What do you think?
Rate this book
Day River Dingoes #1
Jaded
Hockey prodigy Nat Taylor should’ve followed his father and brother to the NHL, but a dream-shattering mistake cost him his career. Now at thirty-five, he's desperate to give his teenage daughter a better life while struggling to hold onto his job as a Zamboni driver for the failing Day River Dingoes. But when a spicy meet-cute with the Dingoes’ new captain sparks something far hotter than friendship, Nat finds himself worrying about more than just his daughter’s college fund.
Captain Olli James has one goal—make it to the NHL. His rocky mental health has thrown his otherwise promising career into question, but saving the sinking Dingoes could be his ticket to the big leagues. However, a certain moody, broody bad-boi Zamboni driver might prove distracting … Especially when Nat turns out to be the secret star of a gritty underground league called the Ice Out—the town's favorite new hockey phenomenon.
It’s no wonder the locals prefer the illicit fight-club hockey over their home team. The Dingoes are a rotating door of players passing through on their way to something better. Olli’s no different. An outsider won’t save the Dingoes, or Nat’s livelihood. But maybe together, Nat and Olli can unite the town and the team—make the Dingoes matter again. It might give Olli a reason to stay and Nat a new dream worth fighting for.
JADED is a gritty MM hockey romance and the first book in the Day River Dingoes series. Expect slow burn, grumpy x sunshine, friends to lovers, mental health rep, plenty of hurt/comfort, some funny banter, and lots of bonding over emo poetry and metal music.
Captain Olli James has one goal—make it to the NHL. His rocky mental health has thrown his otherwise promising career into question, but saving the sinking Dingoes could be his ticket to the big leagues. However, a certain moody, broody bad-boi Zamboni driver might prove distracting … Especially when Nat turns out to be the secret star of a gritty underground league called the Ice Out—the town's favorite new hockey phenomenon.
It’s no wonder the locals prefer the illicit fight-club hockey over their home team. The Dingoes are a rotating door of players passing through on their way to something better. Olli’s no different. An outsider won’t save the Dingoes, or Nat’s livelihood. But maybe together, Nat and Olli can unite the town and the team—make the Dingoes matter again. It might give Olli a reason to stay and Nat a new dream worth fighting for.
JADED is a gritty MM hockey romance and the first book in the Day River Dingoes series. Expect slow burn, grumpy x sunshine, friends to lovers, mental health rep, plenty of hurt/comfort, some funny banter, and lots of bonding over emo poetry and metal music.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2025
212 people are currently reading
889 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
May 23, 2025
⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️
I struggled with this.
It was very hockey heavy, a sweet but slow romance, and the writing style wasn’t holding my attention. Which, in turn, made this read even slower for me.
I was about to quit around 20%. Like, had a full DNF review set up and everything, but decided to push through, ‘cause even though I wasn’t vibing with the style, the story and romance intrigued me.
The atmosphere, I guess, was overall pretty gloomy & cold, just like the town it’s set in. There’s the underground illegal fight-hockey, lots of discussions on mental health, the struggles of single parenthood, fighting for your dreams, loneliness.
You might think that’s what put me off this book, but I was actually enjoying that grittiness and realness. And even though the romance was too slow for me, it was still…okay? Sorry, can’t think of a better word.
I really couldn’t connect with this writing. Too many lengthy inner monologues and descriptions, too much of that poetic blabber that doesn’t actually sound good? Some people can pull off flowery writing like this and some just can’t.
Overall, I think there were too many things going on and I couldn’t enjoy the story as much I wanted to.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Anxiety & depression
- ADHD
- Violence
- Single dad MC
- Demi MC
- Top/bottom
- Frotting
- Semi-public sex
“Welcome to Day River.”Nat turns as yet another buzzer shrieks out over the arena. Another goal against us. “Looks pretty on the surface, but it’s got a lot of dark secrets lurking underneath.”
I struggled with this.
It was very hockey heavy, a sweet but slow romance, and the writing style wasn’t holding my attention. Which, in turn, made this read even slower for me.
Does not the darkness inside us crave to find that same darkness reflected in others?
I was about to quit around 20%. Like, had a full DNF review set up and everything, but decided to push through, ‘cause even though I wasn’t vibing with the style, the story and romance intrigued me.
The atmosphere, I guess, was overall pretty gloomy & cold, just like the town it’s set in. There’s the underground illegal fight-hockey, lots of discussions on mental health, the struggles of single parenthood, fighting for your dreams, loneliness.
You might think that’s what put me off this book, but I was actually enjoying that grittiness and realness. And even though the romance was too slow for me, it was still…okay? Sorry, can’t think of a better word.
Those eyes were earth and stars melded together into soft, molten pools of life. And like a wayward comet, I was pulled into his orbit.
I really couldn’t connect with this writing. Too many lengthy inner monologues and descriptions, too much of that poetic blabber that doesn’t actually sound good? Some people can pull off flowery writing like this and some just can’t.
Overall, I think there were too many things going on and I couldn’t enjoy the story as much I wanted to.
“On days when you see only darkness, let me be your light. Can I do that for you?”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Anxiety & depression
- ADHD
- Violence
- Single dad MC
- Demi MC
- Top/bottom
- Frotting
- Semi-public sex
June 23, 2025
3.75⭐️
Had to give this one a little bit of time to reflect before I could come back and properly review it. While I was reading this it was knocking at the door of a 5⭐️ - dropped down a little at the end and after more reflection I think I’ll settle on a solid 3.75⭐️. This book is not a cute lovey dovey romance. It definitely has those moments scattered through out but overall the vibes were sad, melancholic, and downcast. That extended through obviously Ollie’s own struggles to the environment. This town had this blue collar, gray, chain smoking, alcoholic vibes. And because of my mood at the time, I was rocking with it!! This was emotional and we were taken on a lovely journey as Nat and Ollie get to know and open up to each other and fall in love. I have one gripe that really put a bad taste in my mouth - and it happened basically at the end.
[SPOILER] the whole book it was really heavy and felt overwhelming at times with just how unmanageable Ollie’s depression is. At the end when he’s “coming out” to his teammates he mentions (as a throwaway!) how he’s unmedicated and won’t consider it in order to protect “his game”. Now…that is fine. HOWEVER, ruling out medication in the case where someone is essentially su!cidal every couple of months and disappears with no explanation, all in service of his hockey career?! This is a dangerous behavior and shouldn’t have been treated so casually by those around him. It’s frankly unsettling and unacceptable that they just hear that from him, accept it, and move on. It’s very apparent that he isn’t currently capable of taking proper care of his depression and needs more help and attention from those around him and for it being such a big heavy thing throughout this story it felt like a cheap throwaway to just tack that on at the end. [SPOILER OVER]
lol anywayyyy besides that I did enjoy the book, had my issues, and found it heavy emotionally. This also was a bit too long - I know Ollie’s “thing” is poetry but the author took that and ran and was waxing poetic about every little thing and it felt a bit verbose at times. Would recommend but with the caveat to take TWs seriously as I can see how certain parts could be triggering for those that struggle
Had to give this one a little bit of time to reflect before I could come back and properly review it. While I was reading this it was knocking at the door of a 5⭐️ - dropped down a little at the end and after more reflection I think I’ll settle on a solid 3.75⭐️. This book is not a cute lovey dovey romance. It definitely has those moments scattered through out but overall the vibes were sad, melancholic, and downcast. That extended through obviously Ollie’s own struggles to the environment. This town had this blue collar, gray, chain smoking, alcoholic vibes. And because of my mood at the time, I was rocking with it!! This was emotional and we were taken on a lovely journey as Nat and Ollie get to know and open up to each other and fall in love. I have one gripe that really put a bad taste in my mouth - and it happened basically at the end.
[SPOILER] the whole book it was really heavy and felt overwhelming at times with just how unmanageable Ollie’s depression is. At the end when he’s “coming out” to his teammates he mentions (as a throwaway!) how he’s unmedicated and won’t consider it in order to protect “his game”. Now…that is fine. HOWEVER, ruling out medication in the case where someone is essentially su!cidal every couple of months and disappears with no explanation, all in service of his hockey career?! This is a dangerous behavior and shouldn’t have been treated so casually by those around him. It’s frankly unsettling and unacceptable that they just hear that from him, accept it, and move on. It’s very apparent that he isn’t currently capable of taking proper care of his depression and needs more help and attention from those around him and for it being such a big heavy thing throughout this story it felt like a cheap throwaway to just tack that on at the end. [SPOILER OVER]
lol anywayyyy besides that I did enjoy the book, had my issues, and found it heavy emotionally. This also was a bit too long - I know Ollie’s “thing” is poetry but the author took that and ran and was waxing poetic about every little thing and it felt a bit verbose at times. Would recommend but with the caveat to take TWs seriously as I can see how certain parts could be triggering for those that struggle
May 30, 2025
2.75/5 stars 2/5 spice
I liked all of the mental health representation and discussions in this book. The way the author talked about clinical depression was insightful. It was nice seeing the main characters relate to each other’s struggles and try to be there for one another.
I did find this hard to get into though, I think the writing style just wasn’t for me. I found the overall book to be way too long, filled mostly with inner monologues. The main characters didn’t have a lot of scenes where they’re actually a couple, there was a lot of second guessing going on for most of the book. Being an avid romance reader, I needed more romance between the two.
- Single dad, bi curious MMC
- Demi, hockey player MMC
- ADHD, anxiety and depression rep
- Strangers to friends to lovers
I liked all of the mental health representation and discussions in this book. The way the author talked about clinical depression was insightful. It was nice seeing the main characters relate to each other’s struggles and try to be there for one another.
I did find this hard to get into though, I think the writing style just wasn’t for me. I found the overall book to be way too long, filled mostly with inner monologues. The main characters didn’t have a lot of scenes where they’re actually a couple, there was a lot of second guessing going on for most of the book. Being an avid romance reader, I needed more romance between the two.
- Single dad, bi curious MMC
- Demi, hockey player MMC
- ADHD, anxiety and depression rep
- Strangers to friends to lovers
![Profile Image for ash[hearts]angst.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1765847299i%2F164504656._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 26, 2025
On paper this checked all my boxes but unfortunately the execution and writing style just weren't for me. I found myself spacing out a lot due to too much inner dialogue and the over use of descriptions. I get it, you're in a snowy, cold dead town... but I really don't need the character waxing poetic about trees for an entire page just to convey their emotions. It was just off for me. I rarely DNF but I had that feeling already at around 15% in. It was also wayyyy too long in my opinion.
The characters were okay. I felt like Olli's character had a very forced narrative. His actions didn't align with his inner dialogues and his thoughts. Also, during Nat's POV, Olli almost seemed like an entirely different person. I liked Nat's character the most but I still couldn't form any single bit of connection with him. Let's not even mention the fact that both of these characters seemingly gaslight themselves into thinking some situations aren't as bad as they were. What the fuck? Absolutely not.
Then there was the music aspect that seemed so out of place and went nowhere. Olli writes poetry and Nat writes music, turns one of his poems into a song and then, after basically most of the book being about music and Olli being "emo", it doesn't go anywhere. We don't get a scene with them playing/writing together. It gets thrown to the ether. Just didn't mesh at all with the story to me unfortunately.
I DID enjoy the whole "Ice Out" concept and thought that was unique and refreshing. I almost wanted to read more about that than the actual official hockey team.
The characters were okay. I felt like Olli's character had a very forced narrative. His actions didn't align with his inner dialogues and his thoughts. Also, during Nat's POV, Olli almost seemed like an entirely different person. I liked Nat's character the most but I still couldn't form any single bit of connection with him. Let's not even mention the fact that both of these characters seemingly gaslight themselves into thinking some situations aren't as bad as they were. What the fuck? Absolutely not.
Then there was the music aspect that seemed so out of place and went nowhere. Olli writes poetry and Nat writes music, turns one of his poems into a song and then, after basically most of the book being about music and Olli being "emo", it doesn't go anywhere. We don't get a scene with them playing/writing together. It gets thrown to the ether. Just didn't mesh at all with the story to me unfortunately.
I DID enjoy the whole "Ice Out" concept and thought that was unique and refreshing. I almost wanted to read more about that than the actual official hockey team.
June 16, 2025
um YES YES YES i loved this
i used to think i hated slow burn but this def changed my mind the nicknames. the jokes everything about them omg they understand each other so much its crazy to be in syc w someone like that i highly reccomend!!
i used to think i hated slow burn but this def changed my mind the nicknames. the jokes everything about them omg they understand each other so much its crazy to be in syc w someone like that i highly reccomend!!
May 28, 2025
I feel a little guilty about the low rating I’m going to give this book. But getting myself to read it and finish it was so hard.
I’m a person who likes lyrical writing, and I love hockey romances so this really seemed like a book I would love, also the cover??? Sooo pretty!!
But something was off, I don’t know what exactly, but I just couldn’t love this book.
Nat and Ollie as separate characters I liked, but I didn’t feel the chemistry between them. It didn’t help that for most of the book they really had no romance happening.
The book itself was entirely too long, I feel like a lot of scene could be taken out and the point of the book would still be the same.
It did have some amazing mental health rep and Demi rep so I hope the right readers find this story and love it for what it is.
I’m a person who likes lyrical writing, and I love hockey romances so this really seemed like a book I would love, also the cover??? Sooo pretty!!
But something was off, I don’t know what exactly, but I just couldn’t love this book.
Nat and Ollie as separate characters I liked, but I didn’t feel the chemistry between them. It didn’t help that for most of the book they really had no romance happening.
The book itself was entirely too long, I feel like a lot of scene could be taken out and the point of the book would still be the same.
It did have some amazing mental health rep and Demi rep so I hope the right readers find this story and love it for what it is.
June 1, 2025
“Welcome to Day River. Looks pretty on the surface, but it’s got a lot of dark secrets lurking underneath.”
Nat is a Zamboni driver lurking around in the shadows. Remembering playing for the Day River Dingoes, an ice hockey team. Remembering his older brother and father’s ice hockey legacy.
Nat has a 17 year old daughter Sydney .
‘Syd’s arrival seventeen years ago shocked everything out of place, rewrote my dreams and my destiny.’
We meet Olli , the new Ice Hockey Captain.
Ollie’s whole existence is based on ice hockey.
‘I’m following a long line of captains who, to be blunt, failed to fill the oversized shoes of the team’s ex-superstar—the legendary Jesse Taylor. Inarguably one of the greatest players to ever waltz through the minor leagues.’
‘This really is a team of transients.’
Olli meets Nat at the local dive bar.
‘Holy God, he’s gorgeous. “Did you just call me a . . . troubled emo rock star?”
They flirt , they share a hot kiss . Olli gives him his number.
The waitress tells Olli about the Ice Out.
Nat and Olli meet again and exchange names .
‘The Dingoes’ new player—the one slated to replace our current fucking captain—is the boy from the bar. My ghost.’
Ice out is held in a massive underground building—completely empty.
‘Jesus, this game really is brutal. He’s hitting his own teammate! The crowd screams and hollers, presses up against the boards, so I too am pressed into the smoothed wood.’
What I’m liking about this book is all the supportive relationships.
There’s a party, Nat finds Avery - his daughter’s boyfriend and who is just like him when he was that age. Avery is off his face and Nat isn’t exactly sober either. Olli meets Avery and Sydney and drives everyone home.
Olli is trying to think how to make this dingo’s team work. Everyone feels defeated , even the coach.
At the Ice out, it’s electrifying. Olli secretly plays with Nat and someone else. They win the ice out and Olli hypes the crowd up.
“You wanna know who I am?” he roars again, and the crowd screams its approval. “Come to the Dingoes game tomorrow night,” Olli James says, his voice like a bird on wing through that crowd. “Come watch one of your own.”
Olli’s coach is furious. Olli explains to his coach and team . Nat helps.
‘We won. The crowd loved us. Demanded more. Bought tickets. Bought food. Filled the stands. We goddamn won.’
‘I saw the Dingoes win—no, not just win. I saw them rile a crowd. Own it. Dominate it. Take back what they lost years ago when Jesse left.’
Nat and Olli share some more kisses.
Olli’s coach decided he’s onto a good idea and wants to invite Ice Out players to try out for the Dingoes.
Olli brings Syd on as the Ice Out–Dingoes social media specialist.
Nat’s famous NHL player brothers hears about the ice out and wants in. He’s a shit brother though. I wonder if he will ever get a redeeming book?
It’s a team party at the holiday inn.
Nate and Olli slip into Olli’s room and get down to some sexy times.
A few days later, Olli’s darkness arrives. He can’t shake it off. Nat goes to find him.
“If you need to sit in the dark,” I murmur, my fingers tracing the lines of his palm, long beautiful, elegant lines, “then let me sit with you.”
Aww
Olli starts feeling better.
There’s more flirtiness and sexy times
Coach wants Nat to try out. Nat also finds out Syd is working with her estranged uncle . Jesse wants coach to run the open practice like a tournament and the Ice Out crowd should vote in their favourites. He’s hiring people for the event planning and press coverage.
Nat loses his mind and goes to find Jesse and Syd.
He works it out in a bloodbath on the ice.
Olli is spiralling again.
Nat is dealing with Avery who’s been beaten up and needs a hospital.
They find each other then it’s off to the tournament.
Nat skates for Avery.
Looks like there’s a spot for Avery and Nat with the Dingo’s.
Nat and Ollie are boyfriends .
I guess this a a HFN ending ?
They don’t even exchange I love you’s!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2025
Arc Review
Nat Taylor was destined for a life playing hockey in the NHL, following his father and brother. When circumstances in his life change, the dream is over. He instead sharpens blades and drives the Zamboni for the Day River Dingoes. Hoping to keep his job and his family afloat.
Olli James is the new captain of the Day River Dingoes, having been traded time after time, he is seeing this as an opportunity to be noticed by the NHL scouts.
Moving to a town where everything breaths ice hockey, Olli wants the team to do well. The Dingoes are in danger of disappearing. The town doesn't come out to support a constantly losing team with their morale at rock bottom. Instead of showing up for the Dingoes, Day River go underground to watch an alternative, gritty league called Ice Out, where fights are bet on, and brutality on the ice is a given. The players all wear masks which allows them to play with complete anonymity, including Nat.
Coach needs to find a way to keep the players he has got, so he turns to Olli, who suggests using the Ice Out, and the passion that can transcend from underground to the rink.
This is Lex Easton’s first book in the Day River Dingoes series, and if this is anything to go by, it is going to be fantastic. It is a big book at nearly 500 pages, but it is so worth the time to read it.
The main characters are so well written and with the detailed description of them, I feel I could easily puck them out of a line up.
Both main characters suffer with their mental health and specifically anxiety and depression (please read the trigger warnings). The way Lex has written the mental health is so incredibly detailed, it can only come from someone who has first hand experience or has done hours and hours of research.
The side characters of Avery, Syd and Brenda are wonderful too.
This is a slow burn, gritty romance, sometimes it was a little hard to read, but also so very good.
This is by far one of my books of the year. I cannot wait to read more from the Dingoes.
Nat Taylor was destined for a life playing hockey in the NHL, following his father and brother. When circumstances in his life change, the dream is over. He instead sharpens blades and drives the Zamboni for the Day River Dingoes. Hoping to keep his job and his family afloat.
Olli James is the new captain of the Day River Dingoes, having been traded time after time, he is seeing this as an opportunity to be noticed by the NHL scouts.
Moving to a town where everything breaths ice hockey, Olli wants the team to do well. The Dingoes are in danger of disappearing. The town doesn't come out to support a constantly losing team with their morale at rock bottom. Instead of showing up for the Dingoes, Day River go underground to watch an alternative, gritty league called Ice Out, where fights are bet on, and brutality on the ice is a given. The players all wear masks which allows them to play with complete anonymity, including Nat.
Coach needs to find a way to keep the players he has got, so he turns to Olli, who suggests using the Ice Out, and the passion that can transcend from underground to the rink.
This is Lex Easton’s first book in the Day River Dingoes series, and if this is anything to go by, it is going to be fantastic. It is a big book at nearly 500 pages, but it is so worth the time to read it.
The main characters are so well written and with the detailed description of them, I feel I could easily puck them out of a line up.
Both main characters suffer with their mental health and specifically anxiety and depression (please read the trigger warnings). The way Lex has written the mental health is so incredibly detailed, it can only come from someone who has first hand experience or has done hours and hours of research.
The side characters of Avery, Syd and Brenda are wonderful too.
This is a slow burn, gritty romance, sometimes it was a little hard to read, but also so very good.
This is by far one of my books of the year. I cannot wait to read more from the Dingoes.
October 31, 2025
Olli James. My little ghost, always, always, hovering on the edges of my periphery.
This was cute! I liked Olli and Nat's progression and how while their romance was definitely the star of the show, it didn't feel super over the top for the place they were both currently in. Nat, dealing with figuring out his life and being there for Syd and Avery & Olli being a new place by himself having his own battles with his anxiety and depression. I honestly appreciated that there was no grand love confession from neither Nat or Olli to each other because they truly just weren't there yet. They were together, and happy, and figuring out what they wanted in life together, and there was enough care between them that I could tell they were headed into falling in love.
I liked the whole Ice Out game. I thought it was fun and interesting how it bled into the Dingoes. I pretty much agreed with Nat re: Jesse coming back and I wish there had been a little more of them talking it out mostly bc I'm nosy. Loved Avery and Syd, truly Nat's kids. The second half of the book definitely kept my attention a little bit more than the first half, but overall this was a fun read!
This was cute! I liked Olli and Nat's progression and how while their romance was definitely the star of the show, it didn't feel super over the top for the place they were both currently in. Nat, dealing with figuring out his life and being there for Syd and Avery & Olli being a new place by himself having his own battles with his anxiety and depression. I honestly appreciated that there was no grand love confession from neither Nat or Olli to each other because they truly just weren't there yet. They were together, and happy, and figuring out what they wanted in life together, and there was enough care between them that I could tell they were headed into falling in love.
I liked the whole Ice Out game. I thought it was fun and interesting how it bled into the Dingoes. I pretty much agreed with Nat re: Jesse coming back and I wish there had been a little more of them talking it out mostly bc I'm nosy. Loved Avery and Syd, truly Nat's kids. The second half of the book definitely kept my attention a little bit more than the first half, but overall this was a fun read!
May 18, 2025
What’s the first rule about Fight Club? You do not talk about Fight Club.
I enjoyed this Fight Club meets hockey mash-up. It was full of emotion, with real-life struggles for the main characters that we work our way through alongside them.
Nat plays in an underground hockey scene where it’s no holds barred. Violent, fast-paced hockey. He meets Ollie at a bar who is struggling with his own demons, and the two work together to bring the hockey out of the dark and back into the stadium.
The story touches on teen parenting, emotional and physical abuse, depression, and a whole host of other issues. It is light in parts, and it’s nice when they get their moments to just be together.
It’s very slow-burn, although they admit they like each other pretty quickly after they meet; they dance around it for most of the book, focusing on the other aspects of the book before the romance.
I did enjoy the book, the concept, and some of the issues discussed, but at times it felt a little too slow for me.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
I enjoyed this Fight Club meets hockey mash-up. It was full of emotion, with real-life struggles for the main characters that we work our way through alongside them.
Nat plays in an underground hockey scene where it’s no holds barred. Violent, fast-paced hockey. He meets Ollie at a bar who is struggling with his own demons, and the two work together to bring the hockey out of the dark and back into the stadium.
The story touches on teen parenting, emotional and physical abuse, depression, and a whole host of other issues. It is light in parts, and it’s nice when they get their moments to just be together.
It’s very slow-burn, although they admit they like each other pretty quickly after they meet; they dance around it for most of the book, focusing on the other aspects of the book before the romance.
I did enjoy the book, the concept, and some of the issues discussed, but at times it felt a little too slow for me.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
June 3, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a good story, I think Olli and Nat were very good together and I like how their relationship evolved. There was a little bit to much of back and forth, but nevertheless they could be able to build a solid connection that overcame all the difficulties.
I really really loved how they understood each other: on the surface they were very different, but it was like they had the same soul, like they were tied to each other in a deeper level. They always know what the other needed and they never hesitated to show up, their support for one another never wavered.
There’s a lot to unpack in this book: Nat’s own story is tied pretty tight to the story of the city and I liked very much the parallelism between the Dingoes and Ice Out.
About Olli: I found the representation of his anxiety and depression very well written. The author did an amazing job about that.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Until 80/90% of the book, I didn’t like the dynamic between Nat, Sydney and Avery. I particularly didn’t appreciate Sydney in more than one occasion, always judging her father (while tolerating the exact same behaviour from her boyfriend), often acting like a know-it-all (who actually wasn’t aware at all of her father’s past). Nat was always feeling guilty around her, even when she deserved to be reprimanded (like her sneaking into the hockey players party or to meet Jesse, without her father knowing).
Another thing that impacted my rating was the length of this book: not only it was long, but more often than not, the story proceeded at a painfully slow rhythm.
I’m very curious about Jesse and why he cut contact with his brother. From what he hinted, there’s more to the story than what Nat imagined, so I hope that his book will be next.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
This was a good story, I think Olli and Nat were very good together and I like how their relationship evolved. There was a little bit to much of back and forth, but nevertheless they could be able to build a solid connection that overcame all the difficulties.
I really really loved how they understood each other: on the surface they were very different, but it was like they had the same soul, like they were tied to each other in a deeper level. They always know what the other needed and they never hesitated to show up, their support for one another never wavered.
There’s a lot to unpack in this book: Nat’s own story is tied pretty tight to the story of the city and I liked very much the parallelism between the Dingoes and Ice Out.
About Olli: I found the representation of his anxiety and depression very well written. The author did an amazing job about that.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Until 80/90% of the book, I didn’t like the dynamic between Nat, Sydney and Avery. I particularly didn’t appreciate Sydney in more than one occasion, always judging her father (while tolerating the exact same behaviour from her boyfriend), often acting like a know-it-all (who actually wasn’t aware at all of her father’s past). Nat was always feeling guilty around her, even when she deserved to be reprimanded (like her sneaking into the hockey players party or to meet Jesse, without her father knowing).
Another thing that impacted my rating was the length of this book: not only it was long, but more often than not, the story proceeded at a painfully slow rhythm.
I’m very curious about Jesse and why he cut contact with his brother. From what he hinted, there’s more to the story than what Nat imagined, so I hope that his book will be next.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
May 30, 2025
Jaded by Lex Easton is a gritty, emotionally rich MM hockey romance that skates far beyond the typical sports love story. It's raw, heartfelt, and brimming with underdog energy—anchored by two compelling characters who have more in common than they realize.
At its core, this is Nat Taylor’s redemption arc. Once a rising hockey star, now a jaded Zamboni driver trying to give his daughter a better life, Nat's journey is full of quiet strength, emotional depth, and a tender vulnerability hidden beneath layers of cynicism. His slow-burning romance with Olli James, the Dingoes’ new captain, is beautifully paced—grumpy x sunshine done right—with simmering tension and genuine emotional payoff.
Olli is fighting his own battles, particularly with mental health and the pressure of keeping his NHL dreams alive. His determination to lead a dying team to greatness—and his unexpected connection with Nat—gives the story its emotional punch. Their dynamic is intense but grounded, full of banter, healing, and just the right amount of angst.
The world of Day River is rich and real, complete with a rebellious underground league, the Ice Out, that adds a thrilling edge to the plot. Watching Nat secretly shine on the ice while the town rallies behind him and Olli adds layers of grit and hope. Themes of found family, community, and second chances make this book as heartfelt as it is hot.
Easton delivers humor, hurt/comfort, emo poetry, metal music, and characters who feel like real people trying to figure it all out. Jaded is a bold and satisfying start to the Day River Dingoes series—and if this is just the beginning, we’re in for a hell of a ride.
At its core, this is Nat Taylor’s redemption arc. Once a rising hockey star, now a jaded Zamboni driver trying to give his daughter a better life, Nat's journey is full of quiet strength, emotional depth, and a tender vulnerability hidden beneath layers of cynicism. His slow-burning romance with Olli James, the Dingoes’ new captain, is beautifully paced—grumpy x sunshine done right—with simmering tension and genuine emotional payoff.
Olli is fighting his own battles, particularly with mental health and the pressure of keeping his NHL dreams alive. His determination to lead a dying team to greatness—and his unexpected connection with Nat—gives the story its emotional punch. Their dynamic is intense but grounded, full of banter, healing, and just the right amount of angst.
The world of Day River is rich and real, complete with a rebellious underground league, the Ice Out, that adds a thrilling edge to the plot. Watching Nat secretly shine on the ice while the town rallies behind him and Olli adds layers of grit and hope. Themes of found family, community, and second chances make this book as heartfelt as it is hot.
Easton delivers humor, hurt/comfort, emo poetry, metal music, and characters who feel like real people trying to figure it all out. Jaded is a bold and satisfying start to the Day River Dingoes series—and if this is just the beginning, we’re in for a hell of a ride.
June 8, 2025
Man, this book was hard to get into. I wanted to love it but sadly I didn't.
The inner monologues and descriptions were too long. For me, the flowery/poetic writing style was hard to get used to and became tiresome after a while, but this is me and it might work for you! Why is this book so long, though? After 30% I became invested and needed to find out how they were going to save the hockey team, so the plot was interesting enough, but unfortunately, the lengthy inner monologues ruined the vibe for me🥲 However, I did like the slow burn and Olli's struggles with mental health which felt realistic.
This is a slowburn with lots of hockey, grumpy/sunshine, mental health rep and demi rep. If you like these themes, give it a go🫶
The inner monologues and descriptions were too long. For me, the flowery/poetic writing style was hard to get used to and became tiresome after a while, but this is me and it might work for you! Why is this book so long, though? After 30% I became invested and needed to find out how they were going to save the hockey team, so the plot was interesting enough, but unfortunately, the lengthy inner monologues ruined the vibe for me🥲 However, I did like the slow burn and Olli's struggles with mental health which felt realistic.
This is a slowburn with lots of hockey, grumpy/sunshine, mental health rep and demi rep. If you like these themes, give it a go🫶
June 2, 2025
Hmmm… I definitely struggled with this one.
The prose and inner monologue are quite heavy. There were too many metaphors for me to truly get drawn into the story.
““The guitar slides back into my hands, and who have I ever been to refuse a song? My fingers drift over the strings like coins tugged by a magnet, like waves crashing over a hard rocky shore. Rhythm melody, push and pull, the song escaping through my hands, leaking out from the crevasses of my soul for the world to witness.”
“ How do you do that “
“How do I indeed. I’ve always been good at music, because I give it everything, all of myself, leave nothing behind and hold nothing back—unlike hockey. Music is an unleashing; it’s the one time my soul tastes the world in its truest form, laid bare, unseasoned. It’s the world whittled down to these notes, to this one solitary moment. No half measures, no reserves. Everything. Except this time, with my fingers dancing and the notes woven around my soul, my mind wanders more than it usually does. Wanders back to darkness and ghosted breath, to warm fingers on warm cheeks…. “”
I struggled through many passages like this one, where the authors was trying to make things sounds profound but in reality it just left me with a character that wasn’t believable.
The prose and inner monologue are quite heavy. There were too many metaphors for me to truly get drawn into the story.
““The guitar slides back into my hands, and who have I ever been to refuse a song? My fingers drift over the strings like coins tugged by a magnet, like waves crashing over a hard rocky shore. Rhythm melody, push and pull, the song escaping through my hands, leaking out from the crevasses of my soul for the world to witness.”
“ How do you do that “
“How do I indeed. I’ve always been good at music, because I give it everything, all of myself, leave nothing behind and hold nothing back—unlike hockey. Music is an unleashing; it’s the one time my soul tastes the world in its truest form, laid bare, unseasoned. It’s the world whittled down to these notes, to this one solitary moment. No half measures, no reserves. Everything. Except this time, with my fingers dancing and the notes woven around my soul, my mind wanders more than it usually does. Wanders back to darkness and ghosted breath, to warm fingers on warm cheeks…. “”
I struggled through many passages like this one, where the authors was trying to make things sounds profound but in reality it just left me with a character that wasn’t believable.
May 24, 2025
Wow, the writing in this story!! Absolutely gorgeous, poetical prose. I highlighted so much.
I laughed and smiled so much at Olli’s cactus conversations.
While no two experiences are the same, the depictions and descriptions of depression really resonated with me. I felt seen.
I loved Nat’s relationships with Syd and Avery. He’s such an amazing dad and human.
I really enjoyed how Olli and Nat had a lot of fun together, but MAN were they there for each other when they were needed.
The nicknames! Absolutely precious.
I would love to see an extended epilogue to show where things are even further into the future. Pretty please?!
This was such a great book!
I laughed and smiled so much at Olli’s cactus conversations.
While no two experiences are the same, the depictions and descriptions of depression really resonated with me. I felt seen.
I loved Nat’s relationships with Syd and Avery. He’s such an amazing dad and human.
I really enjoyed how Olli and Nat had a lot of fun together, but MAN were they there for each other when they were needed.
The nicknames! Absolutely precious.
I would love to see an extended epilogue to show where things are even further into the future. Pretty please?!
This was such a great book!
May 30, 2025
Single parent
Newcomer x lifetime local
Grumpy/sunshine
Hockey with a twist
Medium angst
Demi MC
Mental Health rep
Gritty, emotionally driven hockey romance with a slightly offbeat twist. While on the surface this seems to be the classic hockey romance genre we all are familiar with, the deeper you get into the story the more you uncover to reveal and very unique and take on the trope.
Olli is new in town, recruited to the local hockey team in a last ditch attempt to revive the once beloved sport. While he begins to get in his feet under him, he meets Nat, a local who is struggling to figure out his place in the world and spending his free nights playing in the Ice Out, an underground hockey league.
The romance is a slow burn however the two quickly click on and off the ice, becoming friends as Olli tries to salvage the town's dying hockey team and Nat joins him in his efforts. The two worked well together and had a nice, sizzling slow burn that fed the chemistry and made you want to keep reading. Nat turns out to be the sweetest, caring partner and I appreciated how he put a lot of effort into being there for and supporting Olli when Olli needed him.
I really liked the twist on the normal hockey romance. Any time a classic is reimagined in a new and interesting way I think it's worth the read and it was done well in this case.
Newcomer x lifetime local
Grumpy/sunshine
Hockey with a twist
Medium angst
Demi MC
Mental Health rep
Gritty, emotionally driven hockey romance with a slightly offbeat twist. While on the surface this seems to be the classic hockey romance genre we all are familiar with, the deeper you get into the story the more you uncover to reveal and very unique and take on the trope.
Olli is new in town, recruited to the local hockey team in a last ditch attempt to revive the once beloved sport. While he begins to get in his feet under him, he meets Nat, a local who is struggling to figure out his place in the world and spending his free nights playing in the Ice Out, an underground hockey league.
The romance is a slow burn however the two quickly click on and off the ice, becoming friends as Olli tries to salvage the town's dying hockey team and Nat joins him in his efforts. The two worked well together and had a nice, sizzling slow burn that fed the chemistry and made you want to keep reading. Nat turns out to be the sweetest, caring partner and I appreciated how he put a lot of effort into being there for and supporting Olli when Olli needed him.
I really liked the twist on the normal hockey romance. Any time a classic is reimagined in a new and interesting way I think it's worth the read and it was done well in this case.
May 26, 2025
As my first Lex Easton book, I quite enjoyed reading this. I will say that it was a bit wordy and dense for me. And there were a few phrases that were repeated a few too many times. But those were the only things I wasn’t really a fan of. But it was good beyond that. Nat and Olli were pretty well rounded and they felt relatable. They really pulled some emotion out of me around those last few chapters, and I felt myself tearing up a bit. Nat’s relationship with his daughter was a highlight for me. It was easy to tell how much he loved and cared for her. And Avery stole every scene he was in, making him one of my favorites. Olli broke my heart quite a bit and had me wanting to give him a hug. The team was also amazing, especially Charlie.
The whole concept of the Ice Out was so intriguing, and is what really piqued my interest. Would’ve loved to have seen a bit more of it.
All in all, it was a fun yet emotional read.
I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
The whole concept of the Ice Out was so intriguing, and is what really piqued my interest. Would’ve loved to have seen a bit more of it.
All in all, it was a fun yet emotional read.
I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
May 28, 2025
While this book hit all my favorite tropes, the execution unfortunately fell short. The writing style was rough for me and the pacing was very slow. I almost DNF'd, but I really wanted to see how everything played out. The story did become more engaging once Olli's internal struggles were revealed – perhaps because I appreciate mental health representation in fiction. There were some plot threads that I felt remained unresolved or underdeveloped. The book was pretty long and had a few aspects that could have been left out and some that could have been expanded on to make more of an effect.
The mental health representation was done very well in this book and really stood out to me the most.
Overall, the book was okay. The story idea was great and the foundation to have a truly great book is there.
Final thought:
The fact that Nat’s tattooed fingers were mentioned at least 10 times, but the cover doesn’t have tattoos past his wrist drives me insane.
The mental health representation was done very well in this book and really stood out to me the most.
Overall, the book was okay. The story idea was great and the foundation to have a truly great book is there.
Final thought:
The fact that Nat’s tattooed fingers were mentioned at least 10 times, but the cover doesn’t have tattoos past his wrist drives me insane.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2026
The idea behind this story is sooo good.
You have Nat, the sweet but rough guy who doesn't believe in himself and believes no one's in his corner. He feels he's only good enough for the underground. That underground being fight club meets hockey. (I did absolutely love this idea!)
Then you have Olli, the guy who always tries to be everything for everyone but can barely be there for himself. His struggles are definitely real and raw. I feel so many can relate. He has been bounced around his whole career until he lands in Dry River.
The guys have an instant connection and definitely instant lust. But neither willing to act on it. Self doubt, fear, life... they instead work together to bring both worlds together to help bring some light back to a dark city
It is most definitely a slow burn. To me most of the book felt like two guys building a friendship while saving something important to everyone. Little angst or tension for a slow burn imo. I still did like the book for what it was and I'm sure others will love it.
You have Nat, the sweet but rough guy who doesn't believe in himself and believes no one's in his corner. He feels he's only good enough for the underground. That underground being fight club meets hockey. (I did absolutely love this idea!)
Then you have Olli, the guy who always tries to be everything for everyone but can barely be there for himself. His struggles are definitely real and raw. I feel so many can relate. He has been bounced around his whole career until he lands in Dry River.
The guys have an instant connection and definitely instant lust. But neither willing to act on it. Self doubt, fear, life... they instead work together to bring both worlds together to help bring some light back to a dark city
It is most definitely a slow burn. To me most of the book felt like two guys building a friendship while saving something important to everyone. Little angst or tension for a slow burn imo. I still did like the book for what it was and I'm sure others will love it.
May 21, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
As a hockey romance enthusiast this book did not disappoint. Despite this book being a little bit longer, it was worth it. I was hooked from the very beginning and I never wanted this book to end because it was that good.
This book is full of delicious and beautiful prose, the characters well developed and well written. The writing lyrical and full of details that I appreciate as a reader. I appreciate how the author deals with mental health in this book, especially about anxiety and depression. The concept of the Ice Out was very interesting and I was so intrigued about it because it’s so unique and different from other hockey romance books.
I appreciate the grittiness and the slow burn of Olli and Nat. They felt so real and their relationship was so beautiful it made my heart all warm and fuzzy reading their moments together. Their relationship had real weight with vulnerability and rawness.
Overall, I am very pleased with this book and enjoyed it a lot. All of the characters was beautifully written. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read and review.
As a hockey romance enthusiast this book did not disappoint. Despite this book being a little bit longer, it was worth it. I was hooked from the very beginning and I never wanted this book to end because it was that good.
This book is full of delicious and beautiful prose, the characters well developed and well written. The writing lyrical and full of details that I appreciate as a reader. I appreciate how the author deals with mental health in this book, especially about anxiety and depression. The concept of the Ice Out was very interesting and I was so intrigued about it because it’s so unique and different from other hockey romance books.
I appreciate the grittiness and the slow burn of Olli and Nat. They felt so real and their relationship was so beautiful it made my heart all warm and fuzzy reading their moments together. Their relationship had real weight with vulnerability and rawness.
Overall, I am very pleased with this book and enjoyed it a lot. All of the characters was beautifully written. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read and review.
July 18, 2025
There was too much flowery writing that wasn’t that enthralling which made it annoying, the author uses the word darkness like 4484637399 times, and we know that Nat has tattoos Olli, you don’t need to mention it every time you see him.
The book was okay, too much going on felt more like some sort of action plot rather than heavy romance esp w the whole Ice Out thing like it was a huge part of the plot and I don’t think I liked that. The author did promise a lot of hockey more than smut and stuff but you can have ample amount of romance without smut and still have quite a bit of hockey in it but this was just too much hockey and not even regular hockey some illegal hockey chain.
About Jesse and Syd, I hate that nat apologizes to Syd because Syd was being an inconsiderate asshole. He should’ve gotten mad at her and let her known she fucked up instead she was acting all sad and traumatized that her dad wanted to punch someone he didn’t talk to anymore. Hey Syd did you even stop to think about why they don’t talk? Anyway that pissed me off bec ofc as a parent you love your kid and they can do no wrong in ur eyes but a real parent would know that kids do a lot of wrong and you discipline them when such happens.
The book was okay, too much going on felt more like some sort of action plot rather than heavy romance esp w the whole Ice Out thing like it was a huge part of the plot and I don’t think I liked that. The author did promise a lot of hockey more than smut and stuff but you can have ample amount of romance without smut and still have quite a bit of hockey in it but this was just too much hockey and not even regular hockey some illegal hockey chain.
About Jesse and Syd, I hate that nat apologizes to Syd because Syd was being an inconsiderate asshole. He should’ve gotten mad at her and let her known she fucked up instead she was acting all sad and traumatized that her dad wanted to punch someone he didn’t talk to anymore. Hey Syd did you even stop to think about why they don’t talk? Anyway that pissed me off bec ofc as a parent you love your kid and they can do no wrong in ur eyes but a real parent would know that kids do a lot of wrong and you discipline them when such happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2025
4 Stars 🌟
3.5 Spice 🌶️
Tropes and points:
- 1st person Dual POV
- Medium angst
- Friends to lovers
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Hurt/Comfort
- Single Dad
-Slow burn
This was a different take on hockey romances than ones I've read before, and it was a super interesting switch!! This is emotional, and gritty with a lot of mental health rep, written in a very gripping way.
It's super rewarding to read a character with a somewhat wearisome view of life and the future, find someone that brightens their life.
I think in that way the grumpy x sunshine dynamic hit so well, because Olli genuinely feels like he lightens up Nat🥹✨
Also, the underground hockey league is such a unique and fun concept, that I think was written super well, that it often felt real to me.
Definitely recommend if you want a beautiful read, with some fun banter, serious talks, and a whole lot of hockey!🫶🏼
3.5 Spice 🌶️
Tropes and points:
- 1st person Dual POV
- Medium angst
- Friends to lovers
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Hurt/Comfort
- Single Dad
-Slow burn
This was a different take on hockey romances than ones I've read before, and it was a super interesting switch!! This is emotional, and gritty with a lot of mental health rep, written in a very gripping way.
It's super rewarding to read a character with a somewhat wearisome view of life and the future, find someone that brightens their life.
I think in that way the grumpy x sunshine dynamic hit so well, because Olli genuinely feels like he lightens up Nat🥹✨
Also, the underground hockey league is such a unique and fun concept, that I think was written super well, that it often felt real to me.
Definitely recommend if you want a beautiful read, with some fun banter, serious talks, and a whole lot of hockey!🫶🏼
June 6, 2025
At first I was really charmed by Nat and Olli's friendship developing; I like a good grumpy x sunshiney boi vibe, especially when the sunshine one is secretly depressed too. Love watching two boys help each other get better.
Until this book decided to drag a bit in the middle. I was just getting really fed up with the boys' crap and just wanted them to stop getting in their own ways.
The league lore is pretty ridiculous but the author mentions this at the start of the book in their little blurb so its easy to look past. Just suspend that disbelief a bit.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and watching Nat and Olli grow together and for Olli to find a place he felt like he belonged in Day River (especially with Syd and Avery guh so cute) and I will definitely be interested to see if/when this series continues.
3.5 (but like 3.75 really?) rounded up to 4.
Until this book decided to drag a bit in the middle. I was just getting really fed up with the boys' crap and just wanted them to stop getting in their own ways.
The league lore is pretty ridiculous but the author mentions this at the start of the book in their little blurb so its easy to look past. Just suspend that disbelief a bit.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and watching Nat and Olli grow together and for Olli to find a place he felt like he belonged in Day River (especially with Syd and Avery guh so cute) and I will definitely be interested to see if/when this series continues.
3.5 (but like 3.75 really?) rounded up to 4.
May 21, 2025
4,25⭐️ ARC Review
“𝒩𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓅 𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒, 𝒪𝓁𝓁𝒾 𝒥𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓈.”
Well… that was lovely.
This story dives into heavy, deeply human themes, but somehow, I finished the final page feeling full. Full of ache, yes, but also full of hope.
At its core, this is a story about two men trying to survive the weight of their own minds, watching their lives slip between their fingers. It’s a quiet, powerful exploration of mental illness, identity, and sexuality, handled with so much care and honesty, it felt deeply personal.
There were so many walls, so much unspoken pain—and none of it could be faced alone. But then they find each other.
And everything shifts.
Nat, steady and grounding, gives Olli the kind of love that doesn’t ask for change, only presence. And Olli, in return, offers Nat something just as vital: truth, softness, permission to feel. Their romance is tender and electric, but more than that, it’s rooted in mutual recognition. They see each other, fully.
This wasn’t just a love story.
It was about staying. Feeling. And finally letting truth rise above the silence.
“𝐹𝑜𝓇 𝑜𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒, 𝐼’𝓂 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒. 𝑀𝑒. 𝒪𝓁𝓁𝒾. 𝒪𝓁𝓁𝒾 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒩𝒶𝓉. 𝒜𝓈𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑀𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒.”
“𝒩𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓅 𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒, 𝒪𝓁𝓁𝒾 𝒥𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓈.”
Well… that was lovely.
This story dives into heavy, deeply human themes, but somehow, I finished the final page feeling full. Full of ache, yes, but also full of hope.
At its core, this is a story about two men trying to survive the weight of their own minds, watching their lives slip between their fingers. It’s a quiet, powerful exploration of mental illness, identity, and sexuality, handled with so much care and honesty, it felt deeply personal.
There were so many walls, so much unspoken pain—and none of it could be faced alone. But then they find each other.
And everything shifts.
Nat, steady and grounding, gives Olli the kind of love that doesn’t ask for change, only presence. And Olli, in return, offers Nat something just as vital: truth, softness, permission to feel. Their romance is tender and electric, but more than that, it’s rooted in mutual recognition. They see each other, fully.
This wasn’t just a love story.
It was about staying. Feeling. And finally letting truth rise above the silence.
“𝐹𝑜𝓇 𝑜𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒, 𝐼’𝓂 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒. 𝑀𝑒. 𝒪𝓁𝓁𝒾. 𝒪𝓁𝓁𝒾 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒩𝒶𝓉. 𝒜𝓈𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑀𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒.”
Read
June 9, 2025**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
Unfortunately I had to dnf this book at the 30% mark. Good writing, beautiful cover and I loved the set up. However there was just something that didn’t click for me. The romance was suuuuper slow (which normally I don’t have problem with) and it was really dragging and couldn’t capture my attention 😭 I would actually like to give this a chance again as soon as it’s out… I can see people loving this writing style but for me it was just so slowly progressing.
Unfortunately I had to dnf this book at the 30% mark. Good writing, beautiful cover and I loved the set up. However there was just something that didn’t click for me. The romance was suuuuper slow (which normally I don’t have problem with) and it was really dragging and couldn’t capture my attention 😭 I would actually like to give this a chance again as soon as it’s out… I can see people loving this writing style but for me it was just so slowly progressing.
May 21, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I just couldn’t connect with the characters. I did like the writing style, however, the pacing of the book felt very slow to me. This one was not for me, though I’m sure others will enjoy it as it has an interesting premise.
This book features depression, anxiety, violence, past teen pregnancy, and past domestic abuse (off-page).
Plot: 📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
This book features depression, anxiety, violence, past teen pregnancy, and past domestic abuse (off-page).
Plot: 📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
June 2, 2025
Once again I found a new author and loved this book! Olli and Nat are so cute together and I loved their storyline. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
August 9, 2025
Content warnings: mental health, panic attacks, blood, violence, hospitalisation, drug use, death of a parent (in the past)
3.5 stars
Look, I mostly picked this up because it's all too rare to find hockey romance books with a BIPOC hockey player as one of the main characters. Also because I've been saying for MONTHS that there needs to be a romance between a hockey player and a Zamboni driver. And while I adored the romance and the way both of them find a place in the world and together, the whole underground-hockey-fight-club storyline was just...........baffling. Don't get me wrong, it was kind of compelling. But it was also baffling. So. Yeah.
3.5 stars
Look, I mostly picked this up because it's all too rare to find hockey romance books with a BIPOC hockey player as one of the main characters. Also because I've been saying for MONTHS that there needs to be a romance between a hockey player and a Zamboni driver. And while I adored the romance and the way both of them find a place in the world and together, the whole underground-hockey-fight-club storyline was just...........baffling. Don't get me wrong, it was kind of compelling. But it was also baffling. So. Yeah.
May 28, 2025
I found it a little slow in the beginning although I understand why it was that way. But the amount of growth Nat does on his journey was beautiful to read. Olli needs to be kept safe at all cost. I absolutely adore him. And I absolutely love them together. I love Sid too she's such a bad a** teen!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews