What do you think?
Rate this book
Gods Versus Monsters Hockey #3
A Puck Between Friends
Not yet published
Expected 1 Apr 26When 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
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 1, 2026
472 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Gray
58 books1,322 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 21, 2026
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ah, goalies…(full review coming)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ah, goalies…(full review coming)
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 •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
Wolf and Archangel 🥹 oh how I love them!!!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 between them was everything I didn’t realize I was missing. Their friendship to relationship felt so PURE but still angsty, and I was fully invested in them from the start.
What really stood out to me was how their relationship developed emotionally. There’s this strong contrast in how they process things, and it creates tension without ever feeling toxic. One of them is very open, expressive, and sure of what he feels, while the other struggles more internally and takes longer to fully understand his emotions. It never felt frustrating in a way that pulled me out of the story, just very HUMAN. Their connection felt natural, like they already had a deep foundation and were just learning how to navigate something more.
The found family aspect added so much warmth. The team dynamic felt genuine and supportive, and the friendships brought a really comforting balance. There are also some really sweet side relationships that made everything feel more grounded and real. Even with heavier themes in the background, the overall tone still felt light and heartfelt because of those connections. One thing I really loved was how open the emotional side of the story was. There’s a lot of honesty, a lot of softness, and a sense of certainty that made their relationship feel strong without needing unnecessary drama. It felt like watching two people figure things out in a way that was unexpected.
I also really loved the open communication around sexuality and identity. There was something so refreshing about seeing characters embrace who they are without shame, and find peace in how they see themselves rather than letting outside expectations define them.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•OVERALL •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
This honestly might have just sent me into an MM romance spiral because it HIT in the best way.
☆⋆｡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 •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
Wolf and Archangel 🥹 oh how I love them!!!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 between them was everything I didn’t realize I was missing. Their friendship to relationship felt so PURE but still angsty, and I was fully invested in them from the start.
What really stood out to me was how their relationship developed emotionally. There’s this strong contrast in how they process things, and it creates tension without ever feeling toxic. One of them is very open, expressive, and sure of what he feels, while the other struggles more internally and takes longer to fully understand his emotions. It never felt frustrating in a way that pulled me out of the story, just very HUMAN. Their connection felt natural, like they already had a deep foundation and were just learning how to navigate something more.
The found family aspect added so much warmth. The team dynamic felt genuine and supportive, and the friendships brought a really comforting balance. There are also some really sweet side relationships that made everything feel more grounded and real. Even with heavier themes in the background, the overall tone still felt light and heartfelt because of those connections. One thing I really loved was how open the emotional side of the story was. There’s a lot of honesty, a lot of softness, and a sense of certainty that made their relationship feel strong without needing unnecessary drama. It felt like watching two people figure things out in a way that was unexpected.
I also really loved the open communication around sexuality and identity. There was something so refreshing about seeing characters embrace who they are without shame, and find peace in how they see themselves rather than letting outside expectations define them.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•OVERALL •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
This honestly might have just sent me into an MM romance spiral because it HIT in the best way.
March 22, 2026
For as long as he can remember, Archangel has been in love with his best friend Wolfe, even when Wolfe dated his sister for two years, before she cheated on him and made him swear off relationships forever. Now his sister is getting married and his Wolfe offers to come posing as his boyfriend for a little payback, and while Archangel agrees, the more time they have to spend posing as lovers, the more the lines start to blur, and when they share what can only describe as the best kiss of his life, he starts to worry whether this ruse will cost him his best friend, or his heart.
After having his heart broken as a freshman in college, Wolfe swore he would never date again, casual hookups are the most he’s allowed himself for four years. But when the chance for a little payback on his ex comes up, he can’t pass it up, especially since she’s marrying the goalie from their biggest rival. After their first weekend of posing as a couple, Wolfe notices Archangel pulling away, and since they’ve taken a vow of celibacy, losing the closeness of his best friend makes it even harder for him to cope. The more time they spend pretending though, the less it starts to feel like pretending, and maybe what Wolfe was looking for was in front of him all along.
I received an early copy of this book from The Author Agency and I absolutely loved it! Wolfe and Archangel were some of my favourite characters in the previous books, and they definitely didn’t disappoint in this one. I couldn’t help but feel for Archangel, who has clearly been in love with Wolfe forever, but has been watching him hookup with women for years, and when he agreed to their charade, he knew he was risking his heart in the equation, but I loved how Wolfe not only fell for him in return, but completely embraced his new identity, not afraid to be out and proud. Between the angst and the hilarious moments, not to mention the ultimate payback, this book is a must read.
After having his heart broken as a freshman in college, Wolfe swore he would never date again, casual hookups are the most he’s allowed himself for four years. But when the chance for a little payback on his ex comes up, he can’t pass it up, especially since she’s marrying the goalie from their biggest rival. After their first weekend of posing as a couple, Wolfe notices Archangel pulling away, and since they’ve taken a vow of celibacy, losing the closeness of his best friend makes it even harder for him to cope. The more time they spend pretending though, the less it starts to feel like pretending, and maybe what Wolfe was looking for was in front of him all along.
I received an early copy of this book from The Author Agency and I absolutely loved it! Wolfe and Archangel were some of my favourite characters in the previous books, and they definitely didn’t disappoint in this one. I couldn’t help but feel for Archangel, who has clearly been in love with Wolfe forever, but has been watching him hookup with women for years, and when he agreed to their charade, he knew he was risking his heart in the equation, but I loved how Wolfe not only fell for him in return, but completely embraced his new identity, not afraid to be out and proud. Between the angst and the hilarious moments, not to mention the ultimate payback, this book is a must read.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I received this book for free for my honest review.
I loved this book! It’s a standalone and can be read without reading the first 2 but it makes me want to go back and read them.
Angel is openly gay on the Gods college hockey team and has been unrequitedly in love with his best friend since high school. His bestie that dated his sister, till she cheated on him. Now she is getting married and Angel needs a date to the wedding.
Wolfe needs his best friend like he needs air. Angel has always been the one solid constant in his life, throughout his shitty childhood with abusive parents, moving in with his family in high school, dating then being cheated on by Angels sister, and going to college together. He doesn’t want to think about what happens after the draft and they won’t live together anymore.
Wolfe volunteers to be Angels “fake” boyfriend for Steph’s wedding. In playing along to stick it to Angels toxic sister and dismissive family, Wolfe realized that he isn’t exactly straight, and may need Angel even more than he thought possible.
I love how both men only have the care and safety of the other in mind and motivations. Angel wants to protect Wolfe’s draft prospects and also literally cannot/does not believe that Wolfe is realizing he is bi and wants Angel. For Wolfe, it’s the most natural thing in the world to accept he is attracted to and ultimately in love with his best friend, and no one, NO ONE, with make him hide his feelings. Angel will always come first.
The boys have great banter, sass, a wonderful team and friend group, and though ultimately semi supportive family with certain ones getting what they deserve in the end.
There is low angst, spice, a very little fem dressing though I wish there was more, and lots of supportive masculine friendships.
I loved this book! It’s a standalone and can be read without reading the first 2 but it makes me want to go back and read them.
Angel is openly gay on the Gods college hockey team and has been unrequitedly in love with his best friend since high school. His bestie that dated his sister, till she cheated on him. Now she is getting married and Angel needs a date to the wedding.
Wolfe needs his best friend like he needs air. Angel has always been the one solid constant in his life, throughout his shitty childhood with abusive parents, moving in with his family in high school, dating then being cheated on by Angels sister, and going to college together. He doesn’t want to think about what happens after the draft and they won’t live together anymore.
Wolfe volunteers to be Angels “fake” boyfriend for Steph’s wedding. In playing along to stick it to Angels toxic sister and dismissive family, Wolfe realized that he isn’t exactly straight, and may need Angel even more than he thought possible.
I love how both men only have the care and safety of the other in mind and motivations. Angel wants to protect Wolfe’s draft prospects and also literally cannot/does not believe that Wolfe is realizing he is bi and wants Angel. For Wolfe, it’s the most natural thing in the world to accept he is attracted to and ultimately in love with his best friend, and no one, NO ONE, with make him hide his feelings. Angel will always come first.
The boys have great banter, sass, a wonderful team and friend group, and though ultimately semi supportive family with certain ones getting what they deserve in the end.
There is low angst, spice, a very little fem dressing though I wish there was more, and lots of supportive masculine friendships.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Archangel has been in love with his best friend, Wolfe, for a long time. But he has watched him date his sister (who he really doesn’t like), get cheated on by said sister, and enter a phase of no relationships, just hook ups. Oh, and Wolfe is straight. Now, a few years later, Archangel gets a call from his family that his sister is getting married and next thing he knows, Wolfe is volunteering to be his plus one. And more than that, they have to act like a couple. Archangel can see Wolfe wanting to get back at his sister a bit, but acting like a couple and Wolfe being unfazed with it all? He can’t truly let himself believe it. Especially when it comes to his heart. Wolfe loves his best friend and as they enter their fake dating phase, it feels less and less fake the longer it goes on. He is starting to realize a lot about himself, including what his actual feelings for his best friend is. These two are a wild rollercoaster of emotions! It is so clear that these two have feelings way beyond friendship and both are so worried about ruining the friendship, it leads to a lot of push and pull. But it’s a best friends to lovers story that leads exactly where they two were always meant to be with one another. This has been a fun series so far, with a lot of great characters! Hilarious banter and antics between our main couple and of course any of their hockey player teammates, you definitely don’t want to miss this latest addition to the series!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
** I was gifted an ARC of this book**
This was such a fun read—definitely a solid 4⭐️.
Wolfe was hands down my favorite part of this book. He was sweet, funny, a little chaotic, and super protective of the people he cares about. And once he realizes he’s bisexual and in love with Angel? He is all in—no hesitation, no half measures. I loved that about him. His commentary had me laughing, and the banter between him and Angel was so good. Also, his Dr Pepper obsession just felt so on brand for him—it added such a fun little layer to his character.
Angel’s growth throughout the story was really great to see. He starts off so hesitant to believe that Wolfe could actually want him as more than a friend, and honestly, it made sense given everything he’s been through. Watching him slowly start to trust that Wolfe’s feelings were real—and that he was worthy of that kind of love—was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship felt really safe and supportive, and I loved that they became that for each other.
The found family and team dynamics added so much to the story too. The group had great banter and chemistry, but there were also some really genuine, tender moments that balanced everything out.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable MM hockey romance with humor, heart, and great character development. I had a great time with it, and I’d definitely recommend it if you love friends-to-lovers with strong found family vibes.
Tropes: MM hockey romance, friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, found family, teammates, emotional growth, hurt/comfort
This was such a fun read—definitely a solid 4⭐️.
Wolfe was hands down my favorite part of this book. He was sweet, funny, a little chaotic, and super protective of the people he cares about. And once he realizes he’s bisexual and in love with Angel? He is all in—no hesitation, no half measures. I loved that about him. His commentary had me laughing, and the banter between him and Angel was so good. Also, his Dr Pepper obsession just felt so on brand for him—it added such a fun little layer to his character.
Angel’s growth throughout the story was really great to see. He starts off so hesitant to believe that Wolfe could actually want him as more than a friend, and honestly, it made sense given everything he’s been through. Watching him slowly start to trust that Wolfe’s feelings were real—and that he was worthy of that kind of love—was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship felt really safe and supportive, and I loved that they became that for each other.
The found family and team dynamics added so much to the story too. The group had great banter and chemistry, but there were also some really genuine, tender moments that balanced everything out.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable MM hockey romance with humor, heart, and great character development. I had a great time with it, and I’d definitely recommend it if you love friends-to-lovers with strong found family vibes.
Tropes: MM hockey romance, friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, found family, teammates, emotional growth, hurt/comfort
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one really pulled me in—I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” and suddenly I was way further in than I planned. Wolfe and Angel already have that built-in best friend connection that makes this trope work so well, and adding fake dating (with all the messy history involving Angel’s sister 👀) just made it even more fun to watch unfold.
The first half is more of a slow burn—lots of tension, flirting, and just enough hockey to keep things interesting. But the second half is where it really takes off. The banter gets sharper, the chemistry ramps up, and everything just hits a little harder emotionally.
What I liked most was how solid their relationship felt from the start. Even with all the complications around them, there’s so much care and support between Wolfe and Angel. And honestly? The communication was refreshing. No unnecessary drama, no drawn-out misunderstandings—just two people actually showing up for each other.
Also loved that there wasn’t a big, dramatic third-act breakup. It let their relationship grow in a way that felt natural while still giving all the tension and payoff you want from a story like this.
The spice is definitely there and really well done, but it’s not constant or over the top—it fits the story instead of taking it over.
Overall, this was such a fun, emotional read. If you love best friends-to-lovers with a little angst, a little sass, and a lot of heart, this one’s worth picking up. 💙
The first half is more of a slow burn—lots of tension, flirting, and just enough hockey to keep things interesting. But the second half is where it really takes off. The banter gets sharper, the chemistry ramps up, and everything just hits a little harder emotionally.
What I liked most was how solid their relationship felt from the start. Even with all the complications around them, there’s so much care and support between Wolfe and Angel. And honestly? The communication was refreshing. No unnecessary drama, no drawn-out misunderstandings—just two people actually showing up for each other.
Also loved that there wasn’t a big, dramatic third-act breakup. It let their relationship grow in a way that felt natural while still giving all the tension and payoff you want from a story like this.
The spice is definitely there and really well done, but it’s not constant or over the top—it fits the story instead of taking it over.
Overall, this was such a fun, emotional read. If you love best friends-to-lovers with a little angst, a little sass, and a lot of heart, this one’s worth picking up. 💙
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to J.R. Gray for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Angel and Wolfe are the perfect example of best friends-to-lovers with just the right amount of obliviousness thrown in. Fake dating with a character secretly pining.. I was completely hooked on them.
Their friendship never felt forced, it was layered with years of trust, inside jokes, and an easy understanding of each other that made everything feel real. Even with all the tension, shared history, and complicated family dynamics surrounding them, their care for each other never wavered. You can see it in the small moments just as much as the big ones, which made their connection feel even more meaningful. It also made every shift in their relationship hit so much harder, because it was clear from the start that they were already everything to each other, they just hadn’t realized it yet.
Watching them realize the love they truly felt for each other and the lengths they’d go to protect each other was truly special. This was an emotional journey that both boys had to take, and us as readers joined along on. Archangel deserved to be able to be who he truly is with Wolfe and feel secure, and Wolfe deserved to feel safe and loved every single day with Angel.
Tropes
* College Hockey
* Fake dating
* Childhood best friends
* Bi-awakening
* Idiots to lovers
* Goalie Stuff
Angel and Wolfe are the perfect example of best friends-to-lovers with just the right amount of obliviousness thrown in. Fake dating with a character secretly pining.. I was completely hooked on them.
Their friendship never felt forced, it was layered with years of trust, inside jokes, and an easy understanding of each other that made everything feel real. Even with all the tension, shared history, and complicated family dynamics surrounding them, their care for each other never wavered. You can see it in the small moments just as much as the big ones, which made their connection feel even more meaningful. It also made every shift in their relationship hit so much harder, because it was clear from the start that they were already everything to each other, they just hadn’t realized it yet.
Watching them realize the love they truly felt for each other and the lengths they’d go to protect each other was truly special. This was an emotional journey that both boys had to take, and us as readers joined along on. Archangel deserved to be able to be who he truly is with Wolfe and feel secure, and Wolfe deserved to feel safe and loved every single day with Angel.
Tropes
* College Hockey
* Fake dating
* Childhood best friends
* Bi-awakening
* Idiots to lovers
* Goalie Stuff
March 20, 2026
💚 ARC Review
💚 MC’s: Angel & Wolfe
5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
This was so good!
Life-long best friends in college together, one with an unrequited crush, and the other oblivious until a situation leads them to fake dating. There is significant trauma in both of their back stories — for different reasons and the manner in which they support and lift each other up is powerful. In that way, they are very mature, but this is a new adult romance there is all manner of avoiding grown-up conversations and making decisions trying to preserve their friendship at the risk of being able to explore something more.
The story was moving and well written, of course, and I was unable to put it down. Highly recommend. This is part of a series, and I was able to read this as a standalone as the other books of the series are still on my TBR.
Tropes
🏒College Hockey
🏒Fake dating
🏒Childhood best friends
🏒Bi-awakening
🏒Idiots to lovers
🏒Goalie Stuff 💚
Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.
💚 MC’s: Angel & Wolfe
5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
This was so good!
Life-long best friends in college together, one with an unrequited crush, and the other oblivious until a situation leads them to fake dating. There is significant trauma in both of their back stories — for different reasons and the manner in which they support and lift each other up is powerful. In that way, they are very mature, but this is a new adult romance there is all manner of avoiding grown-up conversations and making decisions trying to preserve their friendship at the risk of being able to explore something more.
The story was moving and well written, of course, and I was unable to put it down. Highly recommend. This is part of a series, and I was able to read this as a standalone as the other books of the series are still on my TBR.
Tropes
🏒College Hockey
🏒Fake dating
🏒Childhood best friends
🏒Bi-awakening
🏒Idiots to lovers
🏒Goalie Stuff 💚
Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.
March 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Puck Between Friends by J.R. Gray
This MM hockey romance completely delivered on every level. A Puck Between Friends is the perfect blend of friends-to-lovers tension, emotional depth, and undeniable chemistry that kept me hooked from start to finish.
J.R. Gray does an incredible job building the relationship between the main characters—their friendship feels authentic and lived-in, which makes the shift into something more all the more powerful. The slow burn is delicious, filled with longing, hesitation, and moments that had my heart racing.
The hockey backdrop adds an extra layer of intensity and camaraderie, but what really shines is the emotional journey. Both characters are well-developed, with real vulnerabilities and growth that make their story feel genuine and relatable.
And the chemistry? Absolutely off the charts. The tension, the banter, the quiet moments—they all come together to create a romance that feels both heartfelt and electrifying.
This is a must-read for fans of MM romance, especially if you love friends-to-lovers dynamics, sports settings, and stories that balance heat with real emotional dept.
A Puck Between Friends by J.R. Gray
This MM hockey romance completely delivered on every level. A Puck Between Friends is the perfect blend of friends-to-lovers tension, emotional depth, and undeniable chemistry that kept me hooked from start to finish.
J.R. Gray does an incredible job building the relationship between the main characters—their friendship feels authentic and lived-in, which makes the shift into something more all the more powerful. The slow burn is delicious, filled with longing, hesitation, and moments that had my heart racing.
The hockey backdrop adds an extra layer of intensity and camaraderie, but what really shines is the emotional journey. Both characters are well-developed, with real vulnerabilities and growth that make their story feel genuine and relatable.
And the chemistry? Absolutely off the charts. The tension, the banter, the quiet moments—they all come together to create a romance that feels both heartfelt and electrifying.
This is a must-read for fans of MM romance, especially if you love friends-to-lovers dynamics, sports settings, and stories that balance heat with real emotional dept.
Review of advance copy
Massive thank you to The Author Agency and J R Gray for the ARC of this book.
I literally couldn’t put this down and if I hadn’t had to work I probably would have finished it sooner.
The way these two characters dance around each other should be annoying but it’s anything but because there’s genuine emotion, chemistry and fear that they could really lose the one person that means the world to them if this all goes wrong.
Wolfe’s awareness of his bisexuality and the way he embraces it is refreshing and endearing as he just wants Angel to see how much he loves him and he’s not going anywhere. That said Angel’s fear that this might not be real is valid given the household he’s grown up in, also high five for the grandad total legend.
Favourite highlight
“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”
I literally couldn’t put this down and if I hadn’t had to work I probably would have finished it sooner.
The way these two characters dance around each other should be annoying but it’s anything but because there’s genuine emotion, chemistry and fear that they could really lose the one person that means the world to them if this all goes wrong.
Wolfe’s awareness of his bisexuality and the way he embraces it is refreshing and endearing as he just wants Angel to see how much he loves him and he’s not going anywhere. That said Angel’s fear that this might not be real is valid given the household he’s grown up in, also high five for the grandad total legend.
Favourite highlight
“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”
Review of advance copy received from Author
A friendship that was always meant to be so much more.
Best friends since forever, Wolfe and Archangel have always been there for each other,
When Wolfe agrees to be Archangel’s plus one for his sister’s wedding as a means to get revenge, he never thought how things would change.
Archangel has been fighting his love for his heterosexual best friend for years, but when Wolfe keeps touching him, wanting him near and telling him everything, his resolve starts to wane.
Wolfe has been a playboy for years, choosing one-night stands over real relationships doubting how real love can actually be real, but one thing he never questioned? His dedication to his best friend.
But sometime between faking to be in a relationship with Archangel and trying new things, he begins questioning how fake it is and what his true feeling are.
An MM romance that shows how love can never be denied and how soulmates exist, even if they chose to hide for a while.
J.R. Gray gives us a steamy story, where the lines of friendship are blurred and give way to something much better and real.
Thank you for the ARC.
Best friends since forever, Wolfe and Archangel have always been there for each other,
When Wolfe agrees to be Archangel’s plus one for his sister’s wedding as a means to get revenge, he never thought how things would change.
Archangel has been fighting his love for his heterosexual best friend for years, but when Wolfe keeps touching him, wanting him near and telling him everything, his resolve starts to wane.
Wolfe has been a playboy for years, choosing one-night stands over real relationships doubting how real love can actually be real, but one thing he never questioned? His dedication to his best friend.
But sometime between faking to be in a relationship with Archangel and trying new things, he begins questioning how fake it is and what his true feeling are.
An MM romance that shows how love can never be denied and how soulmates exist, even if they chose to hide for a while.
J.R. Gray gives us a steamy story, where the lines of friendship are blurred and give way to something much better and real.
Thank you for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yes yes yes! This book was so damn good that I read it in one sitting! I could not put it down without knowing what happened next! Wolfe & Angel are besties who decide to fake date to mostly annoy Angel’s sister (Wolfe’s ex who cheated on him) who is now marrying a rival goalie. The first half of the book was great- little bit of a slow burn with some flirting, sexual tension and hockey! The second half was even better!! The spice, the banter, the SASS!!! It was SO good!! The way Wolfe & Angel were so open and communicated so well was refreshing! I loved that there was no freak out, no 3rd act breakup, and just lots of acceptance and love. I also enjoyed seeing all the other couple from prior books in the series and seeing their relationships still going strong. Lots of amazing and supportive side characters throughout the whole series and I cannot wait to find out who is up next!
🔥 College Hockey
🔥 Bi-Awakening
🔥 Fake Dating
🔥 Childhood Best Friends
🔥 Friends to Lovers
🔥 Sister’s Ex
🔥 Teammates
🔥 College Hockey
🔥 Bi-Awakening
🔥 Fake Dating
🔥 Childhood Best Friends
🔥 Friends to Lovers
🔥 Sister’s Ex
🔥 Teammates
Review of advance copy received from Author
Huge thank you to the author, J.R Gray, as well as The Author Agency for my ARC copy of this title.
I have to start this off by saying that this book pretty much covers all the things I love in a little gay romance. There is spice, romance, and funny moments all throughout the work that really makes you root for the success of the main couple. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my all time favorites but this author did something new with introducing Wolfe as not only the main character's best friend but also his sister’s ex. There is also the fake dating turned real trope which just works so well in the context.
This book has quenched the thirst I’ve had since a little well known gay hockey show premiered at the end of last year. This book was also filled with so much love for both characters rather than the angst and homophobia that I feel is common in so many other sports romances.
Overall this is a great book to read if you are a fan of pretty much all romantic tropes and are a sucker for a happy ending. This is the 3rd book in a series but from what I have read they can be considered standalones in the same universe so don’t let that put you off.
I have to start this off by saying that this book pretty much covers all the things I love in a little gay romance. There is spice, romance, and funny moments all throughout the work that really makes you root for the success of the main couple. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my all time favorites but this author did something new with introducing Wolfe as not only the main character's best friend but also his sister’s ex. There is also the fake dating turned real trope which just works so well in the context.
This book has quenched the thirst I’ve had since a little well known gay hockey show premiered at the end of last year. This book was also filled with so much love for both characters rather than the angst and homophobia that I feel is common in so many other sports romances.
Overall this is a great book to read if you are a fan of pretty much all romantic tropes and are a sucker for a happy ending. This is the 3rd book in a series but from what I have read they can be considered standalones in the same universe so don’t let that put you off.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fake dating, real feelings, and years of wanting all wrapped up in one
This one hit so well for me. Angel and Wolfe already have that built-in closeness that makes best friends-to-lovers so satisfying, and adding fake dating on top of years of buried feelings? Yeah, I was all in.
What I loved most was how strong their bond felt from the start. Even with all the tension, history, and complicated family mess wrapped around them, there’s so much care between these two. That made every shift in their relationship land even harder because you could already feel how important they were to each other.
The chemistry was great, but I also really appreciated how emotionally open this story felt. There’s real support, real affection, and enough vulnerability underneath the banter and hockey chaos to make it more than just a fun fake dating romance.
And honestly, I loved that this didn’t lean into unnecessary drama for the sake of it. It let the relationship breathe while still giving all the tension, longing, and payoff I wanted.
This one hit so well for me. Angel and Wolfe already have that built-in closeness that makes best friends-to-lovers so satisfying, and adding fake dating on top of years of buried feelings? Yeah, I was all in.
What I loved most was how strong their bond felt from the start. Even with all the tension, history, and complicated family mess wrapped around them, there’s so much care between these two. That made every shift in their relationship land even harder because you could already feel how important they were to each other.
The chemistry was great, but I also really appreciated how emotionally open this story felt. There’s real support, real affection, and enough vulnerability underneath the banter and hockey chaos to make it more than just a fun fake dating romance.
And honestly, I loved that this didn’t lean into unnecessary drama for the sake of it. It let the relationship breathe while still giving all the tension, longing, and payoff I wanted.
March 22, 2026
I had the opportunity to read this as an early copy and this is an honest review.
I couldn’t wait to read Archangel and Wolfes story! I love this series and J.R. Gray is an amazing author. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and getting to watch these two friends fall for each was such a fun ride. The book had the perfect combination of pining and yearning. The banter between Angel and Wolfe had me cracking up at times. It’s rare that a book gets me to laugh at loud. I love Wolfes openness and how he took everything in stride and always validated Angels concerns. Wolfe may have been a little clueless at times but honestly that’s what males him even better. Rating this book 5 stars was the easiest thing in the world. If I could rate it higher I would. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book and couldn’t put it down. I’m excited to read the 4th book! Thank you for the opportunity to read this book early!!
I couldn’t wait to read Archangel and Wolfes story! I love this series and J.R. Gray is an amazing author. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and getting to watch these two friends fall for each was such a fun ride. The book had the perfect combination of pining and yearning. The banter between Angel and Wolfe had me cracking up at times. It’s rare that a book gets me to laugh at loud. I love Wolfes openness and how he took everything in stride and always validated Angels concerns. Wolfe may have been a little clueless at times but honestly that’s what males him even better. Rating this book 5 stars was the easiest thing in the world. If I could rate it higher I would. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book and couldn’t put it down. I’m excited to read the 4th book! Thank you for the opportunity to read this book early!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been looking forward to this since Archangel and Wolfe's relationship was hinted at in Two Guys One Puck. I loved everything about this book and I didn't want to put it down once I started it.
A Puck Between Friends delivers so many of my favorite tropes- Idiots to lovers, best friends to lovers, fake dating, teammates in a relationship- and it also had great banter, a decent amount of pettiness (Wolfe is Archangel's sister's ex and she's the worst) and lots of appearances by characters from the other connected books.
J.R. Gray writes characters in a way that always leaves me feeling very invested in them and Wolfe and Archangel are another perfect example of that. The way they navigated the shift from friends to more wasn't always smooth, but they kept showing up for each other and worked through their own issues so they could get the ending they deserved and I loved every minute of it.
A Puck Between Friends delivers so many of my favorite tropes- Idiots to lovers, best friends to lovers, fake dating, teammates in a relationship- and it also had great banter, a decent amount of pettiness (Wolfe is Archangel's sister's ex and she's the worst) and lots of appearances by characters from the other connected books.
J.R. Gray writes characters in a way that always leaves me feeling very invested in them and Wolfe and Archangel are another perfect example of that. The way they navigated the shift from friends to more wasn't always smooth, but they kept showing up for each other and worked through their own issues so they could get the ending they deserved and I loved every minute of it.
Review of advance copy
✨ARC review✨
3.5⭐️
While I enjoyed the premise and most of the flow, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style. One thing I don’t like in a book are trendy sayings - “I’m deceased,” “looks like a snack.” Couple other peeves: the trickle in of Wolfe’s childhood, learning little tidbits at a time throughout - wish we got a clear picture earlier; also feel like the reader learned with Angel how serious Wolfe was which is usually made pretty clear when reading both POVs but Wolfe’s didn’t offer clear insight to me. The story was enjoyable enough, though and one I would recommend.
🏒college hockey teammates
🥅idiots to lovers
🏒best friends to lovers
🥅bi-awakening
🏒black cat/golden retriever
🥅goalie weirdness
🏒sister’s ex
🥅fake dating
🏒pining/yearning
🥅crop tops and fishnets
🏒hurt/comfort
🔥🔥/🔥
3.5⭐️
While I enjoyed the premise and most of the flow, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style. One thing I don’t like in a book are trendy sayings - “I’m deceased,” “looks like a snack.” Couple other peeves: the trickle in of Wolfe’s childhood, learning little tidbits at a time throughout - wish we got a clear picture earlier; also feel like the reader learned with Angel how serious Wolfe was which is usually made pretty clear when reading both POVs but Wolfe’s didn’t offer clear insight to me. The story was enjoyable enough, though and one I would recommend.
🏒college hockey teammates
🥅idiots to lovers
🏒best friends to lovers
🥅bi-awakening
🏒black cat/golden retriever
🥅goalie weirdness
🏒sister’s ex
🥅fake dating
🏒pining/yearning
🥅crop tops and fishnets
🏒hurt/comfort
🔥🔥/🔥
Review of advance copy
Wolfe and Archangel are amazing. Wolfe is hilarious and that typical "goalies are weird" type. He's super fun, loving, and cares about Archangel so much. He loves him in his own way before they even agree to fake a relationship. Archangel has a hard time believing Wolfe could feel anything for him. it's not easy for him to accept that the man he's been in love with could actually love him back. Emotions run high, and there are moments of worry because he doesn't know how to handle it all, but these two, they're perfect for each other and when they put aside their worries, and talk about their feelings, they're on the same page, and will do anything to make sure the other is happy and loved.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not put this down. JR Gray writes really amazing biawakening books in general, and this may have become my favorite. I love Wolfe and how chill he was about developing his relationship with his best friend. I did enjoy the crappy families subplots because it made the hockey family that much more important, which I love. Give me anything that Gray writes, and I will be happy, but this especially was perfect. The characters were phenomenal. I love seeing the MCs from previous books as side characters, and the love felt authentic and genuine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
These 2 are absolutely adorable! I love a good fake relationship trope and this totally delivered that! I love when one MC can’t accept the other truly wants him and this totally delivered! JR Gray created another fantastic book. Add it to a long list of perfection!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Friends-to-lovers and fake-dating?! Sign me up!!
I loved Archangel and Wolfe when I first read about them in the second book of the series! I immediately wanted to read their book to know their story. I was not disappointed! I will recommend this book always!
I loved Archangel and Wolfe when I first read about them in the second book of the series! I immediately wanted to read their book to know their story. I was not disappointed! I will recommend this book always!
Review of advance copy
O love the dynamic between Angel and Wolfe. Both of them have been best friends growing up. Only difference is Angel
Is in love with Wolfe and he doesn’t have a clue. The relationship that grows between these two was sweet and caring.
Is in love with Wolfe and he doesn’t have a clue. The relationship that grows between these two was sweet and caring.
March 23, 2026
Review coming soon
Review of advance copy
RTC
Currently reading
March 22, 2026Gods Versus Monsters Hockey Series:
1.
No Pucks
- 5,0 stars
2.
Two Guys One Puck
- 5,0 stars
Expected 01/04/2026 :
3. A Puck Between Friends
Expected 30/09/2026 :
4. Puck Around And Find Out
1.
2.
Expected 01/04/2026 :
3. A Puck Between Friends
Expected 30/09/2026 :
4. Puck Around And Find Out
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews