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Grand Marquee Manticores #2
Bar Down
A funny and spicy MM hockey romance about finding your family and yourself while falling in love with your best friend.
Eli Kalias has a promising future with the Grand Marquee Manticores as their primary goalie, and after two years with the AHL, he’s finally starting to feel confident and comfortable in his role. That is until his best friend kisses him at a New Year’s Eve party and throws him for a loop.
Ash Meyers is the impulsive party boy and also the best forward the team has had in years. Under the surface, he worries he’ll never be enough—not for his team, not for his friends, and definitely not for Eli. Yet, he can’t stop himself from pursuing something more with his best friend.
As they go from friends to more over the course of a year, Ash and Eli realize that falling in love might be more challenging than winning the playoffs. Will they let their careers get in the way of their happiness?
Bar Down is the second book in the Grand Marquee Manticores series of interconnected standalones.
Eli Kalias has a promising future with the Grand Marquee Manticores as their primary goalie, and after two years with the AHL, he’s finally starting to feel confident and comfortable in his role. That is until his best friend kisses him at a New Year’s Eve party and throws him for a loop.
Ash Meyers is the impulsive party boy and also the best forward the team has had in years. Under the surface, he worries he’ll never be enough—not for his team, not for his friends, and definitely not for Eli. Yet, he can’t stop himself from pursuing something more with his best friend.
As they go from friends to more over the course of a year, Ash and Eli realize that falling in love might be more challenging than winning the playoffs. Will they let their careers get in the way of their happiness?
Bar Down is the second book in the Grand Marquee Manticores series of interconnected standalones.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
155 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
Stef C.R.
6 books69 followersProject leader by day, romance author by night, Stef C.R. lives in West Michigan with her husband and not one, not two, but three cats.
When she's not working or writing stories, she spends her time reading fantasy and romance, endlessly cheering on the Red Wings, Charles LeClerc, and listening to Noah Kahan.
When she's not working or writing stories, she spends her time reading fantasy and romance, endlessly cheering on the Red Wings, Charles LeClerc, and listening to Noah Kahan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 23, 2025
I've been friends with Stef C.R. for a while now, and when she asked me to beta read her first MM romance, I immediately said yes. Though I don't do more than ARC read very often, I was really excited to read Bar Down - I mean, idi0ts to lovers hockey romance with second chance and ALL the pining? Count me in! And Stef did an incredible job - this is a beautiful, emotional story that I absolutely devoured. I'm so excited for it's release, and I cannot wait for y'all to read it!
Though Bar Down can be read as a standalone, I totally fell for Ash and Eli while reading Stef's first book, The Love Penalty. The guys have been best friends for a long time, but they are very different - Ash is a crazy party boy while Eli is more reserved. When golden retriever Ash impulsively kisses Eli at a New Years Eve party things get complicated quickly. I'm a sucker for mutual pining, and I just ATE IT UP in this one. And omg y'all, if you love nicknames, I was kicking my feet over all the things Finnish goalie Eli came up with to call Ash - SWOON. Though there is some angst that kept me on the edge of my seat, it's resolved pretty neatly.
Thank you so much to Stef for trusting me to read this one! I'm so excited to have an MM addition to the series, and I cannot wait to see where things go from here. If you love hockey romance, get this on your TBR immediately!
Though Bar Down can be read as a standalone, I totally fell for Ash and Eli while reading Stef's first book, The Love Penalty. The guys have been best friends for a long time, but they are very different - Ash is a crazy party boy while Eli is more reserved. When golden retriever Ash impulsively kisses Eli at a New Years Eve party things get complicated quickly. I'm a sucker for mutual pining, and I just ATE IT UP in this one. And omg y'all, if you love nicknames, I was kicking my feet over all the things Finnish goalie Eli came up with to call Ash - SWOON. Though there is some angst that kept me on the edge of my seat, it's resolved pretty neatly.
Thank you so much to Stef for trusting me to read this one! I'm so excited to have an MM addition to the series, and I cannot wait to see where things go from here. If you love hockey romance, get this on your TBR immediately!
December 6, 2025
This book is pretty much a PSA for why you shouldn't fuck your friends, or your workmates, but most especially friends who ARE your workmates.
Except there's a HEA? So, idk. Fuck them, I guess. Up to you.
A more realistic depiction of what our favorite hockey romances could have ended up as. Broken friendships, choosing friends in the 'divorce', being split up between different teams even when the relationship is okay, an MC who keeps inadvertently outing the other (once is a mistake, maybe, twice is ridiculous lol), another who can't decide whether he wants them to be on or off.
I wish it had leaned a little more heavily into the angst, otherwise it seemed like it touched on multiple issues, but not deeply enough to be satisfactory.
Would probably have enjoyed it more if I'd read it earlier on in my MM romance journey, but as it is, there's a very high bar to clear.
Forever wishing for half ratings to be possible but until then, 2.5 rounded up.
Except there's a HEA? So, idk. Fuck them, I guess. Up to you.
A more realistic depiction of what our favorite hockey romances could have ended up as. Broken friendships, choosing friends in the 'divorce', being split up between different teams even when the relationship is okay, an MC who keeps inadvertently outing the other (once is a mistake, maybe, twice is ridiculous lol), another who can't decide whether he wants them to be on or off.
I wish it had leaned a little more heavily into the angst, otherwise it seemed like it touched on multiple issues, but not deeply enough to be satisfactory.
Would probably have enjoyed it more if I'd read it earlier on in my MM romance journey, but as it is, there's a very high bar to clear.
Forever wishing for half ratings to be possible but until then, 2.5 rounded up.
February 7, 2025
ARC review for Bar Down by Stef C.R.
Thanks to Stef and My Universe PR for the ARC opportunity!
Featured tropes: mm hockey romance, friends to lovers, forced proximity, only one bed, workplace romance, secret relationship, found family
Trigger warning: forced outing, alcohol abuse,
Review: 3/5
You know I love a good MM story. Then, make it a hockey romance on top of it and I am so there.
Things I liked:
- Eli and Ash were very sweet. It was fun seeing their relationship develop, especially after having seen them in The Love Penalty. Ash is a lovable goof and Eli is the typical grumpy goalie. It was especially nice seeing both of them grow as characters in this story. To watch Ash go from the team party boy to actually dealing with his struggles in a healthy way and seeing Eli FINALLY open up to his endlessly loving family was so nice.
- I loved the found family aspect. Found family is always a favorite for me and I liked how this one showed the tough side of found family and the struggles they all faced when apart.
Things I disliked or missed the mark:
- I didn't love the timeline jumping. In looking at other reviews, it seems I may be in the minority but I found the constant changes in Part 1 to be confusing. Part 1 is approximately the first two-thirds of the book and we regularly jump from present day to past timelines. Because we were so all over the place, I had a hard time keeping track of "when" we were and it made Part 1 feel like it dragged along. The timeline jumps were also several chapters long which made me forget where one timeline ended and picked up the next time we got there. For example, at one point, a chapter from the present day timeline ends with a conversation between the MCs and then we go back to a past timeline for four chapters. We go back to the present and the chapter starts with the MC stewing over the conversation they just had. Except to the reader that was four chapters ago. If you're not able to read it in long chunks or have to take breaks, it got hard to follow. Once you get to Part 2, everything is in present day and those last 100ish pages I just flew through.
- I could have used a little more character development on Eli. I understand he had a "relationship" end poorly with a previous teammate. But I found some of his hang ups frustrating because I didn't find them developed enough to "get them" as a reader.
Overall, I liked the book but, truthfully, not as much as I thought I would going into it. If any of the tropes trip your trigger, it's still worth a read and I'll still come back to the Manticore universe to read Jordan and Alice's story.
Thanks to Stef and My Universe PR for the ARC opportunity!
Featured tropes: mm hockey romance, friends to lovers, forced proximity, only one bed, workplace romance, secret relationship, found family
Trigger warning: forced outing, alcohol abuse,
Review: 3/5
You know I love a good MM story. Then, make it a hockey romance on top of it and I am so there.
Things I liked:
- Eli and Ash were very sweet. It was fun seeing their relationship develop, especially after having seen them in The Love Penalty. Ash is a lovable goof and Eli is the typical grumpy goalie. It was especially nice seeing both of them grow as characters in this story. To watch Ash go from the team party boy to actually dealing with his struggles in a healthy way and seeing Eli FINALLY open up to his endlessly loving family was so nice.
- I loved the found family aspect. Found family is always a favorite for me and I liked how this one showed the tough side of found family and the struggles they all faced when apart.
Things I disliked or missed the mark:
- I didn't love the timeline jumping. In looking at other reviews, it seems I may be in the minority but I found the constant changes in Part 1 to be confusing. Part 1 is approximately the first two-thirds of the book and we regularly jump from present day to past timelines. Because we were so all over the place, I had a hard time keeping track of "when" we were and it made Part 1 feel like it dragged along. The timeline jumps were also several chapters long which made me forget where one timeline ended and picked up the next time we got there. For example, at one point, a chapter from the present day timeline ends with a conversation between the MCs and then we go back to a past timeline for four chapters. We go back to the present and the chapter starts with the MC stewing over the conversation they just had. Except to the reader that was four chapters ago. If you're not able to read it in long chunks or have to take breaks, it got hard to follow. Once you get to Part 2, everything is in present day and those last 100ish pages I just flew through.
- I could have used a little more character development on Eli. I understand he had a "relationship" end poorly with a previous teammate. But I found some of his hang ups frustrating because I didn't find them developed enough to "get them" as a reader.
Overall, I liked the book but, truthfully, not as much as I thought I would going into it. If any of the tropes trip your trigger, it's still worth a read and I'll still come back to the Manticore universe to read Jordan and Alice's story.
August 12, 2024
4.5 stars!!
January 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
If you know me, you know I live a past / present timeline ! And this books past timeline took place only a few months before the present story, so that was a lot of fun! You got the backstory of how these two started out, and got to live in the moment with them as well.
Ash and Eli are friends, teammates, and both of them are harbouring a secret crush on the other.. until one night on NYE when everything comes full circle. They share a very special, very secret kiss that turns everything on its head.
Eli is struggling with feeling comfortable with coming out to his friends and family, so they decide to start up a friends with benefits relationship on the down low.
They both agree to keep all of this a secret, until once again, everything blows up and they part ways. Now, months later they’re back playing on the ice together, and the tension is too much for either of them to bear.
I really loved seeing these two fall in love. They were so sweet, and so happy together. There were times I thought.. “This is it! Finally!” Only for my dreams to be crushed spectacularly 😂 but that’s all part of the fun!
The personal growth these two went through in the months apart, specifically Ash, really was great to see. I think most of the time a break in a relationship is for good reason. These two were a testament to that.
Some parts of this story were a little dragged out for me, I did find myself a bit bored during some of the scenes but that was probably only because I was so looking forward to seeing them get together. I really wanted to get to the good parts! To no fault of the author!
I was also expecting some more spice, as one of the advertised tropes was that it was spicy, and it WAS.. kinda! But some scenes only alluded to the fact that they were getting down and dirty, instead of giving me the descriptive scene itself. However the spice that was present was really good, and I did enjoy the tension finally snapping.
Overall, an easy read. Good times. Hockey. Fun side characters. And a beautiful HEA!
🌶️🌶️
If you know me, you know I live a past / present timeline ! And this books past timeline took place only a few months before the present story, so that was a lot of fun! You got the backstory of how these two started out, and got to live in the moment with them as well.
Ash and Eli are friends, teammates, and both of them are harbouring a secret crush on the other.. until one night on NYE when everything comes full circle. They share a very special, very secret kiss that turns everything on its head.
Eli is struggling with feeling comfortable with coming out to his friends and family, so they decide to start up a friends with benefits relationship on the down low.
They both agree to keep all of this a secret, until once again, everything blows up and they part ways. Now, months later they’re back playing on the ice together, and the tension is too much for either of them to bear.
I really loved seeing these two fall in love. They were so sweet, and so happy together. There were times I thought.. “This is it! Finally!” Only for my dreams to be crushed spectacularly 😂 but that’s all part of the fun!
The personal growth these two went through in the months apart, specifically Ash, really was great to see. I think most of the time a break in a relationship is for good reason. These two were a testament to that.
Some parts of this story were a little dragged out for me, I did find myself a bit bored during some of the scenes but that was probably only because I was so looking forward to seeing them get together. I really wanted to get to the good parts! To no fault of the author!
I was also expecting some more spice, as one of the advertised tropes was that it was spicy, and it WAS.. kinda! But some scenes only alluded to the fact that they were getting down and dirty, instead of giving me the descriptive scene itself. However the spice that was present was really good, and I did enjoy the tension finally snapping.
Overall, an easy read. Good times. Hockey. Fun side characters. And a beautiful HEA!
January 24, 2025
Got the opportunity to read this ARC 🫶
I really enjoyed this story!! Ash and Eli’s relationship was cute (once they FINALLY communicated with each other) The Found Family vibes was so 💗💗💗 i loved them so much and can’t wait for the next book in this series. The epilogue was beautiful 🥺💗
I really enjoyed this story!! Ash and Eli’s relationship was cute (once they FINALLY communicated with each other) The Found Family vibes was so 💗💗💗 i loved them so much and can’t wait for the next book in this series. The epilogue was beautiful 🥺💗
February 9, 2025
Did I read the same book the other reviews did? There were entire paragraphs that made no sense. Most definitely not a stylistic or character driven choice. Potential was there but pay a professional editor (or use Grammarly FFS) and republish.
March 4, 2025
Between "resemblance of a smile," fucking up their own character's name, and "Why are girls so small?" all just in the prologue/first chapter, this was bad enough, but the writing is also god awful, the storytelling is incredibly boring, and the POV changes so often that if these guys had any interiority at all, the reader would never have time to see it. I make sure to read for fifteen minutes solid, no distractions, every day and I looked at my timer only to see that I still had nine minutes left while reading this last night and was filled with so much dread I decided it was time to tap out and start my fifteen over with a different book. It was the right choice.
August 2, 2025
~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
~Bar Down~Stef C.R~
~Dual Narration~Jonathan Lake & Simon Dornet~
~Production~High Gravity Production~
"It feels like coming home after a long day of work. It feels like rain after a summer drought. It feels like falling, and Ash and I—we’re inevitable."
♡This was my first read by Stef & I enjoyed it. Bar Down was a cute MM friends-to-lovers hockey romance full of angst, secrets, miscommunication & enough tension to keep you engaged! This was a slow-burn romance but I really enjoyed the spice once it happened!
I really enjoyed this dual narration audio & I thought both Jonathan & Simon did a great job at bringing our MMC's to life along with capturing every emotion. Both Jonathan & Simon are new to me narrators & I'm looking forward to checking out more audiobooks they narrate!
If you love mm romance, hockey, & happily ever afters this one checks every box. ♡
~As Always Happy Reading~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
~Bar Down~Stef C.R~
~Dual Narration~Jonathan Lake & Simon Dornet~
~Production~High Gravity Production~
"It feels like coming home after a long day of work. It feels like rain after a summer drought. It feels like falling, and Ash and I—we’re inevitable."
♡This was my first read by Stef & I enjoyed it. Bar Down was a cute MM friends-to-lovers hockey romance full of angst, secrets, miscommunication & enough tension to keep you engaged! This was a slow-burn romance but I really enjoyed the spice once it happened!
I really enjoyed this dual narration audio & I thought both Jonathan & Simon did a great job at bringing our MMC's to life along with capturing every emotion. Both Jonathan & Simon are new to me narrators & I'm looking forward to checking out more audiobooks they narrate!
If you love mm romance, hockey, & happily ever afters this one checks every box. ♡
~As Always Happy Reading~
February 4, 2025
This was a great follow up to The Love Penalty and I fell in love with Ash and Eli within the first few pages of the books. Stef does a fantastic job of writing authentic, relatable characters.
I loved the dual timeline of this book and how it helped understand their relationship better. Ash and Eli go through very common struggles of an MM couple in the hockey world but they also have individual struggles as well.
Ash being insecure and not knowing if he is wanted or good enough. Eli worrying what others will think of him. I love how they complemented each other like a good couple should.
*if you don’t like hockey this book is heavily filled with hockey more than a typical hockey romance IMO. I enjoyed it a lot.
**Read The Love Penalty first if you don’t want the couple or specific scenes from the book spoiled for you.
I loved the dual timeline of this book and how it helped understand their relationship better. Ash and Eli go through very common struggles of an MM couple in the hockey world but they also have individual struggles as well.
Ash being insecure and not knowing if he is wanted or good enough. Eli worrying what others will think of him. I love how they complemented each other like a good couple should.
*if you don’t like hockey this book is heavily filled with hockey more than a typical hockey romance IMO. I enjoyed it a lot.
**Read The Love Penalty first if you don’t want the couple or specific scenes from the book spoiled for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
"Bar Down" by Stef C.R. is an emotional and loving masterpiece! This MM hockey romance expertly weaves a tale of self-discovery, friendship, and love.
Dual POVs and timelines add depth to the story, effortlessly shifting between past and present. The character-driven narrative reminds me of Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy's "Him."
Ash, the lovable "cinnamon roll," stole my heart. His vulnerability and imperfections make him relatable and endearing. Eli, the confident goalie, complements Ash perfectly, and their romance is both funny and spicy.
This book explores themes of identity, family, and finding one's place in the world, with a good dose of angst that'll keep you invested. Will Ash and Eli prioritize their careers or their happiness?
A must-read for fans of hockey romances and heartfelt stories!
Dual POVs and timelines add depth to the story, effortlessly shifting between past and present. The character-driven narrative reminds me of Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy's "Him."
Ash, the lovable "cinnamon roll," stole my heart. His vulnerability and imperfections make him relatable and endearing. Eli, the confident goalie, complements Ash perfectly, and their romance is both funny and spicy.
This book explores themes of identity, family, and finding one's place in the world, with a good dose of angst that'll keep you invested. Will Ash and Eli prioritize their careers or their happiness?
A must-read for fans of hockey romances and heartfelt stories!
February 15, 2025
I had such a good time returning to the world of the Grand Marquee Manticores and getting to revisit so many characters from The Love Penalty.
I loved reading Ash and Eli's story! I love Stef's writing and how easily she is able to pull you into her stories with her characters. I really like dual timeline stories and this one was unique in how the story skipped around and filled in the gaps.
I was happy to see all of the mental health rep and the importance of both Ash and Eli doing some individual work and learning how to communicate. I enjoyed seeing the growth that occurred as time passed and it made their relationship all the more realistic. I really enjoyed the glimpses into Finland and all of the nicknames Eli had for Ash.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
I loved reading Ash and Eli's story! I love Stef's writing and how easily she is able to pull you into her stories with her characters. I really like dual timeline stories and this one was unique in how the story skipped around and filled in the gaps.
I was happy to see all of the mental health rep and the importance of both Ash and Eli doing some individual work and learning how to communicate. I enjoyed seeing the growth that occurred as time passed and it made their relationship all the more realistic. I really enjoyed the glimpses into Finland and all of the nicknames Eli had for Ash.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
February 24, 2025
Thank you to Stef C.R. for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This one took me too long to finish, but that does not speak anything about the story! I loved Eli and Ash’s story. I was obsessed with Ash’s character in the first book, and I knew he would always be my favorite character.
Miscommunication is not my favorite trope, and this is a lot of miscommunication. I LOVED the pining, the slow burns of parts of this. I didn’t love the dual timeline in this. I was a little confused at certain parts and couldn’t figure out which part was ahead of the other. I do think this is part of user error though!
Overall, a solid book in the series. We also really previewed Jordan and Alice in this one, and I think I may be Alice in another life?!
This one took me too long to finish, but that does not speak anything about the story! I loved Eli and Ash’s story. I was obsessed with Ash’s character in the first book, and I knew he would always be my favorite character.
Miscommunication is not my favorite trope, and this is a lot of miscommunication. I LOVED the pining, the slow burns of parts of this. I didn’t love the dual timeline in this. I was a little confused at certain parts and couldn’t figure out which part was ahead of the other. I do think this is part of user error though!
Overall, a solid book in the series. We also really previewed Jordan and Alice in this one, and I think I may be Alice in another life?!
September 30, 2024
This book 😍😍😍
Both the male protagonists, were gorgeous, I loved them so much - like they were both so full of angst, and love and their own conflicts, but were so sweet and tender to each other, like when one of them says "I've fallen in and out of love with you more times than I can count." Is that not romantic? You can't not love that line, and then not fall in love with the characters. You will be falling in love with the golden retriever and his black cat bestie.
I genuinely think I'm obsessed with Stef's books, because I cannot recommend this enough - run, don't walk to get this book once it's released, I promise its worth it 🙏
Both the male protagonists, were gorgeous, I loved them so much - like they were both so full of angst, and love and their own conflicts, but were so sweet and tender to each other, like when one of them says "I've fallen in and out of love with you more times than I can count." Is that not romantic? You can't not love that line, and then not fall in love with the characters. You will be falling in love with the golden retriever and his black cat bestie.
I genuinely think I'm obsessed with Stef's books, because I cannot recommend this enough - run, don't walk to get this book once it's released, I promise its worth it 🙏
August 2, 2025
Bar Down is a swoony, slow-burn hockey romance that delivers all the feels. Ash and Eli’s friends-to-lovers journey has a few bumps—secrets, miscommunications, and just enough tension to keep you rooting for them.
The narration by Jonathan Lake and Simon Dornet brings both heart and heat, capturing the emotional depth and chemistry between these two perfectly. A great pick for MM romance fans who love sports, longing, and happy endings😜
The narration by Jonathan Lake and Simon Dornet brings both heart and heat, capturing the emotional depth and chemistry between these two perfectly. A great pick for MM romance fans who love sports, longing, and happy endings😜
January 25, 2025
Such a cute story!! I love how far Eli and Ash came during the course of the story!
I also loved the flashbacks and flipping between POVs during each chapter. We got to see both these characters develop and grow during the story, and it was such a delight!
I also enjoyed seeing Robbie and Olivia back from Book 1, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in Book 3!
Thank you for the eARC Stef!
I also loved the flashbacks and flipping between POVs during each chapter. We got to see both these characters develop and grow during the story, and it was such a delight!
I also enjoyed seeing Robbie and Olivia back from Book 1, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in Book 3!
Thank you for the eARC Stef!
February 15, 2025
I was so excited to get an ARC for Bar Down and let me tell you, Stef did not disappoint! I didn’t think I could love a couple more than Robbie and Olivia but Eli and Ash 🥰. I honestly wish the book had at least 800 more pages because I didn’t want it to end!
I’m a big big fan of friends to lovers and the way she wrote their journey was beautiful. Ash🩵 He has such a beautiful heart and him and Eli finally getting their happy ending had me in tears.
If you want a great MM read, with the perfect amount of spice, two swoony main characters, banter and a whole lot of love, then Bar Down is for you!!
Thank you to Stef and My Universe PR for the ARC! Super excited for the next book 😊
I’m a big big fan of friends to lovers and the way she wrote their journey was beautiful. Ash🩵 He has such a beautiful heart and him and Eli finally getting their happy ending had me in tears.
If you want a great MM read, with the perfect amount of spice, two swoony main characters, banter and a whole lot of love, then Bar Down is for you!!
Thank you to Stef and My Universe PR for the ARC! Super excited for the next book 😊
December 10, 2025
this had too much going on and i wasn’t interested in any of it. dnf around 50%
February 10, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to Stef C.R. for the ARC of Bar Down. It is out now, and available on KU!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, fast-paced read that also covered a lot of real-life applicable topics (mental health, sobriety, parental relationships). I specifically loved the normalization of therapy. This made the book and characters that much more relatable. I enjoyed getting to know Eli and Ash’s characters. I love the energy that both of them bring to the table. My only criticism would be that I had a little trouble with the timelines, but I feel that also could have been a me issue. Overall, I would definitely recommend for all my fellow hockey romance lovers out there!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, fast-paced read that also covered a lot of real-life applicable topics (mental health, sobriety, parental relationships). I specifically loved the normalization of therapy. This made the book and characters that much more relatable. I enjoyed getting to know Eli and Ash’s characters. I love the energy that both of them bring to the table. My only criticism would be that I had a little trouble with the timelines, but I feel that also could have been a me issue. Overall, I would definitely recommend for all my fellow hockey romance lovers out there!
February 18, 2025
💜ARC Review💜
Did I sob over Ash and Eli for a solid 20 minutes halfway through this book? Yes… yes I did! But how can you not love these two who are absolutely made for eachother! Stef CR does a fantastic job at getting you invested in this story that you can’t help but keep going! This low spice all sugar story is bound to have you in your feels right down to the last word!
Be sure to read the TW/CW before reading as BAR DOWN covers difficult topics including toxic parents, accidental outing, isolation, and MM explicit scenes. You are responsible for what you consume.
Did I sob over Ash and Eli for a solid 20 minutes halfway through this book? Yes… yes I did! But how can you not love these two who are absolutely made for eachother! Stef CR does a fantastic job at getting you invested in this story that you can’t help but keep going! This low spice all sugar story is bound to have you in your feels right down to the last word!
Be sure to read the TW/CW before reading as BAR DOWN covers difficult topics including toxic parents, accidental outing, isolation, and MM explicit scenes. You are responsible for what you consume.
January 31, 2025
Very grateful to get to read this ARC after loving The Love Penalty last year! I love interconnected stand alones, especially when there’s amazing found family like this. In this case, I’m particularly enamored with Ash and Robbie’s friendship. I definitely started to fall in love with Ash in the first book, and I liked getting to know his character more. I found him very relatable. I don’t usually like pet names in romance, but Eli’s Finnish words for Ash were so sweet. And damn if the one bed trope doesn’t hit every time!
February 23, 2025
Just no.
February 11, 2025
3.75 ⭐
I've fallen in and out of love with you more times than I can count
This book is a fun and lighthearted read that's perfect for if you don't want to read something super complicated and just want to relax. It's not going to change your life, but I really liked it.
Eli and Ash are like the best characters. They're full of angst, self doubt, and conflicting emotions but they're also very loving, selfless, and adoring. Also whe love a man that goes to therapy.
If you're a fan of:
MM hockey romance,
Friends with benefits,
Best friends to lovers,
Second chance,
Forced proximity,
Only one bed.
I've fallen in and out of love with you more times than I can count
This book is a fun and lighthearted read that's perfect for if you don't want to read something super complicated and just want to relax. It's not going to change your life, but I really liked it.
Eli and Ash are like the best characters. They're full of angst, self doubt, and conflicting emotions but they're also very loving, selfless, and adoring. Also whe love a man that goes to therapy.
If you're a fan of:
MM hockey romance,
Friends with benefits,
Best friends to lovers,
Second chance,
Forced proximity,
Only one bed.
February 12, 2025
Bar Down by Stef C.F. is a heartfelt friends-to-lovers hockey romance that delivers on emotional depth, tender moments, and a strong connection between its main characters, Ash and Eli. Their relationship is truly the highlight of the book—every scene they share is filled with warmth, longing, and an undeniable chemistry that makes you root for them.
The description of the little touches between the two really got to me and continue throughout the book.
“I fully expect him to yank his hand away as soon as he stops my bouncing leg, but his hand lingers. His long, gentle fingers run circles over my bare knee, and I want to melt right here in the back seat of the world's tiniest car. My eyelids flutter, and I turn my head to face him.”
Ash and Eli have been friends for years, playing side by side in the AHL and supporting each other (then with a side of fooling around). Eli is more reserved but talented, driven, and backed by a loving family—while Ash, shaped by a difficult upbringing, struggles with self-worth and believing he deserves love.
The romance is what truly shines in this book. The way these two care for each other is so palpable, and their intimate moments—both emotional and physical—are beautifully written. Their scenes together feel real, full of depth, and showcase just how much love exists between them, even when they struggle to express it.
But things take a turn when a summer trip to Eli’s home and family causing everything to fall apart. The lack of communication (or miscommunication) that follows is never my favorite plot element, but the time hop helps soften the frustration. Their eventual reunion is a lovely, rewarding journey back to each other, making the payoff worth it.
That said, there are some hockey-related plot points that require a little suspension of disbelief. The idea of two players spending a decade in the AHL and then suddenly getting called up to the NHL and thriving at 29 is a bit of a stretch. But if you’re here for the romance rather than strict sports realism, this won’t take away from the heart of the story. The moments between the two MC's were well written and lovely, but the overall story that was sewn together was a bit clunky to me.
Overall, Bar Down is a sweet, emotional read that delivers on friendship, love, and second chances. If you love MM hockey romance with great character dynamics and heartfelt moments, this one is worth picking up!
The description of the little touches between the two really got to me and continue throughout the book.
“I fully expect him to yank his hand away as soon as he stops my bouncing leg, but his hand lingers. His long, gentle fingers run circles over my bare knee, and I want to melt right here in the back seat of the world's tiniest car. My eyelids flutter, and I turn my head to face him.”
Ash and Eli have been friends for years, playing side by side in the AHL and supporting each other (then with a side of fooling around). Eli is more reserved but talented, driven, and backed by a loving family—while Ash, shaped by a difficult upbringing, struggles with self-worth and believing he deserves love.
The romance is what truly shines in this book. The way these two care for each other is so palpable, and their intimate moments—both emotional and physical—are beautifully written. Their scenes together feel real, full of depth, and showcase just how much love exists between them, even when they struggle to express it.
But things take a turn when a summer trip to Eli’s home and family causing everything to fall apart. The lack of communication (or miscommunication) that follows is never my favorite plot element, but the time hop helps soften the frustration. Their eventual reunion is a lovely, rewarding journey back to each other, making the payoff worth it.
That said, there are some hockey-related plot points that require a little suspension of disbelief. The idea of two players spending a decade in the AHL and then suddenly getting called up to the NHL and thriving at 29 is a bit of a stretch. But if you’re here for the romance rather than strict sports realism, this won’t take away from the heart of the story. The moments between the two MC's were well written and lovely, but the overall story that was sewn together was a bit clunky to me.
Overall, Bar Down is a sweet, emotional read that delivers on friendship, love, and second chances. If you love MM hockey romance with great character dynamics and heartfelt moments, this one is worth picking up!
September 10, 2025
Bar Down is a heartfelt audiobook that will tug on every single emotion.. from the humorous moments to the beautiful heartwarmingly sweet scenes.
Stef C.R. and the narrators made this Audiobook special!
🎧Audiobook Review ALC 🎧
Bar Down: Grand Marquee Manticores, Bk 2
* Author: Stef C.R.
* Narrator: Jonathan Lake & Simon Dornet
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ //10/10🎧🎤📚
This is Ash and Eli story
Eli Kalias
The best goalie with a promising future
with the Grand Marquee Manticores as their primary goalie, things have been going pretty well except for things with his best friend and teammate who seems to want what he can’t give him. That is until at a New Year’s Eve party his best friend kisses him which throws him for a loop and made him wondering how he cannot made things get worse with his friend.
Ash Meyers
the impulsive party boy and also the best forward the Grand Marquee Manticores team has had in years. Under the surface, he worries he’ll never be enough—not for his team, not for his friends, and definitely not for Eli. His teammate who he has a crush on.
Yet, he can’t stop himself from pursuing something more with his best friend.
As they struggle from friends to more over the course of a year, Ash and Eli realize that falling in love might be more challenging than winning the playoffs. Will they let their careers or daddy issues get in the way of their happiness?
But Listen this audiobook gets me emotional, the way how these guys narrated this book… it’s… oh lord so good!
Jonathan Lake & Simon Dornet were absolute perfection!
“You are the best thing in my life”
This was my first time listening to these guys and reading by this author and I loved every single moment of it.
A story about coming out, two best friends unrequited love, mental health hockey and love!
Definitely worth listening to.
🎧VIBES IN BAR DOWN 🎧🎤📚
🩵MM Romance
🤍Hockey
🩵Friends to Lovers
🩵Friends with Benefits
🤍Funny
🩵Angsty Spicy
🤍Dual POV
🩵Fantastic narration
🤍Explicit sexual scenes
🩵Daddy issues
🤍Toxic family members
🩵Consumption and mentions of alcohol
🤍On page violence (hockey fights)
🩵Mentions of blood
Shout out to High Gravity, and thank you besties for reading my review and ramblings!
Until then, One Love 💕 One Book at a time!
Georgious🦋
Stef C.R. and the narrators made this Audiobook special!
🎧Audiobook Review ALC 🎧
Bar Down: Grand Marquee Manticores, Bk 2
* Author: Stef C.R.
* Narrator: Jonathan Lake & Simon Dornet
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ //10/10🎧🎤📚
This is Ash and Eli story
Eli Kalias
The best goalie with a promising future
with the Grand Marquee Manticores as their primary goalie, things have been going pretty well except for things with his best friend and teammate who seems to want what he can’t give him. That is until at a New Year’s Eve party his best friend kisses him which throws him for a loop and made him wondering how he cannot made things get worse with his friend.
Ash Meyers
the impulsive party boy and also the best forward the Grand Marquee Manticores team has had in years. Under the surface, he worries he’ll never be enough—not for his team, not for his friends, and definitely not for Eli. His teammate who he has a crush on.
Yet, he can’t stop himself from pursuing something more with his best friend.
As they struggle from friends to more over the course of a year, Ash and Eli realize that falling in love might be more challenging than winning the playoffs. Will they let their careers or daddy issues get in the way of their happiness?
But Listen this audiobook gets me emotional, the way how these guys narrated this book… it’s… oh lord so good!
Jonathan Lake & Simon Dornet were absolute perfection!
“You are the best thing in my life”
This was my first time listening to these guys and reading by this author and I loved every single moment of it.
A story about coming out, two best friends unrequited love, mental health hockey and love!
Definitely worth listening to.
🎧VIBES IN BAR DOWN 🎧🎤📚
🩵MM Romance
🤍Hockey
🩵Friends to Lovers
🩵Friends with Benefits
🤍Funny
🩵Angsty Spicy
🤍Dual POV
🩵Fantastic narration
🤍Explicit sexual scenes
🩵Daddy issues
🤍Toxic family members
🩵Consumption and mentions of alcohol
🤍On page violence (hockey fights)
🩵Mentions of blood
Shout out to High Gravity, and thank you besties for reading my review and ramblings!
Until then, One Love 💕 One Book at a time!
Georgious🦋
January 31, 2025
✨✨Arc Review✨✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spice in Chps: 2, 9, 12, 14, 20, & 34
‼️‼️TW/CW‼️‼️
- On page violence
- Mentions of blood
- Alcoholism and mentions of alcohol
- Mentions toxic family dynamic
💕💕Tropes💕💕
- Friends with benefits
- Just one time
- Friends to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Second chance
- One bed
- Found family
❤️ Quotes that stole my heart ❤️
“I still want him, like all the fucking time, but at least I know now, without a doubt, that he’s meant to be in my life. Even if I’m destined to love him from a distance, I can’t imagine a world where he’s not in my life—a world where we’re not friends.”
“Every time you pull me in, I’m ecstatic. I feel like I can do anything because I have you by my side. But every time you push me away, you break my heart all over again. Because I could never be enough for you.”
✨✨Onto the Review✨✨
EEEEK okay I loved this book!!! This was my first M/M hockey romance 😍😍 what a better way to kick that off than with my favorite Manticore players Ash and Eli!
Ash and Eli are teammates and best friends and also secretly falling in love with each other! Ash is a full out bi sexual and Eli is a little closeted and struggling on coming out fully after being scorned in the past. I love how patient and supportive Ash is with Eli.
We do get a bit of past and present timeline in this novel because something happens between our two MCs causing them to part for a little while but, they come back together and are stronger than ever and it is nice to see how they matured during their time apart!
This was such a cute story! It is part of a series Stef is writing and the characters are interconnected, I don’t think you have to read the Love Penalty to understand Bar down but you do get a bit of a prequel to Ash and Eli’s story so it’s really up to the readers discretion! I honestly loved this book so dang much! If you’re looking for a sweet ( and spicy) M/M Hockey Romance definitely go pick Bard Down up on February 4th!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spice in Chps: 2, 9, 12, 14, 20, & 34
‼️‼️TW/CW‼️‼️
- On page violence
- Mentions of blood
- Alcoholism and mentions of alcohol
- Mentions toxic family dynamic
💕💕Tropes💕💕
- Friends with benefits
- Just one time
- Friends to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Second chance
- One bed
- Found family
❤️ Quotes that stole my heart ❤️
“I still want him, like all the fucking time, but at least I know now, without a doubt, that he’s meant to be in my life. Even if I’m destined to love him from a distance, I can’t imagine a world where he’s not in my life—a world where we’re not friends.”
“Every time you pull me in, I’m ecstatic. I feel like I can do anything because I have you by my side. But every time you push me away, you break my heart all over again. Because I could never be enough for you.”
✨✨Onto the Review✨✨
EEEEK okay I loved this book!!! This was my first M/M hockey romance 😍😍 what a better way to kick that off than with my favorite Manticore players Ash and Eli!
Ash and Eli are teammates and best friends and also secretly falling in love with each other! Ash is a full out bi sexual and Eli is a little closeted and struggling on coming out fully after being scorned in the past. I love how patient and supportive Ash is with Eli.
We do get a bit of past and present timeline in this novel because something happens between our two MCs causing them to part for a little while but, they come back together and are stronger than ever and it is nice to see how they matured during their time apart!
This was such a cute story! It is part of a series Stef is writing and the characters are interconnected, I don’t think you have to read the Love Penalty to understand Bar down but you do get a bit of a prequel to Ash and Eli’s story so it’s really up to the readers discretion! I honestly loved this book so dang much! If you’re looking for a sweet ( and spicy) M/M Hockey Romance definitely go pick Bard Down up on February 4th!!
March 14, 2025
I really wanted to love this book, I like past/present timelines generally and friends to lovers where something happened etc and they have to find their way back to each, and mm and hockey so seemed like it should have checked all my boxes.
I’ll start with the positives: I liked the two main characters overall and enjoyed the growth Ash especially went through but agree with some other reviewers that Eli felt less developed. There were few “laugh out loud” moments for me and some funny dialogue.
In trying to think what it was that made this book not engaging and hard to get through for me there were a few things:
the writing style really didn’t work for me. Felt very tell not show hard to describe exactly but just very “this happened and then this happened” and just very like straightforward descriptions of things happening and also way too much detail about some random things that I think was unnecessary and really made the story drag.
For example:
“ I reach down to take my shoes off instead of my pants. I perch on the edge of the bed and slide off my boat shoes and no-show socks, my gaze staying fixed on Eli the whole time.”
That was right before a sex scene. What?!? Why do I need to know he has boat shoes and no show socks that’s not sexy and just odd level of detail for me personally but others may not mind that! I think also indicative of the writing style that’s very much just I did x and then y and then this and then that….
I agree with some other reviewers the way the past/present and timeline switching was done was confusing. It would jump from present to 7 months ago, then 5 months ago, then 3 or 2 months ago and it was odd and not always clear what happened in those gaps during the past timeline jumps. I did read it in a few big chunks and still found it hard to follow.
I know a lot of people really liked this book so definitely check it out if you think it’s up your alley but I personally just found it really hard to get through and probably won’t be reading more of this author unfortunately.
I’ll start with the positives: I liked the two main characters overall and enjoyed the growth Ash especially went through but agree with some other reviewers that Eli felt less developed. There were few “laugh out loud” moments for me and some funny dialogue.
In trying to think what it was that made this book not engaging and hard to get through for me there were a few things:
the writing style really didn’t work for me. Felt very tell not show hard to describe exactly but just very “this happened and then this happened” and just very like straightforward descriptions of things happening and also way too much detail about some random things that I think was unnecessary and really made the story drag.
For example:
“ I reach down to take my shoes off instead of my pants. I perch on the edge of the bed and slide off my boat shoes and no-show socks, my gaze staying fixed on Eli the whole time.”
That was right before a sex scene. What?!? Why do I need to know he has boat shoes and no show socks that’s not sexy and just odd level of detail for me personally but others may not mind that! I think also indicative of the writing style that’s very much just I did x and then y and then this and then that….
I agree with some other reviewers the way the past/present and timeline switching was done was confusing. It would jump from present to 7 months ago, then 5 months ago, then 3 or 2 months ago and it was odd and not always clear what happened in those gaps during the past timeline jumps. I did read it in a few big chunks and still found it hard to follow.
I know a lot of people really liked this book so definitely check it out if you think it’s up your alley but I personally just found it really hard to get through and probably won’t be reading more of this author unfortunately.
February 18, 2025
Definitely a great book! I loved it so much, I genuinely could not put it down and wanted to read the whole thing in one sitting!
This book is divided into different sections, and Part 1 had a lot of time jumps, going between the present day and the past. This was a really unique way of telling the story, that I haven’t read anything like before. It was more akin to a television series. The present day story would make reference to something that had happened, then the next couple of chapters would be the flashbacks detailing those events. It was really interesting and enjoyable, though at times I did wonder why the story wasn’t just told linear. Part 2 started after the flashbacks caught up to the present day, and the story became linear from that point going forward. I also really liked this change, because it kept the story fresh and felt like a new start for the characters.
One thing that I personally really loved and appreciated was that this book gave a couple examples of how much alcohol is forced upon people in today’s society, and how disrespectful people can be towards others sobriety. Alcohol is so ingrained in so much of what people do, that when someone doesn’t drink, people often don’t respond appropriately. But I love that this author depicted that, and decided to go down the route of exploring themes of alcoholism and sobriety. This book did the work of showing how someone can change and make an effort to better themselves.
The only downside I have about this book is the ending. The last couple chapters just seemed rushed and not very thought through. A few major events happened and then got resolved way too quickly and way too easily. The story had been building up to something, and when the events happened, nothing changed. The ending wasn’t fleshed out enough and would have benefited from a few more chapters to really develop those plot points and let them breathe. Still a very satisfying ending that I am content with though.
This book is divided into different sections, and Part 1 had a lot of time jumps, going between the present day and the past. This was a really unique way of telling the story, that I haven’t read anything like before. It was more akin to a television series. The present day story would make reference to something that had happened, then the next couple of chapters would be the flashbacks detailing those events. It was really interesting and enjoyable, though at times I did wonder why the story wasn’t just told linear. Part 2 started after the flashbacks caught up to the present day, and the story became linear from that point going forward. I also really liked this change, because it kept the story fresh and felt like a new start for the characters.
One thing that I personally really loved and appreciated was that this book gave a couple examples of how much alcohol is forced upon people in today’s society, and how disrespectful people can be towards others sobriety. Alcohol is so ingrained in so much of what people do, that when someone doesn’t drink, people often don’t respond appropriately. But I love that this author depicted that, and decided to go down the route of exploring themes of alcoholism and sobriety. This book did the work of showing how someone can change and make an effort to better themselves.
The only downside I have about this book is the ending. The last couple chapters just seemed rushed and not very thought through. A few major events happened and then got resolved way too quickly and way too easily. The story had been building up to something, and when the events happened, nothing changed. The ending wasn’t fleshed out enough and would have benefited from a few more chapters to really develop those plot points and let them breathe. Still a very satisfying ending that I am content with though.
February 14, 2025
Bar Down is book two in Steg C.R.’s Grand Marquee Manticores series. However, I did not read book one – this is the first book I have read by the author. When I saw that this story had some of my favorite tropes I was sold.
« mm hockey romance »
« teammates »
« best friends to lovers »
« friends with benefits »
« secret hookups »
« second chance »
« forced proximity »
« Finnish nick names »
« found family »
I loved Ash – he has total golden retriever vibes, but he also had so many darker layers underneath the party boy image. I loved how multi-dimensional he was. Full of confidence one minute and battling with self-deprecating thoughts questioning his worth the next.
The character growth for both Ash and Eli was a huge takeaway for me. Both as individuals and as a couple. Ash confronts his mental health struggles, his unhealthy coping mechanisms, and his self-destructive behaviors, and truly improves his mental, emotional, and physical health. And the scene with Ash confronting his dad – chef’s kiss! Then there is Eli who went from hiding his sexuality to coming out and embracing his sexuality and his relationship with Ash. However, I hate that he was put in that position not once, but twice, and never got to come out on his own terms. The couple has come along way from being best friends with benefits.
I love a dual timeline, but only when it is done right and the author completely nailed this! I think it added even more dimension, tension, and against to the story. This story is had moments of heartbreak, found family, angst, chemistry and let’s not forget about the swoon worthy moments. I would have liked more spice or have the spice level intensified. It was pretty low/lame on the spice for me.
[I received an ARC of this book from the author and @myuniverse.pr and this is my honest review.]
« mm hockey romance »
« teammates »
« best friends to lovers »
« friends with benefits »
« secret hookups »
« second chance »
« forced proximity »
« Finnish nick names »
« found family »
I loved Ash – he has total golden retriever vibes, but he also had so many darker layers underneath the party boy image. I loved how multi-dimensional he was. Full of confidence one minute and battling with self-deprecating thoughts questioning his worth the next.
The character growth for both Ash and Eli was a huge takeaway for me. Both as individuals and as a couple. Ash confronts his mental health struggles, his unhealthy coping mechanisms, and his self-destructive behaviors, and truly improves his mental, emotional, and physical health. And the scene with Ash confronting his dad – chef’s kiss! Then there is Eli who went from hiding his sexuality to coming out and embracing his sexuality and his relationship with Ash. However, I hate that he was put in that position not once, but twice, and never got to come out on his own terms. The couple has come along way from being best friends with benefits.
I love a dual timeline, but only when it is done right and the author completely nailed this! I think it added even more dimension, tension, and against to the story. This story is had moments of heartbreak, found family, angst, chemistry and let’s not forget about the swoon worthy moments. I would have liked more spice or have the spice level intensified. It was pretty low/lame on the spice for me.
[I received an ARC of this book from the author and @myuniverse.pr and this is my honest review.]
February 4, 2025
MM Friends to More
This was my first book by Stef. She's going to be at a conference I'm attending soon so when I saw an MM book coming out, I jumped on the chance to read it. And was not disappointed. Ash and Eli just couldn't resist going from friends to more and I loved seeing it all.
The story is a combination of past (which is only several months ago) and present and I think Stef used that well to develop the characters and show us the conflict. The story is told from both POVs which I always prefer.
Ash grew up in a wealthy family but does not have a close relationship with his parents. It's a bit toxic in fact. Eli grew up more middle class in Finland but comes from a very loving home. Ash is bi, Eli is gay but not out yet. Both play for the Manicores, an AHL hockey team. They live across the hall from each other and have become best of friends.
Their story has many emotional parts and I found myself tearing up several times. I also laughed a lot - Ash is quite funny and the banter is good.
The conflicts felt very realistic. Although I was upset with each man at some point, the resolutions are great. And because of the past/present flipping, it doesn't feel super drawn out.
Watching Ash and Eli fall in love and finally admit it was a treat. There was a decent amount of spice, nothing overly kinky and it didn't overpower the story or their relationship.
The small friend group they have is great. I didn't read book 1 but that couple is present quite a bit as well as a couple others. I assume there will be a book 3 about 1 or 2 of those others and I look forward to it.
This was my first book by Stef. She's going to be at a conference I'm attending soon so when I saw an MM book coming out, I jumped on the chance to read it. And was not disappointed. Ash and Eli just couldn't resist going from friends to more and I loved seeing it all.
The story is a combination of past (which is only several months ago) and present and I think Stef used that well to develop the characters and show us the conflict. The story is told from both POVs which I always prefer.
Ash grew up in a wealthy family but does not have a close relationship with his parents. It's a bit toxic in fact. Eli grew up more middle class in Finland but comes from a very loving home. Ash is bi, Eli is gay but not out yet. Both play for the Manicores, an AHL hockey team. They live across the hall from each other and have become best of friends.
Their story has many emotional parts and I found myself tearing up several times. I also laughed a lot - Ash is quite funny and the banter is good.
The conflicts felt very realistic. Although I was upset with each man at some point, the resolutions are great. And because of the past/present flipping, it doesn't feel super drawn out.
Watching Ash and Eli fall in love and finally admit it was a treat. There was a decent amount of spice, nothing overly kinky and it didn't overpower the story or their relationship.
The small friend group they have is great. I didn't read book 1 but that couple is present quite a bit as well as a couple others. I assume there will be a book 3 about 1 or 2 of those others and I look forward to it.
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