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All It Takes #4
Brace and Chase
What happens when rivals have to work together to earn their spot on the team back?
SANTA
Charlie Heart is many things:
An annoyingly good hockey player.
The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers.
My rival.
The only person I truly hate in the world.
And now apparently, my newest teammate.
Also, I don’t care what his nickname is, he’s the opposite of a sweetheart, and I will never let him become a true Pirate.
CHARLIE
Nikolay Brotnik is a confusing man:
Why is his nickname Santa when he’s the most intimidating and feared man in the league?
Does he ever smile in a nice way?
Why does he never talk to the media or the fans?
What have I ever done to him to deserve his icy glares that leave me feeling like a frozen corpse?
Will he hate me even more when he finds out the real reason I was chosen to play for his team?
Or will he finally see that, for the first time ever, I’m on his team?
Brace And Chase is a Contemporary MM Hockey Romance and Book 4 in the All It Takes Series. Themes include a rivalry, "real" hate that turns into actually real love, found family feels, just a smidge of hurt/comfort, and a couple of guys who love hockey more than anything in the world...or so they think.
While it's technically a standalone, it would be best enjoyed by reading the series in order.
This book has no cliffhangers and ends in a HEA. There are a lot of very gay things happening inside, so if that's not for you, then this book isn't either. If it is, then welcome to the mostly low-angst world of the All It Takes Series, I'm thrilled to have you and hope you enjoy this journey.
SANTA
Charlie Heart is many things:
An annoyingly good hockey player.
The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers.
My rival.
The only person I truly hate in the world.
And now apparently, my newest teammate.
Also, I don’t care what his nickname is, he’s the opposite of a sweetheart, and I will never let him become a true Pirate.
CHARLIE
Nikolay Brotnik is a confusing man:
Why is his nickname Santa when he’s the most intimidating and feared man in the league?
Does he ever smile in a nice way?
Why does he never talk to the media or the fans?
What have I ever done to him to deserve his icy glares that leave me feeling like a frozen corpse?
Will he hate me even more when he finds out the real reason I was chosen to play for his team?
Or will he finally see that, for the first time ever, I’m on his team?
Brace And Chase is a Contemporary MM Hockey Romance and Book 4 in the All It Takes Series. Themes include a rivalry, "real" hate that turns into actually real love, found family feels, just a smidge of hurt/comfort, and a couple of guys who love hockey more than anything in the world...or so they think.
While it's technically a standalone, it would be best enjoyed by reading the series in order.
This book has no cliffhangers and ends in a HEA. There are a lot of very gay things happening inside, so if that's not for you, then this book isn't either. If it is, then welcome to the mostly low-angst world of the All It Takes Series, I'm thrilled to have you and hope you enjoy this journey.
Unknown Binding
Published March 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 25, 2025
I loved Nik and Charlie!! Sorry to Benny and Chris, but they've definitely been replaced as my favourite couple in this series.
I felt outraged on Nik's behalf at what Gab was trying to pull. It came off as heartless and inconsiderate, not caring in the slightest. Also I was raging that no one ever asked Nik to explain just why he hated Charlie to begin with, and they were so mean! Nik had the biggest heart and for him to be struggling so hard and feeling guilty for the first third of the book just kept making me cry!!
Charlie lived up to his name and was definitely a sweetheart with the patience of a saint at times. I liked how he wanted to give Nik a big family and I really enjoyed when they finally stopped being enemies and started working towards achieving their dreams together.
I'm already super curious about Charlie and Nik's brothers though so I'm looking forward to reading their stories!
I felt outraged on Nik's behalf at what Gab was trying to pull. It came off as heartless and inconsiderate, not caring in the slightest. Also I was raging that no one ever asked Nik to explain just why he hated Charlie to begin with, and they were so mean! Nik had the biggest heart and for him to be struggling so hard and feeling guilty for the first third of the book just kept making me cry!!
Charlie lived up to his name and was definitely a sweetheart with the patience of a saint at times. I liked how he wanted to give Nik a big family and I really enjoyed when they finally stopped being enemies and started working towards achieving their dreams together.
I'm already super curious about Charlie and Nik's brothers though so I'm looking forward to reading their stories!
March 19, 2025
Nikolay HATED Charlie (for a very valid reason) but the literal minute they resolved it, he's all, “I’m going to kiss you now, stop me if you don’t want that.”
I—💀💀💀💀💀💀how long have you been sitting on that one, my good man?
And then shortly thereafter.....
“It’s going to take some time to get used to not hating you, okay?”
“Sure, whatever. Hopefully as short a time as it took you to get used to kissing me.”
😂😂😂Thanks. I thought I was going crazy.
This was surprisingly good for a number of reasons.
1. It's my first book by this author. Always nice when it's a winner.
2. It's a hockey romance, but without too much hockey (even though it's literally all about and around hockey). Basically it doesn't have that too much detail that has me zoning out.
3. It's a double bi-awakening, and that somehow STILL wasn't my favorite part of this(which, FYI, was the scene of them coming out to their teammates)
4. It's clearly part of a series, but you don't get bogged down by too much detail about the other characters who already had their books. And that's a pet peeve of mine. There's just enough detail that I'm maybe curious about Jules' story. And Bear's too. Maybe. And I love that this is a choice I get to make, rather than have been forcefed a surprisingly comprehensive page-long backstory on how they got with their guys🙄
5. It somehow contains a LOT of the most common tropes in hockey romance(rivalry, major injuries, secret dating, public outing) and yet doesn't feel like a cocktail of tropes thrown together for the sake of ticking boxes.
I really enjoyed it. Charlie's great and all, but Nikolay was the standout in this. A deeply unserious person with the propensity to say the worst possible thing in any situation.
My favorite type of MC.
It's been a while since I read a hockey romance (like a week lol💀) but this one felt like coming home.
That said, I do love a bit (a lot) of angst and heartache and this had pretty much none of that so for me it lacked that extra zing to push it to 5* category.
Love that my ARC journey has (re)started with a bang. Got this one via GRR.
I—💀💀💀💀💀💀how long have you been sitting on that one, my good man?
And then shortly thereafter.....
“It’s going to take some time to get used to not hating you, okay?”
“Sure, whatever. Hopefully as short a time as it took you to get used to kissing me.”
😂😂😂Thanks. I thought I was going crazy.
This was surprisingly good for a number of reasons.
1. It's my first book by this author. Always nice when it's a winner.
2. It's a hockey romance, but without too much hockey (even though it's literally all about and around hockey). Basically it doesn't have that too much detail that has me zoning out.
3. It's a double bi-awakening, and that somehow STILL wasn't my favorite part of this(which, FYI, was the scene of them coming out to their teammates)
4. It's clearly part of a series, but you don't get bogged down by too much detail about the other characters who already had their books. And that's a pet peeve of mine. There's just enough detail that I'm maybe curious about Jules' story. And Bear's too. Maybe. And I love that this is a choice I get to make, rather than have been forcefed a surprisingly comprehensive page-long backstory on how they got with their guys🙄
5. It somehow contains a LOT of the most common tropes in hockey romance(rivalry, major injuries, secret dating, public outing) and yet doesn't feel like a cocktail of tropes thrown together for the sake of ticking boxes.
I really enjoyed it. Charlie's great and all, but Nikolay was the standout in this. A deeply unserious person with the propensity to say the worst possible thing in any situation.
My favorite type of MC.
It's been a while since I read a hockey romance (like a week lol💀) but this one felt like coming home.
That said, I do love a bit (a lot) of angst and heartache and this had pretty much none of that so for me it lacked that extra zing to push it to 5* category.
Love that my ARC journey has (re)started with a bang. Got this one via GRR.
March 31, 2025
Not gonna lie, I struggled with maybe the first 35-40% of the book because all I was getting was hate and confusion from these main characters. But then it got a lot better after the confusion was cleared up.
This is book 4 in a series I haven’t read😅🤦🏻♀️ Again, will probably have character cameos which I may be oblivious to.
Nikolay Brotnik—Santa and CHARLIE HEART—SWEETHEART.
Ok Santa Nik seriously hates Charlie and I’m already curious why.
There’s some epic countdown to before the season starts and then the season starts
Charlie retired from the NHL but is brought back by Santa’s team owner to secretly help Santa accept retirement. This is going to end badly. Strong possibility of a 3rd act breakup… if these two can ever get together
Wow this a real one sided hate leaving Charlie , like me, perplexed. It’s also isolating Charlie from the rest of the team .
Wait, what ?! They are fighting and Charlie just kisses him. There’s been absolutely no sign of sexual chemistry, attraction or even like up to this point. They are both now confused. I’m confused. Santa has hated Charlie with every fibre of his being but lets him kiss him?! Wtf.
Santa finally , after MONTHS, lets Charlie know where his hatred stems from.
‘Then he laughs, coldly, unkindly. “You think I’m ever going to forgive you for calling my parents pathetic and embarrassing?”
It was a total misunderstanding, Charlie did not call two people months away from death pathetic and embarrassing, he was talking about some old guy who had brought two hookers with him to the awards show.
Phew glad that’s cleared up, can we now get over the misplaced hate and get some sexual chemistry, lingering looks, flirting …anything.
“I’m going to kiss you now,” he whispers in a growl. “Stop me if you don’t want that.” I suck in air. But I don’t move.’
PRAISE JESUS!!!
“You kissed me.” “You kissed me first,” I defend for no reason at all. He looks at me like I’m an idiot. “It’s going to take some time to get used to not hating you, okay?” “Sure, whatever. Hopefully as short a time as it took you to get used to kissing me.”
They become friends. They become secret lovers. There’s the mystery of who Max is. Santa has no family where Charlie has this big loving one.
“Everyone who I consider family is in the team or part of it. I can’t tell anyone, sweetheart. But you have this whole family who, from everything you’ve told me, would be perfectly fine if they found out you were with a man. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think they’d care that I’m also your teammate.”
They also establish they are boyfriends.
‘He’s very dramatic, my boyfriend. God, I have a boyfriend.’
Everything is going well, they are falling in love. A tabloid has a photo of them and is going to release it, letting the whole world know about their super secret love affair . And right before a game too!
‘I wonder where to start, then I decide to just go for it. “So, remember how you brought me here to enlighten Nikolay to all the pros of retiring?” “Yes,” she says slowly, eyes turning into slits. “Well, I ended up enlightening him to the pros of gay sex instead?” I say like a question and wince.’
“I don’t care what we do as long as I’m next to you, because you’re everything, sweetheart. I love you.” I kiss him again, the explosion of love inside me too big to contain, and he kisses me back just as hard. His eyes are wide and happy when I give us space to breathe. “I love you too,” he whispers, then laughs lightly.’
This is book 4 in a series I haven’t read😅🤦🏻♀️ Again, will probably have character cameos which I may be oblivious to.
Nikolay Brotnik—Santa and CHARLIE HEART—SWEETHEART.
Ok Santa Nik seriously hates Charlie and I’m already curious why.
There’s some epic countdown to before the season starts and then the season starts
Charlie retired from the NHL but is brought back by Santa’s team owner to secretly help Santa accept retirement. This is going to end badly. Strong possibility of a 3rd act breakup… if these two can ever get together
Wow this a real one sided hate leaving Charlie , like me, perplexed. It’s also isolating Charlie from the rest of the team .
Wait, what ?! They are fighting and Charlie just kisses him. There’s been absolutely no sign of sexual chemistry, attraction or even like up to this point. They are both now confused. I’m confused. Santa has hated Charlie with every fibre of his being but lets him kiss him?! Wtf.
Santa finally , after MONTHS, lets Charlie know where his hatred stems from.
‘Then he laughs, coldly, unkindly. “You think I’m ever going to forgive you for calling my parents pathetic and embarrassing?”
It was a total misunderstanding, Charlie did not call two people months away from death pathetic and embarrassing, he was talking about some old guy who had brought two hookers with him to the awards show.
Phew glad that’s cleared up, can we now get over the misplaced hate and get some sexual chemistry, lingering looks, flirting …anything.
“I’m going to kiss you now,” he whispers in a growl. “Stop me if you don’t want that.” I suck in air. But I don’t move.’
PRAISE JESUS!!!
“You kissed me.” “You kissed me first,” I defend for no reason at all. He looks at me like I’m an idiot. “It’s going to take some time to get used to not hating you, okay?” “Sure, whatever. Hopefully as short a time as it took you to get used to kissing me.”
They become friends. They become secret lovers. There’s the mystery of who Max is. Santa has no family where Charlie has this big loving one.
“Everyone who I consider family is in the team or part of it. I can’t tell anyone, sweetheart. But you have this whole family who, from everything you’ve told me, would be perfectly fine if they found out you were with a man. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think they’d care that I’m also your teammate.”
They also establish they are boyfriends.
‘He’s very dramatic, my boyfriend. God, I have a boyfriend.’
Everything is going well, they are falling in love. A tabloid has a photo of them and is going to release it, letting the whole world know about their super secret love affair . And right before a game too!
‘I wonder where to start, then I decide to just go for it. “So, remember how you brought me here to enlighten Nikolay to all the pros of retiring?” “Yes,” she says slowly, eyes turning into slits. “Well, I ended up enlightening him to the pros of gay sex instead?” I say like a question and wince.’
“I don’t care what we do as long as I’m next to you, because you’re everything, sweetheart. I love you.” I kiss him again, the explosion of love inside me too big to contain, and he kisses me back just as hard. His eyes are wide and happy when I give us space to breathe. “I love you too,” he whispers, then laughs lightly.’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2025
5 stars
I'm so in love with Santa! I adored this character since he appeared in the first book and I was waiting for his story. He's so easygoing, funny, he has an awesome relationship with his teammates, so seeing him grumbling and complaining about Charlie was very interesting.
Charlie is adorable and lovely and my heart broke for him every time Nikolay was an asshole to him.
Their bi awakening was very well done and I appreciated that they kept teasing each other
I also really really appreciated Charlie being honest with Nikolay: I hate miscommunication, but luckily, both of them, despite their differences, were able to resolve their issues (I loved how Charlie was shocked when Nikolay revealed where his animosity came from).
Some of my favourite things: Charlie being the only one calling Santa "Nik" and Nikolay being possessive of Charlie's nickname "Sweetheart"; Charlie finally finding his own family between the Pirates; Nikolay's banter with Charlie's brothers at their parents house; Nikolay mending things with his brother.
As usual, Gab Darnell knows more than us mere mortals so I gave up questioning her choices. She's just awesome.
I hope Hinsel Meyer won't make us wait long for another story, I'm in love with her characters and I can't get enough of them!
I'm so in love with Santa! I adored this character since he appeared in the first book and I was waiting for his story. He's so easygoing, funny, he has an awesome relationship with his teammates, so seeing him grumbling and complaining about Charlie was very interesting.
Charlie is adorable and lovely and my heart broke for him every time Nikolay was an asshole to him.
Their bi awakening was very well done and I appreciated that they kept teasing each other
I also really really appreciated Charlie being honest with Nikolay: I hate miscommunication, but luckily, both of them, despite their differences, were able to resolve their issues (I loved how Charlie was shocked when Nikolay revealed where his animosity came from).
Some of my favourite things: Charlie being the only one calling Santa "Nik" and Nikolay being possessive of Charlie's nickname "Sweetheart"; Charlie finally finding his own family between the Pirates; Nikolay's banter with Charlie's brothers at their parents house; Nikolay mending things with his brother.
As usual, Gab Darnell knows more than us mere mortals so I gave up questioning her choices. She's just awesome.
I hope Hinsel Meyer won't make us wait long for another story, I'm in love with her characters and I can't get enough of them!
April 3, 2025
4/5*
In true Hinsel Meyer form, we got to hang out with all the people, family and friends living in the world she has created. A great enemies to lovers story full of everything we could ask for with a double bi awakening and mending of relationships. I really enjoyed this book.
The animosity is bristling in the first third of the book. To the point where Nikolay is pretty unlikable and disappointing. The enemies part of this story is pretty solid.
Hate to acceptance to kissing to longing-kissing to crushing-sexual want to lasagna... All in about 15 pages🙃 A smooth go with the flow transition.
A little corny, a little funny, a little crass, a lot of cute and a little messy.
I loved it, just like all the books in the series.
P.s. Can we please have Max's story soon, please (exotic dancer/law student vs hot shot Lawyer)?😁
In true Hinsel Meyer form, we got to hang out with all the people, family and friends living in the world she has created. A great enemies to lovers story full of everything we could ask for with a double bi awakening and mending of relationships. I really enjoyed this book.
The animosity is bristling in the first third of the book. To the point where Nikolay is pretty unlikable and disappointing. The enemies part of this story is pretty solid.
Hate to acceptance to kissing to longing-kissing to crushing-sexual want to lasagna... All in about 15 pages🙃 A smooth go with the flow transition.
A little corny, a little funny, a little crass, a lot of cute and a little messy.
I loved it, just like all the books in the series.
P.s. Can we please have Max's story soon, please (exotic dancer/law student vs hot shot Lawyer)?😁
March 22, 2025
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the ARC copy of this book. This was book four in the series. I had the pleaser to review book 3 and I have got the first two on my kindle to catch up. You do miss some about the other couples but not so much that this book is unreadable. I really enjoyed this one as well. Nikolay and Charlie were perfection. I really enjoyed everything about this book and these two men. Their love wasn’t instant t and their HEA was earned. Once they realized they had feeling for one another it felt pretty smooth sailing with some small hiccups. I will be looking forward to the next in this series. If you love hockey MM romance with great spice this is a great lesser known author and series. I am always recommending it now.
March 29, 2025
Thank you Hinsel Meyer for this ARC. This review is entirely my own.
Charlie "Sweetheart" Heart has retired but one call from Gab changes that. He comes to play for the Pirates for one more year but doing that places him face to face with Nikolay "Santa" Brotnik who hates Charlie.
I fell in love with Santa from the first book and getting to know him was an absolute pleasure. Santa is shown as the goofball defenseman, a great friend but this book shows all the different facets of who Santa is.
These two together are pure magic, both on and off the ice, but getting to that point takes some pushing.
This book is nothing but pure happiness (even when Charlie and Nikolay are fighting) and makes me wish I could forget it so I can go and read it again.
Charlie "Sweetheart" Heart has retired but one call from Gab changes that. He comes to play for the Pirates for one more year but doing that places him face to face with Nikolay "Santa" Brotnik who hates Charlie.
I fell in love with Santa from the first book and getting to know him was an absolute pleasure. Santa is shown as the goofball defenseman, a great friend but this book shows all the different facets of who Santa is.
These two together are pure magic, both on and off the ice, but getting to that point takes some pushing.
This book is nothing but pure happiness (even when Charlie and Nikolay are fighting) and makes me wish I could forget it so I can go and read it again.
April 8, 2025
It was cute but felt like a clusterfuck of so many things happening randomly,time lapses, not saying things when they should’ve been said, so many people to keep up with.. Very frustrating
I was ready for it to be done by like 40% but it wasn’t bad enough for me to dnf so that’s something. The length felt unnecessary to me.
I was ready for it to be done by like 40% but it wasn’t bad enough for me to dnf so that’s something. The length felt unnecessary to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer is the 4th book in her All It Takes series. I suggest that you read the others first because of reoccurring characters and also to learn about the hockey team they play for. This is the story of two men who hate each other over a misunderstanding, are forced together, and when they finally learn what had happen fall in love. Nikolay “Santa” Brotnik has played as a defenseman for the Las Vegas Pirates NHL hockey team for over 10 years. He and his team have won 3 Stanley Cups but the James Norris award for being the best defenseman has evaded him. He also has a deep hatred for Charlie “Sweetheart” Heart because of something that happened several years ago. Charlie has been playing as a defenseman for the Atlanta Revenge which was an ok team but nothing special. He had longed for one that was a family but that wasn’t what it was like there. They had never won the Stanley Cup and this hurt, especially when he decided to retire. He was building a house in his hometown of Crushville, Illinois, where his family was and was getting ready to move there when Gab Darnell, the owner of the Pirates, called him about a proposition to play again that involved Nikolay but he couldn’t tell anyone about it. Charlie decided it was a good opportunity for him so he came but was met by a stonewall of resistance from Nik and since the other members of the team were close, from a lot of them, too, so Charlie missed out on being on a team with a family atmosphere again. They continued to play but Nik’s sudden bad attitude started to affect the team dynamics and they weren’t winning as they should. As time went on they figure out that they are the reason for their not so stellar record and they realize they have to do something to change. It finally came to a head when Nik and Charlie got into a fight on the ice which their coach, Laney, as well as Gab lay into them and tell them that they are going to do everything together, including living together, practicing together, and rooming together on road trips. They decide to stay at Charlie’s house and when they start arguing again, Charlie kisses him, something new for both of them. Charlie has no idea why Nik hates him so it is a surprise when he finally tells him and he is able to smooth it over because what happened is not the way Charlie meant it. So they start getting to know and challenge each other and when they are benched they work together to make notes to help the team. Nik also realizes his attitude has hurt the team and he tells everyone to make Charlie feel welcome, which makes Charlie very happy because now he starts to feel like he is part of the Pirates’ family. They are both feeling attracted to each other which leads to some hot experimentation in the bedroom and to some family revelations when Charlie’s brothers show up unannounced. They also spend time with Charlie’s whole family during a road trip. Nik gets benched for fighting when Charlie gets hurt which causes a scare for both of them but the biggest setback is when Nik gets a bad concussion for stopping a puck but winning an important game. They are now together and falling for each other fast but keep it quiet because they are afraid of what others will say. Then someone has a picture of them that they are leaking to a tabloid so they are forced to tell Gab, and the way they choose who is going to do it is quite hilarious, Laney, and the team but everyone is fine with it. They also tell each other I love you and after several tense playoff games win the Stanley Cup again. I really enjoyed this story. It takes a while to find out why Nik hates Charlie so much and you feel Charlie’s anguish that he isn’t accepted by the team at first. Nik is usually lots of fun and known as their funny, silly, and ridiculous teammate who seee the bright side, but this changes when Charlie shows up and hurts the team. When he learns what Charlie really said he accepts it and goes on to be the man he really is. Charlie is clueless as first as to why Nik hates him and it takes a while to earn his trust enough to tell him why. He goes on to be a loyal and trusted friend and lover and makes Nik feel like family, which is something he really wants. Gab, Laney, and the team all have a special part in the story as does Charlie’s family. I really like that there is an extra epilogue you can download to find out what happened after the story ends. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like love/hate stories about hockey players who have to come to terms with their pasts, are attracted to each other, and are able to move ahead to find love and acceptance.
March 27, 2025
Man, Nikolay Brotnik, AKA Santa, can hold a GRUDGE!
So can I. 😁 I adore a good grudge!
This has an “I hate him SO MUCH but no one knows why, not even him” premise, and I loved the situation. Even though the reason Santa/Nik loathes MC Charlie Heart (nickname Sweetheart! Adorable...) turns out to be OTT and a massive miscue after this many years, I was into it. The enmity was real, the angst and confusion were high, and so, tension and UST sizzled into the pages.
Oh, and, it’s a dual bi-awakening.
Is the book perfect? No, it’s a little quick to resolve on one front, to turn to another conflict (keeping Us a secret from our team and Everyone!), a bit too easy for them to accept their massive attraction and dive in with little self-reflection, but...you know what? It kept me riveted, kept me feeling all the Feels, kept tension and conflict going and had supporting threads with authentic family drama and questions of retirement, and the team dynamic drama due to Santa’s initial hatred of Charlie...so many strong nuances of how people deal with each other even when they’re torn because what they’re seeing in reality isn’t what they expected.
Poor Charlie. Coming out of retirement for a chance to play with a team he respects and might have a chance to win a Cup with, after a career of loyalty to a team than had no camaraderie with him, that kept him for his skills but never rose to his level, only to walk into the Pirates locker room to a weird, negative Vibe he doesn’t understand...oh man, my heart broke for him. But the loyalty the Pirates were showing to Santa was understandable, shutting Charlie out without question...yet...they should have questioned...it was like watching a slo-mo train wreck and a simmering pot ready to boil over and make a mess everywhere. And oh, it does!
Anyway, after an extremely inappropriate confrontation just before a game, Charlie and Santa are forced to stay together, attached at the hip, and benched until they Figure Their Shit Out. Yes. Santa has to LIVE with Charlie, room with Charlie, do everything with Charlie...
I ate this UP. I had the best time seeing the truth come out, and how they exploded and gave in to the simmering resentment and attraction neither realized was happening until it just ignited, and then all the issues that arose from there...this book worked for my brain. It’s chaos and yet not, and I loved the all too tidy resolution and everything tied up in a neat bow. Oh, and I was very intrigued by the setup for the next book in this world, so...here’s to that! Hinsel Meyer is becoming one of my favorite authors for writing outlandish situations that speak to me.
HEA. Enemies to lovers. Forced proximity. Found family, blood family ties and drama, secrets finally coming to light, and all the authentic hockey you might be looking for woven in, a true sports romance. Absolutely no cheating or other-person drama, entirely safe for me. Great romantic tension. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
So can I. 😁 I adore a good grudge!
This has an “I hate him SO MUCH but no one knows why, not even him” premise, and I loved the situation. Even though the reason Santa/Nik loathes MC Charlie Heart (nickname Sweetheart! Adorable...) turns out to be OTT and a massive miscue after this many years, I was into it. The enmity was real, the angst and confusion were high, and so, tension and UST sizzled into the pages.
Oh, and, it’s a dual bi-awakening.
Is the book perfect? No, it’s a little quick to resolve on one front, to turn to another conflict (keeping Us a secret from our team and Everyone!), a bit too easy for them to accept their massive attraction and dive in with little self-reflection, but...you know what? It kept me riveted, kept me feeling all the Feels, kept tension and conflict going and had supporting threads with authentic family drama and questions of retirement, and the team dynamic drama due to Santa’s initial hatred of Charlie...so many strong nuances of how people deal with each other even when they’re torn because what they’re seeing in reality isn’t what they expected.
Poor Charlie. Coming out of retirement for a chance to play with a team he respects and might have a chance to win a Cup with, after a career of loyalty to a team than had no camaraderie with him, that kept him for his skills but never rose to his level, only to walk into the Pirates locker room to a weird, negative Vibe he doesn’t understand...oh man, my heart broke for him. But the loyalty the Pirates were showing to Santa was understandable, shutting Charlie out without question...yet...they should have questioned...it was like watching a slo-mo train wreck and a simmering pot ready to boil over and make a mess everywhere. And oh, it does!
Anyway, after an extremely inappropriate confrontation just before a game, Charlie and Santa are forced to stay together, attached at the hip, and benched until they Figure Their Shit Out. Yes. Santa has to LIVE with Charlie, room with Charlie, do everything with Charlie...
I ate this UP. I had the best time seeing the truth come out, and how they exploded and gave in to the simmering resentment and attraction neither realized was happening until it just ignited, and then all the issues that arose from there...this book worked for my brain. It’s chaos and yet not, and I loved the all too tidy resolution and everything tied up in a neat bow. Oh, and I was very intrigued by the setup for the next book in this world, so...here’s to that! Hinsel Meyer is becoming one of my favorite authors for writing outlandish situations that speak to me.
HEA. Enemies to lovers. Forced proximity. Found family, blood family ties and drama, secrets finally coming to light, and all the authentic hockey you might be looking for woven in, a true sports romance. Absolutely no cheating or other-person drama, entirely safe for me. Great romantic tension. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
March 19, 2025
{Brace And Chacs}
Arc review by Jessie Melka
___________•___________
BLURB START:
SANTA Charlie Heart is many things: An annoyingly good hockey player. The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers. My rival. The only person I truly hate in the world. And now apparently, my newest teammate. Also, I don’t care what his nickname is, he’s the opposite of a sweetheart, and I will never let him become a true Pirate.
CHARLIE Nikolay Brotnik is a confusing man. Why is his nickname Santa when he’s the most intimidating and feared man in the league? Does he ever smile in a nice way? Why does he never talk to the media or the fans? What have I ever done to him to deserve his icy glares that leave me feeling like a frozen corpse? Will he hate me even more when he finds out the real reason I was chosen to play for his team?
Or will he finally see that, for the first time ever, I’m on his team?
BLURB END:
Brace and chase is the fourth book in the All it takes series by Hinsel Meyer I’ve been following this series since it started brace and chase can be read as a standalone as well as the rest of the books in the series (i think don’t quote me on that)
Just so you know the All it takes series is in the same universe as the Fan service series which I haven’t read yet but I’m pretty excited to start it
Brace and chase is a slow burn and a rivals to lovers book but in my personal opinion I didn’t feel the chemistry the MC’s was supposed to have i mean yeah it’s probably something they could have worked up to but Santa got over the enormous amount of hate he has for Charlie in two seconds I get that everything was a misunderstanding but he has had this hatred for Charlie for nine years and for it to just disappear and never talked about again it’s really missing with my mind
Even though the chemistry between the main characters didn’t quite get to me. I really like the book itself. The writing was good and there wasn’t a dull moment there was always something going on but I gotta say gab has some really weird ways to express her feelings towards team members I mean she literally hired Charlie to make Santa see that retiring wasn’t so bad she is an amazing wing woman, though
Okay i know this is way to short but my mind simply just can’t cooperate right now, I might come back later but this has to be it for now. I rated this book a 3,5 out of 5 because even tho i loved the story itself the chemistry between the make main characters just didn’t do it for me. I might have to do a reread on this entire series when the final book comes out but until then if you enjoy Hockey and red, white and royal blue this is just a thing for you. It’s literally a mix of these things but remember to from your own opinions.
Until next time, my loves…
Rating: 3,5/5
Spice: 2/5
Angst: 2,3/5
Would I read again: maybe
(I received an advance copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily)
🏒Rivals To Lovers
🧊MM Hockey Romance
🏒Slow Burn
🧊Real Hate
🏒Forbidden Love
🧊Found Family
___________•___________
Arc review by Jessie Melka
___________•___________
BLURB START:
SANTA Charlie Heart is many things: An annoyingly good hockey player. The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers. My rival. The only person I truly hate in the world. And now apparently, my newest teammate. Also, I don’t care what his nickname is, he’s the opposite of a sweetheart, and I will never let him become a true Pirate.
CHARLIE Nikolay Brotnik is a confusing man. Why is his nickname Santa when he’s the most intimidating and feared man in the league? Does he ever smile in a nice way? Why does he never talk to the media or the fans? What have I ever done to him to deserve his icy glares that leave me feeling like a frozen corpse? Will he hate me even more when he finds out the real reason I was chosen to play for his team?
Or will he finally see that, for the first time ever, I’m on his team?
BLURB END:
Brace and chase is the fourth book in the All it takes series by Hinsel Meyer I’ve been following this series since it started brace and chase can be read as a standalone as well as the rest of the books in the series (i think don’t quote me on that)
Just so you know the All it takes series is in the same universe as the Fan service series which I haven’t read yet but I’m pretty excited to start it
Brace and chase is a slow burn and a rivals to lovers book but in my personal opinion I didn’t feel the chemistry the MC’s was supposed to have i mean yeah it’s probably something they could have worked up to but Santa got over the enormous amount of hate he has for Charlie in two seconds I get that everything was a misunderstanding but he has had this hatred for Charlie for nine years and for it to just disappear and never talked about again it’s really missing with my mind
Even though the chemistry between the main characters didn’t quite get to me. I really like the book itself. The writing was good and there wasn’t a dull moment there was always something going on but I gotta say gab has some really weird ways to express her feelings towards team members I mean she literally hired Charlie to make Santa see that retiring wasn’t so bad she is an amazing wing woman, though
Okay i know this is way to short but my mind simply just can’t cooperate right now, I might come back later but this has to be it for now. I rated this book a 3,5 out of 5 because even tho i loved the story itself the chemistry between the make main characters just didn’t do it for me. I might have to do a reread on this entire series when the final book comes out but until then if you enjoy Hockey and red, white and royal blue this is just a thing for you. It’s literally a mix of these things but remember to from your own opinions.
Until next time, my loves…
Rating: 3,5/5
Spice: 2/5
Angst: 2,3/5
Would I read again: maybe
(I received an advance copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily)
🏒Rivals To Lovers
🧊MM Hockey Romance
🏒Slow Burn
🧊Real Hate
🏒Forbidden Love
🧊Found Family
___________•___________
April 1, 2025
This is an enjoyable book in the All It Takes series about the players on the Pirates hockey team in Las Vegas. Santa (Nikolai Brotnik) is the light heart of the team, a favorite of his team members, keeping the mood and spirits of the team up, friendly to all in the organization, and one really good, hot player. That holds true until Sweetheart (Charlie Heart) joins the team, to Nick’s horror. Nik has hated him for the last seven years, and will not welcome him to HIS team, so he sets out to make Charlie’s life miserable, and his teammates follow his example, playing havoc with team morale and having a negative impact on their win/loss record. When the coaches and owner have finally had enough, the two are thrown together 24/7 until they can work their differences out. Close proximity has its benefits, but also an unexpected connection for two men who find they are attracted to each other, leading them into uncharted waters and a new side of their lives. Watching the development of the relationship between the two is highly entertaining, especially with Nik’s reactions.
Nik quickly became my favorite character with his sense of humor, his loyalty to his friends and teammates, his connection and gentle interactions with his teammates’ children, and his reaction to meeting Charlie’s family, and his sense of found family with the hug and immediate welcome he received from Charlie’s mom. Nik has a big heart, but he can also be hurt easily and hold a grudge for a long time, often based on misunderstandings of events or motives. I often found myself smiling at his interactions with Charlie and others. I liked Charlie, too, just not as much as Nik.
There is some food for thought in the story when learning about the basis for Nik’s hatred of Charlie, as well as the reason for an estrangement Nik has from another important person in his life. Charlie helps him see things from a different perspective, leading to actions that enrich his life.
Lots of hockey talk and many steamy bedroom scenes as the two discover this unexpected connection in their lives. Old friends and players from previous books make appearances and many play active roles around Nik and Charlie as they navigate the challenges on the road to the Stanley Cup on a professional level, and give support and advice on a personal one. Relatable characters, realistic situations, family relationships, media scrutiny, and the physical dangers to players in this rough and tumble game of hockey all weave in and out of the story to keep the reader engaged and following page to page.
If you have enjoyed Hansel’s previous books, I’m sure this one will satisfy you also.
I received an ARC of the book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
Nik quickly became my favorite character with his sense of humor, his loyalty to his friends and teammates, his connection and gentle interactions with his teammates’ children, and his reaction to meeting Charlie’s family, and his sense of found family with the hug and immediate welcome he received from Charlie’s mom. Nik has a big heart, but he can also be hurt easily and hold a grudge for a long time, often based on misunderstandings of events or motives. I often found myself smiling at his interactions with Charlie and others. I liked Charlie, too, just not as much as Nik.
There is some food for thought in the story when learning about the basis for Nik’s hatred of Charlie, as well as the reason for an estrangement Nik has from another important person in his life. Charlie helps him see things from a different perspective, leading to actions that enrich his life.
Lots of hockey talk and many steamy bedroom scenes as the two discover this unexpected connection in their lives. Old friends and players from previous books make appearances and many play active roles around Nik and Charlie as they navigate the challenges on the road to the Stanley Cup on a professional level, and give support and advice on a personal one. Relatable characters, realistic situations, family relationships, media scrutiny, and the physical dangers to players in this rough and tumble game of hockey all weave in and out of the story to keep the reader engaged and following page to page.
If you have enjoyed Hansel’s previous books, I’m sure this one will satisfy you also.
I received an ARC of the book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
November 23, 2025
Santa - Nikolay Brotnik - kann es nicht fassen. Ausgerechnet sein "Erzfeind" Charlie Heart kehrt aus der Rente zurück und soll nun in seinem Team seine Eishockey Karriere wieder aufnehmen. Sweetheart, wie man Heart auch nennt, mag ein ausgezeichneter Spieler sein, der bereits viele Auszeichnungen bekommen hat, aber Santa zeigt ihm die kalte Schulter. Mehr noch - schon vor dem ersten Training macht er keinen Hehl aus seiner Abneigung.
Und die Dinge eskalieren schnell. Charlie Heart spürt schnell, dass nicht nur Santa ihn nicht im Team haben will. Auch viele andere Spieler der Pirates halten ihn auf Abstand. Für Charlie, der in seinem alten Team kaum Freunde hatte, ist das jetzt keine neue Erfahrung, auch wenn er sich mehr erhofft hat. Das Team ist hin- und hergerissen. Einerseits sind die Spieler nicht nur Kameraden, sondern auch Santas Freunde, andererseits erkennen sie in Charlie einen wertvollen Spieler.
Charlie und Nik geraten immer wieder aneinander und müssen vom Coach und der Teambesitzerin drastisch diszipliniert werden, denn das Team und der Erfolg stehen über allem. Vor allem über dem Ego von zwei alternden Spielern, die sich offenbar zutiefst hassen. Jedoch basiert die Abneigung von Nik auf einem simplen Missverständnis, das sich im Laufe der ersten Hälfte des Buches aufklärt.
Hinsel Meyer war mir unbekannt und ich bin nur durch Zufall auf sie gestoßen. Da ich eine kleine Schwäche für grantige Russen habe, musste ich mitten in der Serie anfangen. Und ich bereue es auch nicht. Ich glaube nicht, dass ich mit den Kinks der ersten zwei Teilen der Reihe etwas anfangen kann. Also habe ich mir Teil vier der Serie geschnappt. Charlie und Nik sind wie Feuer und Eis, wenngleich Charlie durchaus sehr ausgeglichen sein kann. Jedoch sollte man ihn nicht zu sehr reizen, denn auch seine Toleranz hat ihre Grenzen.
Nikolay ist ein harter Mann, auch wenn er im Team sehr beliebt ist und auch durchaus eine sehr unterhaltsame Person sein kann. Jedoch ist seine Familiengeschichte sehr traurig und selbst nach Jahren hat er noch immer mit Verlusten zu kämpfen; und im Grunde ist Nikolay ein sehr einsamer Mann. Seine Teamkameraden sind gebunden, während er eher ein einsamer Wolf ist.
Die sich entwickelnde Beziehung mit Charlie kommt überraschend, denn keiner von ihnen ist schwul. Aber sie gehen damit eigentlich recht moderat um. Zwar verwirrt es sie beide, doch sie suchen Rat bei Außenstehenden und lassen sich aufeinander ein. Natürlich läuft auch hier nicht alles glatt und sie zeigen ihre Ecken und Kanten. Aber das machte sie auch menschlich und die Geschichte ein wenig realistischer.
Und die Dinge eskalieren schnell. Charlie Heart spürt schnell, dass nicht nur Santa ihn nicht im Team haben will. Auch viele andere Spieler der Pirates halten ihn auf Abstand. Für Charlie, der in seinem alten Team kaum Freunde hatte, ist das jetzt keine neue Erfahrung, auch wenn er sich mehr erhofft hat. Das Team ist hin- und hergerissen. Einerseits sind die Spieler nicht nur Kameraden, sondern auch Santas Freunde, andererseits erkennen sie in Charlie einen wertvollen Spieler.
Charlie und Nik geraten immer wieder aneinander und müssen vom Coach und der Teambesitzerin drastisch diszipliniert werden, denn das Team und der Erfolg stehen über allem. Vor allem über dem Ego von zwei alternden Spielern, die sich offenbar zutiefst hassen. Jedoch basiert die Abneigung von Nik auf einem simplen Missverständnis, das sich im Laufe der ersten Hälfte des Buches aufklärt.
Hinsel Meyer war mir unbekannt und ich bin nur durch Zufall auf sie gestoßen. Da ich eine kleine Schwäche für grantige Russen habe, musste ich mitten in der Serie anfangen. Und ich bereue es auch nicht. Ich glaube nicht, dass ich mit den Kinks der ersten zwei Teilen der Reihe etwas anfangen kann. Also habe ich mir Teil vier der Serie geschnappt. Charlie und Nik sind wie Feuer und Eis, wenngleich Charlie durchaus sehr ausgeglichen sein kann. Jedoch sollte man ihn nicht zu sehr reizen, denn auch seine Toleranz hat ihre Grenzen.
Nikolay ist ein harter Mann, auch wenn er im Team sehr beliebt ist und auch durchaus eine sehr unterhaltsame Person sein kann. Jedoch ist seine Familiengeschichte sehr traurig und selbst nach Jahren hat er noch immer mit Verlusten zu kämpfen; und im Grunde ist Nikolay ein sehr einsamer Mann. Seine Teamkameraden sind gebunden, während er eher ein einsamer Wolf ist.
Die sich entwickelnde Beziehung mit Charlie kommt überraschend, denn keiner von ihnen ist schwul. Aber sie gehen damit eigentlich recht moderat um. Zwar verwirrt es sie beide, doch sie suchen Rat bei Außenstehenden und lassen sich aufeinander ein. Natürlich läuft auch hier nicht alles glatt und sie zeigen ihre Ecken und Kanten. Aber das machte sie auch menschlich und die Geschichte ein wenig realistischer.
March 30, 2025
This is book 4 in the All It Takes series. Each book can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story of Nikolay Brotnik aka Santa and Charlie Heart. Santa is a defenseman for the NHL Team the Pirates. He has lost his family so the team is all the family that he has left. They are a Stanley Cup winning team. Charlie is also a professional hockey player and defenseman. He has many James Norris Memorial Trophies but no Stanley Cup ring. As his team will never reach that level of play, he has retired. But then team owner Gabrielle Darnell calls with an unexpected offer. One year, 4 million payday and a shot at the Stanley Cup. He just has to do one side favor for her. As he would love to play for a team where they actually get along and play together, he agrees. But his welcome to the team is not what he is expecting. Even though he hasn't spoke with him, Santa hates him on sight. As the team sees how Santa reacts, the rest of the team does the same. Not hate him but isolate him. They are supporting their teammate in their eyes. This is their story. I have to say that I enjoyed the book but I really did not enjoy the first 13 or so chapters. We are told that Santa hates Charlie but we are never told why. He doesn't tell his team, friends or Charlie. If the author had let the reader know, then I would have been more sympathetic. I know that it is just a book but you are a professional and paid to play. His behavior was always excused. The tunnel incident should have had serious consequences but all Santa had to do was not talk to the coach for a week. Honestly, I didn't even care what was happening in the book by then. Just tell us the reason and we'll form our own opinion. Finally in Chapter 13 Santa realizes that he is destroying the team and their hopes for the season. He starts taking steps to build the team back together. It is after that things start to change. The air is cleared between the two of them. Then they start to work together both personally and professionally. For someone who has hated Charlie for so many years, Santa was able to bounce back quickly. I have to say that this is my least favorite of the series. It is easy to read and follow. There is a happy ever after eventually, you just have to work your way to it.
I received a complementary advance review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complementary advance review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2025
MY OPINION: I love this series because, like all of Hinsel Meyer’s books, there is always a lot of depth and character-building in the story. Santa and Sweetheart are no different. You get to experience the actual dislike (they claim never hate) that Santa has for Charlie Heart on the page, then how that changes. I’ve said it in other reviews but you get to really know the main characters and the friend groups (and bosses). One of my favorite parts is that there is some crossover from the fan service series as well with the owner, and you meet different people that make you want to know what's up with them, but there isn’t a lot more than a hint.
I think this would be a slow burn. For the first half of the book, these two simply don’t like each other, and it shows. This impacts everything around them, and that also shows. Once they start figuring things out, you see their humanity while they work through it on the page while still being hockey players. There is plenty of hockey with all the guys you see: Benny, Bear, and the Pirates family. This is a double first time with a man, and it is always fun to see how that is handled; they are both big men, and they both are sweet as can be, regardless of what the outside world perceives.
I loved this book; it is one of my favorites if I’m honest. Something about these two men just resonated with me, and I wanted to be part of their lives. I think everyone should read all of the books written by this author, but you can easily read this one without having read the others. There is some great spice in it, which is graphic and wonderful, you can certainly envision their passion and desire. This isn’t a quick read; it’s a solid steak that you can sink your teeth in and enjoy. Pick it up read it, then read everything else she has written/writes too.
I think this would be a slow burn. For the first half of the book, these two simply don’t like each other, and it shows. This impacts everything around them, and that also shows. Once they start figuring things out, you see their humanity while they work through it on the page while still being hockey players. There is plenty of hockey with all the guys you see: Benny, Bear, and the Pirates family. This is a double first time with a man, and it is always fun to see how that is handled; they are both big men, and they both are sweet as can be, regardless of what the outside world perceives.
I loved this book; it is one of my favorites if I’m honest. Something about these two men just resonated with me, and I wanted to be part of their lives. I think everyone should read all of the books written by this author, but you can easily read this one without having read the others. There is some great spice in it, which is graphic and wonderful, you can certainly envision their passion and desire. This isn’t a quick read; it’s a solid steak that you can sink your teeth in and enjoy. Pick it up read it, then read everything else she has written/writes too.
April 1, 2025
A Rivals-to-Lovers Hockey Romance That Hits Hard & Melts Hearts! 🏒❤️
This fourth book in the All It Takes series brings all the tension, heat, and team dynamics you'd expect from a hockey romance. If you haven’t read the previous books, I’d recommend starting there to get the full impact of the Pirates’ team chemistry.
Nik “Santa” Brotnik and Charlie “Sweetheart” Heart hate each other—well, at least Nik does, over a misunderstanding that lingers for years. When Charlie is recruited to the Pirates, their rivalry threatens team harmony. Their coach and owner have had enough and force them to do everything together—practice, travel, even live together. Cue the fireworks.
As tensions rise, one heated argument leads to an unexpected kiss, sparking something neither saw coming. When Nik finally reveals the reason behind his grudge, Charlie sets the record straight, and they slowly shift from enemies to something more. Their chemistry is electric, their competitive fire fuels their passion, and their journey to trust and love is as emotional as it is scorching.
Add in Charlie’s loving but nosy family, a fight that sidelines Nik, and a playoff run that tests everything they’ve built, and you have a fantastic mix of angst, humor, and steamy romance. And yes, there’s an extra epilogue for those who, like me, just need more of these two!
If you love rivals-to-lovers hockey romance with a side of team banter, forced proximity, and fiery chemistry, Brace and Chase is a must-read!
This fourth book in the All It Takes series brings all the tension, heat, and team dynamics you'd expect from a hockey romance. If you haven’t read the previous books, I’d recommend starting there to get the full impact of the Pirates’ team chemistry.
Nik “Santa” Brotnik and Charlie “Sweetheart” Heart hate each other—well, at least Nik does, over a misunderstanding that lingers for years. When Charlie is recruited to the Pirates, their rivalry threatens team harmony. Their coach and owner have had enough and force them to do everything together—practice, travel, even live together. Cue the fireworks.
As tensions rise, one heated argument leads to an unexpected kiss, sparking something neither saw coming. When Nik finally reveals the reason behind his grudge, Charlie sets the record straight, and they slowly shift from enemies to something more. Their chemistry is electric, their competitive fire fuels their passion, and their journey to trust and love is as emotional as it is scorching.
Add in Charlie’s loving but nosy family, a fight that sidelines Nik, and a playoff run that tests everything they’ve built, and you have a fantastic mix of angst, humor, and steamy romance. And yes, there’s an extra epilogue for those who, like me, just need more of these two!
If you love rivals-to-lovers hockey romance with a side of team banter, forced proximity, and fiery chemistry, Brace and Chase is a must-read!
March 26, 2025
I love the Pirates universe and Santa was always a mystery to me. There was also a small teaser about these two in a short story the author did for an anthology so I got more and more curious.
My issue is - I really didn't like Santa in the beginning of the book. When Charlie is getting back on the ice with the Pirates after retiring at the end of the last season, Santa is not happy. Unfortunately for me, not knowing what the heck his problems were and that he couldn't see the impact his behaviour had on the team, really spoilt the first part of the book for me.
But I am so glad I didn't give up. When these two finally got the heads out of their backsides and talk (ok, not so voluntarily, I love the coach's solution), they are great together.
I love how they become friends, how they slowly open up about fears, plans, how Santa is basically adopted by Charlie's family.
The romance is quite a slow burn, as it's a double bi-awakening, I love that both have their doubts, their fears and still can't stop getting their hands on each other.
There is quite a lot of depth to Santa which is not immediately clear, his personality is slowly unravelling and the more it does, the more I start really liking him.
I love that the series is not bombarding the reader with tons of hockey-speech as it makes it very readable if you aren't a hockey fan. The sport scenes are detailed enough to be interesting but not overly technical.
My issue is - I really didn't like Santa in the beginning of the book. When Charlie is getting back on the ice with the Pirates after retiring at the end of the last season, Santa is not happy. Unfortunately for me, not knowing what the heck his problems were and that he couldn't see the impact his behaviour had on the team, really spoilt the first part of the book for me.
But I am so glad I didn't give up. When these two finally got the heads out of their backsides and talk (ok, not so voluntarily, I love the coach's solution), they are great together.
I love how they become friends, how they slowly open up about fears, plans, how Santa is basically adopted by Charlie's family.
The romance is quite a slow burn, as it's a double bi-awakening, I love that both have their doubts, their fears and still can't stop getting their hands on each other.
There is quite a lot of depth to Santa which is not immediately clear, his personality is slowly unravelling and the more it does, the more I start really liking him.
I love that the series is not bombarding the reader with tons of hockey-speech as it makes it very readable if you aren't a hockey fan. The sport scenes are detailed enough to be interesting but not overly technical.
August 15, 2025
ughhh it's such a pet peeve of mine when authors introduce side characters in a way that's completely over the top and jarring to the flow of the story. maybe it's just the author's style or because this is in first person but the way they describe some of the characters is just so exaggerated and unnecessary and you would definitely not see authors write this way in a normal standalone book. idk if they want to interest me in the other books of the series or what but it's having the opposite effect.
example 1: Gab Darnell is a badass and I’d absolutely go to war for her, no questions asked. She saved this team when she bought it three years ago and she’s made us legends in the NHL. The least I can do for her is pay attention when she speaks.
example 2: I follow him out the door and to the end of the hallway where the elevator is. I’d follow Bear anywhere and everywhere.
example 3: I know for a fact every player in this team would put not only their faith and trust in Jules’ hands but their life too..... But it’s Bear who I would hide a body for.
who tf talks or thinks like this in real life!!??
also Santa self proclaims as this "funny, silly, sometimes ridiculous teammate who always sees the bright side", but on the next chapter, Charlie says "everyone around the league is low-key scared of the dude", so which is it??? or does the guy just act totally different with his teammates vs. fans&media? anyways I'll never find out because I'm not reading on
example 1: Gab Darnell is a badass and I’d absolutely go to war for her, no questions asked. She saved this team when she bought it three years ago and she’s made us legends in the NHL. The least I can do for her is pay attention when she speaks.
example 2: I follow him out the door and to the end of the hallway where the elevator is. I’d follow Bear anywhere and everywhere.
example 3: I know for a fact every player in this team would put not only their faith and trust in Jules’ hands but their life too..... But it’s Bear who I would hide a body for.
who tf talks or thinks like this in real life!!??
also Santa self proclaims as this "funny, silly, sometimes ridiculous teammate who always sees the bright side", but on the next chapter, Charlie says "everyone around the league is low-key scared of the dude", so which is it??? or does the guy just act totally different with his teammates vs. fans&media? anyways I'll never find out because I'm not reading on
March 20, 2025
'Since that first, out-of-the-blue kiss. Nothing has ever or will ever compare to how Charlie makes me feel.'
"I want you to know that whatever we choose I will choose you.”
Hinsel Meyer never misses. I love everything she writes, and her new release, Brace and Chase, is another hit. In fact, it just might be my favourite book of hers.
Brace and Chase put me through so many conflicting emotions; it was a real rollercoaster ride.
I was definitely Team Santa throughout, but Charlie certainly lives up to his name and is also a real sweetheart when you get to know him.
Book 4 in the All It Takes series, it was great to see all the familiar faces from the Las Vegas Pirates hockey team in Brace and Chase. But it was an unfamiliar face who caused a stir when Gab, the team owner - and I usually love Gab, but I kinda hated her in this book, not gonna lie - called Charlie 'Sweetheart' Heart out of retirement to join the Pirates for a season.
Unfortunately (or fortunately in the end?!) Gab had an ulterior motive. She wanted to encourage Nikolay 'Santa' Brotnik, one of the best defensemen in the league, to retire.
However, Santa absolutely HATES Charlie Heart. His arrival is a disaster for Santa.
I felt so bad for both guys. Santa, because he was miserable and lost his humour and sparkling personality due to Charlie's arrival (and if what he thought happened HAD happened, I wouldn't have blamed him). But likewise Charlie, because as much as I approved Santa's team having his back, Charlie had never had a good team to be part of throughout his career and he arrived to resentment and animosity, missing out on traditional team rights of passage for arriving players, which hurt that he had to go through that.
But as these two are forced to spend time together, rooming and even living together, after one too many fights, Santa and Charlie get to know each other and see the real man behind the rivalry.
Santa is the life and soul of the team, but inside, he's lonely. Santa has no one in his life other than his team, who have become his family, and my heart hurt for how lonely Santa was.
Charlie, meanwhile, has a wonderful family and is such a great guy once you get to know him.
The chemistry between Santa and Sweetheart was scorching, and I loved how they accepted their bi-awakening and pursued the connection and passion between them.
Brace and Chase is filled with humour. Honestly, some of the things Santa said had me laughing out loud. the camaraderie and love in the team is perfect, and I loved how possessive Santa became of Charlie! His annoyance every time someone called him Sweetheart was hilarious 😂
“You can stop calling him that now. We gave him a new nickname, it’s King Charles.”
“He’s a bit possessive."
He is, and I love it! It warms my heart to see these two find their happily ever after. Brace and Chase is another fabulous book from Hinsel Meyer, filled with fantastic characters who feel like old friends. Don't miss it!
"I want you to know that whatever we choose I will choose you.”
Hinsel Meyer never misses. I love everything she writes, and her new release, Brace and Chase, is another hit. In fact, it just might be my favourite book of hers.
Brace and Chase put me through so many conflicting emotions; it was a real rollercoaster ride.
I was definitely Team Santa throughout, but Charlie certainly lives up to his name and is also a real sweetheart when you get to know him.
Book 4 in the All It Takes series, it was great to see all the familiar faces from the Las Vegas Pirates hockey team in Brace and Chase. But it was an unfamiliar face who caused a stir when Gab, the team owner - and I usually love Gab, but I kinda hated her in this book, not gonna lie - called Charlie 'Sweetheart' Heart out of retirement to join the Pirates for a season.
Unfortunately (or fortunately in the end?!) Gab had an ulterior motive. She wanted to encourage Nikolay 'Santa' Brotnik, one of the best defensemen in the league, to retire.
However, Santa absolutely HATES Charlie Heart. His arrival is a disaster for Santa.
I felt so bad for both guys. Santa, because he was miserable and lost his humour and sparkling personality due to Charlie's arrival (and if what he thought happened HAD happened, I wouldn't have blamed him). But likewise Charlie, because as much as I approved Santa's team having his back, Charlie had never had a good team to be part of throughout his career and he arrived to resentment and animosity, missing out on traditional team rights of passage for arriving players, which hurt that he had to go through that.
But as these two are forced to spend time together, rooming and even living together, after one too many fights, Santa and Charlie get to know each other and see the real man behind the rivalry.
Santa is the life and soul of the team, but inside, he's lonely. Santa has no one in his life other than his team, who have become his family, and my heart hurt for how lonely Santa was.
Charlie, meanwhile, has a wonderful family and is such a great guy once you get to know him.
The chemistry between Santa and Sweetheart was scorching, and I loved how they accepted their bi-awakening and pursued the connection and passion between them.
Brace and Chase is filled with humour. Honestly, some of the things Santa said had me laughing out loud. the camaraderie and love in the team is perfect, and I loved how possessive Santa became of Charlie! His annoyance every time someone called him Sweetheart was hilarious 😂
“You can stop calling him that now. We gave him a new nickname, it’s King Charles.”
“He’s a bit possessive."
He is, and I love it! It warms my heart to see these two find their happily ever after. Brace and Chase is another fabulous book from Hinsel Meyer, filled with fantastic characters who feel like old friends. Don't miss it!
March 18, 2025
"What if we only become more unstoppable if we kiss some more?" - Nikolay
"Is he grateful that we can be ridiculous together? I sure as hell am." - Charlie
Gab put Charlie (Sweetheart) and Nikolay (Santa) in their place and forced them to spend all their free time together in order to save the team, is just typical something Gab would do! Everyone respects Gab so much, Santa and Charlie were so stubborn. They just needed to talk about their hate for each other, although it's more like one sided hate but one conversation changed that. Sometimes it's just that easy. I love Charlie's neighbours Kelly & Michelle, they really helped Charlie with his feelings a lot and they took care of them as well. It's good to know that they can help each other.
Nikolay lost both of his parents, family is everything to him, that's also why he didn't want to stop playing for The Pirates. Nikolay forgets how amazing he is, sometimes. He really is a great friend, partner and person. Charlie helps him open up and gives him time to sit with his feelings and talk about them, when he was ready. And Charlie gave him a bigger family, life is so much more then playing a sport, they will never lose the family that they have in The Pirates!
I received an ARC copy of this book. Thank you so much. It's so fun to read about a big friend group and found family!
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"Is he grateful that we can be ridiculous together? I sure as hell am." - Charlie
Gab put Charlie (Sweetheart) and Nikolay (Santa) in their place and forced them to spend all their free time together in order to save the team, is just typical something Gab would do! Everyone respects Gab so much, Santa and Charlie were so stubborn. They just needed to talk about their hate for each other, although it's more like one sided hate but one conversation changed that. Sometimes it's just that easy. I love Charlie's neighbours Kelly & Michelle, they really helped Charlie with his feelings a lot and they took care of them as well. It's good to know that they can help each other.
Nikolay lost both of his parents, family is everything to him, that's also why he didn't want to stop playing for The Pirates. Nikolay forgets how amazing he is, sometimes. He really is a great friend, partner and person. Charlie helps him open up and gives him time to sit with his feelings and talk about them, when he was ready. And Charlie gave him a bigger family, life is so much more then playing a sport, they will never lose the family that they have in The Pirates!
I received an ARC copy of this book. Thank you so much. It's so fun to read about a big friend group and found family!
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April 2, 2025
THE SECOND TO LAST BOOK!💕
In the fourth book of the series we find out why Nicolay Brotnik aka Santa hates Charlie Heart aka Sweetheart when Charlie comes out of retirement to play for the Pirates…
“He better brace himself, because I’m going to chase him out of here.”
We had a taste of what was happening with Finn’s story in the Charity Anthology Candy Hearts Volume 2 and now we get the whole story of why there was vibes brewing between Santa and Sweetheart when fate deals them a hand they cannot resist… Close Proximity 24/7!
I absolutely loved Santa and his zany quirkiness that he hid behind a growl until the truth behind the misunderstanding was revealed and then we saw the real Santa and so did Charlie and all bets were off for these “straight” men!
I loved all the plays of each game and how the difference was depicted with the Ice Hockey family welcoming Charlie and other new players until the tension was eased…
Charlie’s family is a real big Italian family with Lala and Yoyo that welcomed all the players into their fold including Santa and Max…
Their journey was not easy as there was a huge misunderstanding between them but mama Gaby once again comes to the rescue with hilarious and heartfelt consequences!
Eagle is next in the last book with a second chance love…
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
In the fourth book of the series we find out why Nicolay Brotnik aka Santa hates Charlie Heart aka Sweetheart when Charlie comes out of retirement to play for the Pirates…
“He better brace himself, because I’m going to chase him out of here.”
We had a taste of what was happening with Finn’s story in the Charity Anthology Candy Hearts Volume 2 and now we get the whole story of why there was vibes brewing between Santa and Sweetheart when fate deals them a hand they cannot resist… Close Proximity 24/7!
I absolutely loved Santa and his zany quirkiness that he hid behind a growl until the truth behind the misunderstanding was revealed and then we saw the real Santa and so did Charlie and all bets were off for these “straight” men!
I loved all the plays of each game and how the difference was depicted with the Ice Hockey family welcoming Charlie and other new players until the tension was eased…
Charlie’s family is a real big Italian family with Lala and Yoyo that welcomed all the players into their fold including Santa and Max…
Their journey was not easy as there was a huge misunderstanding between them but mama Gaby once again comes to the rescue with hilarious and heartfelt consequences!
Eagle is next in the last book with a second chance love…
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
August 13, 2025
I don't write a lot of reviews, but I feel like I need to talk to someone about this book....you know how that is?
So I've set it to hide entire review because of spoilers because I need to talk about certain aspects that don't seem finished to me.
Firstly, the reason Gab called Charlie to the team and out of retirement is flimsy at best. I don't buy it honestly. And then it was barely mentioned again until the end. Then Santa talks to her and it's all fine? Like what?
Then the fact that he hated Charlie. Okay I understand how that would've hurt and it's horrible if he had really done it, but why not tell your friends? Why not tell him the minute you saw him?
Then the way the entire team acted. I get they supported Santa. Charlie wasn't even upset about it. But honestly, they were not great to Charlie and they (Jules and Bear for sure) should've made Santa tell them why he was so pissed.
Okay then, Santa doesn't speak with his brother for that long because he left? Then he's back.
But nothing is resolved at the end. Do they retire? Do they continue to live together?
However, even after all that, I still gave it a 4 star because I love this entire series. This is a new author for me and I'm definitely enjoying it.
Can't wait for Eagle and Silas.
So I've set it to hide entire review because of spoilers because I need to talk about certain aspects that don't seem finished to me.
Firstly, the reason Gab called Charlie to the team and out of retirement is flimsy at best. I don't buy it honestly. And then it was barely mentioned again until the end. Then Santa talks to her and it's all fine? Like what?
Then the fact that he hated Charlie. Okay I understand how that would've hurt and it's horrible if he had really done it, but why not tell your friends? Why not tell him the minute you saw him?
Then the way the entire team acted. I get they supported Santa. Charlie wasn't even upset about it. But honestly, they were not great to Charlie and they (Jules and Bear for sure) should've made Santa tell them why he was so pissed.
Okay then, Santa doesn't speak with his brother for that long because he left? Then he's back.
But nothing is resolved at the end. Do they retire? Do they continue to live together?
However, even after all that, I still gave it a 4 star because I love this entire series. This is a new author for me and I'm definitely enjoying it.
Can't wait for Eagle and Silas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2025
I am really enjoying this series and finally it is Santa's story. Nikolay Brotnik/Santa has always been the joker of the team, likes to make everyone smile but when Charlie Heart/Sweetheart comes out of retirement and joins the Pirates for reasons only known to him and Gabs, Santa turns, no longer the joker, his face showed pure hatred.
I liked this story a lot, and I spent the first part of the book wanting to know what had Gabs wanted Charlie to do and why did Santa hate him so much. These questions had me read a lot faster than I usually do just to find out. Their animosity felt real and I could imagine Nik growling at Charlie and Charlie wondering what he had do, that first kiss, getting to know what they liked and the support they had from their close friends. I loved every word.
Charlie's family were great and I do love a big loud family, willing to show their support, learning more about Nik, I didn't want this story to end.
Whilst I do not know much about hockey I was drawn into the excitement and the drama on the ice and catching up with the rest of the team.
This is a series I want to run on and on and I cannot wait for the next one to come out
I liked this story a lot, and I spent the first part of the book wanting to know what had Gabs wanted Charlie to do and why did Santa hate him so much. These questions had me read a lot faster than I usually do just to find out. Their animosity felt real and I could imagine Nik growling at Charlie and Charlie wondering what he had do, that first kiss, getting to know what they liked and the support they had from their close friends. I loved every word.
Charlie's family were great and I do love a big loud family, willing to show their support, learning more about Nik, I didn't want this story to end.
Whilst I do not know much about hockey I was drawn into the excitement and the drama on the ice and catching up with the rest of the team.
This is a series I want to run on and on and I cannot wait for the next one to come out
March 28, 2025
My absolute favourite of all Hinsel's books so far
From the very first book Hinsel published, It Has To Be You, I've been devouring all her stories featuring some fit and fabulous men and now I'm here to tell you, there's no one like Santa. Nikolay Brotnik is something else. He always has been, from the moment we were first introduced to him, and now we get to see him in all his 6'6" glory and he really is larger than life.
This is an emenies to lovers romance, although Charlie had no idea why Santa hated him, and it was just so good. Impossible to put down, it was 'just one more chapter' until I couldn't keep my eyes open.
This can be read as a stand alone but you'll get more out of it if you've at least read the rest of the series, as they feature other members of the Pirates and you'll obviously see more of Santa. All Hinsel's books are set in the same world and there is crossover throughout so if you're a newbie, lucky you. Lots and lots of pages waiting for you to inhale, which you will once you start!
From the very first book Hinsel published, It Has To Be You, I've been devouring all her stories featuring some fit and fabulous men and now I'm here to tell you, there's no one like Santa. Nikolay Brotnik is something else. He always has been, from the moment we were first introduced to him, and now we get to see him in all his 6'6" glory and he really is larger than life.
This is an emenies to lovers romance, although Charlie had no idea why Santa hated him, and it was just so good. Impossible to put down, it was 'just one more chapter' until I couldn't keep my eyes open.
This can be read as a stand alone but you'll get more out of it if you've at least read the rest of the series, as they feature other members of the Pirates and you'll obviously see more of Santa. All Hinsel's books are set in the same world and there is crossover throughout so if you're a newbie, lucky you. Lots and lots of pages waiting for you to inhale, which you will once you start!
April 6, 2025
So happy to be back in this universe! This is a double bi-awakening romance with pro-hockey player MCs in their 30s, one of whom has come back from retirement and joined a new team. There is a (one-sided) rivalry between these two top D-men, one of whom has 3 Stanley Cup wins but no individual awards; the other MC has some individual awards, but no Stanley Cup, no team camaraderie. While they both start off wanting something the other has, in the end it turns out that what they really want is each other. Santa is an adorable, semi-grumpy man with a (mostly fake) Russian accent who cares deeply about his team members. Charlie is sweet and somewhat lonely, but with a huge family and is also a great cook. Somehow the two of them manage to overcome their antagonism (lasagna, anyone? Bets with BJS as rewards?) and find their way to an HEA (one that may or may not include TROPHIES). I enjoyed their journey and seeing all the fab (side) characters again, especially Jules and Benny, and can't wait to spend more time in this universe again soon.
May 22, 2025
4.25⭐️
This hit the spot when I was struggling with another book. This had enough intrigue to make it interesting without making it too angsty. These guys had some real animosity and once I knew what had happened from Santa’s perspective, I totally understood where his anger and hurt came from. Happy with how things worked themselves out in the end. I LOVED the teammates and their partners/family members - they were a real joy. There were tons of characters referenced from previous books and ones that felt like they should’ve had books but didn’t lol - I read this as a standalone and did ok without the previous context. I liked this enough though to maybe go back when I have some time to read the first 3. Only thing that felt a little weak for me was the Gab storyline - and how it could have been a bit more juicy/compelling so that it didn’t feel like a throw away at the end. Defff looking forward to the next book with Eagle and Silas - they seem to have quite the history 😮💨
This hit the spot when I was struggling with another book. This had enough intrigue to make it interesting without making it too angsty. These guys had some real animosity and once I knew what had happened from Santa’s perspective, I totally understood where his anger and hurt came from. Happy with how things worked themselves out in the end. I LOVED the teammates and their partners/family members - they were a real joy. There were tons of characters referenced from previous books and ones that felt like they should’ve had books but didn’t lol - I read this as a standalone and did ok without the previous context. I liked this enough though to maybe go back when I have some time to read the first 3. Only thing that felt a little weak for me was the Gab storyline - and how it could have been a bit more juicy/compelling so that it didn’t feel like a throw away at the end. Defff looking forward to the next book with Eagle and Silas - they seem to have quite the history 😮💨
March 31, 2025
Yay for getting Santa’s story. I’ve been wanting to read this since he was first introduced and it didn’t disappoint! I love that this was a rivals/enemies to lovers story that had some actual hate to it. Although the switched flipped a bit too easily when Nik gets Charlie’s side of the story. I also really liked getting to see a more serious and vulnerable side of Santa. He’s always been portrayed as this super goofy guy and it was nice to see some true feelings come out
This is the 4th book in the series, but I think this one could work as a stand alone. The stories of the other Pirates’ players don’t really impact this one. It would get be more background on the players and their relationships with Nik
Once again, I’m so glad I decided to give Hinsel’s work a shot when her debut novel was released. I absolutely love this world she’s built and the books and characters just keep getting better!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
This is the 4th book in the series, but I think this one could work as a stand alone. The stories of the other Pirates’ players don’t really impact this one. It would get be more background on the players and their relationships with Nik
Once again, I’m so glad I decided to give Hinsel’s work a shot when her debut novel was released. I absolutely love this world she’s built and the books and characters just keep getting better!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
March 19, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved Nik and Charlie, their characters are fun and a little older.
At times I felt like the book was drawn out and I am not sure I like the direction the book took with Gab's character. Maybe it was to show that Gab has flaws as well, which I get. With that said, Nik and Charlie are amazing characters. If you've read any other books in the series you already know Nik, Santa. He is fun loving, the life of the party and his teammates are his family.
When Charlie Heart, Sweetheart, joins the team Santa becomes a different person. He hates Charlie so much that he losses his fun loving nature and throws the whole team off. Can Santa get past his hatred so the Pirates can win again or is it a hopeless cause?
At times I felt like the book was drawn out and I am not sure I like the direction the book took with Gab's character. Maybe it was to show that Gab has flaws as well, which I get. With that said, Nik and Charlie are amazing characters. If you've read any other books in the series you already know Nik, Santa. He is fun loving, the life of the party and his teammates are his family.
When Charlie Heart, Sweetheart, joins the team Santa becomes a different person. He hates Charlie so much that he losses his fun loving nature and throws the whole team off. Can Santa get past his hatred so the Pirates can win again or is it a hopeless cause?
March 26, 2025
This is Nickolay (Santa) and Charlie's (Sweetheart) story. Charlie had retired but is invited to play with the Pirates hockey team. There he is treated coolly by the team, who are backing Santa who hates him. In an enemies to lovers book, these two formerly straight guys light up like a roman candle and are all over each other. I hated how mean Santa was to Charlie, I loved Charlie's family and the whole team feels like they are my fiends. Hinsel wrote a, typical for her, amusing book with so many questions but all were answered by the end. I loved Nik and Charlie together, Nik's exuberance and playfulness, Charlie's steadfast confidence and their deep caring and love for each other. There was one of the best acceptance speeches ever I enjoyed.
March 28, 2025
This series is fabulous, I love the extensive world building the author has done across her different series. Nik really captured my attention in the earlier books so I was looking forward to his story and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed the blend of enemies to lovers and opposites attract, plus, I appreciate that there’s real and authentic animosity between Charlie and Nik. I also appreciate that the author avoids some common devices like miscommunication and an obligatory third act break up with Charlie and Nik. I loved all the books in the series, but I think this is my favorite. It has the perfect mix of humor, heart, and romance. Loved it a lot!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of book.
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