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Gods Versus Monsters Hockey #2
Two Guys One Puck
A fist fight shouldn’t be flirting.
I’m so close to the NHL draft and the dream I’ve worked towards my entire life and he’s made it his mission to ruin it all. Ktytor is the super star enforcer for our biggest rivals the Massachusetts Monsters. He has a counter for every move I make like he’s inside my head.
He’s cocky, infuriating, and knows just how to get under my skin. His torments finally push me over the edge so when he suggests we finish our on-ice fight outside after the game, I gladly accept
What I didn’t expect was our trading blows to end in us making out.
I’ve never even considered being with a guy before and now I have to pretend to hate him while sneaking around and navigating our public rivalry.
We’re at each other’s throats and it only makes him hotter.
I’m so close to the NHL draft and the dream I’ve worked towards my entire life and he’s made it his mission to ruin it all. Ktytor is the super star enforcer for our biggest rivals the Massachusetts Monsters. He has a counter for every move I make like he’s inside my head.
He’s cocky, infuriating, and knows just how to get under my skin. His torments finally push me over the edge so when he suggests we finish our on-ice fight outside after the game, I gladly accept
What I didn’t expect was our trading blows to end in us making out.
I’ve never even considered being with a guy before and now I have to pretend to hate him while sneaking around and navigating our public rivalry.
We’re at each other’s throats and it only makes him hotter.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2025
207 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Gray
59 books1,272 followersWhen not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it's half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.
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September 22, 2025
i’m obsessed omg!! 😭🥹🥹
September 15, 2025
Two Guys One Puck is a passionate enemies-to-lovers romance between rival hockey players Seaborn and Ktytor as they clash both on and off the ice, while discovering a mutual attraction that quickly grows into something significant. Overall, I really enjoyed the banter between these two. They both easily get under each other's skin and like to push one another's buttons, which was both hilarious and highly entertaining.
Seaborn and Ktytor are two highly competitive hockey players who rarely admit defeat, so watching them slowly realize they are more invested in their rivalry and dynamic is hilarious and utterly captivating. Their chemistry on the ice quickly turns into explosive chemistry off the ice as they both realize their connection is more intense than they ever expected.
Overall, this is a fantastic hockey romance between two rivals who find themselves unexpectedly caught up in feelings they never saw coming. I also love the little hints and snippets about the next story's couple. I can't wait to read more.
Seaborn and Ktytor are two highly competitive hockey players who rarely admit defeat, so watching them slowly realize they are more invested in their rivalry and dynamic is hilarious and utterly captivating. Their chemistry on the ice quickly turns into explosive chemistry off the ice as they both realize their connection is more intense than they ever expected.
Overall, this is a fantastic hockey romance between two rivals who find themselves unexpectedly caught up in feelings they never saw coming. I also love the little hints and snippets about the next story's couple. I can't wait to read more.
September 26, 2025
honestly, I’ve read 1000 hockey rivals romance with the exact same blurb and I will probably read a 1000 more because each one SLAPS different. 🔪🔪🔪
This was low angst- not much tension- but BUT it did have a good tone of angry hate fuck- will they won’t they- push and pull . Seaborn and ktytor have a very public rivalry with quite a few scenes of them shoving and punching on ice to them shoving tongues down each others throats💗💗💕. Smut and steam are a huge part of the book but it’s not off putting!!! . A lot of them were quite tasteful and we do see a good amount of development of the characters individually, with their family, with their teammates and even with hockey.
They are who they are, there are conversations but they’re also figuring out what their feelings (bi awakening/ Demi sexual🎀) mean and how they’re going to navigate their relationship with their public rivalry and the draft coming up as both of them are pretty desperately in need of getting drafted for the sake of their families and finances.
But I has the BEST time reading this!! I’m so happy I decided to pick it up after having a dreadful time with book one✨✨💅
This was low angst- not much tension- but BUT it did have a good tone of angry hate fuck- will they won’t they- push and pull . Seaborn and ktytor have a very public rivalry with quite a few scenes of them shoving and punching on ice to them shoving tongues down each others throats💗💗💕. Smut and steam are a huge part of the book but it’s not off putting!!! . A lot of them were quite tasteful and we do see a good amount of development of the characters individually, with their family, with their teammates and even with hockey.
They are who they are, there are conversations but they’re also figuring out what their feelings (bi awakening/ Demi sexual🎀) mean and how they’re going to navigate their relationship with their public rivalry and the draft coming up as both of them are pretty desperately in need of getting drafted for the sake of their families and finances.
But I has the BEST time reading this!! I’m so happy I decided to pick it up after having a dreadful time with book one✨✨💅
September 21, 2025
Tropes: Rivals to lovers, secret relationship, forbidden Love
Feels: 3.75/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: Ukraine war, father with MS, past death of father, financial struggles
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they start hooking up, neither of them are with anyone else. Seaborn was a fuckboy before and Ktytor is Demi, and Ktytor worried Seaborn was hooking up with others while they were apart (they live 4 hours away and sometimes they go a month or so without seeing each other), but he wasn't.
4.5 stars
Ktytor is 21 and in this book he realizes he's demisexual. He is Ukrainian and his dad died in a previous war, and his mother and brother are struggling financially in the Ukraine. He is pursuing a professional hockey career because he wants to help provide for them and he wants to get a elite athlete exemption so that he doesn't have to serve in the military when he turns 25, which is mandatory. He is a center and he is tough and antisocial. He takes hockey very seriously, and doesn't make time to hook up. He hasn't been with anyone in years.
Seaborn is 21 and in this book he realizes he's bisexual. His mom died years ago and his dad is currently dying of MS. He has a little brother too. He's trying to help his family financially, especially with the medical bills. His aunt has been stepping up and helping a lot but he needs to contribute to keep everybody afloat. He's a big defenseman he's also good enough to go professional. Hooking up has always been easy for him.
Neither of the mmcs has ever been with a man before. But they are on rival teams and have a really intense rivalry between them, and their physicality continues off the ice and turns into them hooking up. Neither of them have ever felt so much while hooking up before, and they are both eager for whatever repeats they can get. It's hard though because they are 4 hours away, and neither of them has the time or the money to travel. Luckily they find themselves in the same town a fair amount for hockey, and they find excuses to spend time together outside of that too. Seaborn struggles to come to terms with his sexuality a bit, not because of homophobia, but largely because he can't understand why he hasn't felt attraction towards men before, why it's just Ktytor that seems to do it for him, and why he feels so intensely towards him. They struggle with jealousies of being apart and they can't really envision themselves making a relationship work given they are closeted due to hockey reasons for now and they see themselves always being long distance.
I enjoyed the story a lot. This has a lot of the components of a book that I really enjoy. I like a rough character like Ktytor, I like the dry humor that we saw, I liked the humor from the friends interfering, I liked the banter between the mmcs, I love a secret relationship and the payoff moments when their relationship is revealed. There was a lot to like about the plot of this book. I also really appreciated that even though they were separated by distance and time for a while, neither of them were interested in hooking up with anyone else.
Spoiler for the end... I was happy to see them drafted to the same NHL team and get to have an easier time being together. Though the ending was really fast / rushed.
One thing I didn't like about this book was there was a lot of typos in it. Like a lot! I felt like I needed to give the typos a pass because the majority of the typos were in quoted dialogue, but a lot of typos were also in the body of the book. And while I'm willing to give typos in dialogue a pass because it could be reflective of the characters not knowing the words, I don't think there should be typos in the rest of the book. I'm extremely nitpicky when it comes to typos. So this was killing me.
Some notable moments:
"“Snow White it is,” Coach says and cringes. “I didn’t think it could get worse than K-Pop. Fuck my life.” I better never let Seaborn know, or I’ll never hear the end of it."
"“Is cute when you try to say things. Your poor Duolingo owl. Have you killed him yet?”"
"“I’m selfish.” He smiles against my mouth. “I like when you’re selfish.” “You like me possessive too, like crazy person.” “I like what I like, Ktytor.” His smile grows. We deepen the kiss, lost to each other. “Go before I let you fuck me in this alley.” He groans but pulls back. “Call me later?” “I will try if I don’t have my coach’s shoe up my ass.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3.75/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: Ukraine war, father with MS, past death of father, financial struggles
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they start hooking up, neither of them are with anyone else. Seaborn was a fuckboy before and Ktytor is Demi, and Ktytor worried Seaborn was hooking up with others while they were apart (they live 4 hours away and sometimes they go a month or so without seeing each other), but he wasn't.
4.5 stars
Ktytor is 21 and in this book he realizes he's demisexual. He is Ukrainian and his dad died in a previous war, and his mother and brother are struggling financially in the Ukraine. He is pursuing a professional hockey career because he wants to help provide for them and he wants to get a elite athlete exemption so that he doesn't have to serve in the military when he turns 25, which is mandatory. He is a center and he is tough and antisocial. He takes hockey very seriously, and doesn't make time to hook up. He hasn't been with anyone in years.
Seaborn is 21 and in this book he realizes he's bisexual. His mom died years ago and his dad is currently dying of MS. He has a little brother too. He's trying to help his family financially, especially with the medical bills. His aunt has been stepping up and helping a lot but he needs to contribute to keep everybody afloat. He's a big defenseman he's also good enough to go professional. Hooking up has always been easy for him.
Neither of the mmcs has ever been with a man before. But they are on rival teams and have a really intense rivalry between them, and their physicality continues off the ice and turns into them hooking up. Neither of them have ever felt so much while hooking up before, and they are both eager for whatever repeats they can get. It's hard though because they are 4 hours away, and neither of them has the time or the money to travel. Luckily they find themselves in the same town a fair amount for hockey, and they find excuses to spend time together outside of that too. Seaborn struggles to come to terms with his sexuality a bit, not because of homophobia, but largely because he can't understand why he hasn't felt attraction towards men before, why it's just Ktytor that seems to do it for him, and why he feels so intensely towards him. They struggle with jealousies of being apart and they can't really envision themselves making a relationship work given they are closeted due to hockey reasons for now and they see themselves always being long distance.
I enjoyed the story a lot. This has a lot of the components of a book that I really enjoy. I like a rough character like Ktytor, I like the dry humor that we saw, I liked the humor from the friends interfering, I liked the banter between the mmcs, I love a secret relationship and the payoff moments when their relationship is revealed. There was a lot to like about the plot of this book. I also really appreciated that even though they were separated by distance and time for a while, neither of them were interested in hooking up with anyone else.
Spoiler for the end... I was happy to see them drafted to the same NHL team and get to have an easier time being together. Though the ending was really fast / rushed.
One thing I didn't like about this book was there was a lot of typos in it. Like a lot! I felt like I needed to give the typos a pass because the majority of the typos were in quoted dialogue, but a lot of typos were also in the body of the book. And while I'm willing to give typos in dialogue a pass because it could be reflective of the characters not knowing the words, I don't think there should be typos in the rest of the book. I'm extremely nitpicky when it comes to typos. So this was killing me.
Some notable moments:
"“Snow White it is,” Coach says and cringes. “I didn’t think it could get worse than K-Pop. Fuck my life.” I better never let Seaborn know, or I’ll never hear the end of it."
"“Is cute when you try to say things. Your poor Duolingo owl. Have you killed him yet?”"
"“I’m selfish.” He smiles against my mouth. “I like when you’re selfish.” “You like me possessive too, like crazy person.” “I like what I like, Ktytor.” His smile grows. We deepen the kiss, lost to each other. “Go before I let you fuck me in this alley.” He groans but pulls back. “Call me later?” “I will try if I don’t have my coach’s shoe up my ass.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
Two Guys One Puck is book two in the Gods Vs Monsters Hockey series. This MM hockey romance story is about Seaborn and Ktytor.
Seaborn and Ktytor are rival college hockey players both looking to get drafted to the NHL. These two fight on the ice, and neither expected a fight off the ice to turn into them making out. They haven’t been interested in men before, so they both were definitely confused. But we see how they can’t stop thinking of each other, and they keep secretly meeting up to be together.
My heart went out to both Seaborn and Ktytor in regard to their families, and it was great to see how hard they worked to provide for them. I will say I did get frustrated with both Seaborn and Ktytor during this story, but I understand they needed to work through their feelings for each other and try to figure out how it would all work out. What I did enjoy most was when they tried to push each other’s buttons, and I absolutely loved all of the pet names Ktytor called Seaborn. Overall, I enjoyed their story and was happy to see them get their HEA.
Seaborn and Ktytor are rival college hockey players both looking to get drafted to the NHL. These two fight on the ice, and neither expected a fight off the ice to turn into them making out. They haven’t been interested in men before, so they both were definitely confused. But we see how they can’t stop thinking of each other, and they keep secretly meeting up to be together.
My heart went out to both Seaborn and Ktytor in regard to their families, and it was great to see how hard they worked to provide for them. I will say I did get frustrated with both Seaborn and Ktytor during this story, but I understand they needed to work through their feelings for each other and try to figure out how it would all work out. What I did enjoy most was when they tried to push each other’s buttons, and I absolutely loved all of the pet names Ktytor called Seaborn. Overall, I enjoyed their story and was happy to see them get their HEA.
September 21, 2025
Two very complex characters. Both Ktytor and Seaborne have major character issues, high voltage passion and rage towards each other. Add in vying for the same spot (draft) and having strong valid reasons for needing that spot, makes this an explosive yet so delicate story.
At the start neither is likable, having learned behavioral flaws of hetero jockdome. They surprise each other with a kiss which turns into an affair (bi/gay awakening ) over time and mileage. But then we delve deeper into their home private lives and realize the severity of their dire situations, making this an extra sensitive read . By the end I was very invested in how the story would be resolved.I enjoyed it.
At the start neither is likable, having learned behavioral flaws of hetero jockdome. They surprise each other with a kiss which turns into an affair (bi/gay awakening ) over time and mileage. But then we delve deeper into their home private lives and realize the severity of their dire situations, making this an extra sensitive read . By the end I was very invested in how the story would be resolved.I enjoyed it.
October 9, 2025
3.5 stars
This could’ve possibly been a four star, but the ending was really rushed and didn’t give good closure in my opinion.
Also Wolfe and Archangel got on my last nerve every time they were on page. Who were they to feel entitled to Ronan’s sexuality and who were they to try to prevent him from seeing ktytor????
This could’ve possibly been a four star, but the ending was really rushed and didn’t give good closure in my opinion.
Also Wolfe and Archangel got on my last nerve every time they were on page. Who were they to feel entitled to Ronan’s sexuality and who were they to try to prevent him from seeing ktytor????
November 22, 2025
Ставлю додаткову зірочку за головного героя - українця)
September 17, 2025
I can honestly say, after reading and absolutely loving the first book of this series, I was so ready for part 2 and boy did it deliver ❤️🔥
(Leontiy) Ktytor and (Ronan) Seaborn are both hockey profis and they are in different teams. Do I have to say more about their tension and background? I think it's save to say these boys are very tense around each other. I ate that up so bad 😏
The double bi-awakening in this one is so entertaining, I love this trope so much and it was so well done in this story.
It seems that snarky rivals who give each other pet names may be my new favorite thing 💥
(Leontiy) Ktytor and (Ronan) Seaborn are both hockey profis and they are in different teams. Do I have to say more about their tension and background? I think it's save to say these boys are very tense around each other. I ate that up so bad 😏
The double bi-awakening in this one is so entertaining, I love this trope so much and it was so well done in this story.
It seems that snarky rivals who give each other pet names may be my new favorite thing 💥
September 30, 2025
Two Guys, One Puck
God's versus Monsters Book 2
J.R. Gray
Seaborn & Ktytor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Enemies to lovers
College hockey
All the banter
All the snark
Only one bed
Double bi awakening
This was great
Real enemies to lovers
But also that rage turned into some hot smexy gay chicken?!
These two were awesome. Both smuggling in their home life, being that they desire to provide for their families and feel a deep sense of responsibility
Both have different challenges at home and with different pressures.
I think the pressure got to them and them being so alike they leaned on each other in a smexy way
They never expected to see each other aside from the enemy on opposing hockey teams. Both needing to make it to the NHL to support their families
The competition they had on the ice with each other field their lust for each other
They were so hot together
As time went on feelings got involved and decisions needed to be made
It wasn't easy for either. I love how well Ktytor handled it all. He was down bad for Seaborn lol poor guy
Im glad everything worked out in the end for them
Great book
God's versus Monsters Book 2
J.R. Gray
Seaborn & Ktytor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Enemies to lovers
College hockey
All the banter
All the snark
Only one bed
Double bi awakening
This was great
Real enemies to lovers
But also that rage turned into some hot smexy gay chicken?!
These two were awesome. Both smuggling in their home life, being that they desire to provide for their families and feel a deep sense of responsibility
Both have different challenges at home and with different pressures.
I think the pressure got to them and them being so alike they leaned on each other in a smexy way
They never expected to see each other aside from the enemy on opposing hockey teams. Both needing to make it to the NHL to support their families
The competition they had on the ice with each other field their lust for each other
They were so hot together
As time went on feelings got involved and decisions needed to be made
It wasn't easy for either. I love how well Ktytor handled it all. He was down bad for Seaborn lol poor guy
Im glad everything worked out in the end for them
Great book
September 24, 2025
love to hate
college hockey/opposite teams/ rivals
enemies to lovers of the best variety
reminds me of heated rivalry in the best way possible
can't wait for next book
college hockey/opposite teams/ rivals
enemies to lovers of the best variety
reminds me of heated rivalry in the best way possible
can't wait for next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
This one just wasn't for me. I had a hard time staying engaged with the story while reading. The relationship between the two mcs was pretty bland.
October 15, 2025
OOH I LOVEYOU.
September 5, 2025
TL;DR
The vibes were perfect. I wish I could read this again for the first time. The MC’s are my personality now and I will absolutely re-read. Definitely recommend!
Cry Rating:
😭😭😭=Why would you write this!?
🥲🥲=I am kicking my feet with the sweetness
😂😂😂= I am literally crying but also, full on cackling and kicking my feet
Full Review:
These two are massive dummies and I do mean that in the best way. Also, I love baby doll (and all the other pet names) /derogatory to baby doll /affectionately. They really went on the journey of enemies > fucking > lovers in a way I appreciate.
I do want to wrap them both up in a blanket burrito cause they go through it in this book, but their HEA was so worth it.
I also loved the glimpses of Logan/Anthony and seeing the building of future MC’s.
I cannot wait to read this chaos again.🥰
The vibes were perfect. I wish I could read this again for the first time. The MC’s are my personality now and I will absolutely re-read. Definitely recommend!
Cry Rating:
😭😭😭=Why would you write this!?
🥲🥲=I am kicking my feet with the sweetness
😂😂😂= I am literally crying but also, full on cackling and kicking my feet
Full Review:
These two are massive dummies and I do mean that in the best way. Also, I love baby doll (and all the other pet names) /derogatory to baby doll /affectionately. They really went on the journey of enemies > fucking > lovers in a way I appreciate.
I do want to wrap them both up in a blanket burrito cause they go through it in this book, but their HEA was so worth it.
I also loved the glimpses of Logan/Anthony and seeing the building of future MC’s.
I cannot wait to read this chaos again.🥰
September 19, 2025
4.25 stars!
This is book two in the author’s Gods Versus Monsters Hockey series and features two of the most competitive characters I think I’ve ever read! Fighting as foreplay? It’s got it. And I’m not talking about arguing, I’m talking about downright fist fighting.
Ktytor, a Ukrainian player, was attending college in the US, waiting (that’s not a typo, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind, he was GOING!), to go pro in order to send for his family, still in the Ukraine, in order to protect them from the ongoing war, was the Monsters’ top player. That man, he was something else! He was kinda hard to like in the beginning, and honestly, I never did really warm up to him because of how cocky and thoughtless he was towards everyone but, thankfully, he did finally settle down a little bit.
I loved Seaborn! He was one of the Gods top players and the only one on the team capable of keeping up with Ktytor, and such a sweetheart. That’s not to say he wasn’t just as guilty of instigating the fights sometimes but it was usually in response to something Ktytor had done or said.
All that aside, I wasn’t too crazy about the ending—it was just so ABRUPT. I was going along, reading, watching the quickly diminishing page count and stressing because it was starting to look like there was gonna be a part two then BAM, they were ok… the end. I wanted more of them together after they resolved their issues. There is a bonus available by newsletter sign up but I don’t understand why it wasn’t just made a part of the book. It needed SOMETHING for closure because when I realized that was it, I was like, WHAT?!! But that’s just my opinion, for what it’s worth. Do I recommend it? Yeaahh…just know that it ends a little abruptly. 4.25 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book two in the author’s Gods Versus Monsters Hockey series and features two of the most competitive characters I think I’ve ever read! Fighting as foreplay? It’s got it. And I’m not talking about arguing, I’m talking about downright fist fighting.
Ktytor, a Ukrainian player, was attending college in the US, waiting (that’s not a typo, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind, he was GOING!), to go pro in order to send for his family, still in the Ukraine, in order to protect them from the ongoing war, was the Monsters’ top player. That man, he was something else! He was kinda hard to like in the beginning, and honestly, I never did really warm up to him because of how cocky and thoughtless he was towards everyone but, thankfully, he did finally settle down a little bit.
I loved Seaborn! He was one of the Gods top players and the only one on the team capable of keeping up with Ktytor, and such a sweetheart. That’s not to say he wasn’t just as guilty of instigating the fights sometimes but it was usually in response to something Ktytor had done or said.
All that aside, I wasn’t too crazy about the ending—it was just so ABRUPT. I was going along, reading, watching the quickly diminishing page count and stressing because it was starting to look like there was gonna be a part two then BAM, they were ok… the end. I wanted more of them together after they resolved their issues. There is a bonus available by newsletter sign up but I don’t understand why it wasn’t just made a part of the book. It needed SOMETHING for closure because when I realized that was it, I was like, WHAT?!! But that’s just my opinion, for what it’s worth. Do I recommend it? Yeaahh…just know that it ends a little abruptly. 4.25 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
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September 21, 2025dnf i tried i got 50% in but i just couldn't. i don't know something about this book felt like putting a square piece in a circle shaped hole. also what the HELL are these hockey nicknames. trust me, i Know hockey nicknames are the biggest thing but HAPPY??? SLEEPY???? ARCHANGEL????????? hockey nicknames have to make SENSE they're normally a play on the player's last name what the HELL does ktytor play hockey with the DWARVES in snow white? there's no way these can be real. i could not read further i get weird names but i need an explanation or SOMETHING. and the snapchat. i get using snapchat as the catchall for social media but snaps like the ONE outlier where the names are all different. you have to add people not follow, and you cant get left on read and just. snapchat is the one social media i use consistently i was in their like top 0.01% of posters so they should have just never brought it up with me... 3
also im realizing i also dnf-ed one of the author's other books for reasons similar to this one so perhaps this author just isn't for me. disappointing, but my aversion to pick this book back up did lead me to reading one of my actual novels that i had been procrastinating for a while so yay! silver linings are abundant if i only choose to look for them.
also im realizing i also dnf-ed one of the author's other books for reasons similar to this one so perhaps this author just isn't for me. disappointing, but my aversion to pick this book back up did lead me to reading one of my actual novels that i had been procrastinating for a while so yay! silver linings are abundant if i only choose to look for them.
September 24, 2025
4.5 stars
This was a great enemies/ rivals to lovers story! I love how it started with a fight between the two MCs and things heated up from there.
There was a lot of really great moments of tenderness between Ktytor and Seaborn and I loved how they were trying to navigate being attracted to each other not only as men, but rivals.
I definitely need more from the series and can't wait for the next book to come out!
This was a great enemies/ rivals to lovers story! I love how it started with a fight between the two MCs and things heated up from there.
There was a lot of really great moments of tenderness between Ktytor and Seaborn and I loved how they were trying to navigate being attracted to each other not only as men, but rivals.
I definitely need more from the series and can't wait for the next book to come out!
September 19, 2025
It was cute but it was a lot of jumping around and it didn’t really flow that well for me.
Like something would happen but then the next sentence you’d be reading about something totally different, it was mind boggling.
You could feel the mmc’s chemistry with each other tho! So that’s a big plus.
Steam- 3/5 strict roles.
Like something would happen but then the next sentence you’d be reading about something totally different, it was mind boggling.
You could feel the mmc’s chemistry with each other tho! So that’s a big plus.
Steam- 3/5 strict roles.
December 23, 2025
3.75-4 stars
I love rivals to lovers hockey romance and was glad to find one I hadn't really heard about by an author I don't think I've read before. I do try to separate these kinds of romances from HR, but the MCs here share a lot of characteristics to Shane and Ilya so it's hard not to make some comparisons. I did like this more than I thought I would but I was also really thrown off by the writing style.
I really liked Kytytor. It would be easy to compare him to Ilya (Eastern European chirping menace who is fairly unfazed by his sexuality and uses hockey as a means to help his family back home), but it helps that the setting was quite different and that Kytytor was demisexual (pretty much the opposite of Ilya's hypersexuality). But I loved how he also made his LI blush and that he found the hesitancy/insecurity of his LI endearing. He's no Ilya but the author definitely borrowed some of his best traits for Kytytor. Though I didn't like how in the beginning he played kind of dirty - there was no need for it, and it felt kind of sleazy.
I liked Seaborn too but he was a little harder to get a read on personality wise. He was sort of the "good guy" archetype but a bit bland when not directly interacting with Kytytor. In an inversion of the norm, he was the more shy/hesitant/insecure partner even though he was referred to as a manwhore and it's suggested that he'd fucked a lot of women. He did try to push back against Kytytor, but in my view he was ultimately the less dominant partner.
Their dynamic was interesting. There was definitely a lot of power play but there also ended up being a lot of sweetness and support between them. I don't think they're the kind of couple that naturally fits with each other, I think they had to work on it, but I liked that. I didn't find the sex to be scorching hot but it was still decent.
The biggest problem I had with this book was the writing. A lot of scenes ended super abruptly, and some of the transitions were just really weird to me. There were times where, if I hadn't been reading on my Kindle, I would have thought I'd accidentally skipped a page. I also felt there were some inconsistencies with the characters actions - they didn't always seem to fit with their overall personalities and I felt a little confused with the back and forth toward the end. I also hated the seven dwarfs names - hockey nicknames suck sometimes but those were atrocious.
There were also some inaccuracies when it came to the hockey that I tried to overlook but, unfortunately this was kind of hockey heavy so it was hard to avoid. The biggest issue I had was the fighting - unlike the NHL it's a pretty big no no to fight in college. If there had been fights like the ones described in this, these guys would have been ejected from the game and banned from the next one. Plus, they were talking about punching each other in the face but NCAA players wear full face shield or cage helmets - you're not punching someone's nose like that unless the helmet is removed. Not to mention the fact that Kytytor was a forward - they're built for speed and agility and don't typically get in fights unless they're a power forward (which Kytytor was not). I can suspend my belief or ignore certain things but there was a lot of emphasis on the fighting and it bugged me.
This had lots of tropes I love and I did enjoy it overall, but the writing was off putting to me so I'm not sure that I'd read another from this author.
Pet names: waaaaaaay too many to list (Kytytor loved to throw them out there but he varied them all the time), he did call Seaborn Sun and My Love in Ukranian (it was written in cyrillic so idk how to write it), Seaborn called Kytytor baby sometimes
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: None specifically but there is jealousy. Seaborn was a "manwhore" so Kytytor assumes that he's sleeping with women whenever they are apart but Seaborn is not with anyone else for the entire book - only Kytytor.
I love rivals to lovers hockey romance and was glad to find one I hadn't really heard about by an author I don't think I've read before. I do try to separate these kinds of romances from HR, but the MCs here share a lot of characteristics to Shane and Ilya so it's hard not to make some comparisons. I did like this more than I thought I would but I was also really thrown off by the writing style.
I really liked Kytytor. It would be easy to compare him to Ilya (Eastern European chirping menace who is fairly unfazed by his sexuality and uses hockey as a means to help his family back home), but it helps that the setting was quite different and that Kytytor was demisexual (pretty much the opposite of Ilya's hypersexuality). But I loved how he also made his LI blush and that he found the hesitancy/insecurity of his LI endearing. He's no Ilya but the author definitely borrowed some of his best traits for Kytytor. Though I didn't like how in the beginning he played kind of dirty - there was no need for it, and it felt kind of sleazy.
I liked Seaborn too but he was a little harder to get a read on personality wise. He was sort of the "good guy" archetype but a bit bland when not directly interacting with Kytytor. In an inversion of the norm, he was the more shy/hesitant/insecure partner even though he was referred to as a manwhore and it's suggested that he'd fucked a lot of women. He did try to push back against Kytytor, but in my view he was ultimately the less dominant partner.
Their dynamic was interesting. There was definitely a lot of power play but there also ended up being a lot of sweetness and support between them. I don't think they're the kind of couple that naturally fits with each other, I think they had to work on it, but I liked that. I didn't find the sex to be scorching hot but it was still decent.
The biggest problem I had with this book was the writing. A lot of scenes ended super abruptly, and some of the transitions were just really weird to me. There were times where, if I hadn't been reading on my Kindle, I would have thought I'd accidentally skipped a page. I also felt there were some inconsistencies with the characters actions - they didn't always seem to fit with their overall personalities and I felt a little confused with the back and forth toward the end. I also hated the seven dwarfs names - hockey nicknames suck sometimes but those were atrocious.
There were also some inaccuracies when it came to the hockey that I tried to overlook but, unfortunately this was kind of hockey heavy so it was hard to avoid. The biggest issue I had was the fighting - unlike the NHL it's a pretty big no no to fight in college. If there had been fights like the ones described in this, these guys would have been ejected from the game and banned from the next one. Plus, they were talking about punching each other in the face but NCAA players wear full face shield or cage helmets - you're not punching someone's nose like that unless the helmet is removed. Not to mention the fact that Kytytor was a forward - they're built for speed and agility and don't typically get in fights unless they're a power forward (which Kytytor was not). I can suspend my belief or ignore certain things but there was a lot of emphasis on the fighting and it bugged me.
This had lots of tropes I love and I did enjoy it overall, but the writing was off putting to me so I'm not sure that I'd read another from this author.
Pet names: waaaaaaay too many to list (Kytytor loved to throw them out there but he varied them all the time), he did call Seaborn Sun and My Love in Ukranian (it was written in cyrillic so idk how to write it), Seaborn called Kytytor baby sometimes
Ktytor: If you think leaving me on read hurts my ego, just remember, I know how you taste.
He seems pretty attached to his straightness or whatever. I don’t have time to worry about compulsory heterosexuality.
I love the uncertainty in him. The slight hesitation in all his movements. If I didn’t know what I was looking for, I would have missed it, but this makes it all the better. Hotter than anything I’ve ever experienced, which shocks me.
I shouldn’t like it. What is wrong with me? Everything that used to piss me off about him is suddenly endearing, and I don’t like how raw it makes me.
Being attracted to men is an easier thing to handle. Wanting to talk to someone all the time and getting giddy is just rude.
“What did you say to me earlier in the kitchen?” “I don’t remember,” I lie. I don’t want him to hate me for things he can’t control. I didn’t mean to fall in love with him.
“To what end? To be a fucking secret? We will always be chasing moments. Very few fucking moments. You’ll be over it ten minutes after you fuck someone else.” I harden my words. “I don’t want that, and I’m not waiting around for you to realize you don’t want it either.”
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: None specifically but there is jealousy. Seaborn was a "manwhore" so Kytytor assumes that he's sleeping with women whenever they are apart but Seaborn is not with anyone else for the entire book - only Kytytor.
September 22, 2025
Two Guys One Puck by J.R. Gray
Length: 315 pages
Source: Literally Yours PR eARC
Publication date: September 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐
4 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
🏒 Hockey rivals
🏒 Double bi-awakening
🏒 Hate to love
🏒 Fighting as foreplay
🏒 Secret hookups
🏒 Only one bed
🏒 Snarky banter
AUTHOR’S BLURB
I’m so close to the NHL draft and the dream I’ve worked towards my entire life, and he’s made it his mission to ruin it all. Ktytor is the superstar enforcer for our biggest rivals, the Massachusetts Monsters. He has a counter for every move I make like he’s inside my head.
He’s cocky, infuriating, and knows just how to get under my skin. His torments finally push me over the edge, so when he suggests we finish our on-ice fight outside after the game, I gladly accept.
What I didn’t expect was our trading blows to end in us making out.
I’ve never even considered being with a guy before, and now I have to pretend to hate him while sneaking around and navigating our public rivalry.
We’re at each other’s throats, and it only makes him hotter.
MY THOUGHTS
The banter in this book is top tier, especially Ktytor’s interactions with Seaborn, his roommates, and with his own teammates. It’s snarky, biting, quick, and just plain entertaining. Even as they fall in love, the MCs are bickering and teasing one another. The chirps, they don’t stay on the ice! Nor do the silly pet names, which I loved. I’m a sucker for a good “pet name in the MC’s first language,” and Ktytor didn’t disappoint.
As much as I enjoyed Seaborn and Ktytor together, it took me about a third of the book to really get behind the thought of these two men as a couple, not because of the writing (loooove Gray’s writing) but because it was hard for me to see why they would ever even remotely hook up, even if just for sex. They literally, LITERALLY, hated each other. Not “I hate you” energy but more like “I f*cking despise your existence” energy.
But finally, FINALLY, there’s a moment (iykyk), and it all started to click, for them and for me. And then we were off! Steamy FaceTimes and hot sex, but also everyday conversations where the reader gets to see Seaborn and Ktytor really get to know each other beyond their physical chemistry. There’s a good amount of difficult conversations these two go through to be together, especially around their families, their insecurities, and the pressure they feel to perform. I love that Gray didn't shy away from any of those exchanges, because it makes the two MCs feel real. Not everything is perfect in their fictional world, and he shows that skillfully (no telling here!).
The only—ONLY—thing that bummed me out when reading Two Guys One Puck was that it ended rather abruptly. Everything’s working out, the two men are happy, and then it just… stops. It didn't detract from my reading enjoyment, but it would be nice to see a bit more of those joyful times after their hard-won HEA.
BOTTOM LINE
This was a fun read with ACTUAL hockey in it! The supporting cast of roommates and teammates was entertaining, and I really, truly cackled at so much of the banter between Seaborn and Ktytor. I’m ready for Book #3.
— A
CONTENT WARNINGS
Thorough list at the front of the book, including parent illness, financial insecurity, kink, internalized biphobia, and war in Ukraine. Please check before reading.
Thanks to Literally Yours PR and J.R. Gray for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, and Goodreads.
Length: 315 pages
Source: Literally Yours PR eARC
Publication date: September 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐
4 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
🏒 Hockey rivals
🏒 Double bi-awakening
🏒 Hate to love
🏒 Fighting as foreplay
🏒 Secret hookups
🏒 Only one bed
🏒 Snarky banter
AUTHOR’S BLURB
I’m so close to the NHL draft and the dream I’ve worked towards my entire life, and he’s made it his mission to ruin it all. Ktytor is the superstar enforcer for our biggest rivals, the Massachusetts Monsters. He has a counter for every move I make like he’s inside my head.
He’s cocky, infuriating, and knows just how to get under my skin. His torments finally push me over the edge, so when he suggests we finish our on-ice fight outside after the game, I gladly accept.
What I didn’t expect was our trading blows to end in us making out.
I’ve never even considered being with a guy before, and now I have to pretend to hate him while sneaking around and navigating our public rivalry.
We’re at each other’s throats, and it only makes him hotter.
MY THOUGHTS
The banter in this book is top tier, especially Ktytor’s interactions with Seaborn, his roommates, and with his own teammates. It’s snarky, biting, quick, and just plain entertaining. Even as they fall in love, the MCs are bickering and teasing one another. The chirps, they don’t stay on the ice! Nor do the silly pet names, which I loved. I’m a sucker for a good “pet name in the MC’s first language,” and Ktytor didn’t disappoint.
As much as I enjoyed Seaborn and Ktytor together, it took me about a third of the book to really get behind the thought of these two men as a couple, not because of the writing (loooove Gray’s writing) but because it was hard for me to see why they would ever even remotely hook up, even if just for sex. They literally, LITERALLY, hated each other. Not “I hate you” energy but more like “I f*cking despise your existence” energy.
But finally, FINALLY, there’s a moment (iykyk), and it all started to click, for them and for me. And then we were off! Steamy FaceTimes and hot sex, but also everyday conversations where the reader gets to see Seaborn and Ktytor really get to know each other beyond their physical chemistry. There’s a good amount of difficult conversations these two go through to be together, especially around their families, their insecurities, and the pressure they feel to perform. I love that Gray didn't shy away from any of those exchanges, because it makes the two MCs feel real. Not everything is perfect in their fictional world, and he shows that skillfully (no telling here!).
The only—ONLY—thing that bummed me out when reading Two Guys One Puck was that it ended rather abruptly. Everything’s working out, the two men are happy, and then it just… stops. It didn't detract from my reading enjoyment, but it would be nice to see a bit more of those joyful times after their hard-won HEA.
BOTTOM LINE
This was a fun read with ACTUAL hockey in it! The supporting cast of roommates and teammates was entertaining, and I really, truly cackled at so much of the banter between Seaborn and Ktytor. I’m ready for Book #3.
— A
CONTENT WARNINGS
Thorough list at the front of the book, including parent illness, financial insecurity, kink, internalized biphobia, and war in Ukraine. Please check before reading.
Thanks to Literally Yours PR and J.R. Gray for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, and Goodreads.
September 18, 2025
MY OPINION: Yes, please! I haven’t read anything by JR Gray before, but I can assure you I will be picking up more books. Especially the first one in this series. This was a great story, a lot of depth as far as I was concerned.
These two men have the same goals but come at them from different angles. Both of them play hockey because they want to help—save—their families. One of them is from Ukraine, the other is from a struggling family in the United States, but both of them need to make the lives of their loved ones better.
Ktytor (whose name I never did get right in my head) isn’t completely Americanized, but is in the States to play hockey and then get drafted by the NHL. There are no other options, no other goals, no plans, and because of that, simple one-mindedness, there would be nothing but hockey and school.
Seaborn enjoys spending time with the ladies, and although he plans to play in the NHL, there are no alternatives. Generally, he was an amazing player, but when the team faces their rivals, one player makes him furious—Ktytor.
When these two are on the ice, they are furious and hateful toward each other. It’s a surprise to them both when they find that energy translates into passion and desire. Using that energy to be intimate with each other doesn’t change their dynamic on the ice; it simply fuels the hate. The problem is passion turned into feelings, and neither was able to deny it, even when they tried. Willing to make all the sacrifices to have a little bit of something with each other, they travel a path neither was prepared for but both leaned into.
Finding a forever was hard fought, but they managed to. It’s a great story, and these two men are so different yet the same. Ktytor is grumpy (Ukrainian), and it plays out on the pages, occasionally showing the softer side only with Seaborn. His personality makes Seaborn look like pure sunshine.
There are quite a few tropes: forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers, and hurt/comfort. The spice is not overly explicit, but has a wonderful kick. There are plenty of tender moments but lots of heat as well. It was written well, and I couldn’t put it down, wanting to see how their story worked out. A solid college hockey romance that should be on your TBR list. I can’t wait to read Book 1.
These two men have the same goals but come at them from different angles. Both of them play hockey because they want to help—save—their families. One of them is from Ukraine, the other is from a struggling family in the United States, but both of them need to make the lives of their loved ones better.
Ktytor (whose name I never did get right in my head) isn’t completely Americanized, but is in the States to play hockey and then get drafted by the NHL. There are no other options, no other goals, no plans, and because of that, simple one-mindedness, there would be nothing but hockey and school.
Seaborn enjoys spending time with the ladies, and although he plans to play in the NHL, there are no alternatives. Generally, he was an amazing player, but when the team faces their rivals, one player makes him furious—Ktytor.
When these two are on the ice, they are furious and hateful toward each other. It’s a surprise to them both when they find that energy translates into passion and desire. Using that energy to be intimate with each other doesn’t change their dynamic on the ice; it simply fuels the hate. The problem is passion turned into feelings, and neither was able to deny it, even when they tried. Willing to make all the sacrifices to have a little bit of something with each other, they travel a path neither was prepared for but both leaned into.
Finding a forever was hard fought, but they managed to. It’s a great story, and these two men are so different yet the same. Ktytor is grumpy (Ukrainian), and it plays out on the pages, occasionally showing the softer side only with Seaborn. His personality makes Seaborn look like pure sunshine.
There are quite a few tropes: forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers, and hurt/comfort. The spice is not overly explicit, but has a wonderful kick. There are plenty of tender moments but lots of heat as well. It was written well, and I couldn’t put it down, wanting to see how their story worked out. A solid college hockey romance that should be on your TBR list. I can’t wait to read Book 1.
September 29, 2025
Ronan Seaborn and Leontiy Ktytor have been rivals for years and enemies on the ice. Ktytor always knows how to push Seaborn's buttons, and he fights dirty. When another brawl leads to a challenge off the ice, neither are willing to back down. What's supposed to be just fists somehow ends in a kiss, and everything devolves from there. What they expect to be a one off somehow turns to more. And when they're forced into close proximity and have to play friendly, they call a temporary truce. Spending time together all of a sudden seems right, but there's so much standing in their way. Keeping their relationship secret is a must, but it might be the thing that destroys them in the end. Seaborn and Ktytor both have a lot to lose, but are they willing to risk each other?
This was a pretty good book. I liked the characters and lot. Seaborn was relatable. I felt a little bad that he struggled to find himself. And I liked Ktytor. He just went with the flow and took everything Seaborn would give him. I really liked how they were together. They were very similar with their wants, dreams, and goals. I think that's what let them work. And then I loved that their rivalry was so heated and yet they easily trusted each other. The slow fall into romance was really sweet, and I liked that they just decided to choose each other.
I really enjoyed the other characters and how supportive they were of Seaborn and Ktytor and their sexuality journey. Archangel and Wolfe cracked me up, and Happy and Sleepy did too. I loved that Ktytor's whole line was the Seven Dwarves. That was hilarious.
I do have some complaints. I felt that some of the time jumps made the book feel stilted, especially at the end. Who won the final game? And then I never felt that Seaborn and Ktytor really resolved their issues. They fought, kissed, broke up, then suddenly were boyfriends without ever having discussed anything or setting boundaries. That was a disappointment, if I'm honest. I really wanted the emotional coming together at the end, maybe some groveling, but it wasn't there.
Having said that, I did enjoy the book as a whole. I liked all the hockey. The spice was hot. I'm really intrigued by what's going on with Archangel and Wolfe. And it kept me laughing the whole time.
Overall, I give this one 4/5 🌟
This was a pretty good book. I liked the characters and lot. Seaborn was relatable. I felt a little bad that he struggled to find himself. And I liked Ktytor. He just went with the flow and took everything Seaborn would give him. I really liked how they were together. They were very similar with their wants, dreams, and goals. I think that's what let them work. And then I loved that their rivalry was so heated and yet they easily trusted each other. The slow fall into romance was really sweet, and I liked that they just decided to choose each other.
I really enjoyed the other characters and how supportive they were of Seaborn and Ktytor and their sexuality journey. Archangel and Wolfe cracked me up, and Happy and Sleepy did too. I loved that Ktytor's whole line was the Seven Dwarves. That was hilarious.
I do have some complaints. I felt that some of the time jumps made the book feel stilted, especially at the end. Who won the final game? And then I never felt that Seaborn and Ktytor really resolved their issues. They fought, kissed, broke up, then suddenly were boyfriends without ever having discussed anything or setting boundaries. That was a disappointment, if I'm honest. I really wanted the emotional coming together at the end, maybe some groveling, but it wasn't there.
Having said that, I did enjoy the book as a whole. I liked all the hockey. The spice was hot. I'm really intrigued by what's going on with Archangel and Wolfe. And it kept me laughing the whole time.
Overall, I give this one 4/5 🌟
November 30, 2025
Here's JR Gray "Two Guys, One Puck." It's the first book in the Gods Versus Monsters Hockey series.
["A fist fight shouldn’t be flirting.
I’m so close to the NHL draft and the dream I’ve worked towards my entire life and he’s made it his mission to ruin it all. Ktytor is the super star enforcer for our biggest rivals the Massachusetts Monsters. He has a counter for every move I make like he’s inside my head.
He’s cocky, infuriating, and knows just how to get under my skin. His torments finally push me over the edge so when he suggests we finish our on-ice fight outside after the game, I gladly accept
What I didn’t expect was our trading blows to end in us making out.
I’ve never even considered being with a guy before and now I have to pretend to hate him while sneaking around and navigating our public rivalry.
We’re at each other’s throats and it only makes him hotter."]
I wasn’t sure about how their feelings were playing out for a while. It was more hurt than comfort, more ‘this means nothing,’ more internalized stuff. It was a lot of denial even when we saw the signs, even when others saw the signs, even when they saw the signs. It was frustrating.
Then boom! They finally realized what was going on just under the surface, and it was far too late to do anything about it. Actions spoke louder than words, words went from teasing to real. The pet names!?! D: End me.
Quote of the Date (Aunt Emily // Ronan): "'You're on the top ten hockey rivals of all times?' // 'Number three? We can do better than that...'"
Not sure if it gave me “Heated Rivalry” vibes, because the tv adaption just dropped or…
Trigger Warnings: parent illness, parent hospitalization with MS, parent in war zone, parental death discussed, war in Ukraine, air raids, bombings, hockey-related violence, financial struggles, possibility of skipping meals due to loss of wages, wartime inflation, college athletes' exploitation, general trauma, starts of panic attack, internalized biphobia, staying closeted as a means of protection, and more.
#nopucks #twoguysonepuck #apuckbetweenfriends #puckaroundandfindout #jrgray #godsversusmonstershockey #godsversusmonstershockeyseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["A fist fight shouldn’t be flirting.
I’m so close to the NHL draft and the dream I’ve worked towards my entire life and he’s made it his mission to ruin it all. Ktytor is the super star enforcer for our biggest rivals the Massachusetts Monsters. He has a counter for every move I make like he’s inside my head.
He’s cocky, infuriating, and knows just how to get under my skin. His torments finally push me over the edge so when he suggests we finish our on-ice fight outside after the game, I gladly accept
What I didn’t expect was our trading blows to end in us making out.
I’ve never even considered being with a guy before and now I have to pretend to hate him while sneaking around and navigating our public rivalry.
We’re at each other’s throats and it only makes him hotter."]
I wasn’t sure about how their feelings were playing out for a while. It was more hurt than comfort, more ‘this means nothing,’ more internalized stuff. It was a lot of denial even when we saw the signs, even when others saw the signs, even when they saw the signs. It was frustrating.
Then boom! They finally realized what was going on just under the surface, and it was far too late to do anything about it. Actions spoke louder than words, words went from teasing to real. The pet names!?! D: End me.
Quote of the Date (Aunt Emily // Ronan): "'You're on the top ten hockey rivals of all times?' // 'Number three? We can do better than that...'"
Not sure if it gave me “Heated Rivalry” vibes, because the tv adaption just dropped or…
Trigger Warnings: parent illness, parent hospitalization with MS, parent in war zone, parental death discussed, war in Ukraine, air raids, bombings, hockey-related violence, financial struggles, possibility of skipping meals due to loss of wages, wartime inflation, college athletes' exploitation, general trauma, starts of panic attack, internalized biphobia, staying closeted as a means of protection, and more.
#nopucks #twoguysonepuck #apuckbetweenfriends #puckaroundandfindout #jrgray #godsversusmonstershockey #godsversusmonstershockeyseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
September 10, 2025
#EnemiesTo Lovers #Sports #LGBTQIA #BiAwakening #MM
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV, can be read as a standalone and ends with a HFN. This author has been on my TBR for a long time and when a PR company offered me an ARC, I checked my calendar and signed up for this one. I am so glad I did.
The book itself takes place over nearly two years as Seaborn, who plays college hockey as an enforcer for the Gods, and Ktytor, who plays as a center for the Monsters, go from enemies to lovers to love. I loved the depth of the characters. Seaborn is playing in the hopes of getting drafted so that he has the financial means to care for his family as his dad declines from a terminal illness. Ktytor is also hoping to get drafted in the hopes to have the financial security to get his brother and possibly his mother out of Ukraine to the states. They both have a lot riding on how well they play and when they are matched against each other it gets rough on the ice. I adored their banter and the emotions the characters go through as they fight each other for dominance on and then off the ice. I loved the exploration of Seaborn’s feelings as he finds himself drawn to and having feelings for a man who happens to be his rival. I loved Ktytor’s simple acceptance of his feelings and how that influences their relationship. I also appreciated the discussions they had with teammates about their emerging sexuality and the ready acceptance by their close friends. I also loved how Ktytor’s teammates discuss the spectrum of asexuality and demi-sexuality with him.
Beautifully written, I loved the character development and the way the characters come to rely on each other. I loved the heat between them, their banter, and the humorous moments. This will certainly not be the last book I read by this author. I am hooked.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV, can be read as a standalone and ends with a HFN. This author has been on my TBR for a long time and when a PR company offered me an ARC, I checked my calendar and signed up for this one. I am so glad I did.
The book itself takes place over nearly two years as Seaborn, who plays college hockey as an enforcer for the Gods, and Ktytor, who plays as a center for the Monsters, go from enemies to lovers to love. I loved the depth of the characters. Seaborn is playing in the hopes of getting drafted so that he has the financial means to care for his family as his dad declines from a terminal illness. Ktytor is also hoping to get drafted in the hopes to have the financial security to get his brother and possibly his mother out of Ukraine to the states. They both have a lot riding on how well they play and when they are matched against each other it gets rough on the ice. I adored their banter and the emotions the characters go through as they fight each other for dominance on and then off the ice. I loved the exploration of Seaborn’s feelings as he finds himself drawn to and having feelings for a man who happens to be his rival. I loved Ktytor’s simple acceptance of his feelings and how that influences their relationship. I also appreciated the discussions they had with teammates about their emerging sexuality and the ready acceptance by their close friends. I also loved how Ktytor’s teammates discuss the spectrum of asexuality and demi-sexuality with him.
Beautifully written, I loved the character development and the way the characters come to rely on each other. I loved the heat between them, their banter, and the humorous moments. This will certainly not be the last book I read by this author. I am hooked.
September 16, 2025
What a story. I was hooked from the very start and didn’t want to stop reading until the very last page. Seaborn and Ktytor are everything I love in a rivals-to-lovers pairing. Their tension is real, and you feel it both on and off the ice. They can’t stand each other, but they also can’t stay away. Every fight, every glare, every heated exchange pulls them closer. The shift from rivalry to something deeper happens so naturally that I fully believed in their connection. They miss each other. They want to hear from each other. And slowly, without even realizing it, they need each other.
The banter between them is on point. They love to push each other’s buttons, and it’s honestly hilarious. They’re constantly toeing the line between fighting and flirting. And when things do cross over into more… wow. The chemistry between them is explosive. You can feel how badly they want each other, even when they don’t know what to do with those feelings.
What made this even better was the way their relationship develops over time. It’s not just about heat or rivalry. There’s growth, reflection, and real emotion. Seaborn is dealing with a lot at home, especially with his dad's health. Ktytor has his own struggles too, carrying the weight of wanting to protect his family. It gives their story more depth and makes their bond even stronger. I also liked how their friends support them, without making it a whole dramatic thing. It was refreshing.
There were also a few soft, funny moments that made me love them even more. They’re a bit ridiculous at times, in the best way. The pet names, the teasing, the way they drive each other mad and still want to be close—it made their connection feel authentic.
I also liked the sneak peeks into future stories. There’s just enough to spark curiosity without distracting from the main couple.
🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
🏒MM
🏒Bi-Awakening
🏒Rivals to Lovers
🏒Hockey
🏒Only One Bed
🏒Demi Rep
The banter between them is on point. They love to push each other’s buttons, and it’s honestly hilarious. They’re constantly toeing the line between fighting and flirting. And when things do cross over into more… wow. The chemistry between them is explosive. You can feel how badly they want each other, even when they don’t know what to do with those feelings.
What made this even better was the way their relationship develops over time. It’s not just about heat or rivalry. There’s growth, reflection, and real emotion. Seaborn is dealing with a lot at home, especially with his dad's health. Ktytor has his own struggles too, carrying the weight of wanting to protect his family. It gives their story more depth and makes their bond even stronger. I also liked how their friends support them, without making it a whole dramatic thing. It was refreshing.
There were also a few soft, funny moments that made me love them even more. They’re a bit ridiculous at times, in the best way. The pet names, the teasing, the way they drive each other mad and still want to be close—it made their connection feel authentic.
I also liked the sneak peeks into future stories. There’s just enough to spark curiosity without distracting from the main couple.
🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
🏒MM
🏒Bi-Awakening
🏒Rivals to Lovers
🏒Hockey
🏒Only One Bed
🏒Demi Rep
October 20, 2025
DNF @ 9%
What the actual fuck happened? We go from Ktytor and Seaborn hating each other to them randomly making out in the middle of a fist fight? I get having feelings of passion come out in the heat of the moment, but there needs to be way way way more actual set up of underlying attraction beneath the anger for something like this to work. You can't just have two people spewing hate and snark at each other for one chapter then have them suddenly kissing and assume it makes sense, because it really doesn't.
Then despite Ktytor supposedly coming to his senses and ending the kiss because "his brother depended on him" (whatever that entails), he's the one who actively brings up the kissing incident and uses it to rile up Seaborn again. I don't understand. The act of kissing Seaborn was supposedly distracting enough to Ktytor that he had to stop because it stood as a possible complication to one of his goals (aka taking care of his brother), so why then is he suddenly using that to unnecessarily insult Seaborn? Was that not inviting more of the distraction? He cared enough about his being able to provide for his brother to stop the kiss but then suddenly is so cavalier about it the next chapter?
If we'd had more than just a single chapter of Ktytor and Seaborn insulting each other and showing that they enjoyed each other's company deep down, then this would be fine. As it is, the author just handwaves away the very important aspect of showing us that the MCs actually liking each other (or like at least some part of their interactions, even when they're not aware of it themselves). Not even mentioning Ktytor's weirdass "I shouldn't be distracted because my brother depends on me but I'm going to message Seaborn about the thing I thought was going to be distracting for some reason."
What the actual fuck happened? We go from Ktytor and Seaborn hating each other to them randomly making out in the middle of a fist fight? I get having feelings of passion come out in the heat of the moment, but there needs to be way way way more actual set up of underlying attraction beneath the anger for something like this to work. You can't just have two people spewing hate and snark at each other for one chapter then have them suddenly kissing and assume it makes sense, because it really doesn't.
Then despite Ktytor supposedly coming to his senses and ending the kiss because "his brother depended on him" (whatever that entails), he's the one who actively brings up the kissing incident and uses it to rile up Seaborn again. I don't understand. The act of kissing Seaborn was supposedly distracting enough to Ktytor that he had to stop because it stood as a possible complication to one of his goals (aka taking care of his brother), so why then is he suddenly using that to unnecessarily insult Seaborn? Was that not inviting more of the distraction? He cared enough about his being able to provide for his brother to stop the kiss but then suddenly is so cavalier about it the next chapter?
If we'd had more than just a single chapter of Ktytor and Seaborn insulting each other and showing that they enjoyed each other's company deep down, then this would be fine. As it is, the author just handwaves away the very important aspect of showing us that the MCs actually liking each other (or like at least some part of their interactions, even when they're not aware of it themselves). Not even mentioning Ktytor's weirdass "I shouldn't be distracted because my brother depends on me but I'm going to message Seaborn about the thing I thought was going to be distracting for some reason."
September 8, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
I was expecting this book to be great and I was not disappointed. This is a true enemies to lovers story that starts with the characters’ incredible banter on the ice. They get under each other’s skin like no one else is capable of. It’s not just about reaching the NHL as a personal dream, but this is also a story about two men who are fighting to reach the top because if they don’t make it, there are true consequences for the people in their lives.
Seaborn comes from a blue collar working class family that is struggling under both financial and emotional strain. His dad is suffering from MS and is unable to do anything, leaving Seaborn and his aunt to help take care of both him and Seaborn’s two brothers that also play hockey.
Ktytor is Ukrainian and both his mother and younger still live in Ukraine. Ktytor is fighting to be able to get his family out of a war zone and either to America or to somewhere safer in Ukraine.
These two men constantly clash on the ice as Seaborn defends against Ktytor, and it is after a particularly bad fight that they take it off the ice and somehow end up kissing. Despite their confusion over their beginnings, neither is in denial about wanting the other. We watch as over the course of a year the two spend more time together and begin to mean more to each other than just a good time.
So the questions become: will the two become more? Will their off ice relationship affect their playing? What happens if their teammates find out when they’ve always been such dramatic rivals? What will happen in the draft? Find out along with the two guys chasing one puck! #enemiestolovers #hockeyromance #mmromance #godsversusmonsters #rivals #rivalry #dualbisexualawakening #secretrelationship
I was expecting this book to be great and I was not disappointed. This is a true enemies to lovers story that starts with the characters’ incredible banter on the ice. They get under each other’s skin like no one else is capable of. It’s not just about reaching the NHL as a personal dream, but this is also a story about two men who are fighting to reach the top because if they don’t make it, there are true consequences for the people in their lives.
Seaborn comes from a blue collar working class family that is struggling under both financial and emotional strain. His dad is suffering from MS and is unable to do anything, leaving Seaborn and his aunt to help take care of both him and Seaborn’s two brothers that also play hockey.
Ktytor is Ukrainian and both his mother and younger still live in Ukraine. Ktytor is fighting to be able to get his family out of a war zone and either to America or to somewhere safer in Ukraine.
These two men constantly clash on the ice as Seaborn defends against Ktytor, and it is after a particularly bad fight that they take it off the ice and somehow end up kissing. Despite their confusion over their beginnings, neither is in denial about wanting the other. We watch as over the course of a year the two spend more time together and begin to mean more to each other than just a good time.
So the questions become: will the two become more? Will their off ice relationship affect their playing? What happens if their teammates find out when they’ve always been such dramatic rivals? What will happen in the draft? Find out along with the two guys chasing one puck! #enemiestolovers #hockeyromance #mmromance #godsversusmonsters #rivals #rivalry #dualbisexualawakening #secretrelationship
September 18, 2025
Clash of the hockey rivals
J.R. Gray's TWO GUYS ONE PUCK, book #2 in the God Versus Monsters Hockey series, is another fabulous read from this talented author. It is an emotional and passionate enemies to lovers, hockey rivals, double bisexual awakening, MM romance which pulled on my heartstrings while including plenty of humour.
Ronan Seaborn, enforcer for the Gods, and Leontiy Ktytor, center for the Monsters, are enemies on the ice, their confrontations are brutal, bruising, and filled with snarky banter. However, it is their clashes off the ice which have their heads spinning, the attraction they have for each other, surely not because they're straight ... aren't they?
The driving force behind Seaborn and Ktytor in hoping to get drafted to the NHL is the possibility of being able to provide financial security for their families. On the ice they can't stand each other, but off the ice they can't get enough of each other. Their chemistry is volcanic, their banter is snarky, brilliant, and hilarious, and their flirting is delicious, especially Ktytor's constant use of pet names for Seaborn. I loved that their relationship was given a chance to develop over time, almost two years, giving them the opportunity to learn more about each other outside of hockey. Don't mention their heat ... OMG the pages were burning!
J.R. Gray has delivered the perfect enemies to lovers story, with all the snark, chemistry, flirting, and heat I have some to love from his writing. I enjoyed all the tension, emotions, and lighthearted moments. I can't wait for more of this series as I can see myself devouring them just like I did this one.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
J.R. Gray's TWO GUYS ONE PUCK, book #2 in the God Versus Monsters Hockey series, is another fabulous read from this talented author. It is an emotional and passionate enemies to lovers, hockey rivals, double bisexual awakening, MM romance which pulled on my heartstrings while including plenty of humour.
Ronan Seaborn, enforcer for the Gods, and Leontiy Ktytor, center for the Monsters, are enemies on the ice, their confrontations are brutal, bruising, and filled with snarky banter. However, it is their clashes off the ice which have their heads spinning, the attraction they have for each other, surely not because they're straight ... aren't they?
The driving force behind Seaborn and Ktytor in hoping to get drafted to the NHL is the possibility of being able to provide financial security for their families. On the ice they can't stand each other, but off the ice they can't get enough of each other. Their chemistry is volcanic, their banter is snarky, brilliant, and hilarious, and their flirting is delicious, especially Ktytor's constant use of pet names for Seaborn. I loved that their relationship was given a chance to develop over time, almost two years, giving them the opportunity to learn more about each other outside of hockey. Don't mention their heat ... OMG the pages were burning!
J.R. Gray has delivered the perfect enemies to lovers story, with all the snark, chemistry, flirting, and heat I have some to love from his writing. I enjoyed all the tension, emotions, and lighthearted moments. I can't wait for more of this series as I can see myself devouring them just like I did this one.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
October 5, 2025
4.7 Stars ⭐️
Ktytor and Seaborn are hockey players on rival university hockey teams. They both have serious reasons for wanting to be the best, so they can be assured of getting drafted to the NHL. Ktytor is a center and Seaborn is the defenseman whose job it is to stop him. So when they play, they are constantly battling it out, and Ktytor doesn’t always play fair. He taunts and he hits where he knows Seaborn is hurt. Eventually, the fighting on the rink, ends up outside of it.
Neither is expecting the results of their street fight. But once they get a taste of each other, they can’t stop.
I love how differently the two guys react to being attracted to a man for the first time and to a person they thought they hated. I like that this difference leads to some added conflict between them—it’s not just a personality difference, it’s an obstacle.
I love how serious each guy’s reasons for not just wanting but needing to succeed is. There are real consequences if they can’t achieve their goal of getting drafted. Then, as they get closer and fall for each other more, getting drafted also becomes something that could keep them apart. They need to get drafted, but they want to be together.
And making Ktytor Ukrainian—so good. It adds a real world gravitas to his plight. We, the audience, know his fears are real because we see the news from Ukraine ourselves. Plus, I like how it humanizes a real world issue too, helping us see the people on the news as real people with hopes and fears and a deep love for their country.
I also adored Ktytor’s many, many, many terms of endearment that he used to needle Seaborn. And even more, when he started using Ukrainian ones for real—so sweet.
Ktytor and Seaborn are hockey players on rival university hockey teams. They both have serious reasons for wanting to be the best, so they can be assured of getting drafted to the NHL. Ktytor is a center and Seaborn is the defenseman whose job it is to stop him. So when they play, they are constantly battling it out, and Ktytor doesn’t always play fair. He taunts and he hits where he knows Seaborn is hurt. Eventually, the fighting on the rink, ends up outside of it.
Neither is expecting the results of their street fight. But once they get a taste of each other, they can’t stop.
I love how differently the two guys react to being attracted to a man for the first time and to a person they thought they hated. I like that this difference leads to some added conflict between them—it’s not just a personality difference, it’s an obstacle.
I love how serious each guy’s reasons for not just wanting but needing to succeed is. There are real consequences if they can’t achieve their goal of getting drafted. Then, as they get closer and fall for each other more, getting drafted also becomes something that could keep them apart. They need to get drafted, but they want to be together.
And making Ktytor Ukrainian—so good. It adds a real world gravitas to his plight. We, the audience, know his fears are real because we see the news from Ukraine ourselves. Plus, I like how it humanizes a real world issue too, helping us see the people on the news as real people with hopes and fears and a deep love for their country.
I also adored Ktytor’s many, many, many terms of endearment that he used to needle Seaborn. And even more, when he started using Ukrainian ones for real—so sweet.
September 21, 2025
*Overall Book Rating: 4 / 5
*Tropes:
-MM Hockey Romance
-College Hockey Players
-Rivals to Lovers
-Bi-Awakening / Sexual Awakening
-Secret Relationship
-One Bed
-Fist Fighting into F*cking
*Spiciness: 3 / 5
Seaborn and Ktytor’s story perfectly fits animosity turned love trope with sassiness mainly from Ktytor, dry humor from Seaborn and tone of bickering between them. Both Seaborn and Ktytor come from financially struggling families, which fuels their determination to excel as players to achieve their ultimate goal i.e. to secure a spot in the NHL during the draft. Both Seaborn and Ktytor are extremely competitive and they don’t miss a chance to rial each other up during their games. They both are also very responsible, resilient, and would go to any lengths for their respective families. They both share many similarities, yet they also differ in ways that make them an ideal couple. Initially, their relationship is marked by animosity, but beneath the surface, a layer of attraction lies hidden and them acting on this attraction is what brought them together. They definitely love bickering, physical sparring and throwing insults at one another (these actions are their love language towards one other) which at the end leads them towards being intimate. Their biggest hurdle is not communicating about their feelings and emotions which causes few riffs between them. Being away from one another forces them to gain perspective of what and who is important in their lives and to get their act together. This story definitely covers an array of emotions which gives the 2 main characters more depth and complexity.
*Tropes:
-MM Hockey Romance
-College Hockey Players
-Rivals to Lovers
-Bi-Awakening / Sexual Awakening
-Secret Relationship
-One Bed
-Fist Fighting into F*cking
*Spiciness: 3 / 5
Seaborn and Ktytor’s story perfectly fits animosity turned love trope with sassiness mainly from Ktytor, dry humor from Seaborn and tone of bickering between them. Both Seaborn and Ktytor come from financially struggling families, which fuels their determination to excel as players to achieve their ultimate goal i.e. to secure a spot in the NHL during the draft. Both Seaborn and Ktytor are extremely competitive and they don’t miss a chance to rial each other up during their games. They both are also very responsible, resilient, and would go to any lengths for their respective families. They both share many similarities, yet they also differ in ways that make them an ideal couple. Initially, their relationship is marked by animosity, but beneath the surface, a layer of attraction lies hidden and them acting on this attraction is what brought them together. They definitely love bickering, physical sparring and throwing insults at one another (these actions are their love language towards one other) which at the end leads them towards being intimate. Their biggest hurdle is not communicating about their feelings and emotions which causes few riffs between them. Being away from one another forces them to gain perspective of what and who is important in their lives and to get their act together. This story definitely covers an array of emotions which gives the 2 main characters more depth and complexity.
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