend ever Luke I felt it all! I think some might read this and have a hard time understanding a nonsexual intimate relationship, but I’m here to say there are so many other ways one can connect with Cody and Luke. There story is about wanting to be accepted, wanting to not feel so alone, wanting to not be judged. They want to feel hopeful and loved and secure, and to know they are enough just the way they are. It was so different reading a romance where there is zero sex, no build up to sex, nada, but still a romantic relationship. I thought maybe it would make their love story less intimate, but it maybe made it more intimate? Cody and Luke are all sweet touches, gentle kisses, snuggles, and Reese’s. It’s two people who are scared shitless, but decide to bet on each other and take the big jump and hope someone catches them. It’s a story that allowed me to see love and relationships from a totally different view than my own, and for that I am so thankful! It’s why I read and it’s why I love Anja’s books so much, because although I can’t relate wholly to their relationship I can relate to so many of their other life experiences and feel all of it so deeply.
Boy was this a different way to look at romance! Going in I knew that we were being introduced to Ace characters, and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but as always Anja had me in all of my feels the whole book. Whether it was my brain trying to navigate what being Ace is like for a person, or how sad I was for sweet Cody, or how in awe of the most perfect book boyfriend ever Luke I felt it all! I think some might read this and have a hard time understanding a nonsexual intimate relationship, but I’m here to say there are so many other ways one can connect with Cody and Luke. There story is about wanting to be accepted, wanting to not feel so alone, wanting to not be judged. They want to feel hopeful and loved and secure, and to know they are enough just the way they are. It was so different reading a romance where there is zero sex, no build up to sex, nada, but still a romantic relationship. I thought maybe it would make their love story less intimate, but it maybe made it more intimate? Cody and Luke are all sweet touches, gentle kisses, snuggles, and Reese’s. It’s two people who are scared shitless, but decide to bet on each other and take the big jump and hope someone catches them. It’s a story that allowed me to see love and relationships from a totally different view than my own, and for that I am so thankful! It’s why I read and it’s why I love Anja’s books so much, because although I can’t relate wholly to their relationship I can relate to so many of their other life experiences and feel all of it so deeply.
December 25, 2025
3.5 stars
This was such a lovely story, oh my gosh Luke and Cody are beyond adorable!
I adored how they became fast friends, how they clicked together, how they were utterly besotted with each other. I loved their honesty and Luke protectiveness.
I'm not an expert, but I believe the ace representation was very well done.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Through the whole book, while waiting to know what happened with Cody's dad and why he stayed away from his son, I kept thinking that the evil mom had blackmailed him in some way.
When it's reveal that no, his father gave up after Cody's mom moved and changed their name, I was baffled: this woman kidnapped her son, basically, and his father just did nothing. No police, no lawyer involved, no drama.
She just took his son away and Glenn accepted to have lost a son. He went into depression but after five years he was also happily married with another woman and had two stepchildren.
And his brother Danny? He was a lawyer, for crying out loud, and yet he did nothing too.
Fifteen years wasted just like that. I get that Cody didn't try to find them because his mom's manipulative behaviour made him believe he was unworthy, but I don't accept this passiveness from a father.
Worse, in the epilogue it's hinted that Cody would be willing to reconnect with his mother if she takes responsibility of her actions. Responsibilities? She's a criminal!
And why isn't Cody seeing a therapist to deal with the trauma his mother inflicted him?
The rest of the team is amazing, such a bunch of funny and supportive guys.
This was such a lovely story, oh my gosh Luke and Cody are beyond adorable!
I adored how they became fast friends, how they clicked together, how they were utterly besotted with each other. I loved their honesty and Luke protectiveness.
I'm not an expert, but I believe the ace representation was very well done.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Through the whole book, while waiting to know what happened with Cody's dad and why he stayed away from his son, I kept thinking that the evil mom had blackmailed him in some way.
When it's reveal that no, his father gave up after Cody's mom moved and changed their name, I was baffled: this woman kidnapped her son, basically, and his father just did nothing. No police, no lawyer involved, no drama.
She just took his son away and Glenn accepted to have lost a son. He went into depression but after five years he was also happily married with another woman and had two stepchildren.
And his brother Danny? He was a lawyer, for crying out loud, and yet he did nothing too.
Fifteen years wasted just like that. I get that Cody didn't try to find them because his mom's manipulative behaviour made him believe he was unworthy, but I don't accept this passiveness from a father.
Worse, in the epilogue it's hinted that Cody would be willing to reconnect with his mother if she takes responsibility of her actions. Responsibilities? She's a criminal!
And why isn't Cody seeing a therapist to deal with the trauma his mother inflicted him?
The rest of the team is amazing, such a bunch of funny and supportive guys.
January 9, 2025
Swooning !!
My bestie has done it again. She took a story with some new elements for her and really showed how she can make a beautiful love story out of anything ! In this story we get lots of hockey with an ace rep. Cody and Luke are near and dear to my heart and I loved seeing their love build through all the ups and downs. This one has the perfect amount of hockey fun and a super intriguing story line.
This was the first time I have ever read a story with an ACE character. It was so fun to learn something new and see inside Cody's mind when he's wanting to have someone in his life but being scared they won't accept him for who he is. Luke is boyfriend goals all day. The sweetest, most understanding and patient guy ever ! We all need a Luke.
I also loved the side characters. Lots of fun personalities in that locker room. This book might have had an ace rep storyline but the plot itself kept me so into it I didn't miss that side of the story at all. I just loved these guys and their love for each other !!
My bestie has done it again. She took a story with some new elements for her and really showed how she can make a beautiful love story out of anything ! In this story we get lots of hockey with an ace rep. Cody and Luke are near and dear to my heart and I loved seeing their love build through all the ups and downs. This one has the perfect amount of hockey fun and a super intriguing story line.
This was the first time I have ever read a story with an ACE character. It was so fun to learn something new and see inside Cody's mind when he's wanting to have someone in his life but being scared they won't accept him for who he is. Luke is boyfriend goals all day. The sweetest, most understanding and patient guy ever ! We all need a Luke.
I also loved the side characters. Lots of fun personalities in that locker room. This book might have had an ace rep storyline but the plot itself kept me so into it I didn't miss that side of the story at all. I just loved these guys and their love for each other !!
January 14, 2025
This book was everything I have been craving for the past while...sweet and swoony with just a smidgen of angst...this book made me smile in so many ways...it made me swoon...it made my heart skip a beat...it infuriated me...I.E...Cody's egg donor...and of course it made me tear up...because come on is it even an @anjalovesbooks book if you don't at least shed a few tears? I fell in love with these two precious boys the moment I started reading...Cody when he was 9 years old having to say goodbye to his Dad and big brother...and Luke with his ramblings and Reese's over Snickers rant..because yes Reese's is the superior candy..HANDS DOWN!! I did something with this amazingly written book that i haven't done with others..I started on the edit before I even made it halfway through...I was just this excited for it..
I honestly was on my toes excited when I seen Anja was coming out with another book..because HELLO IT IS ANJA, PEOPLE...🤣😂..and I was ready for some Ace characters...i am a girl who can read a book with little to no spice...but y'all the intimacy between these two was SPECTACULAR...it was SWOONWORTHY...it was the kind that makes you just sit there and just hold your hand over your heart and just stare into nothingness for a few seconds..
Cody, my dear boy...you brought out the Mama Bear in me..i just wanted to scoop you up and say I am your momma now...I am so happy that all your dreams came true...and even the dreams that you were not expecting came knocking on your door via our happy resident of the Aurora Mountain Lions..
Luke, Luke, Luke...all I can say YOU. GO. ON. WITH. YOUR. DON'T. TOUCH. MY. MAN. SELF...I adore you!!! And adding the corset...yep you added about a gazillion more reasons why I love you..😉😘
I honestly was on my toes excited when I seen Anja was coming out with another book..because HELLO IT IS ANJA, PEOPLE...🤣😂..and I was ready for some Ace characters...i am a girl who can read a book with little to no spice...but y'all the intimacy between these two was SPECTACULAR...it was SWOONWORTHY...it was the kind that makes you just sit there and just hold your hand over your heart and just stare into nothingness for a few seconds..
Cody, my dear boy...you brought out the Mama Bear in me..i just wanted to scoop you up and say I am your momma now...I am so happy that all your dreams came true...and even the dreams that you were not expecting came knocking on your door via our happy resident of the Aurora Mountain Lions..
Luke, Luke, Luke...all I can say YOU. GO. ON. WITH. YOUR. DON'T. TOUCH. MY. MAN. SELF...I adore you!!! And adding the corset...yep you added about a gazillion more reasons why I love you..😉😘
January 12, 2025
Such a special book. I’m a sucker for love being more than just sec and that HEA looks different for everyone.
Luke and Cody discovering themselves as young men with the baggage they each come with could have made it so hard. But they had beautiful open communication and trusted the other so well. I loved that even within their ACE there was instant attraction but still with knowing what was….even in the hesitancy. Such a beautiful deprivation of ACE rep and I just loved the care and understanding they showed one another
I was also totally here for the crying ups man….that scene just made my day.
Pre-bed routines to quiet the brain
All the shades of green
And beautiful parents who help bandage the wounds of shitty ones.
PSA-no sex in this book and they are perfect and gorgeous and have a beautiful intimacy that is not always shown when it’s always sex.
Luke and Cody discovering themselves as young men with the baggage they each come with could have made it so hard. But they had beautiful open communication and trusted the other so well. I loved that even within their ACE there was instant attraction but still with knowing what was….even in the hesitancy. Such a beautiful deprivation of ACE rep and I just loved the care and understanding they showed one another
I was also totally here for the crying ups man….that scene just made my day.
Pre-bed routines to quiet the brain
All the shades of green
And beautiful parents who help bandage the wounds of shitty ones.
PSA-no sex in this book and they are perfect and gorgeous and have a beautiful intimacy that is not always shown when it’s always sex.
January 7, 2025
I absolutely loved this sweet, emotional, beautiful story!
Cody and Luke were so stinkin' cute i could die. I loved Luke's unwavering support of Cody and how he proved he'd always be there for him no matter their relationship since Cody has abandonment issues from being separated from his father and brother at a young age and just wants to he loved and accepted.
I loved all the kisses and cuddles and adorably sweet moments that showed romance can be all sorts of things, not just sexual acts.
As an ace person myself, it's nice to relate to characters in a book so deeply, and the way Cody struggled to feel like he was enough hit home for me so hard because it's something I myself struggle with and I'm sure so many people do as well.
I love how everything worked out with the team and Cody's injury, and the ending was everything I needed, and it was all around a super cute story that I'd definitely recommend!
Cody and Luke were so stinkin' cute i could die. I loved Luke's unwavering support of Cody and how he proved he'd always be there for him no matter their relationship since Cody has abandonment issues from being separated from his father and brother at a young age and just wants to he loved and accepted.
I loved all the kisses and cuddles and adorably sweet moments that showed romance can be all sorts of things, not just sexual acts.
As an ace person myself, it's nice to relate to characters in a book so deeply, and the way Cody struggled to feel like he was enough hit home for me so hard because it's something I myself struggle with and I'm sure so many people do as well.
I love how everything worked out with the team and Cody's injury, and the ending was everything I needed, and it was all around a super cute story that I'd definitely recommend!
January 20, 2025
This book shows very well how a romance novel doesn’t have to have se* involved. Most of the books I read have some se*ual content or it’s at least implied, but I knew I would love this story just as much for the raw emotions and sweet moments of connection. These ace boys learn together that intimacy and relationships can take many forms. While Cody is certain of his Ace status, Luke is just beginning to understand himself. They’re so very sweet together. We should all be so lucky as to be loved for who we are, how we need to be loved, whatever that might look like for each person.
January 7, 2025
A beautiful double ace representation of two men figuring out what works best for them. Cody has a lot of baggage from a mom who only cares for him to become a pro a hockey player and a brother and father who seemed to have disappeared forever after a bad divorce. Luke comes from a loving and supportive family who happily take in Cody to show love is unconditional. These two have a beautiful and supportive relationship that was made to stand the test of time, even when on separate teams they make each their priority. I'm glad to see an author understand what ace is, and that's a valid life choice, and you can be happy with that choice. It was a beautifully emotional and well thought out journey.
June 27, 2025
2,8 ⭐️ rounded up
DNF 49%
I don’t think this book is bad. It’s just. Lacks something that’s hard for me to pinpoint.
The story is nice. It’s earnest, it’s sweet.
But. It feels a bit like a lecture. A construct of “the perfect case of two ace guys falling in love”. And I’m just bored.
I want an inspired story not a predigested portrayal of “how it could be”.
So. Sorry. Not for me.
And no, the ace’ness of the story didn’t bother me. I love ace rep in books. Just not in this one.
DNF 49%
I don’t think this book is bad. It’s just. Lacks something that’s hard for me to pinpoint.
The story is nice. It’s earnest, it’s sweet.
But. It feels a bit like a lecture. A construct of “the perfect case of two ace guys falling in love”. And I’m just bored.
I want an inspired story not a predigested portrayal of “how it could be”.
So. Sorry. Not for me.
And no, the ace’ness of the story didn’t bother me. I love ace rep in books. Just not in this one.
December 31, 2024
What an amazing book! So well written (as always with A.E. Jensen).
I love these boys 🥰
It’s refreshing to read a book with all the feelings and the intimacy but without the smut (although I love smut). The way their feelings are described are so so good. I love the way Luke is there for Cody ❤️
I love these boys 🥰
It’s refreshing to read a book with all the feelings and the intimacy but without the smut (although I love smut). The way their feelings are described are so so good. I love the way Luke is there for Cody ❤️
March 5, 2025
DNF @ 37%
Honestly, was kinda boring. Cody and Luke felt like they barely had any meaningful interactions that deepened their relationship before the first kiss. There was Luke's explicit inclusion of Cody during their first practice, Luke offering Cody his free room, Snickers vs. Reese's, and a couple of post win celebrations with the team? Then we suddenly get a timelapse about how living together felt like they just clicked, but w/o actually showing an instance of it, it just felt cheap. You can live together with a roomie and just be friends. I need to see explicit pining and affection before a timelapse like that happens so my brain fills in the empty spots with cute moments.
Then we get sly queer signaling with Cody mentioning Troye Sivan and Luke offering to watch gay movies, which was fine, but again, there wasn't any real draw between the two. Sure both Cody and Luke showed physical attraction, but where was the emotional connection? I needed way more of Luke offering Cody Tylenol scene and less "idk what it is about him, by we just click" or "wait, am I stressed out? Note to self, check if I'm stressed" bs.
TL;DR Romance was too sparse honestly. Ace rep is interesting, but in lieu of sex, I was expecting more emotional connection which didn't really happen.
Honestly, was kinda boring. Cody and Luke felt like they barely had any meaningful interactions that deepened their relationship before the first kiss. There was Luke's explicit inclusion of Cody during their first practice, Luke offering Cody his free room, Snickers vs. Reese's, and a couple of post win celebrations with the team? Then we suddenly get a timelapse about how living together felt like they just clicked, but w/o actually showing an instance of it, it just felt cheap. You can live together with a roomie and just be friends. I need to see explicit pining and affection before a timelapse like that happens so my brain fills in the empty spots with cute moments.
Then we get sly queer signaling with Cody mentioning Troye Sivan and Luke offering to watch gay movies, which was fine, but again, there wasn't any real draw between the two. Sure both Cody and Luke showed physical attraction, but where was the emotional connection? I needed way more of Luke offering Cody Tylenol scene and less "idk what it is about him, by we just click" or "wait, am I stressed out? Note to self, check if I'm stressed" bs.
TL;DR Romance was too sparse honestly. Ace rep is interesting, but in lieu of sex, I was expecting more emotional connection which didn't really happen.
January 1, 2025
I received an ARC of this wonderful book and here's my honest review:
There are 2 things I usually dislike when reading books, 1) when it's written in 1st person PoV and 2) when it's written in present tense.
Monumental has both of those aspects BUT I didn't even mind at all, because Anja's writing style and the story pulled me right in and had me hooked. I literally had teary eyes for the first time at only 18% in, so that's when I knew this was gonna be a truly emotional read, and it definitely was!
Being demi/ace myself, I could relate to Cody and Luke's feelings so much, and it was the main reason why I totally wanted to read this book asap – because there aren't many books out there with ace characters, and probably even less with 2 ace MCs, maybe this even is the only one, idk. The book focusing heavily on this topic also made it a great read for me despite it being a hockey romance because I have zero clue about hockey and it simply doesn't interest me a lot as a game.
It was so very interesting to get to read about the way Cody is ace and the way Luke is ace and their mutual journey to self-discovery and self-acceptance, it was very inspiring and also educational in some form, because even tho I'm on the ace spectrum myself, there still is so much to learn and discover. And I already can tell that Luke and Cody's story kinda will help me to figure out more about what it actually means to be ace, and for this, I'd like to thank Anja.
Overall, it was such a sweet romance of two endearing and beautiful boys falling in love with each other and learning how to love each other in their very own way 💜
The only thing that I have to remark which I didn't always enjoy was that some descriptions in some paragraphs were just too long and a bit unnecessary and it took out the flow a bit because it dropped the pace, I feel like this story also could have been told in a couple less pages and still would have been fucking amazing, but maybe that was just my impression and other people won't feel that way.
Favourite snippets:
"There’s a world of longing in his voice that I recognize in myself. It’s the type of longing that never goes away. It’s part of our DNA even from before we draw our first breath. We need. We want. We crave."
'“Because it’s always the things we don’t do that haunt us at the end of our lives. It’s never the blows that life gave us or the hardship that fate sent our way. It’s never our mistakes. It’s what we failed to do. It’s those small pieces of happiness and light that we didn’t grab that fill us with regret. That leave us wishing we’d been brave and just gone for it. Because they could’ve changed everything. They could’ve been something great. Monumental even.”'
"I want him in a much more all-consuming way; like he was made just for me and that his soul calls out to mine."
'“I’m so fucking into you, Mitchell,” he repeats against my lips, and I gobble up every single word as I kiss him again. And again. And again. I kiss him until I no longer know where I end, and he begins. Until I forget my own name. I kiss him like he’s my new favorite ice cream flavor and he kisses me back unapologetically.'
"In that moment, he was my fucking hero. He is my hero. And he loves me. Luke loves me."
There are 2 things I usually dislike when reading books, 1) when it's written in 1st person PoV and 2) when it's written in present tense.
Monumental has both of those aspects BUT I didn't even mind at all, because Anja's writing style and the story pulled me right in and had me hooked. I literally had teary eyes for the first time at only 18% in, so that's when I knew this was gonna be a truly emotional read, and it definitely was!
Being demi/ace myself, I could relate to Cody and Luke's feelings so much, and it was the main reason why I totally wanted to read this book asap – because there aren't many books out there with ace characters, and probably even less with 2 ace MCs, maybe this even is the only one, idk. The book focusing heavily on this topic also made it a great read for me despite it being a hockey romance because I have zero clue about hockey and it simply doesn't interest me a lot as a game.
It was so very interesting to get to read about the way Cody is ace and the way Luke is ace and their mutual journey to self-discovery and self-acceptance, it was very inspiring and also educational in some form, because even tho I'm on the ace spectrum myself, there still is so much to learn and discover. And I already can tell that Luke and Cody's story kinda will help me to figure out more about what it actually means to be ace, and for this, I'd like to thank Anja.
Overall, it was such a sweet romance of two endearing and beautiful boys falling in love with each other and learning how to love each other in their very own way 💜
The only thing that I have to remark which I didn't always enjoy was that some descriptions in some paragraphs were just too long and a bit unnecessary and it took out the flow a bit because it dropped the pace, I feel like this story also could have been told in a couple less pages and still would have been fucking amazing, but maybe that was just my impression and other people won't feel that way.
Favourite snippets:
"There’s a world of longing in his voice that I recognize in myself. It’s the type of longing that never goes away. It’s part of our DNA even from before we draw our first breath. We need. We want. We crave."
'“Because it’s always the things we don’t do that haunt us at the end of our lives. It’s never the blows that life gave us or the hardship that fate sent our way. It’s never our mistakes. It’s what we failed to do. It’s those small pieces of happiness and light that we didn’t grab that fill us with regret. That leave us wishing we’d been brave and just gone for it. Because they could’ve changed everything. They could’ve been something great. Monumental even.”'
"I want him in a much more all-consuming way; like he was made just for me and that his soul calls out to mine."
'“I’m so fucking into you, Mitchell,” he repeats against my lips, and I gobble up every single word as I kiss him again. And again. And again. I kiss him until I no longer know where I end, and he begins. Until I forget my own name. I kiss him like he’s my new favorite ice cream flavor and he kisses me back unapologetically.'
"In that moment, he was my fucking hero. He is my hero. And he loves me. Luke loves me."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
Monumental’ by @anjalovesbooks - I had the privilege of beta reading this book for Anja, it took me a while to put this review together and I am so grateful that Anja included me on her team. Thank you and this was a wonderful experience.
Anja - You did it again. You transported me, this time, to the beautiful world of Luke and Cody, I felt them, I knew them, they whispered secrets in my ear, they sent me a message, one we often forget. Luke and Cody reminded me that love can flourish in the quietest moments of connection, in the softest touches and the deepest mutual understanding.
Anja has crafted such a tale with this heartwarming book about two ace men who find a sweet tender kind of love through emotional support, and an intimacy that is as romantic as it is pure. I will protect Cody at all costs, I will fight for him with spears and arrows because of what he’s been through. Cody is a sensitive boy who deserved so much more, he deserved to be loved unconditionally, cherished and cared for. All things that he never received but craved and missed, until he met Luke. Luke gave him all this and more effortlessly, Luke was generous with his love and affection, it was the most tender and beautiful thing to see. I will love and be forever grateful for Luke, he was perfection, he was everything Cody needed. I kid you not - this sweetheart is what book boyfriends are made of. If you’ve read Occasional Fire and Saints, Luke gives off some Joe vibes and if you’ve read Loud Places, definitely some Austin vibes. Can you tell that I’m obsessed with Anja’s MCs?
Luke and Cody’s relationship thrives on shared vulnerability, sweet moments of cuddling and gentle kisses, it’s a kind that transcends certain traditional expectations. It is incredibly moving to see a relationship that prioritizes tenderness and emotional connection over physical and sexual expressions of love and connection. Anja portrays this dynamic with an authenticity that is both inspiring and rare.
Intimacy is found in the quiet conversations held during sweet cuddles, the trust they place in each other’s presence, and the small, thoughtful acts of care that reflect their deep bond. The romantic moments are so understated, yet they hold all the power that is impossible to ignore. Every kiss, every lingering touch, every shared glance feels meaningful.
As always, this book is beautifully written (which doesn’t surprise me one bit), it has that wonderful familiar Anja flair, reading it felt like coming home. It is a deeply emotional journey that will leave you with your heart full. It’ll have you SWOONING, the most amount of swooning I’ve ever done. Romance and intimacy has been so perfectly captured!
Anja - You did it again. You transported me, this time, to the beautiful world of Luke and Cody, I felt them, I knew them, they whispered secrets in my ear, they sent me a message, one we often forget. Luke and Cody reminded me that love can flourish in the quietest moments of connection, in the softest touches and the deepest mutual understanding.
Anja has crafted such a tale with this heartwarming book about two ace men who find a sweet tender kind of love through emotional support, and an intimacy that is as romantic as it is pure. I will protect Cody at all costs, I will fight for him with spears and arrows because of what he’s been through. Cody is a sensitive boy who deserved so much more, he deserved to be loved unconditionally, cherished and cared for. All things that he never received but craved and missed, until he met Luke. Luke gave him all this and more effortlessly, Luke was generous with his love and affection, it was the most tender and beautiful thing to see. I will love and be forever grateful for Luke, he was perfection, he was everything Cody needed. I kid you not - this sweetheart is what book boyfriends are made of. If you’ve read Occasional Fire and Saints, Luke gives off some Joe vibes and if you’ve read Loud Places, definitely some Austin vibes. Can you tell that I’m obsessed with Anja’s MCs?
Luke and Cody’s relationship thrives on shared vulnerability, sweet moments of cuddling and gentle kisses, it’s a kind that transcends certain traditional expectations. It is incredibly moving to see a relationship that prioritizes tenderness and emotional connection over physical and sexual expressions of love and connection. Anja portrays this dynamic with an authenticity that is both inspiring and rare.
Intimacy is found in the quiet conversations held during sweet cuddles, the trust they place in each other’s presence, and the small, thoughtful acts of care that reflect their deep bond. The romantic moments are so understated, yet they hold all the power that is impossible to ignore. Every kiss, every lingering touch, every shared glance feels meaningful.
As always, this book is beautifully written (which doesn’t surprise me one bit), it has that wonderful familiar Anja flair, reading it felt like coming home. It is a deeply emotional journey that will leave you with your heart full. It’ll have you SWOONING, the most amount of swooning I’ve ever done. Romance and intimacy has been so perfectly captured!
January 19, 2025
💟 Cody & Luke 💟
✨✨✨✨✨ Book Review
MONUMENTAL by A.E. Jensen - The story that has never been told.
The story of two boys who discover themselves and find each other.
It's an ACE MM hockey romance and I've never read this kind of love story before. A.E. Jensen surprises us with every book she writes. This time she reveals the world and feelings of boys who are ACE. Cody & Luke are two of the most swoon-worthy young men I've read about. Hockey is the game of their lives and while playing they fall in love with each other. 💟💟
Cody, my sweet and beautiful baby, you are everything that Luke is looking for. Give him a chance to be there for you and love you just as you are. Luke, my adorable protector, you are the most lovable, sweetest and patient person I've read about. You are everything that Cody needs and he will love you no matter what.
I absolutely love and adore these two boys and their chemistry is sizzling from the start. I love how intimate and breath-taking their love story is even without se#.
Anja, you have written THE BOOK and I love everything about it. 💜💜
Luke, the swoon-worthy ultimate book boyfriend and Cody, who is such a lovable and beautiful boy. He is an ACE and he knows where he's going. What he wants from his life is to be loved and find that person. He comes from a broken family and he has not met his dad & older brother for 13 years. His mother is an awful person in this story. Cody needs someone in his life who loves him and believes in him. He meets Luke, when coming to play in the NHL Mountain Lions hockey team. They become roommates and friends. Everybody on a team notices that they can't take their eyes off each other. It's so sweet how Luke takes care of Cody and helps him to be more confident in his life.
“You… you shot everything to smithereens, Luke. All my rules. All my fears.” - Monumental by A.E. Jensen
Luke falls hard and is obsessed with Cody. He discovers that he is an ace as well. The intimacy and kissing scenes between these two are so sweet and beautifully written. I felt their love off the pages. 💟💟
One of my favourite chapters is where Luke goes after the rival team member, who does not play fair and goes after Cody, “Luke's goalie”.
I was delighted to discover how Cody and I have one thing in common - the love and adoration for Troye. ❤️
A.E. Jensen writes compelling and unique love stories. Her style is heartwarming, brave and sweet, with lots of LOL humor. MONUMENTAL is already my favourite one in 2025 and I highly recommend getting to know Cody and Luke. They have my heart and I absolutely adore them. They are the ultimate book boyfriends. Love them, always!!! 💟💟
✨✨✨✨✨ Book Review
MONUMENTAL by A.E. Jensen - The story that has never been told.
The story of two boys who discover themselves and find each other.
It's an ACE MM hockey romance and I've never read this kind of love story before. A.E. Jensen surprises us with every book she writes. This time she reveals the world and feelings of boys who are ACE. Cody & Luke are two of the most swoon-worthy young men I've read about. Hockey is the game of their lives and while playing they fall in love with each other. 💟💟
Cody, my sweet and beautiful baby, you are everything that Luke is looking for. Give him a chance to be there for you and love you just as you are. Luke, my adorable protector, you are the most lovable, sweetest and patient person I've read about. You are everything that Cody needs and he will love you no matter what.
I absolutely love and adore these two boys and their chemistry is sizzling from the start. I love how intimate and breath-taking their love story is even without se#.
Anja, you have written THE BOOK and I love everything about it. 💜💜
Luke, the swoon-worthy ultimate book boyfriend and Cody, who is such a lovable and beautiful boy. He is an ACE and he knows where he's going. What he wants from his life is to be loved and find that person. He comes from a broken family and he has not met his dad & older brother for 13 years. His mother is an awful person in this story. Cody needs someone in his life who loves him and believes in him. He meets Luke, when coming to play in the NHL Mountain Lions hockey team. They become roommates and friends. Everybody on a team notices that they can't take their eyes off each other. It's so sweet how Luke takes care of Cody and helps him to be more confident in his life.
“You… you shot everything to smithereens, Luke. All my rules. All my fears.” - Monumental by A.E. Jensen
Luke falls hard and is obsessed with Cody. He discovers that he is an ace as well. The intimacy and kissing scenes between these two are so sweet and beautifully written. I felt their love off the pages. 💟💟
One of my favourite chapters is where Luke goes after the rival team member, who does not play fair and goes after Cody, “Luke's goalie”.
I was delighted to discover how Cody and I have one thing in common - the love and adoration for Troye. ❤️
A.E. Jensen writes compelling and unique love stories. Her style is heartwarming, brave and sweet, with lots of LOL humor. MONUMENTAL is already my favourite one in 2025 and I highly recommend getting to know Cody and Luke. They have my heart and I absolutely adore them. They are the ultimate book boyfriends. Love them, always!!! 💟💟
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