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Gods Versus Monsters Hockey #3
A Puck Between Friends
When my best friend offers to come as my date to my sister’s wedding to get back at my sister for breaking his heart, I agree thinking it will be hilarious. What I didn’t consider was that I’ve been in love with him half my life, and all the consequences of us fake dating.
My family demands I bring my new boyfriend to her shower first, and things only go downhill from there. My sister is marrying the goalie from our rival team who immediately is up in arms about us dating.
Fair, but I don’t have time to dwell on it as things quickly get weird with my best friend. Wolfe is straight, it shouldn’t be weird right? It’s fake after all. But I’m so wrong. He kisses me like I’ve never been kissed before, and then we both realize we have to keep this up for months until the wedding.
Between the unexpected sexual tension, hockey, and the secrets we are keeping. I don’t know how we’re going to get through the season.
Tropes:
College Hockey
Fake dating
Childhood best friends
Bi-awakening
Idiots to lovers
Goalie
My family demands I bring my new boyfriend to her shower first, and things only go downhill from there. My sister is marrying the goalie from our rival team who immediately is up in arms about us dating.
Fair, but I don’t have time to dwell on it as things quickly get weird with my best friend. Wolfe is straight, it shouldn’t be weird right? It’s fake after all. But I’m so wrong. He kisses me like I’ve never been kissed before, and then we both realize we have to keep this up for months until the wedding.
Between the unexpected sexual tension, hockey, and the secrets we are keeping. I don’t know how we’re going to get through the season.
Tropes:
College Hockey
Fake dating
Childhood best friends
Bi-awakening
Idiots to lovers
Goalie
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2026
About the author
J.R. Gray
57 books1,400 followersWhen not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it's half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
April 2, 2026
It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read but it’s not the best either I got bored and confused a lot
April 2, 2026
So is shitting on women a thing all MM authors plan to do? Because that’s too many books in a row for my own comfort. The worst one being the gay characters saying that men give better blow jobs because they actually like dicks and straight girls don’t, lovely. You know you can have a queer awakening without anyone shitting on sex with women that is so meaningless compared to the new found experience of having sex with a guy? Just wondering.
Anyway this author is not for me I guess but I worry about that trend, I don’t read MM to see people shitting on women. The book is also too long, no good romance needs over 400 pages to tell a story. Get an editor who will tell you to cut shit out.
Anyway this author is not for me I guess but I worry about that trend, I don’t read MM to see people shitting on women. The book is also too long, no good romance needs over 400 pages to tell a story. Get an editor who will tell you to cut shit out.
April 8, 2026
4,5⭐️
These ridiculous boys really made me smile so big 🤭
Archangel and Wolfe have known each other for some time, considering that Wolfe used to date Archangel's sister 🫣 this whole setup really adds some tension, and then there is a whole plot which leads to a fake relationship, so there is even more tension and craziness to come 👀
I loved these guys very much, the trope idiots to lovers really fits so perfectly and their whole dynamic is hilarious 🤣
If you like your hockey boys funny and with a delicious amount of spiciness, you really should check out this one ✨️
These ridiculous boys really made me smile so big 🤭
Archangel and Wolfe have known each other for some time, considering that Wolfe used to date Archangel's sister 🫣 this whole setup really adds some tension, and then there is a whole plot which leads to a fake relationship, so there is even more tension and craziness to come 👀
I loved these guys very much, the trope idiots to lovers really fits so perfectly and their whole dynamic is hilarious 🤣
If you like your hockey boys funny and with a delicious amount of spiciness, you really should check out this one ✨️
April 3, 2026
Дурненька та ржачна історія. Idiots to lovers в усій красі😄
“What is going on?” Coach Hawke asks, having come in at some point.
Ridgeway cuts in, “Everyone is gay, and most of them are fucking guys on other teams, which probably should be alarming, but since you’re fucking one of your players, you can’t really have an opinion.”
Hawke opens his mouth like he’s going to say something, then scrubs a hand over his face. “How many… No—who is—no! Don’t tell me.” He presses his eyes closed like he’s really going through it. “I’m starting to regret every decision I’ve ever made,” he finally mutters.
Cox leans in. “Don’t worry. I’ll blow you later, and you’ll forget all about this.”
“I swear to God, if you propose before you blow me, I am going to be so mad.”
“I was just trying to save something for marriage!” I hold up my hands.
April 1, 2026
ARC read
5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Read this if you like: M/M college hockey romance, childhood best friends to lovers, fake dating, bi-awakening, sisters ex and goalies are weird.
Fav part/scene: The moments during the wedding events where the fake dating starts feeling incredibly real. The tension during that first show off kiss is top tier and sets the tone for their shifting dynamic.
Unique factor: The specific Gods vs. Monsters rivalry dynamic in the series. This book expertly balances the high-stakes pressure of a hockey season with the messy, emotional complications of being in love with your best friend and finding out there may be a chance.
Unforgettable moment: When Wolfe, who is known for being a bit of a chaotic goalie, shows his soft, protective side toward Archangel. Seeing their lifelong bond provide the foundation for their new romantic connection is really sweet.
Recommend it? Definitely! It’s a great mix of sweet, steamy, and low angst.
Part of a series: Yes—Gods Versus Monsters Hockey (Book 3).
On Kindle Unlimited: Yes.
5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Read this if you like: M/M college hockey romance, childhood best friends to lovers, fake dating, bi-awakening, sisters ex and goalies are weird.
Fav part/scene: The moments during the wedding events where the fake dating starts feeling incredibly real. The tension during that first show off kiss is top tier and sets the tone for their shifting dynamic.
Unique factor: The specific Gods vs. Monsters rivalry dynamic in the series. This book expertly balances the high-stakes pressure of a hockey season with the messy, emotional complications of being in love with your best friend and finding out there may be a chance.
Unforgettable moment: When Wolfe, who is known for being a bit of a chaotic goalie, shows his soft, protective side toward Archangel. Seeing their lifelong bond provide the foundation for their new romantic connection is really sweet.
Recommend it? Definitely! It’s a great mix of sweet, steamy, and low angst.
Part of a series: Yes—Gods Versus Monsters Hockey (Book 3).
On Kindle Unlimited: Yes.
May 31, 2026
This is such a crazy book and doesn't make a lick of sense. You've been friends with a guy since you were 14 and now rooming together in college. You've always had a thing for him, but he's straight and also dated your sister. That relationship and the sister cheating, didn't break up their friendship. These guys are tight but in a non romantic way...until they're not.
Wolfe and Angel are cool. I don't see this happening at all. It's pure fantasy, all if and most of all, them fake dating to get back at the sister, but inexplicably I loved their relationship anyway. It was needy, desperate and co-dependent. Sometimes I'm a sucker for made up nonsense or maybe it's because I read the previous book and wanted to find out more about this couple.
Anyway I liked it. What I couldn't like was Wolfe's obsession with Doctor Pepper soda and calling it DP. It was almost as bad as Angel's favourite outfit, fishnet tights with ripped jeans. Just awful.
Wolfe and Angel are cool. I don't see this happening at all. It's pure fantasy, all if and most of all, them fake dating to get back at the sister, but inexplicably I loved their relationship anyway. It was needy, desperate and co-dependent. Sometimes I'm a sucker for made up nonsense or maybe it's because I read the previous book and wanted to find out more about this couple.
Anyway I liked it. What I couldn't like was Wolfe's obsession with Doctor Pepper soda and calling it DP. It was almost as bad as Angel's favourite outfit, fishnet tights with ripped jeans. Just awful.
April 20, 2026
3.5 pucks🏒
Like the author said in the brief, idiots to lovers with lots of hockey and an unhealthy dose of Doctor Pepper 🤗
A fun read.
Like the author said in the brief, idiots to lovers with lots of hockey and an unhealthy dose of Doctor Pepper 🤗
A fun read.
April 19, 2026
a little too kooky for me (I’ll read another)
May 24, 2026
I am honestly surprised I was able to finish this.
May 26, 2026
3.75 stars
This was cute!! I love me a good friends to lovers with a sprinkling of fake dating plus the fact he used to date his sister omg yesss give me everything. These two were so in love it was so cute and they were so oblivious half the time omg. I actually despise Angels sister so much like what a bitch and how dare you cheat on Wolfe. I feel like this story was lacking so much on the family dynamics and the backstory of these two idk I wanted more on that aspect. I also low key hope we get a Mark book ngl 😭
This was cute!! I love me a good friends to lovers with a sprinkling of fake dating plus the fact he used to date his sister omg yesss give me everything. These two were so in love it was so cute and they were so oblivious half the time omg. I actually despise Angels sister so much like what a bitch and how dare you cheat on Wolfe. I feel like this story was lacking so much on the family dynamics and the backstory of these two idk I wanted more on that aspect. I also low key hope we get a Mark book ngl 😭
March 21, 2026
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ah, goalies…(full review coming)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ah, goalies…(full review coming)
April 7, 2026
Wolfe & Archangel are the best 🥹🥹🥹
May 6, 2026
Sweet friends to lovers hockey romance, with fake dating, Bi-Awakening, and family drama.
May 9, 2026
“ I thought I’d keep it in the family since we are all so close.”
April 13, 2026
I love a good best friends to lovers, and this one delivers with all the tension—especially with the fake dating turning very real, very fast. Angel being secretly in love for years had me in my feelings, and watching Wolfe slowly realize his feeling was honestly everything.
The dynamic between them felt easy and natural, but also messy in the best way thanks to the family drama and that whole situation with the sister.
Overall, it’s cute, a little angsty, a little dramatic, and full of those “this is definitely not fake anymore” moments. Perfect if you’re in the mood for soft hockey romance with emotional payoff
The dynamic between them felt easy and natural, but also messy in the best way thanks to the family drama and that whole situation with the sister.
Overall, it’s cute, a little angsty, a little dramatic, and full of those “this is definitely not fake anymore” moments. Perfect if you’re in the mood for soft hockey romance with emotional payoff
April 2, 2026
Angel + Wolfe
3.5 rounded up to 4 Stars, 3 Chili's (spice level)
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers sports romance. Angel has always loved Wolfe as more than a friend but never crossed the line because he is respectful of Wolfe. The book right off the start had me hooked because Wolfe dated Angel's sister. & then to offer to fake date Angel to a wedding for his ex.. now that is MESSY. I loved their chemistry & how Angel always checked in on Wolfe.
This is my first book by J R Gray but won't be my last I love some rainbow hockey men.
Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 rounded up to 4 Stars, 3 Chili's (spice level)
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers sports romance. Angel has always loved Wolfe as more than a friend but never crossed the line because he is respectful of Wolfe. The book right off the start had me hooked because Wolfe dated Angel's sister. & then to offer to fake date Angel to a wedding for his ex.. now that is MESSY. I loved their chemistry & how Angel always checked in on Wolfe.
This is my first book by J R Gray but won't be my last I love some rainbow hockey men.
Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2026
I liked this one a lot. Was it perfect? No, but it sure was entertaining😅😂
April 24, 2026
DNF @ 21%
Notes I took while reading:
Small almost contradiction at the beginning. Angel says he's "more than used to" seeing women hit on Wolfe, but then says he needs to put some distance between Wolfe and the women because he could only take so much before getting sick. I suppose he could be used to seeing it but still not be comfortable, but the implication of the first sentence was that it was no longer an issue.
Jesus, both Angel and Wolfe were insufferable when they went to the gay bar together. Those kinds of scenes usually have only one of them being explicitly protective then the other realizing that and having their dynamic evolve from there. Them both being jealous and protective just muddied their dynamic since it wasn't even addressed, and somehow ends with Wolfe saying "I thought we were having fun" when the entire scene had shown neither of them actually enjoying it (because Wolfe clearly wasn't liking it and Angel always managed to disappear once they hit the dance floor).
Then Angel suddenly crying by the bathrooms because his sister wanted to meet his BF, and that somehow meant he and Wolfe couldn't fake a relationship because they'd take too long, was very very weird. First of all, the story hadn't done a good job explaining why Angel was still in contact with his homophobic family, nor why he cared so much about what they thought of him of they truly were so disrespectful. You can't pull the whole "they're my family" schtick because simply being related to someone doesn't automagically give them a reason to be worth keeping in his life. I needed something concrete to latch onto. Was Angel dependent on their financial support? Were there good times he still hoped they could return to? I couldn't find it in myself to feel sympathetic towards Angel for crying about his toxic family telling him to bring a BF when there was no reason presented for why he was even willing to entertain his family in the first place. That's not even mentioning that he could've made a fake excuse up about his BF not being able to make it to the bridal shower because it was last minute then just having Wolfe come to the wedding like they originally planned.
Weird dialogue in the scene where Wolfe tries to convince Angel that faking a relationship is still a good idea. Wolfe says that just because they'd fake date, doesn't mean that public would know, and thus, there'd be no effect on his career. Angel then asks, "What if he leaks it?" WHO is "he" in this sentence? The prior chapter ended with Angel crying because his sister was the one who asked him to bring his BF. I guess they were taking about his sister's fiancé since he was the rival goalie BUT you cannot just randomly start talking about someone tagential using pronouns without introducing them into the conversation first.
Also, why would Angel's family not wanting people to know he was gay even matter? Afaik, he said that he wasn't in the closet, so people would naturally assume his plus one would be his partner. And presumably the groom's teammates would be at the wedding and see them together, then they'd obviously talk about it, putting the idea that Wolfe was queer into the hockey space and affecting his draft chances that way. It was so weird for the story to just make it seem like "Oh Angel's family won't say anything so it's fine" when the were so many other possible concerns that weren't addressed by that but are ignored. Then Wolfe himself says that he doesn't care about how he's being perceived... So why was that even a source of conflict to begin with? Wolfe doesn't care about looking queer and doesn't believe that his chances for a good draft would be weakened by doing so. I can understand Angel being more pragmatic about it and believing the opposite, but the writing didn't do a good job of showing that dichotomy as being the source of the friction. It just presents "we can't have you look gay!" then writes all the reasons why Wolfe doesn't care about that, basically making the problem a non-issue. The story should've focused on the disagreement between the two rather than whether or not looking gay actually would actually have had any impact on Wolfe's draft chances.
I was so annoyed when Angel just continually played the "I can't leave because my family will hate it" without actually giving a reason for why he even gives a shit about what his family thought about in the first place. I needed something, ANYTHING to justify his loyalty to people who'd been described as nothing but toxic. Since the story never truly presents one, it just looked like Angel was putting himself in situations that victimized him, and I hate whiny MCs that only complain about situations they put themselves in.
I gave up when Wolfe started getting pissy when Angel sat away from him after their kiss. It wasn't cute or endearing seeing a grown man throw a tantrum because someone sat on the other end of the couch. If anything, Angel so quickly apologizing then appeasing Wolfe gave off toxic relationship vibes. I was already contemplating DNFing because Angel's insistence on putting himself in bad situations was annoying, but Wolfe acting like Angel owed him affection, then getting mad when he didn't get it actually turned me off completely.
TL;DR: Story needed work imo. The conflicts only make sense if you don't think about them too hard (which is a shame because a little bit of tweaking would've actually made them more believable). If Angel had a legitimate reason to endure his family's harassment, it would've been fine. If Wolfe's draft chances were actually shown to be an issue, or if Wolfe cared about looking gay, it would've made sense. But instead Angel just goes along with his homophobic family for seemingly no reason and Wolfe doesn't even give a shit about looking gay so it's a non-issue. Also, both Angel and Wolfe were unlikable imo since Angel was too whiny for situations he put himself in and Wolfe was annoyingly possessive and expectant of Angel's affections as if he somehow had a right to them all the time. 1.5 stars rounded up.
Notes I took while reading:
Small almost contradiction at the beginning. Angel says he's "more than used to" seeing women hit on Wolfe, but then says he needs to put some distance between Wolfe and the women because he could only take so much before getting sick. I suppose he could be used to seeing it but still not be comfortable, but the implication of the first sentence was that it was no longer an issue.
Jesus, both Angel and Wolfe were insufferable when they went to the gay bar together. Those kinds of scenes usually have only one of them being explicitly protective then the other realizing that and having their dynamic evolve from there. Them both being jealous and protective just muddied their dynamic since it wasn't even addressed, and somehow ends with Wolfe saying "I thought we were having fun" when the entire scene had shown neither of them actually enjoying it (because Wolfe clearly wasn't liking it and Angel always managed to disappear once they hit the dance floor).
Then Angel suddenly crying by the bathrooms because his sister wanted to meet his BF, and that somehow meant he and Wolfe couldn't fake a relationship because they'd take too long, was very very weird. First of all, the story hadn't done a good job explaining why Angel was still in contact with his homophobic family, nor why he cared so much about what they thought of him of they truly were so disrespectful. You can't pull the whole "they're my family" schtick because simply being related to someone doesn't automagically give them a reason to be worth keeping in his life. I needed something concrete to latch onto. Was Angel dependent on their financial support? Were there good times he still hoped they could return to? I couldn't find it in myself to feel sympathetic towards Angel for crying about his toxic family telling him to bring a BF when there was no reason presented for why he was even willing to entertain his family in the first place. That's not even mentioning that he could've made a fake excuse up about his BF not being able to make it to the bridal shower because it was last minute then just having Wolfe come to the wedding like they originally planned.
Weird dialogue in the scene where Wolfe tries to convince Angel that faking a relationship is still a good idea. Wolfe says that just because they'd fake date, doesn't mean that public would know, and thus, there'd be no effect on his career. Angel then asks, "What if he leaks it?" WHO is "he" in this sentence? The prior chapter ended with Angel crying because his sister was the one who asked him to bring his BF. I guess they were taking about his sister's fiancé since he was the rival goalie BUT you cannot just randomly start talking about someone tagential using pronouns without introducing them into the conversation first.
Also, why would Angel's family not wanting people to know he was gay even matter? Afaik, he said that he wasn't in the closet, so people would naturally assume his plus one would be his partner. And presumably the groom's teammates would be at the wedding and see them together, then they'd obviously talk about it, putting the idea that Wolfe was queer into the hockey space and affecting his draft chances that way. It was so weird for the story to just make it seem like "Oh Angel's family won't say anything so it's fine" when the were so many other possible concerns that weren't addressed by that but are ignored. Then Wolfe himself says that he doesn't care about how he's being perceived... So why was that even a source of conflict to begin with? Wolfe doesn't care about looking queer and doesn't believe that his chances for a good draft would be weakened by doing so. I can understand Angel being more pragmatic about it and believing the opposite, but the writing didn't do a good job of showing that dichotomy as being the source of the friction. It just presents "we can't have you look gay!" then writes all the reasons why Wolfe doesn't care about that, basically making the problem a non-issue. The story should've focused on the disagreement between the two rather than whether or not looking gay actually would actually have had any impact on Wolfe's draft chances.
I was so annoyed when Angel just continually played the "I can't leave because my family will hate it" without actually giving a reason for why he even gives a shit about what his family thought about in the first place. I needed something, ANYTHING to justify his loyalty to people who'd been described as nothing but toxic. Since the story never truly presents one, it just looked like Angel was putting himself in situations that victimized him, and I hate whiny MCs that only complain about situations they put themselves in.
I gave up when Wolfe started getting pissy when Angel sat away from him after their kiss. It wasn't cute or endearing seeing a grown man throw a tantrum because someone sat on the other end of the couch. If anything, Angel so quickly apologizing then appeasing Wolfe gave off toxic relationship vibes. I was already contemplating DNFing because Angel's insistence on putting himself in bad situations was annoying, but Wolfe acting like Angel owed him affection, then getting mad when he didn't get it actually turned me off completely.
TL;DR: Story needed work imo. The conflicts only make sense if you don't think about them too hard (which is a shame because a little bit of tweaking would've actually made them more believable). If Angel had a legitimate reason to endure his family's harassment, it would've been fine. If Wolfe's draft chances were actually shown to be an issue, or if Wolfe cared about looking gay, it would've made sense. But instead Angel just goes along with his homophobic family for seemingly no reason and Wolfe doesn't even give a shit about looking gay so it's a non-issue. Also, both Angel and Wolfe were unlikable imo since Angel was too whiny for situations he put himself in and Wolfe was annoyingly possessive and expectant of Angel's affections as if he somehow had a right to them all the time. 1.5 stars rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 gay witchcraft Stars
⭐ |
4
🌶️
ARC Read: 24/03/2026
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you JR Gray for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
🫶 MM Adult Hockey Romance 🫣 🥵🤌
🏒 Friends To Lovers
💚 Fake Dating
🏒 Sister's Ex
💚 Idiot Roommates To Lovers
🏒 One Sided Pining
💚 Possessiveness & Jealousy
🏒 “I’m going to ruin you for anyone else.”
💚 Firsts Times
🏒 Practice Makes Perfect
💚 Touch-Starved
🏒 Needy Whimpering Mess
💚 Mark Me
🏒 Fishnets
💚 "Good Boy"
🏒 Manhandling
💚 Little Innocent Bean
🏒 "Angel Baby"
💚 Gay Witchcraft
🏒 Overgrown Golden Retriever Goalie
💚 Sworn Off Relationships
🏒 Emotional Scars
💚 Found Family
🏒 Bisexual Awakening
💚 HEA
ARC Read: 24/03/2026
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you JR Gray for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
🫶 MM Adult Hockey Romance 🫣 🥵🤌
🏒 Friends To Lovers
💚 Fake Dating
🏒 Sister's Ex
💚 Idiot Roommates To Lovers
🏒 One Sided Pining
💚 Possessiveness & Jealousy
🏒 “I’m going to ruin you for anyone else.”
💚 Firsts Times
🏒 Practice Makes Perfect
💚 Touch-Starved
🏒 Needy Whimpering Mess
💚 Mark Me
🏒 Fishnets
💚 "Good Boy"
🏒 Manhandling
💚 Little Innocent Bean
🏒 "Angel Baby"
💚 Gay Witchcraft
🏒 Overgrown Golden Retriever Goalie
💚 Sworn Off Relationships
🏒 Emotional Scars
💚 Found Family
🏒 Bisexual Awakening
💚 HEA
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"Wolfe: We fit together, and it’s just like the closeness we already share, but better, more connected.
He digs his fingers into the back of my head, pressing his body against mine, taking over I catch up quickly, sliding my fingers around his nape. He tastes like vodka, but under it there’s the tea he likes to drink, and honey. Kissing him is so much easier than I thought it would be.
His stubble burns the edges of my lips, and I chase the intensity of it. He’s intoxicating and my body reacts to it more than I thought it would.
My lips ache, and I realize Archangel is wrong about one thing: kissing him is nothing like kissing a woman. It’s intense, and challenging, hard where women are soft. It’s equal in a way I’d never thought sex could be. "
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Format: Ebook/ARC
Cover: 5/5
Series: #3
Story: 5/5
POV: Dual - 1st Person
Plot: 5/5
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
Wolfe: “I think they like him more than both of us,” Steph sighs. “But that’s your problem now.”
“It’s the best problem to have,” Archangel says smugly.
My cheeks heat, and I drag him closer to kiss his temple. “I’m never going to stop being your problem.”
He’s mine and I’m possessive over my best friend. No one is taking him from me."
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Main Characters:
5/5 - Archangel: he/him, petnames: Angel
5/5 -Wolfe: he/him.
Side Characters: 5/5
Steam Level: 5/5
Romance: High Focus
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"Archangel: We pull up in front of the house, both get out, and I expect it to be awkward once we get in the house, but before I can peel off my coat, he’s on me. So close I can feel the heat coming off his body.
“Should we talk about this?” he asks, tilting my jaw up with a knuckle under it.
“Do you need to talk about it?” I ask breathless, not wanting to talk, because if we do, I’ll let doubt creep back in, and tonight, I want to enjoy the fantasy.
“I know what I want.” He kisses me, but it’s not aggressive like I want; it’s as soft as he’s been all afternoon.
“What do you want?” I flick my tongue just past his lips.
“Every single part of you that you’ll let me have.”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Humor: High Focus
Angst: Low Focus
Cheating? No
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger: HEA
Favorite character? BOTH
Enjoyment: 5/5
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
Archangel: “Marking what’s mine.”
“Are you jealous?”
He growls. “Do I have a reason to be jealous?”
“No.” I fight a smile.
“That guy was all over you.”
“I’m not looking at anyone else.” I’m breathless as he grinds against me.
He claims my mouth harshly. “You better not be. You belong to me.”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Gods Versus Monsters Hockey Series:
1. No Pucks - 5,0 stars
2. Two Guys One Puck - 5,0 stars
3. A Puck Between Friends - 5,0 stars
Expected 30/09/2026:
4. Puck Around And Find Out
Hope this review was helpful.
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April 10, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
”Ever been in love with a guy who’s in love with someone else? And to make matters much worse, she’s a bitch…and my sister.”
Hockey players on the same team, plus fake dating, and Wolfe and Archangel being perfect together? Loved it!
”But I can’t gossip with them.”
I stare at him. “Why not?”
“Because no one gossips like a cunty, gay man, and you know it.”
The banter and Wolfe in general were also pretty hilarious!
”What do you want?” I flick my tongue just past his lips. “Every single part of you that you’ll let me have.”
”Ever been in love with a guy who’s in love with someone else? And to make matters much worse, she’s a bitch…and my sister.”
Hockey players on the same team, plus fake dating, and Wolfe and Archangel being perfect together? Loved it!
”But I can’t gossip with them.”
I stare at him. “Why not?”
“Because no one gossips like a cunty, gay man, and you know it.”
The banter and Wolfe in general were also pretty hilarious!
”What do you want?” I flick my tongue just past his lips. “Every single part of you that you’ll let me have.”
May 5, 2026
What a sweet hockey read!
I loved the friends to lovers, fake dating combo. Gray did it so well and nothing felt forced or overdone. I’m always here for the revenge of the ex, which was a nice add in trope.
Over all a great and quick pick me up book!
I loved the friends to lovers, fake dating combo. Gray did it so well and nothing felt forced or overdone. I’m always here for the revenge of the ex, which was a nice add in trope.
Over all a great and quick pick me up book!
June 12, 2026
Look was the writing great.. no but I did really enjoy the story in itself. Also love that for once we do not have a third act breakup. Did need to get used to the weird names but it helped once it was explained that Wolfe and Archangel were last names used as first names
April 29, 2026
This felt like the perfect book. I absolutely love the concept of idiots to lovers and hate that I’ll probably never find another as amazing as this one. They’re both so sweet and good together. Beautifully written. Definitely would recommend this book to my friends.
May 18, 2026
4.5⭐️ literally one of the best sports best friends to lovers ever!
June 22, 2026
4.5 stars for enjoyment.
Angel/Archangel/Wilder is a cis white straight early 20s gay man. He’s around 6’ tall, and is strong and leanly muscled. He’s very fit. He plays hockey but knows he will never be drafted. He likes to wear crop tops and jewelry like rings and bracelets. He’s had a crush on Wolfe his whole life and has worked hard to minimize it. He’s very protective of Wolfe and his main priority is making sure he is OK. Angel is probably one of the more normal and chill MCs in this universe, not that that’s a high bar to reach. I really loved his character.
Achilles/Wolfe is a cis white straight early 20s bisexual man. He’s 6’ 6” and very broad and muscular. He’s heavily tattooed. For most of the book he thinks He’s straight. He’s a little confused when he enjoys kissing Angel or feels warm (turned on) around him sometimes. He isn’t outwardly homophobic but does struggle with compulsory heterosexuality, and so doesn’t realize he has been into Angel for years and often possessive and a bit jealous of the guys Angel has been with. He’s a golden retriever with a sharp edge. He’s a himbo but will cut someone if they hurt Angel. He’s adorable and a close second to Angel for me.
I loved:
—that they were actually BFFs to lovers. Sometimes I don’t buy that characters were actually best friends before the romance starts, but that was not a problem here!
—how perfectly these two idiots seem to work together. I strongly got the vibe they REALLY wanted to be together for the rest of their lives and actually liked being around each other. That’s not always a given even with a friends to lovers trope, and it darn well should be.
—how staunchly protective and supportive Wolfe is of Angel, even when he thought he was straight.
—Angel being fiercely devoted to making sure Wolfe is OK above all else.
—Angel trying so hard to protect Wolfe from the reality of being a man who is dating another man (which is a vastly different reality than a man dating a woman even if they’re both queer).
—when Wolfe really thought about it and accepted that he was very attracted to Angel, he knew that he was bisexual and didn’t try to lie to himself or do the “there’s no possible way to label my sexuality so I don’t even try and dear god just don’t call me bi” crap that I usually expect. He was just like “I like women. I like at least one man. That makes me bi.” Just beautiful!
—that Angel just believed Wolfe when he said he was straight and didn’t read into ANYTHING that was done for their fake dating scheme. He didn’t read into what he thought was Wolfe saying he was bi for the scheme (it was true but Angel didn’t make assumptions), or the sex, or anything else. He just went off the last thing Wolfe had told him and didn’t try to point out that enjoying sex with a man technically makes Wolfe bi. He just trusted Wolfe’s most recent word and let Wolfe call himself whatever he wanted. But also left room for Wolfe to realize and accept things about himself.
—the detail and care taken to describe how different Angel (an out gay man who doesn’t look or sound straight) is treated by his family vs how Wolfe (a highly ranked hockey player bound for the NHL and who mostly fits the cis bro culture other than being bisexual) is treated by Angel’s family. This is always portrayed as a fault of the family, and not something for Angel or Wolfe to have to change, which I love. But I also love that it’s highlighted that even if some families are “fine with queer people,” that doesn’t extend to all queer people equally, and there’s often a big difference in how they treat people. I think sometimes different groups of queer people get lumped together and it’s assumed their experience is identical, when this is not always the case.
—Both guys being so supportive and protective of each other and also willing to be vulnerable with one another. It was an excellent balance.
—I kind of lol’d at the kind of ret con from the end of the last book. I kept wondering how that last scene would play out. It worked well enough.
—Wolfe not giving a crap that his life and career would be a LOT easier if he didn’t date Angel. Angel has been his first priority for as long as Wolfe has been Angel’s first priority and neither of them was willing to change that for anything.
—that hockey is a bit less homophobic in this series than it is in real life. In this world they’d still majorly prefer all their athletes date women and keep any bisexuality or gayness “private” and flaunt any attraction to women. But it’s not a career-ending decision in this world to be openly queer, which was really good to read.
Not my favorite:
—there was definitely some delay for delay’s sake in here. Like why did Angel and Wolfe not share a room when traveling anymore even after their resolved the issue? It was changed quickly before so I can’t figure out why it wasn’t changed back? Also the tried and true avoidance of an actual conversation. Some of it was explained by Angel trying extremely hard not to pressure his possibly bi-curious straight friend, and Wolfe being a himbo (and also not realizing just how rough the world is on men who can’t be attracted to women, and who also don’t fit the social ideal of masculinity - it’s not malicious or neglectful, he is just new to it). Despite this, the relationship did progress, which helped a lot.
—some confusing moments. Like one time when they were going to have sex, and a big deal was made of how much they both liked Angel in fishnet leggings, and then they weren’t mentioned again and somehow Angel was completely naked. Or the MCs trying not to raise suspicions with their teammates but they already told everyone they’re dating as part of the fake dating cover.
—the last 25-30% of the book felt kind of rushed. The events were really fun, I just wished they’d been fleshed out a bit more.
—Usually I’m not a fan of “we need to wait to have REAL SEX until we are in a committed relationship” vibes. “Real sex” being penis in vagina, or penis in anus if no one has a vagina. This book kind of did that, but the implication was that all the sex was real sex, and the reason Angel wanted to wait to have anal sex with Wolfe was because that was his very favorite way to orgasm, it was rare for him to get that during sex, they were at his parents’ house, and he and Wolfe had had a very vulnerable conversation about what Angel loves during sex. So I do get the emotional reason from Angel here for the most part - He’s valuing anal sex differently because of that conversation with Wolfe and what it meant to him. This author also had the kind of joke going on that Wolfe was waiting to give a blow job because “I have to save something for marriage.” So it was done all in a bit of a silly way, which makes it more bearable for me.
——Stephanie asking Angel to go to the bathroom with to her as a pretext to yell at him about Wolfe was so weird. Religious people from families like that would NOT be OK with or even think of it being OK for a girl to ask her brother to accompany her to the bathroom like she would another girl. Is this crazy? Yes, but people like this would NEVER do that because they believe it’s too sexually compromising for a boy and girl to do that even if they’re related.
Contains:
—idiots to lovers
—gay mc
—bi mc with bi awakening
—childhood friends to lovers
—bff to lovers
—Angel’s grandpa is also bisexual and had multiple sexual partners while with his late wife (she was into it)
—gay MC gives “straight” MC a blow job and tries to help him picture a woman so he will be able to orgasm
—only one bed
—“baby” endearment used by Wolfe for Angel
—blow job with pop rocks
—consensual unsafe sex
Other:
—first person dual POV
—cheating: no
—romantic rival: no
—break up: no
—kids: no
—sex: yes. A couple open door moderately explicit sex scenes. Strict roles in the one anal sex scene. Angel is vers because he is big and a jock so he is expected to top, but his major preference is to bottom. Wolfe is happy with whatever makes Angel happiest.
—HEA: yes
“When you meet the right person, you’ll choose her over me, and I don’t want to risk that.”
“I promise I won’t. Please, Angel.”
“Why would Ronan turn you on?” he demands like it’s personally offensive. Wolfe used Seaborn’s first name, which means he’s serious.
“Have you seen him?” The guy wasn’t bad to look at. “But he’s straight. Calm down.” Why would he care? Am I reading too much into this?
“He’s not straight.” Wolfe huffs. “But you two are not allowed.”
[Angel’s] the only person who’s ever felt like home, and I’d do anything for him.
But I knew she was right. Why the fuck had I done this? He’ll be able to move on, get married, and have a normal life, but for the rest of my life, my sister will hold this over my head.
I try not to let the rejection hit me hard. I don’t know how to make him stop pulling back. “Angel,” I plead, tugging his hand.
[Seaborn] glances around like he’s worried anyone is eavesdropping. “I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m struggling.”
“With what?” I ask because I’m going to make him spell it out. Poor little bisexual needs to put his feelings into words.
“This is an institution imposed on us through media and heterosexual rhetoric our whole lives, and it’s easier to stay in if you’re bisexual or pansexual. You don’t have to buck this system or ever explore more options because you fit into the mold. “It takes work to explore your feelings and emotions to figure out what they mean, so a lot of people don’t. It’s how people don’t figure out they are bi until they’re like forty and divorcing. Gay people don’t always have that luxury because I’ve known women do nothing for me since I was little, but you didn’t have to explore because you do partly fall into the box the patriarchy wants you in.”
[Wolfe] puts his hand over mine and turns into it, kissing my palm. “I won’t let you.”
I believe him, but at the end of the day, he has a future with a woman, and I don’t. This is not the same for us, and it’s impossible to explain, so I don’t even try.
My cheeks heat, and I drag him closer to kiss his temple. “I’m never going to stop being your problem.” [Angel is] mine and I’m possessive over my best friend. No one is taking him from me.
I love how easy this is for Wolfe. He acts like he’s spent his whole life in these circles, rubbing elbows with all my parents’ affluent friends. He’s more comfortable than I’ve ever been with them. I always thought they treated me differently because I was gay, but they know we are together, so maybe it’s just me. It really sinks in that I’m the problem. I’m not the right kind of gay. If only I were a perfect, sporty, masculine example of manhood, then sucking dick would be fine. The more I think about it, the angrier I get. I fucking play hockey but because I sound like I do, and dress like I do…
Heat fills my stomach, and I want to torture him the same way he’s torturing me. “Can you not handle it, Wolfe? Won’t know what to do with me?”
Another primal growl comes out of him, and I am hard as a fucking rock. “If you let me—” [Wolfe] exhales and then tries again, “If you open that door, I will take you any time I want you.” He skims his lips under my jaw. “I’ll come up behind you in the kitchen while you’re making coffee, after practice when you’re scrolling, in the middle of the night… Any whim I have, I will take.”
“You want to be fucked by someone who can handle you. I can handle you. Let me give you what you want.” [Wolfe is] dead serious and way too irresistible to be saying this.
Since it’s the first party we’ve thrown in months, our place is filled in under an hour. It’s packed with puck bunnies. There are four or five to every guy, and there’s a gaggle around Wolfe. I don’t intervene. I give him space, not wanting to seem like the weird, jealous teammate either.
He laughs and then tugs off his hoodie. “Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for what we want, sweetheart.” Before I realize what he’s doing he’s shoving the hoodie over my head. “And I’m going to need you to put this on because my bisexuality is at an eleven today, and you look too hot.”
“I didn’t even think of that. How bad do you think it will be?”
I don’t meet his eyes. “Bad. But it is what it is.”
“You can tell him we aren’t a thing.” Archangel chews his lip.
“I’m not going to fucking do that.” Now I look him in the eyes, so he knows how serious I am.
Wolfe takes his hoodie and forcefully puts it on me. “I never went to kindergarten and never learned to share. So I’m keeping my snack to myself today.” He then puts his own shirt on carefully.
It’s pretty toxic and probably wrong. I love it. “This isn’t going to be a problem all the time, right? Because no man is going to tell me what I can wear,” I say as we walk out.
“It’s only a problem when I can’t have and mark what’s mine.” He puts his arm around me, dragging me close for a minute.
“You can’t be parading around with a guy.”
I grind my teeth. “You do not get to tell me who I am with. Wilder has done more for me than you ever have. He took me in when Mom kicked me out.”
“Would you want to be out with a team like that?”
“I told you I’m not hiding.”
“But this isn’t what you signed up for. You can back out. You have your whole life ahead of you.”
“I thought you wanted me to get a good draft spot?” he replies a little bitchily.
“I thought I was more important than hockey?”
“You are, Angel, but I am also trying to get you the best WAG spot.”
I narrow my eyes. “We are not married.”
“Not married yet.” Wolfe corrects.
It’s always been him. I’ve never been scared of anything in my life after I left hell. When your earliest memories are hell, nothing seems so bad. But there is something worse than anything my parents could ever do to me. I’d die if I lost him.
I almost don’t say the next part, but then I remember my promise. “I’m still struggling with it and letting myself want this means believing something about myself I don’t know if I can.”
“What do you mean?”
“That in any universe you’d want me.”
“Why wouldn’t you believe I want you?”
“Because my reality for so long was crafted in the idea that you were straight and would never return how I felt. I wanted so badly to turn off those feelings because I feared every day I’d fuck up things. I never wanted to cross a line and make you uncomfortable or make you feel bad that you couldn’t return it.” It’s hard to say, hard to tell him the depth of what I’d buried.
He carefully wipes my eyes with his thumb. “I never would have held it against you. But I do want you. I want only you.”
“You’re not allowed to leave me. You are stuck with me now. I’m in love, and you are mine.”
He leans in, running his nose up the side of my neck. “I’ll do whatever I want, and you’ll like it.”
Angel/Archangel/Wilder is a cis white straight early 20s gay man. He’s around 6’ tall, and is strong and leanly muscled. He’s very fit. He plays hockey but knows he will never be drafted. He likes to wear crop tops and jewelry like rings and bracelets. He’s had a crush on Wolfe his whole life and has worked hard to minimize it. He’s very protective of Wolfe and his main priority is making sure he is OK. Angel is probably one of the more normal and chill MCs in this universe, not that that’s a high bar to reach. I really loved his character.
Achilles/Wolfe is a cis white straight early 20s bisexual man. He’s 6’ 6” and very broad and muscular. He’s heavily tattooed. For most of the book he thinks He’s straight. He’s a little confused when he enjoys kissing Angel or feels warm (turned on) around him sometimes. He isn’t outwardly homophobic but does struggle with compulsory heterosexuality, and so doesn’t realize he has been into Angel for years and often possessive and a bit jealous of the guys Angel has been with. He’s a golden retriever with a sharp edge. He’s a himbo but will cut someone if they hurt Angel. He’s adorable and a close second to Angel for me.
I loved:
—that they were actually BFFs to lovers. Sometimes I don’t buy that characters were actually best friends before the romance starts, but that was not a problem here!
—how perfectly these two idiots seem to work together. I strongly got the vibe they REALLY wanted to be together for the rest of their lives and actually liked being around each other. That’s not always a given even with a friends to lovers trope, and it darn well should be.
—how staunchly protective and supportive Wolfe is of Angel, even when he thought he was straight.
—Angel being fiercely devoted to making sure Wolfe is OK above all else.
—Angel trying so hard to protect Wolfe from the reality of being a man who is dating another man (which is a vastly different reality than a man dating a woman even if they’re both queer).
—when Wolfe really thought about it and accepted that he was very attracted to Angel, he knew that he was bisexual and didn’t try to lie to himself or do the “there’s no possible way to label my sexuality so I don’t even try and dear god just don’t call me bi” crap that I usually expect. He was just like “I like women. I like at least one man. That makes me bi.” Just beautiful!
—that Angel just believed Wolfe when he said he was straight and didn’t read into ANYTHING that was done for their fake dating scheme. He didn’t read into what he thought was Wolfe saying he was bi for the scheme (it was true but Angel didn’t make assumptions), or the sex, or anything else. He just went off the last thing Wolfe had told him and didn’t try to point out that enjoying sex with a man technically makes Wolfe bi. He just trusted Wolfe’s most recent word and let Wolfe call himself whatever he wanted. But also left room for Wolfe to realize and accept things about himself.
—the detail and care taken to describe how different Angel (an out gay man who doesn’t look or sound straight) is treated by his family vs how Wolfe (a highly ranked hockey player bound for the NHL and who mostly fits the cis bro culture other than being bisexual) is treated by Angel’s family. This is always portrayed as a fault of the family, and not something for Angel or Wolfe to have to change, which I love. But I also love that it’s highlighted that even if some families are “fine with queer people,” that doesn’t extend to all queer people equally, and there’s often a big difference in how they treat people. I think sometimes different groups of queer people get lumped together and it’s assumed their experience is identical, when this is not always the case.
—Both guys being so supportive and protective of each other and also willing to be vulnerable with one another. It was an excellent balance.
—I kind of lol’d at the kind of ret con from the end of the last book. I kept wondering how that last scene would play out. It worked well enough.
—Wolfe not giving a crap that his life and career would be a LOT easier if he didn’t date Angel. Angel has been his first priority for as long as Wolfe has been Angel’s first priority and neither of them was willing to change that for anything.
—that hockey is a bit less homophobic in this series than it is in real life. In this world they’d still majorly prefer all their athletes date women and keep any bisexuality or gayness “private” and flaunt any attraction to women. But it’s not a career-ending decision in this world to be openly queer, which was really good to read.
Not my favorite:
—there was definitely some delay for delay’s sake in here. Like why did Angel and Wolfe not share a room when traveling anymore even after their resolved the issue? It was changed quickly before so I can’t figure out why it wasn’t changed back? Also the tried and true avoidance of an actual conversation. Some of it was explained by Angel trying extremely hard not to pressure his possibly bi-curious straight friend, and Wolfe being a himbo (and also not realizing just how rough the world is on men who can’t be attracted to women, and who also don’t fit the social ideal of masculinity - it’s not malicious or neglectful, he is just new to it). Despite this, the relationship did progress, which helped a lot.
—some confusing moments. Like one time when they were going to have sex, and a big deal was made of how much they both liked Angel in fishnet leggings, and then they weren’t mentioned again and somehow Angel was completely naked. Or the MCs trying not to raise suspicions with their teammates but they already told everyone they’re dating as part of the fake dating cover.
—the last 25-30% of the book felt kind of rushed. The events were really fun, I just wished they’d been fleshed out a bit more.
—Usually I’m not a fan of “we need to wait to have REAL SEX until we are in a committed relationship” vibes. “Real sex” being penis in vagina, or penis in anus if no one has a vagina. This book kind of did that, but the implication was that all the sex was real sex, and the reason Angel wanted to wait to have anal sex with Wolfe was because that was his very favorite way to orgasm, it was rare for him to get that during sex, they were at his parents’ house, and he and Wolfe had had a very vulnerable conversation about what Angel loves during sex. So I do get the emotional reason from Angel here for the most part - He’s valuing anal sex differently because of that conversation with Wolfe and what it meant to him. This author also had the kind of joke going on that Wolfe was waiting to give a blow job because “I have to save something for marriage.” So it was done all in a bit of a silly way, which makes it more bearable for me.
——Stephanie asking Angel to go to the bathroom with to her as a pretext to yell at him about Wolfe was so weird. Religious people from families like that would NOT be OK with or even think of it being OK for a girl to ask her brother to accompany her to the bathroom like she would another girl. Is this crazy? Yes, but people like this would NEVER do that because they believe it’s too sexually compromising for a boy and girl to do that even if they’re related.
Contains:
—idiots to lovers
—gay mc
—bi mc with bi awakening
—childhood friends to lovers
—bff to lovers
—Angel’s grandpa is also bisexual and had multiple sexual partners while with his late wife (she was into it)
—gay MC gives “straight” MC a blow job and tries to help him picture a woman so he will be able to orgasm
—only one bed
—“baby” endearment used by Wolfe for Angel
—blow job with pop rocks
—consensual unsafe sex
Other:
—first person dual POV
—cheating: no
—romantic rival: no
—break up: no
—kids: no
—sex: yes. A couple open door moderately explicit sex scenes. Strict roles in the one anal sex scene. Angel is vers because he is big and a jock so he is expected to top, but his major preference is to bottom. Wolfe is happy with whatever makes Angel happiest.
—HEA: yes
“When you meet the right person, you’ll choose her over me, and I don’t want to risk that.”
“I promise I won’t. Please, Angel.”
“Why would Ronan turn you on?” he demands like it’s personally offensive. Wolfe used Seaborn’s first name, which means he’s serious.
“Have you seen him?” The guy wasn’t bad to look at. “But he’s straight. Calm down.” Why would he care? Am I reading too much into this?
“He’s not straight.” Wolfe huffs. “But you two are not allowed.”
[Angel’s] the only person who’s ever felt like home, and I’d do anything for him.
But I knew she was right. Why the fuck had I done this? He’ll be able to move on, get married, and have a normal life, but for the rest of my life, my sister will hold this over my head.
I try not to let the rejection hit me hard. I don’t know how to make him stop pulling back. “Angel,” I plead, tugging his hand.
[Seaborn] glances around like he’s worried anyone is eavesdropping. “I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m struggling.”
“With what?” I ask because I’m going to make him spell it out. Poor little bisexual needs to put his feelings into words.
“This is an institution imposed on us through media and heterosexual rhetoric our whole lives, and it’s easier to stay in if you’re bisexual or pansexual. You don’t have to buck this system or ever explore more options because you fit into the mold. “It takes work to explore your feelings and emotions to figure out what they mean, so a lot of people don’t. It’s how people don’t figure out they are bi until they’re like forty and divorcing. Gay people don’t always have that luxury because I’ve known women do nothing for me since I was little, but you didn’t have to explore because you do partly fall into the box the patriarchy wants you in.”
[Wolfe] puts his hand over mine and turns into it, kissing my palm. “I won’t let you.”
I believe him, but at the end of the day, he has a future with a woman, and I don’t. This is not the same for us, and it’s impossible to explain, so I don’t even try.
My cheeks heat, and I drag him closer to kiss his temple. “I’m never going to stop being your problem.” [Angel is] mine and I’m possessive over my best friend. No one is taking him from me.
I love how easy this is for Wolfe. He acts like he’s spent his whole life in these circles, rubbing elbows with all my parents’ affluent friends. He’s more comfortable than I’ve ever been with them. I always thought they treated me differently because I was gay, but they know we are together, so maybe it’s just me. It really sinks in that I’m the problem. I’m not the right kind of gay. If only I were a perfect, sporty, masculine example of manhood, then sucking dick would be fine. The more I think about it, the angrier I get. I fucking play hockey but because I sound like I do, and dress like I do…
Heat fills my stomach, and I want to torture him the same way he’s torturing me. “Can you not handle it, Wolfe? Won’t know what to do with me?”
Another primal growl comes out of him, and I am hard as a fucking rock. “If you let me—” [Wolfe] exhales and then tries again, “If you open that door, I will take you any time I want you.” He skims his lips under my jaw. “I’ll come up behind you in the kitchen while you’re making coffee, after practice when you’re scrolling, in the middle of the night… Any whim I have, I will take.”
“You want to be fucked by someone who can handle you. I can handle you. Let me give you what you want.” [Wolfe is] dead serious and way too irresistible to be saying this.
Since it’s the first party we’ve thrown in months, our place is filled in under an hour. It’s packed with puck bunnies. There are four or five to every guy, and there’s a gaggle around Wolfe. I don’t intervene. I give him space, not wanting to seem like the weird, jealous teammate either.
He laughs and then tugs off his hoodie. “Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for what we want, sweetheart.” Before I realize what he’s doing he’s shoving the hoodie over my head. “And I’m going to need you to put this on because my bisexuality is at an eleven today, and you look too hot.”
“I didn’t even think of that. How bad do you think it will be?”
I don’t meet his eyes. “Bad. But it is what it is.”
“You can tell him we aren’t a thing.” Archangel chews his lip.
“I’m not going to fucking do that.” Now I look him in the eyes, so he knows how serious I am.
Wolfe takes his hoodie and forcefully puts it on me. “I never went to kindergarten and never learned to share. So I’m keeping my snack to myself today.” He then puts his own shirt on carefully.
It’s pretty toxic and probably wrong. I love it. “This isn’t going to be a problem all the time, right? Because no man is going to tell me what I can wear,” I say as we walk out.
“It’s only a problem when I can’t have and mark what’s mine.” He puts his arm around me, dragging me close for a minute.
“You can’t be parading around with a guy.”
I grind my teeth. “You do not get to tell me who I am with. Wilder has done more for me than you ever have. He took me in when Mom kicked me out.”
“Would you want to be out with a team like that?”
“I told you I’m not hiding.”
“But this isn’t what you signed up for. You can back out. You have your whole life ahead of you.”
“I thought you wanted me to get a good draft spot?” he replies a little bitchily.
“I thought I was more important than hockey?”
“You are, Angel, but I am also trying to get you the best WAG spot.”
I narrow my eyes. “We are not married.”
“Not married yet.” Wolfe corrects.
It’s always been him. I’ve never been scared of anything in my life after I left hell. When your earliest memories are hell, nothing seems so bad. But there is something worse than anything my parents could ever do to me. I’d die if I lost him.
I almost don’t say the next part, but then I remember my promise. “I’m still struggling with it and letting myself want this means believing something about myself I don’t know if I can.”
“What do you mean?”
“That in any universe you’d want me.”
“Why wouldn’t you believe I want you?”
“Because my reality for so long was crafted in the idea that you were straight and would never return how I felt. I wanted so badly to turn off those feelings because I feared every day I’d fuck up things. I never wanted to cross a line and make you uncomfortable or make you feel bad that you couldn’t return it.” It’s hard to say, hard to tell him the depth of what I’d buried.
He carefully wipes my eyes with his thumb. “I never would have held it against you. But I do want you. I want only you.”
“You’re not allowed to leave me. You are stuck with me now. I’m in love, and you are mine.”
He leans in, running his nose up the side of my neck. “I’ll do whatever I want, and you’ll like it.”
April 7, 2026
Not great not terrible. The MCs were enjoyable and cute, but nothing really happened during the book. The change from 'fake dating' to 'real dating' happened in like 2 seconds and a very short conversation about it. I finished it, but can't say I'll remember anything from it.
April 25, 2026
Enjoyed this one but I still think the 2nd one is the best! While this book gave me the love confession I yearned for compared to the other ones, parts of the book felt confusing (like who was talking, what the setting was, also some typos, etc.) and took me outside of their story a little bit. I wish we got more of a background on Wolfe and his past because it all being surface level made it harder for me to form a connection to his character. BUT! I did love these two together. I loved how they would ALWAYS be each other’s best friends.
Angel had been in love with Wolfe since high school and it just took him a little while to believe Wolfe actually wanted him too (as real boyfriends) with that straight narrative stuck in his head. But once Wolfe got it through his head that he wanted him for real, it was just happiness overload!! Wolfe was such a funny, open, carefree character and had me cracking up constantly. The way he answered questions like they were obvious was everything to me especially when it was questions Angel had been stressed about asking lol. Like yeah I think after all that hooking up, asking your best friend if he liked it and wanted to be bf’s for real was obvious 🤣 Even if it took Wolfe to realize it himself, Angel had always been his favorite person and the only one who he’d felt at home with. There’s truly nothing better than realizing that you’d been in love with your best friend the entire time (even if the yearning was painful for Angel), that now experiencing it in real time makes you realize it how deep that love had always run.
The end was cute and satisfying and I just know Angel is going to be the best WAG!!
— quotes
“You know I love you, and I’d do anything for you,” — “I know you would. And I’d do anything for you.”
“I know you would. And I’d do anything for you,” — “But you’re going to enjoy it.”
“You really need to find better people to kiss if that one took you out. I don’t even do it that much.” — “”You must be right.” Because I’ve never been kissed like that in my entire fucking life.”
“I realize Archangel is wrong about one thing: kissing him is nothing like kissing a woman. It’s intense, and challenging, hard where women are soft. It’s equal in a way I’d never thought sex could be.”
“I need him too badly. I need him more than I need anything else in my life, and I want to be the one who makes him happy.”
“His lips pull into a slight smile, clearly enjoying what he’s doing to me. That makes two of us. I never want him to stop. No one has ever made me feel like he does, and so easily.”
“It’s the best problem to have,” Archangel says smugly. My cheeks heat, and I drag him closer to kiss his temple. “I’m never going to stop being your problem.” (🥹🥹)
“Does he even know what he does to me? How he can make me feel a million things with so few words? I am so fucking weak for him.”
“I’ve known you more than half of my life. You think I don’t want to spend the rest of my life with you?” (Bye!!!)
“What do you want?” — “Every single part of you that you’ll let me have.”
“I’m not looking at anyone else.” — “You better not be. You belong to me.”
“I always deserve it. My needs should come first. No matter what.” — “Your needs always come first, baby.” “No matter what.”
“You’re my safe space. You have been for as long as I remember. That’s probably why I dated Steph. In a way, I thought she was the way to be part of it, but it’s not the family I want part of. I want to be your family.”
“I’m sorry. I should have told you how I feel but—” — “No, I should have told you how I felt before it got here.” — “How you felt?” — “How I feel. How I’ve always felt.” (Girl stop)
“This is a glimpse into the rest of my life, isn’t it?” — “Only if you’re lucky.”
“He has no idea how into him I am, and I’m going to make it my life’s mission to show him just what he does to me every single day.”
“You gave me a safe space to be myself before I even knew what that meant. You stood up for me to every team we played on together. You never let anyone treat me different or call me a slur, and you made them see me for the player I was, not some ignorant definition of masculinity. You gave me a home before I ever gave you one.” — “You’re my home, too. You always have been.” (😭😭)
“I hate how much I want him. But I never want the feeling to go away.”
“Breathe. I got you.” — “You always have.”
“I’m so in love with him, and it hits me like a ton of bricks. I’ve never loved anyone in my life. And I think I’ve been in love with him for a long time.”
“I honestly didn’t think I could love you more.” — “You don’t have to say it just because I did.” “I know this is early.” — “It’s not early. I’ve been in love with you since high school.”
“I never would have held it against you. But I do want you. I want only you.” — “I want only you too.”
“Everything we faced together showed me there is no one else I want by my side for the highs and the lows. Nothing bad touches me knowing I go home to you. Waking up with you next to me is the greatest joy I’ve ever experienced. You have been my only family for a long time, and I’m so in love with you, carrying it makes my chest feel like it’s going to crack if I try to contain it any longer. I want to be your husband.”
“You’re not allowed to leave me. You are stuck with me now. I’m in love, and you are mine.”
“Archangel, I’ve been in love with you as long as I can remember. This last year has been the happiest of my life, and I need you by my side. Will you be my husband?” — “”Yes,” I barely get out without losing it.”
“How did I not know I was in love with him all this time? It still blows me away.”
“Will you do me the honor of being my husband?” — “Archangel holds out the ring. The way my heart reacts to his words. I lift my hand, allowing him to slide the ring home. He’s my home.”
Angel had been in love with Wolfe since high school and it just took him a little while to believe Wolfe actually wanted him too (as real boyfriends) with that straight narrative stuck in his head. But once Wolfe got it through his head that he wanted him for real, it was just happiness overload!! Wolfe was such a funny, open, carefree character and had me cracking up constantly. The way he answered questions like they were obvious was everything to me especially when it was questions Angel had been stressed about asking lol. Like yeah I think after all that hooking up, asking your best friend if he liked it and wanted to be bf’s for real was obvious 🤣 Even if it took Wolfe to realize it himself, Angel had always been his favorite person and the only one who he’d felt at home with. There’s truly nothing better than realizing that you’d been in love with your best friend the entire time (even if the yearning was painful for Angel), that now experiencing it in real time makes you realize it how deep that love had always run.
The end was cute and satisfying and I just know Angel is going to be the best WAG!!
— quotes
“You know I love you, and I’d do anything for you,” — “I know you would. And I’d do anything for you.”
“I know you would. And I’d do anything for you,” — “But you’re going to enjoy it.”
“You really need to find better people to kiss if that one took you out. I don’t even do it that much.” — “”You must be right.” Because I’ve never been kissed like that in my entire fucking life.”
“I realize Archangel is wrong about one thing: kissing him is nothing like kissing a woman. It’s intense, and challenging, hard where women are soft. It’s equal in a way I’d never thought sex could be.”
“I need him too badly. I need him more than I need anything else in my life, and I want to be the one who makes him happy.”
“His lips pull into a slight smile, clearly enjoying what he’s doing to me. That makes two of us. I never want him to stop. No one has ever made me feel like he does, and so easily.”
“It’s the best problem to have,” Archangel says smugly. My cheeks heat, and I drag him closer to kiss his temple. “I’m never going to stop being your problem.” (🥹🥹)
“Does he even know what he does to me? How he can make me feel a million things with so few words? I am so fucking weak for him.”
“I’ve known you more than half of my life. You think I don’t want to spend the rest of my life with you?” (Bye!!!)
“What do you want?” — “Every single part of you that you’ll let me have.”
“I’m not looking at anyone else.” — “You better not be. You belong to me.”
“I always deserve it. My needs should come first. No matter what.” — “Your needs always come first, baby.” “No matter what.”
“You’re my safe space. You have been for as long as I remember. That’s probably why I dated Steph. In a way, I thought she was the way to be part of it, but it’s not the family I want part of. I want to be your family.”
“I’m sorry. I should have told you how I feel but—” — “No, I should have told you how I felt before it got here.” — “How you felt?” — “How I feel. How I’ve always felt.” (Girl stop)
“This is a glimpse into the rest of my life, isn’t it?” — “Only if you’re lucky.”
“He has no idea how into him I am, and I’m going to make it my life’s mission to show him just what he does to me every single day.”
“You gave me a safe space to be myself before I even knew what that meant. You stood up for me to every team we played on together. You never let anyone treat me different or call me a slur, and you made them see me for the player I was, not some ignorant definition of masculinity. You gave me a home before I ever gave you one.” — “You’re my home, too. You always have been.” (😭😭)
“I hate how much I want him. But I never want the feeling to go away.”
“Breathe. I got you.” — “You always have.”
“I’m so in love with him, and it hits me like a ton of bricks. I’ve never loved anyone in my life. And I think I’ve been in love with him for a long time.”
“I honestly didn’t think I could love you more.” — “You don’t have to say it just because I did.” “I know this is early.” — “It’s not early. I’ve been in love with you since high school.”
“I never would have held it against you. But I do want you. I want only you.” — “I want only you too.”
“Everything we faced together showed me there is no one else I want by my side for the highs and the lows. Nothing bad touches me knowing I go home to you. Waking up with you next to me is the greatest joy I’ve ever experienced. You have been my only family for a long time, and I’m so in love with you, carrying it makes my chest feel like it’s going to crack if I try to contain it any longer. I want to be your husband.”
“You’re not allowed to leave me. You are stuck with me now. I’m in love, and you are mine.”
“Archangel, I’ve been in love with you as long as I can remember. This last year has been the happiest of my life, and I need you by my side. Will you be my husband?” — “”Yes,” I barely get out without losing it.”
“How did I not know I was in love with him all this time? It still blows me away.”
“Will you do me the honor of being my husband?” — “Archangel holds out the ring. The way my heart reacts to his words. I lift my hand, allowing him to slide the ring home. He’s my home.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2026
Amazon
Wilder Archangel "Angel" has been in love with his straight best friend Atticus Wolfe forever it seems. Angel's watched as Wolfe dated Angel's sister, had his heart broken by her, and then only had hookups with women after in a bid to keep his heart from being broken again. But now said sister is getting married, and Angel needs a date for her wedding. Wolfe offering to come as Angel's fake date seems a little like poetic justice, but Angel can't forget it's fake. Wolfe is straight, right?
Wolfe is attached at the hip to his best friend, Angel, and doesn't want to think about how that will change once he's drafted. For now, though, offering up himself as Angel's fake date to Wolfe's cheating ex's (and Angel's sister) wedding will not only serve as a way to prove to said ex that he's not worried about her any longer, it will also be more time spent with Angel. He didn't foresee that his feelings for Angel would evolve, and now he's wondering if he's always had more than friendly feelings for Angel and just didn't realize it. He doesn't care that he's never been with a guy before, he now knows how he really feels for Wolfe. No one's going to stifle his feelings and he's not about to deny those feelings, regardless of what his awful father says or anyone else in the league.
These two friends to more are adorable, clueless at times, but adorable. The way their friendship evolved was just so natural and seamless (and hot!), and I was rooting for them from the first page. Wolfe is probably my favorite with the way he didn't question how his feelings had evolved, and that he didn't want to hide how he felt either, from anyone. Angel is the one who questioned, not himself, but Wolfe, but Wolfe was more than up to the challenge to prove to him that his feelings were real. The guys also have a whole crew around them that are the kind of found family we all wish we had, and I'm really excited to read their stories as they are released.
ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.
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Review of advance copy received from Author
4.75/5 ⭐
A Puck Between Friends is the third book in J.R. Gray’s Gods Versus Monsters Hockey series. I think you could enjoy this book as a standalone, but if you want full insight into the team and league dynamics, you’ll want to start at the beginning. Here’s what you can expect from Wolfe and Archangel:
💚 MM contemporary romance
💚 First person dual point of view
💚 Guaranteed happily ever after
💚 Open door spice
💚 College hockey
💚 Fake dating
💚 Childhood best friends
💚 Bisexual awakening
💚 Idiots to lovers
💚 Goalie
Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
I have been ready for Archangel and Wolfe’s happily ever after once we got the vibes from them in Two Guys One Puck. And their story absolutely didn’t disappoint. Childhood lovers to best friends can be a difficult trope to execute because I feel sometimes you lose that juicy relationship development, but I found we weren’t lacking in that here. What we did get was two best friends who were practically dating, but just didn’t quite realize it (enter idiots to lovers). Their relationship was just so beautiful, deep, and soulful. There was so much I loved in this book, but a couple things I want to focus on. First was Archangel’s representation. I’ve read lots of hockey books, but I find hockey players just aren’t written like him and I really appreciated the representation. He is out, he is proud, and he unapologetically presents himself to the world as a gay man with some traits that would be traditionally considered “feminine” (including his voice), but he’s also a hell of a hockey player. I just love that those two things can co-exist for him. The second was Wolfe’s bisexuality. Although Wolfe takes it in stride, Archangel and some of his teammates are the ones that struggled with reconciling those sides of him.
I adored these two. Their story flew by and I was really disappointed when I’d have to put their book down. I could’ve read more chapters of them. The spice between them was phenomenal. Their roller skating date had me kicking my feet, while the spice had me blushing at times. And their happily ever after was just so sweet and well-deserved, with the right characters getting the justice they more than deserved. I’m looking forward to continuing this series!
I received an advanced review copy of this book from The Author Agency and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Puck Between Friends is the third book in J.R. Gray’s Gods Versus Monsters Hockey series. I think you could enjoy this book as a standalone, but if you want full insight into the team and league dynamics, you’ll want to start at the beginning. Here’s what you can expect from Wolfe and Archangel:
💚 MM contemporary romance
💚 First person dual point of view
💚 Guaranteed happily ever after
💚 Open door spice
💚 College hockey
💚 Fake dating
💚 Childhood best friends
💚 Bisexual awakening
💚 Idiots to lovers
💚 Goalie
Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
I have been ready for Archangel and Wolfe’s happily ever after once we got the vibes from them in Two Guys One Puck. And their story absolutely didn’t disappoint. Childhood lovers to best friends can be a difficult trope to execute because I feel sometimes you lose that juicy relationship development, but I found we weren’t lacking in that here. What we did get was two best friends who were practically dating, but just didn’t quite realize it (enter idiots to lovers). Their relationship was just so beautiful, deep, and soulful. There was so much I loved in this book, but a couple things I want to focus on. First was Archangel’s representation. I’ve read lots of hockey books, but I find hockey players just aren’t written like him and I really appreciated the representation. He is out, he is proud, and he unapologetically presents himself to the world as a gay man with some traits that would be traditionally considered “feminine” (including his voice), but he’s also a hell of a hockey player. I just love that those two things can co-exist for him. The second was Wolfe’s bisexuality. Although Wolfe takes it in stride, Archangel and some of his teammates are the ones that struggled with reconciling those sides of him.
I adored these two. Their story flew by and I was really disappointed when I’d have to put their book down. I could’ve read more chapters of them. The spice between them was phenomenal. Their roller skating date had me kicking my feet, while the spice had me blushing at times. And their happily ever after was just so sweet and well-deserved, with the right characters getting the justice they more than deserved. I’m looking forward to continuing this series!
I received an advanced review copy of this book from The Author Agency and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ A Puck Between Friends☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “All I want to get is, a little bit closer. All I want to know is, can you come a little closer?” 🎶
Agreeing to fake date his best friend Wolfe (H) as revenge at his sister’s wedding seems harmless, until buried feelings resurface. Archangel (H) has been in love with Wolfe for years, and what was meant to be a joke quickly becomes complicated when their chemistry turns impossible to ignore. With family expectations, rival hockey tensions, and secrets piling up, their pretend relationship begins to feel all too real. As the line between friendship and something more blurs, he must face the risk of losing Wolfe or finally telling the truth.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•THOUGHTS •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
Wolfe and Archangel 🥹 OH MY LOVES. This was my first MM in a long time, aside from MM in a why choose with an FMC, and they completely won me over. The level of care and gentleness from both of them was everything. Wolf is used to affection and loves physical touch, so when Angel started distancing himself because he cared for Wolfe as more than a best friend, Wolf was hurt. I ADORE THEM. It was a little frustrating that Angel kept denying Wolf’s admissions of bisexuality, but I also think it came from a place of not understanding. He felt like he was in denial about Wolfe’s feelings and thought he might be making it up in his head, so he refused to believe that Wolfe could genuinely feel something for him outside of their fake dating agreement. Meanwhile, Wolfe came to understand his sexuality pretty quickly. He didn’t really struggle with it. He accepted it, embraced it, and was proud to admit it openly. He wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed, and he didn’t try to hide it. He just fully stepped into who he was, and I loved that, especially because he wasn’t ashamed to be with Angel. He loved everything about him, and the fact that Angel had been his best friend from the start made it even more beautiful. Their relationship felt so unique because they just understood each other. There was no shame, just a desire to be together and learn together, and it was gentle, sweet, and everything you could want and more.
There’s also that found family connection between Wolfe, Angel, and all their teammates. They weren’t upset because of who they were, they were upset that it was kept a secret. Not because they would have judged them, but because they saw themselves as family and thought they could be trusted. That part was a little disheartening, but I also understand why Wolf and Angel kept it to themselves at first. Once everything came out, though, it was so beautiful to see how accepting everyone was. I especially loved Angel’s friendship with Seaborn. He was adorable, and the way they talked about their sexuality, with Angel giving him advice about his feelings, felt so natural. That kind of friendship made the book feel warm and lighthearted, even with the heavier elements like their terrible parents and everything they were working through. I also loved how open Wolf was to being with a man despite identifying as straight his entire life. The way he came to terms with his feelings for Angel felt natural. He didn’t shy away from it. If he wanted something, he explored it, and even when he didn’t fully understand it, he still embraced it. He didn’t struggle much with going from straight to bisexual, it just felt like a natural progression because of how strongly he felt for Archangel. He didn’t let labels stop him from being in love, and that was one of my favorite things about him.
He was also so openly in love and just wanted to be with Archangel, marry him, and be his husband. The way he kept repeating it was so entertaining and lovable. They’re adorable because they’re all in with each other, no hesitation and no wasted time. I do wish the proposal had been more personal instead of happening at his sister’s ceremony because I wanted something more intimate for them, but I also understand why they did it. It was about showing her that their relationship was real, that they made it, and that she couldn’t ruin them, and honestly I kind of loved that message. I also liked that Mark ended up being part of their friend group, that he apologized, and that he’s divorcing Archangel’s sister. That whole situation worked out better than expected, especially since she was terrible anyway. It was so sweet and so interesting watching Wolfe come to terms with falling in love with his best friend while Archangel struggled to believe those feelings were real. Even when Angel was denying it, it didn’t feel malicious. He wasn’t trying to be biphobic, he was just overwhelmed and struggling to understand how the person he had loved his whole life could actually feel the same way, so he pulled away because he was scared it wouldn’t last and that Wolfe might regret it if things became physical.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•OVERALL •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
I genuinely think I’m about to go down an MM romance spiral now because this one hit. The only downside for me was the use of the term “puck bunny” and how women were kind of villainized throughout the story because of what one person, Angel’s sister, did to Wolfe.
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ A Puck Between Friends☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “All I want to get is, a little bit closer. All I want to know is, can you come a little closer?” 🎶
Agreeing to fake date his best friend Wolfe (H) as revenge at his sister’s wedding seems harmless, until buried feelings resurface. Archangel (H) has been in love with Wolfe for years, and what was meant to be a joke quickly becomes complicated when their chemistry turns impossible to ignore. With family expectations, rival hockey tensions, and secrets piling up, their pretend relationship begins to feel all too real. As the line between friendship and something more blurs, he must face the risk of losing Wolfe or finally telling the truth.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•THOUGHTS •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
Wolfe and Archangel 🥹 OH MY LOVES. This was my first MM in a long time, aside from MM in a why choose with an FMC, and they completely won me over. The level of care and gentleness from both of them was everything. Wolf is used to affection and loves physical touch, so when Angel started distancing himself because he cared for Wolfe as more than a best friend, Wolf was hurt. I ADORE THEM. It was a little frustrating that Angel kept denying Wolf’s admissions of bisexuality, but I also think it came from a place of not understanding. He felt like he was in denial about Wolfe’s feelings and thought he might be making it up in his head, so he refused to believe that Wolfe could genuinely feel something for him outside of their fake dating agreement. Meanwhile, Wolfe came to understand his sexuality pretty quickly. He didn’t really struggle with it. He accepted it, embraced it, and was proud to admit it openly. He wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed, and he didn’t try to hide it. He just fully stepped into who he was, and I loved that, especially because he wasn’t ashamed to be with Angel. He loved everything about him, and the fact that Angel had been his best friend from the start made it even more beautiful. Their relationship felt so unique because they just understood each other. There was no shame, just a desire to be together and learn together, and it was gentle, sweet, and everything you could want and more.
There’s also that found family connection between Wolfe, Angel, and all their teammates. They weren’t upset because of who they were, they were upset that it was kept a secret. Not because they would have judged them, but because they saw themselves as family and thought they could be trusted. That part was a little disheartening, but I also understand why Wolf and Angel kept it to themselves at first. Once everything came out, though, it was so beautiful to see how accepting everyone was. I especially loved Angel’s friendship with Seaborn. He was adorable, and the way they talked about their sexuality, with Angel giving him advice about his feelings, felt so natural. That kind of friendship made the book feel warm and lighthearted, even with the heavier elements like their terrible parents and everything they were working through. I also loved how open Wolf was to being with a man despite identifying as straight his entire life. The way he came to terms with his feelings for Angel felt natural. He didn’t shy away from it. If he wanted something, he explored it, and even when he didn’t fully understand it, he still embraced it. He didn’t struggle much with going from straight to bisexual, it just felt like a natural progression because of how strongly he felt for Archangel. He didn’t let labels stop him from being in love, and that was one of my favorite things about him.
He was also so openly in love and just wanted to be with Archangel, marry him, and be his husband. The way he kept repeating it was so entertaining and lovable. They’re adorable because they’re all in with each other, no hesitation and no wasted time. I do wish the proposal had been more personal instead of happening at his sister’s ceremony because I wanted something more intimate for them, but I also understand why they did it. It was about showing her that their relationship was real, that they made it, and that she couldn’t ruin them, and honestly I kind of loved that message. I also liked that Mark ended up being part of their friend group, that he apologized, and that he’s divorcing Archangel’s sister. That whole situation worked out better than expected, especially since she was terrible anyway. It was so sweet and so interesting watching Wolfe come to terms with falling in love with his best friend while Archangel struggled to believe those feelings were real. Even when Angel was denying it, it didn’t feel malicious. He wasn’t trying to be biphobic, he was just overwhelmed and struggling to understand how the person he had loved his whole life could actually feel the same way, so he pulled away because he was scared it wouldn’t last and that Wolfe might regret it if things became physical.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•OVERALL •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
I genuinely think I’m about to go down an MM romance spiral now because this one hit. The only downside for me was the use of the term “puck bunny” and how women were kind of villainized throughout the story because of what one person, Angel’s sister, did to Wolfe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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