Phantom Faceoff

by Rikki Leighton

Reckless. Foolish. Disappointment.



All names I've earned.



To the team, I'm Halefire, the forward with the wickedest slapshot.



To the guy I'm sleeping with and most of campus, I'm just Zander.



Carefree Zander.



Never met a bad idea I didn't like.



Then, there's Malachi Blanchard. Who exudes danger in a way nothing—and no one—ever has.



He hates me. At least, I think he does.



So why is he bailing me out of my drunk shenanigans at three in the morning? Why is he helping me pass this awful Music Theory class?



Why does he watch me when I’m with his best friend like there’s something he wants?



I can’t pretend to understand the clashing feelings of security and danger that he evokes, but the longer I’m around it, the less I want to fight it.



It’s the way he whispers "Wildfire" all harsh and demanding—yet wrapped in warmth.



A fitting name.



I'm gasoline, and he's the match. We’re striking every chance we get.



It's only a matter of time before we burn it all to the ground.



Phantom Faceoff is a hurt/comfort, light Daddy kink, college MM romance with a newly awakened caregiver Daddy and a boy who doesn’t know how badly he needs to be coddled and protected.



Daddies of the League is a college ice hockey shared world, where you’ll find Daddies both on and off the ice. Skate into your newest obsession and grab them all.

Genres: LGBT

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

Reviews

[rinia carla]

DNF @ 29%


How is Julian activately pushing Zander and Malachi together while still sleeping with Zander??? That makes no sense. It would’ve been better if it was about the three of them getting into a relationship. Julian is a meddling friend and an intruder in their own relationship. so not for me and it just makes no sense honestly.

[CEILIDH]

Unfortunately this book was just not for me.

I did not like the dynamic at all. To me the best friend (Julian) was included way too much. Julian and Zander sleeping together while Zander and Malachi are starting to get little feelings for eachother, was a bit hard to get past. But the fact that Julian was also pushing Malachi and Zander to be together while Julien was still sleeping with Zander, just was not for me. That was happening for like 30%-40% of the book. Then when Malachi and Zander make a go of seeing eachother they start to have more feelings and they are exclusive with eachother, that's what Malachi is wanting and Zander agrees.
Then a bit later in the book there is a cuckold scene with all 3 guys but to me it felt way more like a threesome then not. Boundaries where talked about before they did anything but during boundaries where kinda crossed. It just didn't sit well with me. Then after that there's a few time where Julian is too involved in their relationship. And with Julian being Malachi's best friend I didn't like the fact that he would (imo) over step and tell Zander personal things about Malachi. I just didn't feel it was his place.

Soo thinking about it maybe I just really didn't like Julian's character/part in this book.


My review is for me so I don't forget what I really didn't like
#braintrauma

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Rikki Laughton. Zander a college hockey player playboy and Malachi a music student with a hard path make an unlikely duo but a little help from a little named Julian, they bridge the gap between them. I loved this enemies to lovers' book, with a hint of daddy-boy kink. I like how it deals with their past traumas especially Malachis. This book is sweet and angsty. Be prepared to feel happiness. Sadness and a touch of heat. Make sure to pay attention to the trigger warnings as this book deals with a lot of traumatic events. I highly recommend this book.

[Shyandmoodreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a hot and romantic read!

I absolutely ADORED Mal & Zander's relationship. A goofy brat mixed with a brooding and protective daddy? Yes please 🙏. Absolutely loved how they got to know one another and the entire dynamic between them 😈.

I absolutely loved the tension and when Zander tops his daddy Mal. Phew 🥵🔥🫠 so very very very good. I cannot yell about how much I loved it. I also can't wait to see Julien get his happily ever after as well, since he's such a sweetheart 😘.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. I was really invested in the beginning but then the scene with Julian and Zander when Malachi and Zander literally had feelings for each other. At times I felt like the story is a MMM romance since Julian was always there in their relationship? I mean I get it he was really close with Malachi but the sexual element just didn’t do it.

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

Review to come

[Ace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED it!! I hope there’s plans for Julian’s book!