What do you think?
Rate this book
New York Gods #4
The Substitute
Competing with my step-brother for my roommates attention makes me hate him so much more than I already do.
I saved his life the same night I burned mine to the ground and now the guy who’s haunted my dreams for months is my new roommate. This should be great except I met him on the worst night of his life and all he sees is that I’m a hockey player.
Only made worse when my cocky, confident, infuriating step-brother, Savage, decides to flirt with Tobi to get under my skin.
Jealousy eats at me when I see life coming back into Tobi’s eyes when he smiles at his phone.
Savage knows it too, pushing me into competing for Tobi until my head is so twisted I don’t know what or who I want anymore.
Now I have to see his pretty face at my door and on the ice.
I can’t have my dream and both of them. The media will eat me alive.
Right?
I saved his life the same night I burned mine to the ground and now the guy who’s haunted my dreams for months is my new roommate. This should be great except I met him on the worst night of his life and all he sees is that I’m a hockey player.
Only made worse when my cocky, confident, infuriating step-brother, Savage, decides to flirt with Tobi to get under my skin.
Jealousy eats at me when I see life coming back into Tobi’s eyes when he smiles at his phone.
Savage knows it too, pushing me into competing for Tobi until my head is so twisted I don’t know what or who I want anymore.
Now I have to see his pretty face at my door and on the ice.
I can’t have my dream and both of them. The media will eat me alive.
Right?
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2025
232 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
Andi Jaxon
34 books2,513 followersFrom Dyslexic kid with a love of Algebra to a published author, no one is more surprised to find me here, than I am. I love to write about tortured pasts and hot sex, a happily ever after that has to be worked for. My stories tend to be a little dark but with some comic relief, typically in the form of sarcasm.
What to know more about me? Follow me on social media or subscribe to my mailing list to receive the latest information on new releases, sales, and more!
Amazon: http://bit.ly/AndiAmazon
BookBub: http://bit.ly/AndiBookBub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andijaxonauthor
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/AndiPinterest
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/andis...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andijaxon
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorandijaxon
Website: http://www.andijaxon.com
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e42677cb7ccd/andin...
What to know more about me? Follow me on social media or subscribe to my mailing list to receive the latest information on new releases, sales, and more!
Amazon: http://bit.ly/AndiAmazon
BookBub: http://bit.ly/AndiBookBub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andijaxonauthor
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/AndiPinterest
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/andis...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andijaxon
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorandijaxon
Website: http://www.andijaxon.com
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e42677cb7ccd/andin...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
November 9, 2025
DNF @40%
Absolute trash. They shouldn’t even exist.
Absolute trash. They shouldn’t even exist.
November 8, 2025
Okay, so listen.
Book 1? Perfection.
Book 2? OH. MY. GOD..
Book 3? Hilarious
So naturally, Book 4 had my expectations levitating. I wasn’t just excited — I was salivating. I had my napkin tucked in, my fork and spoon ready, saying “Serve me whatever, no need to read even the blurb .”
Then I start reading and realize — wait, it’s an MMM. Three men? Okay, the more the merrier! Haven’t had one of those in ages, so let’s go!
It opens with Tobi, our poor heartbroken baby. His best friend and his jock brother Teddy ended up together behind his back, and my boy was wrecked. So if anyone deserved two hot guys fighting over him, it was him, right?
Enter Ambrose — the guy who saves Tobi from the lowest point of his life. And then fate throws in Ambrose’s stepbrother Savage (yes, that’s his name), and suddenly we’ve got a twink sandwiched between two hulks, both ready to burn the world for him.
And I’m sitting there like — the universe is really blessing this boy. Two guys? Both obsessed? Both willing? Okay, niceeee! 👏
But oh my GOD. Tobi took this blessing and turned it into a tragicomedy. Our virgin boy went from sad and fragile to a one-man emotional relay race. He gets in an argument with Ambrose and runs to Savage, six orgasms later it’s “ poor Ambrose, he must hate me now, what have I done?!” Next week it’s to Ambrose when he finds Savage has hidden something from him so naturally Ambrose is in charge of delivering the Os.
Rinse and repeat
My baby girl (as Savage calls him) went from “needs love” to “needs a reality check.” Like babe, just say you want them both! No one’s judging! You don’t have to justify it every chapter while both men are crawling after you like lost puppies.
And meanwhile, Ambrose and Savage? Solid. Hot. Interesting. The moment they started exploring each other, I perked up like, “YES, FINALLY some steam!” But then Tobi jumped right in again, and boom — chemistry? Killed. Scene? Ruined.
Let’s talk about the steam. For an MMM book, this should’ve been sizzling. But somehow, even with all the spit, cum, and every possible combination of penetration — I didn’t feel anything. Not one neuron of horny fired in my brain. 😭
And look, I love a needy, bratty, twink when it’s done right. That kind of fragility can be so grippy, so emotionally sharp — but here it was all messy, selfish, and directionless. And don’t even get me started on Tobi’s random cruelty toward his brother Teddy. It was bad in book 3 and worse in book 4 Uncalled for.
By the end, I was sighing out loud — not from passion, but from relief. Thank god for the epilogue showing up so these three could finally go fuck each other and let me rest in peace.
So yeah. The Substitute had every ingredient for greatness — but somehow missed the recipe entirely.
Three stars and a dramatic exhale. 💅
Book 1? Perfection.
Book 2? OH. MY. GOD..
Book 3? Hilarious
So naturally, Book 4 had my expectations levitating. I wasn’t just excited — I was salivating. I had my napkin tucked in, my fork and spoon ready, saying “Serve me whatever, no need to read even the blurb .”
Then I start reading and realize — wait, it’s an MMM. Three men? Okay, the more the merrier! Haven’t had one of those in ages, so let’s go!
It opens with Tobi, our poor heartbroken baby. His best friend and his jock brother Teddy ended up together behind his back, and my boy was wrecked. So if anyone deserved two hot guys fighting over him, it was him, right?
Enter Ambrose — the guy who saves Tobi from the lowest point of his life. And then fate throws in Ambrose’s stepbrother Savage (yes, that’s his name), and suddenly we’ve got a twink sandwiched between two hulks, both ready to burn the world for him.
And I’m sitting there like — the universe is really blessing this boy. Two guys? Both obsessed? Both willing? Okay, niceeee! 👏
But oh my GOD. Tobi took this blessing and turned it into a tragicomedy. Our virgin boy went from sad and fragile to a one-man emotional relay race. He gets in an argument with Ambrose and runs to Savage, six orgasms later it’s “ poor Ambrose, he must hate me now, what have I done?!” Next week it’s to Ambrose when he finds Savage has hidden something from him so naturally Ambrose is in charge of delivering the Os.
Rinse and repeat
My baby girl (as Savage calls him) went from “needs love” to “needs a reality check.” Like babe, just say you want them both! No one’s judging! You don’t have to justify it every chapter while both men are crawling after you like lost puppies.
And meanwhile, Ambrose and Savage? Solid. Hot. Interesting. The moment they started exploring each other, I perked up like, “YES, FINALLY some steam!” But then Tobi jumped right in again, and boom — chemistry? Killed. Scene? Ruined.
Let’s talk about the steam. For an MMM book, this should’ve been sizzling. But somehow, even with all the spit, cum, and every possible combination of penetration — I didn’t feel anything. Not one neuron of horny fired in my brain. 😭
And look, I love a needy, bratty, twink when it’s done right. That kind of fragility can be so grippy, so emotionally sharp — but here it was all messy, selfish, and directionless. And don’t even get me started on Tobi’s random cruelty toward his brother Teddy. It was bad in book 3 and worse in book 4 Uncalled for.
By the end, I was sighing out loud — not from passion, but from relief. Thank god for the epilogue showing up so these three could finally go fuck each other and let me rest in peace.
So yeah. The Substitute had every ingredient for greatness — but somehow missed the recipe entirely.
Three stars and a dramatic exhale. 💅
October 3, 2025
The Substitute is a fantastic romance between Tobi and stepbrothers Savage and Ambrose. All three of them go on quite a journey in this story. Tobi has to heal and process his trauma and feelings of abandonment, while both Savage and Ambrose have their own demons to overcome as well. Seeing the pain these three endure and how they find hope and happiness through one another is a powerful aspect of this story.
I also appreciate the unorthodox way this trio comes together. It is full of growing pains as they navigate their complicated, sometimes forbidden feelings. Savage and Ambrose have a complex history, and watching them swoon and go into protective mode for Tobi was a strong and meaningful part of this story.
Overall, I think this is a well-crafted story filled with many surprises, heated moments, and strong instances of levity and heart. I can't wait for the next installment and to return to this highly
entertaining world.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
I also appreciate the unorthodox way this trio comes together. It is full of growing pains as they navigate their complicated, sometimes forbidden feelings. Savage and Ambrose have a complex history, and watching them swoon and go into protective mode for Tobi was a strong and meaningful part of this story.
Overall, I think this is a well-crafted story filled with many surprises, heated moments, and strong instances of levity and heart. I can't wait for the next installment and to return to this highly
entertaining world.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Read
October 9, 2025DNF @23%
NO RATING
NO RATING
October 7, 2025
*arc review*
4/⭐️
3/🌶️
This story was a total 180 from the goofyness of the story before this, the penalty, where we met the most himbo of himbo and all his wackiness. But my goodness my heart hurt for so much of this story, only because Tobi was just so broken. Watching him grow throughout this story was fun but also frustrating but needed.
This is an MMM story. But for most of it, it felt like a love triangle and I got so frustrated, I am not a love triangle fan. I wanted to smack Ambrose and Savage for the tit for tat game they were playing. The feelings were there, yes, but also I could feel the college age in these men who wouldn’t. Talk. About. Anything. Again wanted to smack everyone.
There’s a lot of emotions in this story I wasn’t expecting, and boy did they get pulled out of me. I loved watching a broken man find his footing in the world again even when he felt like he didn’t belong. But I felt his man, and his loneliness. He’s demons met Ambrose’s demons and they healed one another with a lot of savage getting in the middle.
The whole group scenes though??? When we got to that FINALLY?! Boy🥵🥵 those 3 together are fire on pages. I just wanted more of them.
4/⭐️
3/🌶️
This story was a total 180 from the goofyness of the story before this, the penalty, where we met the most himbo of himbo and all his wackiness. But my goodness my heart hurt for so much of this story, only because Tobi was just so broken. Watching him grow throughout this story was fun but also frustrating but needed.
This is an MMM story. But for most of it, it felt like a love triangle and I got so frustrated, I am not a love triangle fan. I wanted to smack Ambrose and Savage for the tit for tat game they were playing. The feelings were there, yes, but also I could feel the college age in these men who wouldn’t. Talk. About. Anything. Again wanted to smack everyone.
There’s a lot of emotions in this story I wasn’t expecting, and boy did they get pulled out of me. I loved watching a broken man find his footing in the world again even when he felt like he didn’t belong. But I felt his man, and his loneliness. He’s demons met Ambrose’s demons and they healed one another with a lot of savage getting in the middle.
The whole group scenes though??? When we got to that FINALLY?! Boy🥵🥵 those 3 together are fire on pages. I just wanted more of them.
October 13, 2025
Honestly, this is my least favourite book in the series.
It started strong but ultimately fell flat. I didn’t connect with the characters, and the story just didn’t hit the mark.
What really pulled me out of the story was the amount of typos. One that stands out was when Tobi said “Savage texted all week”… a couple sentences later he then says “I realise I don’t even know his name” and then proceeds to ask his name in a text message.
I can overlook the odd typo, they happen, but this was more than a couple and it really annoyed me. I feel like this could have gone another round with a proofreader.
I loved seeing Teddy again. The Penatly is my favourite in the series and it was great to see his big dumb himbo self in full Teddy mode 😂.
It started strong but ultimately fell flat. I didn’t connect with the characters, and the story just didn’t hit the mark.
What really pulled me out of the story was the amount of typos. One that stands out was when Tobi said “Savage texted all week”… a couple sentences later he then says “I realise I don’t even know his name” and then proceeds to ask his name in a text message.
I can overlook the odd typo, they happen, but this was more than a couple and it really annoyed me. I feel like this could have gone another round with a proofreader.
I loved seeing Teddy again. The Penatly is my favourite in the series and it was great to see his big dumb himbo self in full Teddy mode 😂.
October 24, 2025
***Spoilers here and there***
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2025...
I did enjoyed this story. In the beginning I didn’t like how Tobi was treating Ambrose compared to Savage. He was mean towards Ambrose and ignored his feelings towards him and ran to Savage every time he wanted to see him.
I was glad when Tobi stopped with the crap. Towards Ambrose. Only reason that happened is because Ambrose wasn’t up his tail 24/7 after they had that argument at Tobi parents house. He realize his feelings towards Ambrose was deeper than what he thought.
I felt bad for Ambrose because of what he was going through with his dad. Then Savage using the hockey thing and Ambrose not being out against him. In the beginning that was the most annoying thing out of that relationship that they had. Every where I looked or I’ve read somewhere people felt bad for Tobi during the situation with with Teddy and Rhys that I understood but I didn’t felt bad in the situation he was in, in this book!!!
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2025...
I did enjoyed this story. In the beginning I didn’t like how Tobi was treating Ambrose compared to Savage. He was mean towards Ambrose and ignored his feelings towards him and ran to Savage every time he wanted to see him.
I was glad when Tobi stopped with the crap. Towards Ambrose. Only reason that happened is because Ambrose wasn’t up his tail 24/7 after they had that argument at Tobi parents house. He realize his feelings towards Ambrose was deeper than what he thought.
I felt bad for Ambrose because of what he was going through with his dad. Then Savage using the hockey thing and Ambrose not being out against him. In the beginning that was the most annoying thing out of that relationship that they had. Every where I looked or I’ve read somewhere people felt bad for Tobi during the situation with with Teddy and Rhys that I understood but I didn’t felt bad in the situation he was in, in this book!!!
October 14, 2025
y'all ever read a spicy scene with one eye closed bc you have your hand over your face and your peeking through it and kicking your feet?? 🤣🤣🤣 that was me at 88% whewwww ⚔️🌶️🌶️🌶️🤤
that was fun!
also was not mad about the amount of Teddy as a side character in this bc he's so ridiculous and funny.
that was fun!
also was not mad about the amount of Teddy as a side character in this bc he's so ridiculous and funny.
October 28, 2025
I still don't like Tobi. Idk maybe he just annoyed me too badly before his book, and he couldn't redeem himself.
I feel bad for Ambrose. He was an afterthought a lot of the time. I don't understand why he couldn't have just been a new friend and why he had to be a love interest. There was plenty of other conflict in the book to have made this possible.
Can we also please agree to stop referencing internet things in our books? There was something said around 42% about the booktok girls that yanked me right out of the story. Internet trends and generational slang needs to disappear from books, I BEG!
I feel bad for Ambrose. He was an afterthought a lot of the time. I don't understand why he couldn't have just been a new friend and why he had to be a love interest. There was plenty of other conflict in the book to have made this possible.
Can we also please agree to stop referencing internet things in our books? There was something said around 42% about the booktok girls that yanked me right out of the story. Internet trends and generational slang needs to disappear from books, I BEG!
October 8, 2025
5 Snuggling Stars
⭐
ARC Read: 01/10/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you, J.R. Gray & Andi Jaxon for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔🙃
🫶 MMM Adult College Hockey Romance 🫣 🥵🤌
❤️🔥 Fast Burn
💥 Rival Teams
🤌 Forced Proximity
👉 Stepbrothers x Roommates
👌 Size Difference
🧲 Co-Dependency
👉 Opposites Attract
👉 Rivalry & Jealousy
😠 One Up Eachother
👉 Jock x Nerd x Jock
🔥 Double OTT Possessiveness
😏 Light Stalking
👉 Grumpy x Sunshine x Cocky
🫂 Obsessed With Hugs
📚 Study Dates
😳 So Much Blushing
💥 Touch-Starved
🔥 First Times
👉 Virgin MC
💗 Caretaking
🔥 D/S Dynamic
😳 Dirty Talk
🔥 Praise Kink
👉 Exhibitionism
🪑 Cuck Chair
🔥 Sharing
🍆🍆 Double Penetration
🔥 Lots Of Edging
❤️🔥 Use Me
🥵 "Fuck Toy"
💦 Cum Kink
🥵 Rimming
🌭 Thighjob
😳 "Good Boy"
🔥 Ligh Light Daddy Kink
🔥 Please Touch Me
😳 "Babygirl"
🥵 Tattoes & Piercings
🫂 Cuddle Sluts
🥰 Cuddling & Cuddling & More Cuddling
👕 Over-Sized Hoodies
🏒 No Dating Hockey Players
🍨 Winter Ice Cream Dates
👉 All The Pacience & Consent
💕 "We would never make you choose"
👉 Poly Rep
👉 Mental Health Rep
👉 Depression
❤️🩹 Trust Issues
👉 Sarcasm & Dark Humor
❤️🩹 Hurt/Comfort
🫂 Found Family
💖 HEA/HFN
Series: New York Gods Series#4
Story: 5/5
I don’t want it to end!
I need more 😭
Cover: 5/5
Format: Ebook/ARC
POV: Triple - 1st Person
Plot: 5/5
Main Characters:
5/5 - Tobias: 21yo, he/him, cis-male, nickname: Tobi, petname: Babygirl.
5/5 - Ambrose: 20s, he/him, cis-male, hockey player
5/5 - Savage: 20s, he/him, cis-male, hockey player
Side Characters: 5/5
Humor: Medium Focus
Angst: High Focus
Steam Level: 5/5
Romance: Medium High Focus
Cheating? No - Group Play
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN? HEA
Favorite character? Tobias!
Enjoyment: 5/5
New York Gods Series:
1.
On Guard
- 5 stars
2.
The Retreat
- 5 stars
3.
The Penalty
- 5 stars
4. The Substitute - 5 stars
Expected on 02/04/2026:
5. The Challenge
!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!
Where To Find My Reviews: GOODREADS|STORYGRAPH|BOOKBUB|
My Socials: LINKTR.EE|INSTAGRAM|BLUESKY|TIKTOK|FACEBOOK|TUMBLR|AO3|
ARC Read: 01/10/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you, J.R. Gray & Andi Jaxon for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔🙃
🫶 MMM Adult College Hockey Romance 🫣 🥵🤌
❤️🔥 Fast Burn
💥 Rival Teams
🤌 Forced Proximity
👉 Stepbrothers x Roommates
👌 Size Difference
🧲 Co-Dependency
👉 Opposites Attract
👉 Rivalry & Jealousy
😠 One Up Eachother
👉 Jock x Nerd x Jock
🔥 Double OTT Possessiveness
😏 Light Stalking
👉 Grumpy x Sunshine x Cocky
🫂 Obsessed With Hugs
📚 Study Dates
😳 So Much Blushing
💥 Touch-Starved
🔥 First Times
👉 Virgin MC
💗 Caretaking
🔥 D/S Dynamic
😳 Dirty Talk
🔥 Praise Kink
👉 Exhibitionism
🪑 Cuck Chair
🔥 Sharing
🍆🍆 Double Penetration
🔥 Lots Of Edging
❤️🔥 Use Me
🥵 "Fuck Toy"
💦 Cum Kink
🥵 Rimming
🌭 Thighjob
😳 "Good Boy"
🔥 Ligh Light Daddy Kink
🔥 Please Touch Me
😳 "Babygirl"
🥵 Tattoes & Piercings
🫂 Cuddle Sluts
🥰 Cuddling & Cuddling & More Cuddling
👕 Over-Sized Hoodies
🏒 No Dating Hockey Players
🍨 Winter Ice Cream Dates
👉 All The Pacience & Consent
💕 "We would never make you choose"
👉 Poly Rep
👉 Mental Health Rep
👉 Depression
❤️🩹 Trust Issues
👉 Sarcasm & Dark Humor
❤️🩹 Hurt/Comfort
🫂 Found Family
💖 HEA/HFN
Series: New York Gods Series#4
Story: 5/5
I don’t want it to end!
I need more 😭
Cover: 5/5
Format: Ebook/ARC
POV: Triple - 1st Person
Plot: 5/5
Main Characters:
5/5 - Tobias: 21yo, he/him, cis-male, nickname: Tobi, petname: Babygirl.
5/5 - Ambrose: 20s, he/him, cis-male, hockey player
5/5 - Savage: 20s, he/him, cis-male, hockey player
Side Characters: 5/5
Humor: Medium Focus
Angst: High Focus
Steam Level: 5/5
Romance: Medium High Focus
Cheating? No - Group Play
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN? HEA
Favorite character? Tobias!
Enjoyment: 5/5
New York Gods Series:
1.
2.
3.
4. The Substitute - 5 stars
Expected on 02/04/2026:
5. The Challenge
!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!
Where To Find My Reviews: GOODREADS|STORYGRAPH|BOOKBUB|
My Socials: LINKTR.EE|INSTAGRAM|BLUESKY|TIKTOK|FACEBOOK|TUMBLR|AO3|
October 11, 2025
The Substitute
New York God's Book 4
J.R. Gray
Andi Jaxon
Ambrose , Savage & Tobi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
MMM
Stepbrothers
Jock / Nerd
Grumpy Sunshine
College Hockey
Roommates
Mental Health rep
SO I’m in love with this
I really enjoyed this. Poor sweet broken Tobi, has some serious insecurity issues. He truly feels he is not worth it.
He feels no one cares and that he is alone.
On a very rocky night for Tobi, Ambrose appears at the perfect moment. They have a connection. Ambrose can relate to Tobi in a very specific way.
Both men run into each other again when Ambrose becomes Tobi's new roommate.
Ambrose's stepbrother Savage needs to speak to him but ends up running into Tobi and instantly connects with him too but in a more dusty way.
Savage and Ambrose do not get along, there is a lot of animosity over their parents.
Eventually Savage and Ambrose end up vying for Tobi's affection and attention.
Tobi has some serious issues regarding his brother and his old best friend. He doesn't believe both men could possibly want him let alone stay.
I did enjoy the tit for tat between Savage and Ambrose. The angst and tension was great.
I really liked Savage. I loved how he was able to take control and get Tobi to speak up for himself and build his confidence.
These 3 were so hot. I laughed so hard everytime they mentioned the cuck chair lol
This was great. I'm so glad they worked through all their issues and made it work with the 3 of them.
“I love you, Ambrose. Even if you are a hockey player.” “I love you too.” Savage grips Tobi’s hair and pulls so their mouths meet. “I love you, baby girl.” Tobi whimpers and squirms before he can speak. “I love you, too.”
I loved how Savage and Ambrose healed their relationship as well and realized they needed to be more for Tobi too.
These 3 were perfect for eachother
Great book
Great series
New York God's Book 4
J.R. Gray
Andi Jaxon
Ambrose , Savage & Tobi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
MMM
Stepbrothers
Jock / Nerd
Grumpy Sunshine
College Hockey
Roommates
Mental Health rep
SO I’m in love with this
I really enjoyed this. Poor sweet broken Tobi, has some serious insecurity issues. He truly feels he is not worth it.
He feels no one cares and that he is alone.
On a very rocky night for Tobi, Ambrose appears at the perfect moment. They have a connection. Ambrose can relate to Tobi in a very specific way.
Both men run into each other again when Ambrose becomes Tobi's new roommate.
Ambrose's stepbrother Savage needs to speak to him but ends up running into Tobi and instantly connects with him too but in a more dusty way.
Savage and Ambrose do not get along, there is a lot of animosity over their parents.
Eventually Savage and Ambrose end up vying for Tobi's affection and attention.
Tobi has some serious issues regarding his brother and his old best friend. He doesn't believe both men could possibly want him let alone stay.
I did enjoy the tit for tat between Savage and Ambrose. The angst and tension was great.
I really liked Savage. I loved how he was able to take control and get Tobi to speak up for himself and build his confidence.
These 3 were so hot. I laughed so hard everytime they mentioned the cuck chair lol
This was great. I'm so glad they worked through all their issues and made it work with the 3 of them.
“I love you, Ambrose. Even if you are a hockey player.” “I love you too.” Savage grips Tobi’s hair and pulls so their mouths meet. “I love you, baby girl.” Tobi whimpers and squirms before he can speak. “I love you, too.”
I loved how Savage and Ambrose healed their relationship as well and realized they needed to be more for Tobi too.
These 3 were perfect for eachother
Great book
Great series
October 28, 2025
I enjoyed reading this next installment in the New York Gods series. We met Tobi in the prior book, and a lot of what he's dealing with in this book stems from what happened in that one. It can definitely be read as a standalone though, because it is discussed in this book. Both Tobi and Ambrose are broken and need care and love, which they give to each other, but they also need what Savage has to offer. Savage to me is the ultimate caregiver, but he will also need to be cared for.
I loved how Ambrose and Savage took care of Tobi in their own ways, and they were both there for him in their own way. I have a huge soft spot for Ambrose and I would have loved to see more of him.
Their chemistry was off the charts and I'm not even sure when I last read a book that was this hot. I loved all of the exploration they did.
I loved the banter and the flirting between them all. I especially loved how playfull Ambrose was with Tobi. I loved the whole dynamic and while it took a while for them to figure things out the ride was a fun one and I'm glad I got to read about it. There are so many emotions at play in this book: healing, care, tension, jealousy and in the end so much love. And while Ambrose and Savage are super protective of Tobi, they are also super protective of each other. There are so many conversations they have about consent, jealousy, feelings and it was great to see them work through their traumas and issues and find a way to heal together.
Definitely pick this up for a well written story full of healing, heat and happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved how Ambrose and Savage took care of Tobi in their own ways, and they were both there for him in their own way. I have a huge soft spot for Ambrose and I would have loved to see more of him.
Their chemistry was off the charts and I'm not even sure when I last read a book that was this hot. I loved all of the exploration they did.
I loved the banter and the flirting between them all. I especially loved how playfull Ambrose was with Tobi. I loved the whole dynamic and while it took a while for them to figure things out the ride was a fun one and I'm glad I got to read about it. There are so many emotions at play in this book: healing, care, tension, jealousy and in the end so much love. And while Ambrose and Savage are super protective of Tobi, they are also super protective of each other. There are so many conversations they have about consent, jealousy, feelings and it was great to see them work through their traumas and issues and find a way to heal together.
Definitely pick this up for a well written story full of healing, heat and happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2025
"His free hand slides up my chest to my throat, and he lowers his mouth to mine so I can feel every word he speaks. Every part of me is surrounded by him. Nothing exists except him, and I want to bury myself in that feeling."
⚠️SPOILERS FOR BOOK 3 BELOW ⬇️
The Substitute is book 4 in the authors' New York Gods series, set around the life and loves of two ice hockey teams.
This is Ambrose, Tobi and Savage's story and to be clear it is a MMM romance. I went in thinking it was a step-brother enemies to lovers (which is one of the dynamics) but this is much more around the step-brothers' relationship with Tobi.
I adored the energy between Ambrose and Savage!
What To Expect:
🏒MMM romance
🏒Hockey bros
🏒Step-brothers
🏒Opposites attract
🏒MH rep
🏒Room-mates
🏒Some dark themes
🏒Spicy times
🏒HEA
3.5 stars
⚠️SPOILERS FOR BOOK 3 BELOW ⬇️
The Substitute is book 4 in the authors' New York Gods series, set around the life and loves of two ice hockey teams.
This is Ambrose, Tobi and Savage's story and to be clear it is a MMM romance. I went in thinking it was a step-brother enemies to lovers (which is one of the dynamics) but this is much more around the step-brothers' relationship with Tobi.
I adored the energy between Ambrose and Savage!
What To Expect:
🏒MMM romance
🏒Hockey bros
🏒Step-brothers
🏒Opposites attract
🏒MH rep
🏒Room-mates
🏒Some dark themes
🏒Spicy times
🏒HEA
3.5 stars
November 30, 2025
I adore this series, but this installment really didn’t do it for me because I just couldn’t warm up to Tobi and I do not enjoy a love triangle, which is what this was until about 80%. Absolutely loved Ambrose as a character, though!
February 4, 2026
This was my favourite in the series. The mental health issues are expressed in ways that felt very real. More doctors need to be covered in tattoos. Teddy is in this one, unfortunately, and still a moron. I dont understand how he is even able to breathe. Still sad we strayed from fencing and I do miss everyone picking on Oliver.
October 11, 2025
Another great book by these authors. I love Ambrose, Tobi & Savage and that they got a HEA even with all the obstacles. Some of the themes that happened made me think of myself and I’m glad they have each other to rely on. I can’t wait to see what comes next from these authors.
Read
December 9, 2025Got 11% into this and hated it. Every single interaction between the 3 characters felt forced.
November 11, 2025
Now... hear me out. Não sabia o que iria achar, mas digo já que o Savage e o Ambrose? Nunca os vi como meio irmãos especialmente quando eles nem são related by blood
Gostei bastante da relação com o Tobi e de como eles ao longo do livro foram falando e sobretudo comunicando sobre o que lhes ia na mente
O epílogo do Ambrose? Opa, senti mesmo uma grande carga emocional
Gostei bastante da relação com o Tobi e de como eles ao longo do livro foram falando e sobretudo comunicando sobre o que lhes ia na mente
O epílogo do Ambrose? Opa, senti mesmo uma grande carga emocional
October 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This book was unexpected- there is a lot going for it - very high heat, great writing, very interesting premise.
I think there are a lot of awesome tropes in this one: step brothers, forced proximity, K1nk exploration, hockey romance, size difference, opposites attract, hurt comfort.
There are also a few trigger warning you should check out before you read this - this book kicks off on the darker side of the emotional spectrum and definitely see saws over there.
I guess what I had trouble with was Tobi and how he was reacting for most of the book, I understood it’s the betrayal but o don’t knkw what spun him out and what then Healed the gap. I also had a tough time with his dynamic with Ambrose
I loved savage but I didn’t get the progression with Ambrose again.
I think the evolution upto the point of closed open dating dynamic was well handled it’s just the initial build up was so detailed and the. We rushed through all the settling in and suddenly everyone was connected.
I think there are a lot of awesome tropes in this one: step brothers, forced proximity, K1nk exploration, hockey romance, size difference, opposites attract, hurt comfort.
There are also a few trigger warning you should check out before you read this - this book kicks off on the darker side of the emotional spectrum and definitely see saws over there.
I guess what I had trouble with was Tobi and how he was reacting for most of the book, I understood it’s the betrayal but o don’t knkw what spun him out and what then Healed the gap. I also had a tough time with his dynamic with Ambrose
I loved savage but I didn’t get the progression with Ambrose again.
I think the evolution upto the point of closed open dating dynamic was well handled it’s just the initial build up was so detailed and the. We rushed through all the settling in and suddenly everyone was connected.
October 30, 2025
I was dying for Tobi to get his HEA!!! And talk about a jackpot with Ambrose and Savage! I will say that this book does have darker themes to it, so readers beware and look into content warnings!
I loved the level of care and comfort between these guys, though I did find myself feeling really frustrated with their dynamics at times. I’m very particular when it comes to MMM and this felt disjointed every now and then. Overall it was a good time as long as you’re not a ragey reader like I am 😂.
I loved the level of care and comfort between these guys, though I did find myself feeling really frustrated with their dynamics at times. I’m very particular when it comes to MMM and this felt disjointed every now and then. Overall it was a good time as long as you’re not a ragey reader like I am 😂.
October 12, 2025
Too fast and too shallow define this book for me. Don't get me wrong the characters alone they are interesting but I couldn't connect with Ambrose or Savage, somehow Toby become annoying too and then my mind clicked he's really Teddy's brother.
October 16, 2025
When Tobi is rescued by a mysterious stranger on the night he tries to end it all, he regrets not getting his name or number. It’s been months, and Tobi is still as depressed as ever. The man who he had been in love with chose his brother over him. Everyone chose his brother over him, and nobody seemed to acknowledge that Tobi was struggling so much. But when a new semester starts and Tobi’s new roommate moves in, he’s shocked to find that it’s that guy who talked him down from the bridge. But Ambrose knows too much about Tobi already, and Tobi is suspicious of his obvious interest. Then enter Savage, Ambrose’s stepbrother, who tracks Ambrose down at their dorm. Things are caustic and complicated between them, but that doesn’t stop Savage from convincing Tobi out on a date. The problem with dating two guys at the same time is that it soon becomes clear that they each satisfy a different part of Tobi’s needs. Ambrose keeps him fed and gives him comfort even when he’s being surly. And Savage gets him out of the dorm for some fresh air and fun. Where Ambrose is generous with his affection, Savage gets Tobi out of his head by taking control in the bedroom. And as time goes on, Tobi’s feelings are growing deeper and deeper for these two men even as they are constantly at each other’s throats. When the strength of Tobi’s relationship with both of them is tested, he has to make a choice of whether he can forgive the transgressions. Savage lied to him about a huge part of himself, and knowingly did it on purpose. And Ambrose’s aspirations for the NHL keep him firmly in the closet. But even after these trials and tribulations, Tobi can’t choose between them. He chooses them both. Now he just has to convince them to choose each other, too.
Phew, this was a scorcher! I haven’t read a ton of why choose romances, but this one was great. I loved that both Ambrose and Savage took care of Tobi but also met his needs in different ways. Tobi was definitely a hot mess, but I loved how he never really questioned the amount of time he was spending between them. He always gave his full attention to whichever brother he was with. I also appreciated that he let both of the brothers push him out of his comfort zone and that he threw himself 100% into the thruple. I also liked that he encouraged Ambrose and Savage to be together if they wanted. It was really sweet and caring of him. I liked Ambrose quite a bit. He had a lot riding on his shoulders and such a terrible, traumatizing past. I appreciated that he was worried about Tobi but also was positive in his was of making sure Tobi was taking care of himself. He always brought Tobi food and gave him affection even when Tobi didn’t want it. I appreciated that Ambrose had hang-ups and that his future in the NHL made it difficult to be in a relationship, but I’m glad he pushed through it. And I’m really glad that he and Savage finally found some common ground. They were more similar than they first realized. I also really liked Savage. I think he was my favorite character. I liked that he pushed everyone’s buttons, but it honestly was all without heat. He never got angry at Ambrose and his antics, but he also wasn’t afraid to play tit for tat. I also appreciated that he was always encouraging to Tobi and always made him feel sexy and wanted. And when he and Ambrose finally put their differences aside, I love that he had no hesitations about being with Ambrose too. I also liked that Savage was aware of Ambrose’s hang-ups and Tobi’s lack of self-esteem, and he always, always built them up and showed up when he was needed. My favorite part was when Savage left a game to comfort Ambrose after his panic attack. It was the real turning point of everything.
There were some things I didn’t like so much. I felt that the story needed a bit more to the plot. Some details were skipped over, and so the transition through the book wasn’t as smooth as I wished it was. I also wish that Ambrose’s lingering issues from his past and his fear of being outed before he was drafted had been explained more. It seemed to just come up randomly but never was really fleshed out, and neither Ambrose nor the others talked about the consequences of coming out or a plan to address it in the future. I also really wished that the loose ends were tied up more. Did Ambrose get into the NHL? What happened with Savage’s mother or Ambrose’s father? Do they ever come out as a thruple? I feel like all the major plot points were hit, but then the finer details were kind of left in the wind.
Having said all of that, I did still enjoy this book quite a bit. I liked the possessive nature of the MMCs and damn, the spice was absolutely scorching. I also really, really loved how Ambrose and Savage’s romantic relationship was developed. It all started with little touches and lingering looks until all three of them were in a full relationship. And the sharing scenes…those will live rent free in my head.
I really, really love this universe and this series. It’s what keeps me coming back. I loved all of the characters in this book and really enjoyed seeing them become so entangled. Overall I give this one 4/5 stars.
Phew, this was a scorcher! I haven’t read a ton of why choose romances, but this one was great. I loved that both Ambrose and Savage took care of Tobi but also met his needs in different ways. Tobi was definitely a hot mess, but I loved how he never really questioned the amount of time he was spending between them. He always gave his full attention to whichever brother he was with. I also appreciated that he let both of the brothers push him out of his comfort zone and that he threw himself 100% into the thruple. I also liked that he encouraged Ambrose and Savage to be together if they wanted. It was really sweet and caring of him. I liked Ambrose quite a bit. He had a lot riding on his shoulders and such a terrible, traumatizing past. I appreciated that he was worried about Tobi but also was positive in his was of making sure Tobi was taking care of himself. He always brought Tobi food and gave him affection even when Tobi didn’t want it. I appreciated that Ambrose had hang-ups and that his future in the NHL made it difficult to be in a relationship, but I’m glad he pushed through it. And I’m really glad that he and Savage finally found some common ground. They were more similar than they first realized. I also really liked Savage. I think he was my favorite character. I liked that he pushed everyone’s buttons, but it honestly was all without heat. He never got angry at Ambrose and his antics, but he also wasn’t afraid to play tit for tat. I also appreciated that he was always encouraging to Tobi and always made him feel sexy and wanted. And when he and Ambrose finally put their differences aside, I love that he had no hesitations about being with Ambrose too. I also liked that Savage was aware of Ambrose’s hang-ups and Tobi’s lack of self-esteem, and he always, always built them up and showed up when he was needed. My favorite part was when Savage left a game to comfort Ambrose after his panic attack. It was the real turning point of everything.
There were some things I didn’t like so much. I felt that the story needed a bit more to the plot. Some details were skipped over, and so the transition through the book wasn’t as smooth as I wished it was. I also wish that Ambrose’s lingering issues from his past and his fear of being outed before he was drafted had been explained more. It seemed to just come up randomly but never was really fleshed out, and neither Ambrose nor the others talked about the consequences of coming out or a plan to address it in the future. I also really wished that the loose ends were tied up more. Did Ambrose get into the NHL? What happened with Savage’s mother or Ambrose’s father? Do they ever come out as a thruple? I feel like all the major plot points were hit, but then the finer details were kind of left in the wind.
Having said all of that, I did still enjoy this book quite a bit. I liked the possessive nature of the MMCs and damn, the spice was absolutely scorching. I also really, really loved how Ambrose and Savage’s romantic relationship was developed. It all started with little touches and lingering looks until all three of them were in a full relationship. And the sharing scenes…those will live rent free in my head.
I really, really love this universe and this series. It’s what keeps me coming back. I loved all of the characters in this book and really enjoyed seeing them become so entangled. Overall I give this one 4/5 stars.
October 13, 2025
The Substitute by J.R. Gray and Andi Jaxon
New York Gods #4
Length: 356 pages
Source: Literally Yours PR eARC
Publication date: October 8, 2025
5 ⭐
5 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
🩵 College hockey
🏒 MMM
🩵 Stepbrothers
🏒 Forced proximity
🩵 Nerd x jock
🏒 Roommates
🩵 Grumpy/sunshine
🏒 Teddy’s awful texting
🩵 So. much. spice
🏒 Size difference
🩵 Kink exploration
AUTHORS’ BLURB
I saved his life the same night I burned mine to the ground, and now the guy who’s haunted my dreams for months is my new roommate.
This should be great, except I met him on the worst night of his life, and all he sees is that I’m a hockey player. It's only made worse when my cocky, confident, infuriating stepbrother, Savage, decides to flirt with Tobi to get under my skin.
Jealousy eats at me when I see life coming back into Tobi’s eyes when he smiles at his phone. Savage knows it, too, pushing me into competing for Tobi until my head is so twisted I don’t know what or who I want anymore.
Now I have to see his pretty face at my door and on the ice.
I can’t have my dream and both of them. The media will eat me alive.
Right?
MY THOUGHTS
There’s so much going right in this book. SO much.
The writing is well-written, thorough, and evocative. When the authors wanted me to feel the jealousy, the pain, or the elation, I was right there with the characters. Tobi, Ambrose, and Savage are so incredibly well-developed! Their feelings jump off the page (and also kind of smack you in the face, in a good way), and they’re so real that I felt like I was going through all of this with them. As I’ve said in other reviews, having ADHD means it’s nearly impossible for me to ‘visualize’ in my head the way a neurotypical person would, but with this kind of writing, I can actually do it. I felt like I was sitting in the corner of their bedrooms (not in the cuck chair, iykyk), watching them torture and tease, cry and make up, fall in love and protect each other. The depth of their feelings for one another, and the emotional maturity of each man as they figure out how to navigate their relationships–as stepbrothers, two couples, and a triad–is powerful. I just can’t say enough about how much I love these three together.
The mental-health issues in The Substitute are also tackled so realistically. The authors don’t talk ‘around’ them; they show us what it’s like to experience depression, panic attacks, dysmorphia, etc. Each of the MCs suffers from their own demons and doubts, and there is no glossing over of that. But also, the way the men address each other’s struggles as a triad—offering their particular brands of support and strength—was handled well and again, seemed natural and organic. No relationship is perfect, whether two partners or three or four, and the way Tobi, Ambrose, and Savage get there felt honest. Their problems don’t magically melt away once they’re in love, but they are prepared to tackle those problems together and fight for one another.
BOTTOM LINE
My favorite so far, and considering how much I have enjoyed reading this series, that’s saying something.
— A
CONTENT WARNINGS
Please read the authors’ warning at the beginning of the book. There’s a lot. Major takeaways include homophobia, religious trauma, kink, depression, suicide, suicidal ideation, body dysmorphia, panic attacks.
Thanks to Literally Yours PR, J.R. Gray, and Andi Jaxon for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, Amazon, and Goodreads.
New York Gods #4
Length: 356 pages
Source: Literally Yours PR eARC
Publication date: October 8, 2025
5 ⭐
5 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
🩵 College hockey
🏒 MMM
🩵 Stepbrothers
🏒 Forced proximity
🩵 Nerd x jock
🏒 Roommates
🩵 Grumpy/sunshine
🏒 Teddy’s awful texting
🩵 So. much. spice
🏒 Size difference
🩵 Kink exploration
AUTHORS’ BLURB
I saved his life the same night I burned mine to the ground, and now the guy who’s haunted my dreams for months is my new roommate.
This should be great, except I met him on the worst night of his life, and all he sees is that I’m a hockey player. It's only made worse when my cocky, confident, infuriating stepbrother, Savage, decides to flirt with Tobi to get under my skin.
Jealousy eats at me when I see life coming back into Tobi’s eyes when he smiles at his phone. Savage knows it, too, pushing me into competing for Tobi until my head is so twisted I don’t know what or who I want anymore.
Now I have to see his pretty face at my door and on the ice.
I can’t have my dream and both of them. The media will eat me alive.
Right?
MY THOUGHTS
There’s so much going right in this book. SO much.
The writing is well-written, thorough, and evocative. When the authors wanted me to feel the jealousy, the pain, or the elation, I was right there with the characters. Tobi, Ambrose, and Savage are so incredibly well-developed! Their feelings jump off the page (and also kind of smack you in the face, in a good way), and they’re so real that I felt like I was going through all of this with them. As I’ve said in other reviews, having ADHD means it’s nearly impossible for me to ‘visualize’ in my head the way a neurotypical person would, but with this kind of writing, I can actually do it. I felt like I was sitting in the corner of their bedrooms (not in the cuck chair, iykyk), watching them torture and tease, cry and make up, fall in love and protect each other. The depth of their feelings for one another, and the emotional maturity of each man as they figure out how to navigate their relationships–as stepbrothers, two couples, and a triad–is powerful. I just can’t say enough about how much I love these three together.
The mental-health issues in The Substitute are also tackled so realistically. The authors don’t talk ‘around’ them; they show us what it’s like to experience depression, panic attacks, dysmorphia, etc. Each of the MCs suffers from their own demons and doubts, and there is no glossing over of that. But also, the way the men address each other’s struggles as a triad—offering their particular brands of support and strength—was handled well and again, seemed natural and organic. No relationship is perfect, whether two partners or three or four, and the way Tobi, Ambrose, and Savage get there felt honest. Their problems don’t magically melt away once they’re in love, but they are prepared to tackle those problems together and fight for one another.
BOTTOM LINE
My favorite so far, and considering how much I have enjoyed reading this series, that’s saying something.
— A
CONTENT WARNINGS
Please read the authors’ warning at the beginning of the book. There’s a lot. Major takeaways include homophobia, religious trauma, kink, depression, suicide, suicidal ideation, body dysmorphia, panic attacks.
Thanks to Literally Yours PR, J.R. Gray, and Andi Jaxon for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, Amazon, and Goodreads.
October 6, 2025
After the last book where Tobi was introduced as a side character, it was at the end of that book where he experienced heartbreak over losing his long term crush to his brother, of all people, that truly began Tobi’s story, but it was also left in a cliffhanger until now. The Substitute opens where that very emotional day in Tobi’s life happened. This book doesn't begin on an easy note, but it does lay the foundation for the rest of his story. I feel, this book centers more around Tobi than anyone else. He is the pivotal person so it was very fitting to begin with the lowest day in Tobi’s life. His life only went up from there and it's also the day he met Ambrose. However, Tobi didn't yet realize at that moment that it's also the starting point for the best days of his life as well.
Fast forward a few months and Tobi ends up becoming roommates with Ambrose, then fast forward a bit more and Tobi meets Savage, who is Ambrose's step-brother. Both Ambrose and Savage have an interest in Tobi and neither were willing to back down. This tug-of-war between the brothers, placing Tobi in the middle goes on for quite a while, leaving Tobi circling like a top since he didn't necessarily have the mental strength to choose between them. I mean, who would. 😏 Two hot guys vying for my attention, yes please. 🥵
What makes everything more difficult is Ambrose and Savage have a complicated past. Ambrose's father is a horrible human, while Savage's family past is more of a mixed bag of family trauma. It doesn't help that while both of these guys have an interest in Tobi, he starts off having more of a connection with Savage due to preconceived ideas about him. He intentionally pushes Ambrose away, even though Tobi is his roommate, because he's in hockey, the same as his brother, Teddy. Which I also need to mention...Yes, cameos from Teddy are back and I was snorting, rolling on the floor over Teddy-isms again. Ambrose, as the team captain gets stuck on Teddy duty and constantly wonders if Teddy and Tobi are actually related because there is just no way that they could be. 😂😂😂😂😂 The nice connection through this is, Ambrose falls even more for Tobi, because spending time with Teddy brings a ton of empathy to the mix. It's both funny and sweet.😉
I think what I loved about this threesome dynamic the most...is Tobi is extremely self-esteem unassure and shy. No, it's not his down side, it's how he finds himself. Tobi is constantly down on himself and wallowing in depression, but Savage is the first one to really break through his walls of self doubt, to get Tobi to break from his shell. Since the brothers are competitive, Ambrose isn't far behind in helping Tobi along in lifting up that confidence. They both want him to succeed and it ignites a wonderful glow within Tobi.
Probably the hottest moments are when Tobi is between them and neither brother wants to share...As I keep saying, they are competitive and both really like Tobi. They don't want to give him up for even a moment and like true brother's who don't want to share toys they refuse to. So when it comes to the man they want and both having time with him, they hate leaving, so the cucking chair gets used often. 🥵 Those moments are super hot. 🔥
So, I always felt that Savage was the glue that strengthened their throuple and Tobi was the sweetness, while Ambrose was the backbone, but ultimately they needed all three of them to make it work. I give this book a solid 4.5 stars.
Fast forward a few months and Tobi ends up becoming roommates with Ambrose, then fast forward a bit more and Tobi meets Savage, who is Ambrose's step-brother. Both Ambrose and Savage have an interest in Tobi and neither were willing to back down. This tug-of-war between the brothers, placing Tobi in the middle goes on for quite a while, leaving Tobi circling like a top since he didn't necessarily have the mental strength to choose between them. I mean, who would. 😏 Two hot guys vying for my attention, yes please. 🥵
What makes everything more difficult is Ambrose and Savage have a complicated past. Ambrose's father is a horrible human, while Savage's family past is more of a mixed bag of family trauma. It doesn't help that while both of these guys have an interest in Tobi, he starts off having more of a connection with Savage due to preconceived ideas about him. He intentionally pushes Ambrose away, even though Tobi is his roommate, because he's in hockey, the same as his brother, Teddy. Which I also need to mention...Yes, cameos from Teddy are back and I was snorting, rolling on the floor over Teddy-isms again. Ambrose, as the team captain gets stuck on Teddy duty and constantly wonders if Teddy and Tobi are actually related because there is just no way that they could be. 😂😂😂😂😂 The nice connection through this is, Ambrose falls even more for Tobi, because spending time with Teddy brings a ton of empathy to the mix. It's both funny and sweet.😉
I think what I loved about this threesome dynamic the most...is Tobi is extremely self-esteem unassure and shy. No, it's not his down side, it's how he finds himself. Tobi is constantly down on himself and wallowing in depression, but Savage is the first one to really break through his walls of self doubt, to get Tobi to break from his shell. Since the brothers are competitive, Ambrose isn't far behind in helping Tobi along in lifting up that confidence. They both want him to succeed and it ignites a wonderful glow within Tobi.
Probably the hottest moments are when Tobi is between them and neither brother wants to share...As I keep saying, they are competitive and both really like Tobi. They don't want to give him up for even a moment and like true brother's who don't want to share toys they refuse to. So when it comes to the man they want and both having time with him, they hate leaving, so the cucking chair gets used often. 🥵 Those moments are super hot. 🔥
So, I always felt that Savage was the glue that strengthened their throuple and Tobi was the sweetness, while Ambrose was the backbone, but ultimately they needed all three of them to make it work. I give this book a solid 4.5 stars.
November 1, 2025
Two plus one
Authors J.R. Grey & Andi Jaxon have released the fourth book in their NEW YORK GODS sports hockey series, and they have put together one helluva read with a long shopping list of content for you to enjoy. It is a TW list so people can responsibly read and love the characters, but if MMM and all sorts of shenanigans is your bag, then they have it all right here!!! 🏒📚🏒
THE SUBSTITUTE picked up pretty much where book three THE PENALTY finished. We get to hear from Tobi, the school smart younger brother to God's Hockey Team Goalie, Teddy, the Himbo himself who won the heart of Tobi's best-friend, sending our character spinning off into a dark place. He hadn't impressed me then as a character at all and I'd thought him to be a pouty know-it-all.
He wasn't. And he was incredibly hurt.
Authors Grey & Jaxon garnered my sympathy for him in no time at all and throughout the book I realised how growing up with Teddy for a brother would've left him feeling like a two-dimensional character in his own life and within his family. There simply hadn't been enough room for him. I'd loved Teddy in THE PENALTY, but seeing family life from Rhys POV had me realising that living an invisible life and speaking truths out of frustration had taken its toll. Their parents devoted all of their time and energy into keeping the big lovable guy alive, add to that trying to decipher what was going on in his head and there was just nothing left for the brother who excelled in school and did everything right!!!! I still loved Teddy though, and thought they had great parents, but they missed the boat with Rhys' own emotional needs. Just like his best friend Rhys, whom he'd loved for an age, had also chosen to love Teddy. I hurt for him and loved that Grey & Jaxon treated him gently.
Not so Ambrose, I didn't think. His step-brother, Savage, was tough competition for the object of his affections while I had nothing but compassion for him. His upbringing was brutal and his father was one of the worst kinds of parental any same sex loving young man could have. Physical beatings and religious school torture tried to change him had almost broke him. He'd hit rock bottom and was why he made such a deep connection with Tobi first. It was just that Savage seemed to have the advantage over everything!!!
I did love that Savage loyally kept Ambrose's upbringing to himself and had offered support, but I found the bickering between them quite draining and over-extended. While they both had past issues, it was Ambrose who I felt most sorry for. Savage did endear himself to me at the end and he'd carried more of a big internal load than I first thought.
As THE SUBSTITUTE came to a close, Authors Grey and Jaxon pulled the relationships together in a beautiful and extra-hot-and-spicy romantic way. 🏒📚🏒 The pacing in this book for me started slow and I found the constant verbal sparring tiring. It did pick up beautifully at the end and was where Savage really shone. The responsibility was huge. Yep, this book carried a heavier tone to it but was balanced with Teddy's presence as the superstitious oddball goalie on the team that Ambrose was captain of. 4-two-plus-one-hockey-Stars 💎°*🖤*°
Authors J.R. Grey & Andi Jaxon have released the fourth book in their NEW YORK GODS sports hockey series, and they have put together one helluva read with a long shopping list of content for you to enjoy. It is a TW list so people can responsibly read and love the characters, but if MMM and all sorts of shenanigans is your bag, then they have it all right here!!! 🏒📚🏒
THE SUBSTITUTE picked up pretty much where book three THE PENALTY finished. We get to hear from Tobi, the school smart younger brother to God's Hockey Team Goalie, Teddy, the Himbo himself who won the heart of Tobi's best-friend, sending our character spinning off into a dark place. He hadn't impressed me then as a character at all and I'd thought him to be a pouty know-it-all.
He wasn't. And he was incredibly hurt.
Authors Grey & Jaxon garnered my sympathy for him in no time at all and throughout the book I realised how growing up with Teddy for a brother would've left him feeling like a two-dimensional character in his own life and within his family. There simply hadn't been enough room for him. I'd loved Teddy in THE PENALTY, but seeing family life from Rhys POV had me realising that living an invisible life and speaking truths out of frustration had taken its toll. Their parents devoted all of their time and energy into keeping the big lovable guy alive, add to that trying to decipher what was going on in his head and there was just nothing left for the brother who excelled in school and did everything right!!!! I still loved Teddy though, and thought they had great parents, but they missed the boat with Rhys' own emotional needs. Just like his best friend Rhys, whom he'd loved for an age, had also chosen to love Teddy. I hurt for him and loved that Grey & Jaxon treated him gently.
Not so Ambrose, I didn't think. His step-brother, Savage, was tough competition for the object of his affections while I had nothing but compassion for him. His upbringing was brutal and his father was one of the worst kinds of parental any same sex loving young man could have. Physical beatings and religious school torture tried to change him had almost broke him. He'd hit rock bottom and was why he made such a deep connection with Tobi first. It was just that Savage seemed to have the advantage over everything!!!
I did love that Savage loyally kept Ambrose's upbringing to himself and had offered support, but I found the bickering between them quite draining and over-extended. While they both had past issues, it was Ambrose who I felt most sorry for. Savage did endear himself to me at the end and he'd carried more of a big internal load than I first thought.
As THE SUBSTITUTE came to a close, Authors Grey and Jaxon pulled the relationships together in a beautiful and extra-hot-and-spicy romantic way. 🏒📚🏒 The pacing in this book for me started slow and I found the constant verbal sparring tiring. It did pick up beautifully at the end and was where Savage really shone. The responsibility was huge. Yep, this book carried a heavier tone to it but was balanced with Teddy's presence as the superstitious oddball goalie on the team that Ambrose was captain of. 4-two-plus-one-hockey-Stars 💎°*🖤*°
October 8, 2025
3.5 stars
Gosh, this book didn’t start us off lightly but very much threw us in at the deep end. We were thrust straight into the depths of Tobi’s extreme depression and his subsequent first interaction with Ambrose. It was such a powerfully emotional first chapter.
I could definitely feel the extreme emotions throughout the story. Poor Tobi’s dealing with some crippling depression and anxiety, while Ambrose struggles with the pain and anger he’s feeling from his father’s controlling actions, and Savage is terrified that he could end up with a condition like his father.
These three had a very interesting and quite complex dynamic between them. There’s quite a bit of push and pull throughout the book, and sometimes I did get a little frustrated at times about how they communicated with each other.
‘Didn’t I used to smile and laugh and enjoy things? Didn’t I use to have self-worth and a backbone? Feels like a lifetime ago.’ Tobi
Tobi’s experiences of dealing with his overwhelming mental health struggles were devastating and incredibly relatable. I really wanted to hug him and not let go, and I was so glad that he had two persistent guys to watch his back and help him through it. His terrible self-esteem and warped views on why people would ever want him are heartbreaking. It was so happy to see him begin to come alive again and feel desired by the attention he receives from Savage and Ambrose.
I did really feel for Ambrose. He really likes Tobi but gets kept at arm’s length due to Tobi’s insecurities and Ambrose then has to watch him spend time with his stepbrother whom he doesn’t get on with.
At times I did have slightly complicated feelings about Savage, and it did take him a while to convince me that his feelings for Tobi were genuine. But that did feel rather unfair of me when he spent so much time reassuring the other man and trying desperately to get him to look at himself in a more positive light. True to his career choice, he is a carer through and through and he has some wonderful words of encouragement for Tobi when he most needs them. Savage brings some much-needed smiles and joy to a story that’s heavy and I did appreciate that. And despite my initial hesitations about him, I did really grow to love his nickname for Tobi, “baby girl”.
I haven’t read Teddy and Rhys’s book yet, but Teddy’s hilarious antics in this has certainly made me want to read his story. Ambrose and Teddy’s interactions just had me chuckling so much; Ambrose’s sometimes frustration and confusion yet dedication in looking after the goalie was one of the highlights for me.
Gosh, this book didn’t start us off lightly but very much threw us in at the deep end. We were thrust straight into the depths of Tobi’s extreme depression and his subsequent first interaction with Ambrose. It was such a powerfully emotional first chapter.
I could definitely feel the extreme emotions throughout the story. Poor Tobi’s dealing with some crippling depression and anxiety, while Ambrose struggles with the pain and anger he’s feeling from his father’s controlling actions, and Savage is terrified that he could end up with a condition like his father.
These three had a very interesting and quite complex dynamic between them. There’s quite a bit of push and pull throughout the book, and sometimes I did get a little frustrated at times about how they communicated with each other.
‘Didn’t I used to smile and laugh and enjoy things? Didn’t I use to have self-worth and a backbone? Feels like a lifetime ago.’ Tobi
Tobi’s experiences of dealing with his overwhelming mental health struggles were devastating and incredibly relatable. I really wanted to hug him and not let go, and I was so glad that he had two persistent guys to watch his back and help him through it. His terrible self-esteem and warped views on why people would ever want him are heartbreaking. It was so happy to see him begin to come alive again and feel desired by the attention he receives from Savage and Ambrose.
I did really feel for Ambrose. He really likes Tobi but gets kept at arm’s length due to Tobi’s insecurities and Ambrose then has to watch him spend time with his stepbrother whom he doesn’t get on with.
At times I did have slightly complicated feelings about Savage, and it did take him a while to convince me that his feelings for Tobi were genuine. But that did feel rather unfair of me when he spent so much time reassuring the other man and trying desperately to get him to look at himself in a more positive light. True to his career choice, he is a carer through and through and he has some wonderful words of encouragement for Tobi when he most needs them. Savage brings some much-needed smiles and joy to a story that’s heavy and I did appreciate that. And despite my initial hesitations about him, I did really grow to love his nickname for Tobi, “baby girl”.
I haven’t read Teddy and Rhys’s book yet, but Teddy’s hilarious antics in this has certainly made me want to read his story. Ambrose and Teddy’s interactions just had me chuckling so much; Ambrose’s sometimes frustration and confusion yet dedication in looking after the goalie was one of the highlights for me.
October 29, 2025
Here's Andi Jaxon's "The Substitute." It's the fourth novel in her New York Gods series.
["Competing with my step-brother for my roommates attention makes me hate him so much more than I already do.
I saved his life the same night I burned mine to the ground and now the guy who’s haunted my dreams for months is my new roommate. This should be great except I met him on the worst night of his life and all he sees is that I’m a hockey player.
Only made worse when my cocky, confident, infuriating step-brother, Savage, decides to flirt with Tobi to get under my skin.
Jealousy eats at me when I see life coming back into Tobi’s eyes when he smiles at his phone.
Savage knows it too, pushing me into competing for Tobi until my head is so twisted I don’t know what or who I want anymore.
Now I have to see his pretty face at my door and on the ice.
I can’t have my dream and both of them. The media will eat me alive.
Right?"]
This book hurt from sooo many angles. From the very first page, to very first meet ugly (then the re-meet-ugly). The backgrounds and baggages. The hurt-comfort (a looot of hurt). The traumas constantly popping up and being pushed back down.
At least they finally got to the comfort part of the hurt-comfort. They got to the fluff and the sweetness. They got to the vulnerability and trust. They got through the ugliness and to the beauty. It was far (sooo far) from easy. The triggers and the grievances (and the families) didn't help. But their love made them stronger, made them want to be better. These three deserved the HEA.
Trigger Warnings: abusive father, homophobic father, parental threats of financial abuse, parental domestic abuse discussed, parent with CTE, parent with depression (discussed not detailed), religious trauma mentioned from the past, religious school trauma/abuse mentioned in the past, implied conversion therapy (no details), hockey-related violence, mentions of skipping meals because of depression, MC has a hard time eating when he’s depressed, major depressive episode shown, racing thoughts/beginning of a panic attack, full panic attack, general trauma, suicide ideation in the past discussed, MC Contemplating suicide, past contemplation of suicide discussed, MC struggles to do basic self care because of depression, body dysmorphia, MC has body image anxiety when with a partner, MC mentions having PTDS from childhood, and more.
#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arc #arcteammember
#onguard #theretreat #thepenalty #thesubstitue #thechallenge #newyorkgods #newyorkgodsseries #jrgray #andijaxon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Competing with my step-brother for my roommates attention makes me hate him so much more than I already do.
I saved his life the same night I burned mine to the ground and now the guy who’s haunted my dreams for months is my new roommate. This should be great except I met him on the worst night of his life and all he sees is that I’m a hockey player.
Only made worse when my cocky, confident, infuriating step-brother, Savage, decides to flirt with Tobi to get under my skin.
Jealousy eats at me when I see life coming back into Tobi’s eyes when he smiles at his phone.
Savage knows it too, pushing me into competing for Tobi until my head is so twisted I don’t know what or who I want anymore.
Now I have to see his pretty face at my door and on the ice.
I can’t have my dream and both of them. The media will eat me alive.
Right?"]
This book hurt from sooo many angles. From the very first page, to very first meet ugly (then the re-meet-ugly). The backgrounds and baggages. The hurt-comfort (a looot of hurt). The traumas constantly popping up and being pushed back down.
At least they finally got to the comfort part of the hurt-comfort. They got to the fluff and the sweetness. They got to the vulnerability and trust. They got through the ugliness and to the beauty. It was far (sooo far) from easy. The triggers and the grievances (and the families) didn't help. But their love made them stronger, made them want to be better. These three deserved the HEA.
Trigger Warnings: abusive father, homophobic father, parental threats of financial abuse, parental domestic abuse discussed, parent with CTE, parent with depression (discussed not detailed), religious trauma mentioned from the past, religious school trauma/abuse mentioned in the past, implied conversion therapy (no details), hockey-related violence, mentions of skipping meals because of depression, MC has a hard time eating when he’s depressed, major depressive episode shown, racing thoughts/beginning of a panic attack, full panic attack, general trauma, suicide ideation in the past discussed, MC Contemplating suicide, past contemplation of suicide discussed, MC struggles to do basic self care because of depression, body dysmorphia, MC has body image anxiety when with a partner, MC mentions having PTDS from childhood, and more.
#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arc #arcteammember
#onguard #theretreat #thepenalty #thesubstitue #thechallenge #newyorkgods #newyorkgodsseries #jrgray #andijaxon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
October 12, 2025
If you have experience of a step sibling I wonder if they are the way they are portrayed in fiction? I have only blood relations so I can't gauge it but I do enjoy the way in which, for fiction at least, they are usually rivals to some degree who manage to find common ground and become friends, sometimes more. I have no problem with step brothers who become lovers, I think it makes an excellent trope. In this instance though there are step brothers and then there is the roommate of one of them. Yes, this is an MMM romance and its written seamlessly. We have plenty of opportunity to explore each of the characters, through their own eyes and through the eyes of the two others, it really does allow for an additional depth to the story.
The story opens with Tobi considering a possible bridge jump, being tired of being ignored and forgotten. Ambrose sees him talks him down, holds him, has dinner with him and then, months later after searching in vain, discovers they are going to be roommates. Ambrose has his own issues, mainly his father who tried to have the gay beaten out of him, a step mother who turned a blind eye and a step brother who has only ever antagonised him. He also has hockey. Tobi wants to hate hockey, his hockey-player brother steals all the limelight and stole Tobi's best friend, the one he thought he was in love with. But then comes Ambrose and his steadfast determination to help. Next comes Savage, Ambrose's step brother and another who sees something in Tobi.
The step brother's may argue but they can agree Tobi needs the best and they somehow manage to argue with one another whilst both striving to help Tobi as much as they can. There is another twist though. Savage also plays hockey though unlike Ambrose he doesn't want a career in it, leaving him free to express his sexuality. Ambrose is convinced he needs to stay hidden, he is especially concerned that his deepest, truest desires need to be kept hidden. Is there going to be a solution that all three can agree on, to keep them all happy, loving and caring for one another and will it be the one any of them are imagining or expecting.
An incredible story with so much depth I know I am going to be reading it again, there are so many subtleties woven into the story and it is captivating. Thank you Andi Jaxon and J.R. Gray for creating this one, for giving us so much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story opens with Tobi considering a possible bridge jump, being tired of being ignored and forgotten. Ambrose sees him talks him down, holds him, has dinner with him and then, months later after searching in vain, discovers they are going to be roommates. Ambrose has his own issues, mainly his father who tried to have the gay beaten out of him, a step mother who turned a blind eye and a step brother who has only ever antagonised him. He also has hockey. Tobi wants to hate hockey, his hockey-player brother steals all the limelight and stole Tobi's best friend, the one he thought he was in love with. But then comes Ambrose and his steadfast determination to help. Next comes Savage, Ambrose's step brother and another who sees something in Tobi.
The step brother's may argue but they can agree Tobi needs the best and they somehow manage to argue with one another whilst both striving to help Tobi as much as they can. There is another twist though. Savage also plays hockey though unlike Ambrose he doesn't want a career in it, leaving him free to express his sexuality. Ambrose is convinced he needs to stay hidden, he is especially concerned that his deepest, truest desires need to be kept hidden. Is there going to be a solution that all three can agree on, to keep them all happy, loving and caring for one another and will it be the one any of them are imagining or expecting.
An incredible story with so much depth I know I am going to be reading it again, there are so many subtleties woven into the story and it is captivating. Thank you Andi Jaxon and J.R. Gray for creating this one, for giving us so much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2025
This book is a lot. I am going to be completely honest with this review. I struggled a lot with this book cause a lot of what Tobi was thinking with the feeling invisible and no one cares about him, I have felt and still feel at times. It pulled at me. I've never been as bad as Tobi and Ambrose but with everything they have going on, I see why they feel the way that they do. There's no support system for them until they meet. They share a bond and help each other heal.
Tobi has been hurt by his best friend sneaking around with his brother. The feelings he's feeling are deep. The fact that his family just revolves around his brother and boy, do they need to. He's an interesting guy. Tobi feels forgotten about. It's understandable with what his brother gets himself into, for real. I think the biggest problem with how Tobi feels is that Rhys, his best friend, really saw him and was able to pull him. With him sneaking around, the trust was broken.
Ambrose was an angry guy. His dad is a piece of crap and money is more important to him instead of his son. I was proud of Ambrose for standing up to his dad and willing to struggle to stay playing hockey. There's hurt with him and anger towards his step brother. These two, I swear, use fighting as foreplay. They truly put Tobi in bad situations and I hated that it was almost a game to them at one point. It was obvious that they both cared about him and each other but didn't want to admit it. I loved that Ambrose's love language was touch and that he would cuddle Tobi to show his love. It was very sweet.
With Savage, he is a man that is trying to keep it all together. He's going into medical school, playing hockey but not professionally and just wants his mom away from his stepdad. He wants to have a relationship with his stepbrother as well. He is the one that makes Tobi talk. He doesn't let him hide behind his walls. if Tobi wants something, He has to ask for it. He also becomes that one person that Tobi leans on.
There's not many scenes with the 3 of them together except for the last few chapters at the end of the book. It was pure magic and a little awkward as you can imagine.
I do like how each character is open about how they are feelings and how they are all willing to support when it's needed. This is seriously a journey that all 3 has to go on.
There's hockey in this as well. The scenes hold what the characters are feeling as well.
It was such a powerful book!
Tobi has been hurt by his best friend sneaking around with his brother. The feelings he's feeling are deep. The fact that his family just revolves around his brother and boy, do they need to. He's an interesting guy. Tobi feels forgotten about. It's understandable with what his brother gets himself into, for real. I think the biggest problem with how Tobi feels is that Rhys, his best friend, really saw him and was able to pull him. With him sneaking around, the trust was broken.
Ambrose was an angry guy. His dad is a piece of crap and money is more important to him instead of his son. I was proud of Ambrose for standing up to his dad and willing to struggle to stay playing hockey. There's hurt with him and anger towards his step brother. These two, I swear, use fighting as foreplay. They truly put Tobi in bad situations and I hated that it was almost a game to them at one point. It was obvious that they both cared about him and each other but didn't want to admit it. I loved that Ambrose's love language was touch and that he would cuddle Tobi to show his love. It was very sweet.
With Savage, he is a man that is trying to keep it all together. He's going into medical school, playing hockey but not professionally and just wants his mom away from his stepdad. He wants to have a relationship with his stepbrother as well. He is the one that makes Tobi talk. He doesn't let him hide behind his walls. if Tobi wants something, He has to ask for it. He also becomes that one person that Tobi leans on.
There's not many scenes with the 3 of them together except for the last few chapters at the end of the book. It was pure magic and a little awkward as you can imagine.
I do like how each character is open about how they are feelings and how they are all willing to support when it's needed. This is seriously a journey that all 3 has to go on.
There's hockey in this as well. The scenes hold what the characters are feeling as well.
It was such a powerful book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews