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Ivy League Players #3
Unrecognizable Player
A sweet and spicy MM college hockey romance where a jock falls in love with a music nerd.
"Hey horror boy, what’s up?"
When Stefanos breaks up with his boyfriend, he finds himself desperately in need of a place to live. His best option? The moody hockey captain's spare room. The only problem? The hockey captain doesn't seem to like him very much.
Maybe if Alexei knew Stefanos was 'horror boy' - the guy he's been pining for anonymously online for the past year - he might change his mind.
Expect - college hockey, MM sweet and spicy romance, hurt/comfort, nerd/jock, You've Got Mail, a dash of angst.
"Hey horror boy, what’s up?"
When Stefanos breaks up with his boyfriend, he finds himself desperately in need of a place to live. His best option? The moody hockey captain's spare room. The only problem? The hockey captain doesn't seem to like him very much.
Maybe if Alexei knew Stefanos was 'horror boy' - the guy he's been pining for anonymously online for the past year - he might change his mind.
Expect - college hockey, MM sweet and spicy romance, hurt/comfort, nerd/jock, You've Got Mail, a dash of angst.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2025
193 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Emmery Fox
5 books67 followersWhen I'm not trying to invent the perfect book boyfriend, I'm studying towards a graduate degree in Modern History, trying to little avail to get better at drawing and watching You've Got Mail for the millionth time!
I write spicy MM romance with special emphasis on sports, small towns and childhood sweethearts.
I love romance books with spicy scenes that don't feel detached from the couple's relationship dynamics, and when our protagonists respect and root for each other.
I write spicy MM romance with special emphasis on sports, small towns and childhood sweethearts.
I love romance books with spicy scenes that don't feel detached from the couple's relationship dynamics, and when our protagonists respect and root for each other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
early-dnf
October 1, 2025Started it, realized that MC1 *does* go out and get a (shitty) boyfriend after his anonymous DM-ing f-buddy (prologue), MC2, whom he's been hoping to meet but MC2 is too nervous, says don't let me stop you from finding a guy IRL, and I decided this is definitely not for me. Nope. Ewww. Squicky. They've been having DM sex too. So, already emotionally and physically invested, but MC1 still went out and found a (crap) bf. And that's where chapter 1 starts. (I wonder if the DM sexting stopped???) Not for me. Great cover art though, love it!
June 25, 2025
I like this book series so much. For some reason each book just gives me all the right feels.it's clear that the author is really growing and i just loved this one too. I’m a sucker for a story where there's an online relationship before the “real” relationship. I also love great texting/messaging sequences. This book has both!
The redemption they finally found when they did “meet” again in real life knowing who they really were was so rewarding. The cultural issues pushed upon them from their family was tough and although not everyone had a full redemption arc, I think that actually played well. Sadly, not everyone is going to come around right away.
Overall this is just a really sweet story between two MCs who help each other heal and become themselves, while falling in love. If you've enjoyed the previous books, this is a must read as it just continues with the similar vibe. I look forward to reading more from Emmery Fox.
The redemption they finally found when they did “meet” again in real life knowing who they really were was so rewarding. The cultural issues pushed upon them from their family was tough and although not everyone had a full redemption arc, I think that actually played well. Sadly, not everyone is going to come around right away.
Overall this is just a really sweet story between two MCs who help each other heal and become themselves, while falling in love. If you've enjoyed the previous books, this is a must read as it just continues with the similar vibe. I look forward to reading more from Emmery Fox.
June 27, 2025
i still don’t know ok
July 7, 2025
3.5*. I liked it but it felt a bit predicable how they end up being roommates. I think it would have worked better (for me), if they had met through friends.
November 3, 2025
One of my all time favorite microtropes is anonymous online but not IRL, so I ate this up! Not to mention the lowkey demi rep🤭
This was a fun, easy, low angst romance between Alexei and Stefanos, strangers turned roommates who have actually been chatting for over a year on an online book forum. Alexei (gay but not out) plays for the college hockey team and is looking forward to finishing his last year playing hockey at the top (with mounds of pressure from a dad who thinks he can still make it in the NHL despite his shoulder injury years ago). Stef (gay and only out to friends) recently broke up with his boyfriend after being cheated on and is looking forward to picking up the pieces and starting over (with his self esteem in the toilet from the douchebag) while somehow making it through his orchestral performances without passing out. Both are struggling with what their futures look like and turn to their online friend who they can be vulnerable with.
Things get a little messy when Alexei and Stef start getting closer in real life and eventually hook up. Stef realizes first but can’t find the best way to be honest. And this is why I love this trope!
Shoutout to the cultural details included for both Alexei and Stef, it was great to see a well rounded diverse character.
This was a fun, easy, low angst romance between Alexei and Stefanos, strangers turned roommates who have actually been chatting for over a year on an online book forum. Alexei (gay but not out) plays for the college hockey team and is looking forward to finishing his last year playing hockey at the top (with mounds of pressure from a dad who thinks he can still make it in the NHL despite his shoulder injury years ago). Stef (gay and only out to friends) recently broke up with his boyfriend after being cheated on and is looking forward to picking up the pieces and starting over (with his self esteem in the toilet from the douchebag) while somehow making it through his orchestral performances without passing out. Both are struggling with what their futures look like and turn to their online friend who they can be vulnerable with.
Things get a little messy when Alexei and Stef start getting closer in real life and eventually hook up. Stef realizes first but can’t find the best way to be honest. And this is why I love this trope!
Shoutout to the cultural details included for both Alexei and Stef, it was great to see a well rounded diverse character.
June 23, 2025
4.25⭐️
so sweet! every book in this series has been sweet while also dealing with complex issues and this was no exception. i loved the anonymous online relationship aspect and just the clear connection that the two had with each other even without knowing that they actually knew each other already. super cute and fun time ❤️
so sweet! every book in this series has been sweet while also dealing with complex issues and this was no exception. i loved the anonymous online relationship aspect and just the clear connection that the two had with each other even without knowing that they actually knew each other already. super cute and fun time ❤️
September 7, 2025
3 stars
Definitely my favourite of the three, even if it was somewhat frustrating at times.
Definitely my favourite of the three, even if it was somewhat frustrating at times.
July 16, 2025
I adored these characters and honestly could read an entire second book about alexei and stephanos. Such a great read
June 24, 2025
So, this is such a lovely story.
Honestly, I’ve been a bit hard on this series. The first book was a bit boring but the second book picked up my interest. It still lagged at points but, overall, it grew on me.
With this third book, it feels like this author has finally found their rhythm.
This third book revolves around the relationship between hockey player Alexei and musician Stef. Both have struggled with coming out—especially to their families. Both, also, are dealing with a lot of doubts about their career trajectories.
Alexei knows he can’t play hockey professionally with his injuries and is really more interested in pursuing a finance job but he worries that will disappoint his father. Meanwhile, playing in an orchestra setting in front of a large audience triggers Stef to have panic attacks. He much prefers to play in his family’s Greek restaurant. His self-confidence has been a lifelong battle.
When the two become roommates after an odd set of circumstances, the pair grow close. They bond over shared interests and try to support each other—Stef going to hockey games and Alexei listening to Stef play.
Unbeknownst to each other though, the two aren’t actually strangers. They’ve been speaking online in a forum from book fans for a year. After a failed IRL meet-up, discussion has dwindled a bit.
But, has fate brought them together again?
I liked this a lot actually. I found this story to be both heartfelt and sweet.
I thought the dynamic between Stef and Alexei was very wholesome and mutually supportive. It’s always nice to watch characters who have been hurt in the past heal with the right care from someone who loves them.
For a lot of us, I think that’s the ultimate fantasy—for a relationship to be not only good but healing.
Anyway.
If you did not enjoy the start of this series, I hope you’ll give the following books a chance. They get better.
I think any fan of contemporary queer sports romances would enjoy these stories~
Honestly, I’ve been a bit hard on this series. The first book was a bit boring but the second book picked up my interest. It still lagged at points but, overall, it grew on me.
With this third book, it feels like this author has finally found their rhythm.
This third book revolves around the relationship between hockey player Alexei and musician Stef. Both have struggled with coming out—especially to their families. Both, also, are dealing with a lot of doubts about their career trajectories.
Alexei knows he can’t play hockey professionally with his injuries and is really more interested in pursuing a finance job but he worries that will disappoint his father. Meanwhile, playing in an orchestra setting in front of a large audience triggers Stef to have panic attacks. He much prefers to play in his family’s Greek restaurant. His self-confidence has been a lifelong battle.
When the two become roommates after an odd set of circumstances, the pair grow close. They bond over shared interests and try to support each other—Stef going to hockey games and Alexei listening to Stef play.
Unbeknownst to each other though, the two aren’t actually strangers. They’ve been speaking online in a forum from book fans for a year. After a failed IRL meet-up, discussion has dwindled a bit.
But, has fate brought them together again?
I liked this a lot actually. I found this story to be both heartfelt and sweet.
I thought the dynamic between Stef and Alexei was very wholesome and mutually supportive. It’s always nice to watch characters who have been hurt in the past heal with the right care from someone who loves them.
For a lot of us, I think that’s the ultimate fantasy—for a relationship to be not only good but healing.
Anyway.
If you did not enjoy the start of this series, I hope you’ll give the following books a chance. They get better.
I think any fan of contemporary queer sports romances would enjoy these stories~
July 4, 2025
Unrecognizable Player is a sweet and spicy MM college hockey romance that brings together a grumpy hockey captain and a quirky music nerd in the most unexpected of ways.
When Stefanos, freshly heartbroken and homeless, moves in with Alexei, the moody team captain, tension is instant—especially since Alexei doesn’t seem to like him much. But there’s a twist: Stefanos is secretly "horror boy," the anonymous online crush Alexei has been pining for all year.
What follows is a charming, emotional, and sizzling story filled with anonymous yearning, accidental proximity, and heartfelt discovery. With notes of You’ve Got Mail, the book plays beautifully with identity, attraction, and the line between virtual connection and real-life intimacy.
Expect hockey practice, late-night music, lingering looks, emotional vulnerability, and plenty of spice. It’s nerd/jock with heart, angst, and a whole lot of heat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️— fun, heartfelt, and undeniably swoon-worthy.
When Stefanos, freshly heartbroken and homeless, moves in with Alexei, the moody team captain, tension is instant—especially since Alexei doesn’t seem to like him much. But there’s a twist: Stefanos is secretly "horror boy," the anonymous online crush Alexei has been pining for all year.
What follows is a charming, emotional, and sizzling story filled with anonymous yearning, accidental proximity, and heartfelt discovery. With notes of You’ve Got Mail, the book plays beautifully with identity, attraction, and the line between virtual connection and real-life intimacy.
Expect hockey practice, late-night music, lingering looks, emotional vulnerability, and plenty of spice. It’s nerd/jock with heart, angst, and a whole lot of heat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️— fun, heartfelt, and undeniably swoon-worthy.
June 16, 2025
Wow. I’ll start by saying i loved this book. Going into this book i was hopeful because i loved the premise of the book and it did not disappoint.
I felt like both Alexei and Stef were fully thought out, i felt like their relationship dynamic was because of how they supported each other, and i really enjoyed the side characters.
The writing in this book showed so much growth as an author and is my favorite in the series so far.
My only two qualms with the book is that i felt like there were too many mentions of “aftershave” which is a silly for me to complain about, and i felt like there were a few modern pop culture references.
I felt like both Alexei and Stef were fully thought out, i felt like their relationship dynamic was because of how they supported each other, and i really enjoyed the side characters.
The writing in this book showed so much growth as an author and is my favorite in the series so far.
My only two qualms with the book is that i felt like there were too many mentions of “aftershave” which is a silly for me to complain about, and i felt like there were a few modern pop culture references.
July 5, 2025
I think the author might have a sweat kink with how often it’s mentioned. Both characters spend multiple paragraphs detailing sweat. It was a good read, but I really couldn’t get past that bit. This is really a 2.5 rounded up because I liked the first two. For me, I was hoping it would top the last one, as book two felt so much better than book one, but this is for sure my least fav. Good book too much sweat.
July 20, 2025
this one is my absolute favorite from the series
I have enjoyed all of them but this one… loved it! The first chapter really captivated me with their texting. I loved how they are both from ethnic backgrounds and it was only mentioned in passing or to describe their looks, we get some culture also. Love them both as individuals and love them even more together. Best part is you actually get a good epilogue that’s not only a few weeks or months out.
I have enjoyed all of them but this one… loved it! The first chapter really captivated me with their texting. I loved how they are both from ethnic backgrounds and it was only mentioned in passing or to describe their looks, we get some culture also. Love them both as individuals and love them even more together. Best part is you actually get a good epilogue that’s not only a few weeks or months out.
December 8, 2025
I have a fair amount of issues with this book.
1) This needs to go through some serious editing. Random things are dropped in with no set up, example one of the MC’s parents is taking donations for a charity that the other MC works with. There was no set up to this fact it just appears. Also this fact isn’t relevant to the story at all after it’s mentioned.
2) This needed to be beta read by an American. If you’re going to have your main characters be American they have to talk like Americans. Americans don’t say “good shout” it would be “sounds good” or “good idea.” There were several British phrases in here that just don’t work for American characters. Also saying Ivy League in New Jersey. We don’t do that, it would just be Princeton. All of the Ivy’s are referred to by their names never where they’re at.
3) This either needed to drop the You’ve Got Mail plot or it needed to lean more heavily into it. For most of the book there isn’t any online communication between the MC’s which felt like a huge missed opportunity. They’re just insta-lust and that’s basically it. If their relationship could’ve been more fleshed out in the digital world it would’ve greatly helped once we were in the real one.
4) Timeline really needed more fleshing out. It’s unclear how long they actually live together before everything goes down but it doesn’t seem to be very long at all and then we’re in love. They have over half a year of school to go at least it would’ve greatly helped to have stretched everything out more.
5) Alice. In the beginning I liked Alice but once she got pushy with Stef about pursuing his roommate she stopped being a good friend. As far as she and Stef were aware he was straight so the continuing of trying to shove Stef with his straight roommate was horrible. Even if she had known from the get go that he was gay he clearly wasn’t out yet so way to set your friend up for heartbreak.
1) This needs to go through some serious editing. Random things are dropped in with no set up, example one of the MC’s parents is taking donations for a charity that the other MC works with. There was no set up to this fact it just appears. Also this fact isn’t relevant to the story at all after it’s mentioned.
2) This needed to be beta read by an American. If you’re going to have your main characters be American they have to talk like Americans. Americans don’t say “good shout” it would be “sounds good” or “good idea.” There were several British phrases in here that just don’t work for American characters. Also saying Ivy League in New Jersey. We don’t do that, it would just be Princeton. All of the Ivy’s are referred to by their names never where they’re at.
3) This either needed to drop the You’ve Got Mail plot or it needed to lean more heavily into it. For most of the book there isn’t any online communication between the MC’s which felt like a huge missed opportunity. They’re just insta-lust and that’s basically it. If their relationship could’ve been more fleshed out in the digital world it would’ve greatly helped once we were in the real one.
4) Timeline really needed more fleshing out. It’s unclear how long they actually live together before everything goes down but it doesn’t seem to be very long at all and then we’re in love. They have over half a year of school to go at least it would’ve greatly helped to have stretched everything out more.
5) Alice. In the beginning I liked Alice but once she got pushy with Stef about pursuing his roommate she stopped being a good friend. As far as she and Stef were aware he was straight so the continuing of trying to shove Stef with his straight roommate was horrible. Even if she had known from the get go that he was gay he clearly wasn’t out yet so way to set your friend up for heartbreak.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 2, 2025Found out that the asshole boyfriend of pathetic main character™️ treated waiters like shit and the main character STAYED???? And had the audacity to be sad over him.
“But 🥺 he’s just going through a rough patch… he may have anger issues and calls my passions stupid (called his violin “whiny/screeching can’t remember”) but he cares for me 🥺”
And then the assholy boyfriend of pathetic main character™️ cheats. Because DUH. And the main character is surprised ??? Even sad ???
Pls. Why. Whyyyyy. why is this character so astronomically stupid. I can’t.
As *SOON.* as I learned the guy treated waiters like shit I DNFd, and our main character just… ignored it. Stayed. Continued loving him. Continued treating him like a man child.
Why is our main character a fucking child. We’re in university!!!!!!!
This got me heateddddd. Literally why. Why are we even afflicting ourselves with people who treat other people like dirt. Main character is so “woe is me” but does nothing. It’s sigh. Dare I say it. Selfish. Literally get ur head out of ur asss oh my godddd. Some people are just self centred… but about their insecurities instead of their strengths and sometimes… both are just as bad.
“But 🥺 he’s just going through a rough patch… he may have anger issues and calls my passions stupid (called his violin “whiny/screeching can’t remember”) but he cares for me 🥺”
And then the assholy boyfriend of pathetic main character™️ cheats. Because DUH. And the main character is surprised ??? Even sad ???
Pls. Why. Whyyyyy. why is this character so astronomically stupid. I can’t.
As *SOON.* as I learned the guy treated waiters like shit I DNFd, and our main character just… ignored it. Stayed. Continued loving him. Continued treating him like a man child.
Why is our main character a fucking child. We’re in university!!!!!!!
This got me heateddddd. Literally why. Why are we even afflicting ourselves with people who treat other people like dirt. Main character is so “woe is me” but does nothing. It’s sigh. Dare I say it. Selfish. Literally get ur head out of ur asss oh my godddd. Some people are just self centred… but about their insecurities instead of their strengths and sometimes… both are just as bad.
November 20, 2025
Probably my favorite family dynamics of the three books in this series by this author I’ve read so far. Liked Alexei and Stefano with their friends Alice and Misha, the specificities of their backgrounds and interests and inner lives. The romance I think I liked the concept more than the full execution, fave couple might be Sebastian/Austin book 2, but this was still a warm hug they’re really lovely. Even the conflict of Alexei reflexively being angry with Stefano when first finding out Stefano discovered he was the online book friend they’d talked to romantically before wasn’t there for long and it wasn’t a stupid cliche. The epilogue of them being settled in Nashville working for the Preds and as a server violin performer in a restaurant also felt very realistic true to life and homey- not everything in romance ends with like Stefano being a star prodigy in classical music world while Alexei is the top draft in NHL kind of world, and this happy ever after was sweet for them. Even the realism of Alexei’s dad from conservative Siberia immigrant still being resistant to him being gay and with Stefano and not coming around fully was real and appreciated.
August 19, 2025
A hopeful and engaging read.
I liked the premise of this book, the online component and how that fit into their real life interactions. I will say at times it felt frustratingly obvious who they were to each other and it was mad that they couldn't see it but generally it was enjoyable.
Alexei and Stef could not seem more different on the surface but beneath that they felt rather similar. Both struggled to accept that they were deserving of good things and thankfully that changed slowly throughout the book. They were lovely characters and felt very likeable throughout. The same goes for the secondary characters, they felt like they brought something to the story.
The internalised homophobia and potentional for a lack of acceptance from parental figures added a bit of depth to the story but didn't feel like it made the story feel overly negative. The focus felt like it was more on the hope and their own acceptance of their blossoming relationship.
A sweet book with an ending that is slightly unusual for a hockey romance.
I liked the premise of this book, the online component and how that fit into their real life interactions. I will say at times it felt frustratingly obvious who they were to each other and it was mad that they couldn't see it but generally it was enjoyable.
Alexei and Stef could not seem more different on the surface but beneath that they felt rather similar. Both struggled to accept that they were deserving of good things and thankfully that changed slowly throughout the book. They were lovely characters and felt very likeable throughout. The same goes for the secondary characters, they felt like they brought something to the story.
The internalised homophobia and potentional for a lack of acceptance from parental figures added a bit of depth to the story but didn't feel like it made the story feel overly negative. The focus felt like it was more on the hope and their own acceptance of their blossoming relationship.
A sweet book with an ending that is slightly unusual for a hockey romance.
August 13, 2025
4.5⭐️
This series just keeps getting better! The characters were so perfect and sweet and scared in their own ways. Their connection online and in person is undeniable and so addictive. I loved the unique perspectives we got with Stef’s Greek heritage, Alexei’s Russian heritage, Alice’s Korean heritage and Mischa’s Ukrainian heritage - it all was so beautiful and added a lot to the story. Definitely made me hungry lol. Stef’s family was just so incredibly supportive and proud of him and then when Alexei comes along, they do the same for him. Just beautiful and very sweet stuff. The sexy times were also quite hot - they had great chemistry between the sheetsss. The whole You’ve Got Mail of it all was a nice touch! I was definitely feeling a little anxious for when the shit hit the fan but they were able to get through it without much grief. I look forward to more from this author and hopefully from this series!
This series just keeps getting better! The characters were so perfect and sweet and scared in their own ways. Their connection online and in person is undeniable and so addictive. I loved the unique perspectives we got with Stef’s Greek heritage, Alexei’s Russian heritage, Alice’s Korean heritage and Mischa’s Ukrainian heritage - it all was so beautiful and added a lot to the story. Definitely made me hungry lol. Stef’s family was just so incredibly supportive and proud of him and then when Alexei comes along, they do the same for him. Just beautiful and very sweet stuff. The sexy times were also quite hot - they had great chemistry between the sheetsss. The whole You’ve Got Mail of it all was a nice touch! I was definitely feeling a little anxious for when the shit hit the fan but they were able to get through it without much grief. I look forward to more from this author and hopefully from this series!
October 3, 2025
I love a good Nerd/Jock trope. Stef and Alexei become anonymous friends thru an app and later without realizing it, roommates. Alexei, the schools hockey captain is closeted and Stef, a violin music major is out to all but his family. Feeling develop and when one of the boys realize the other is the guy from the app he is scared to tell the other the truth for fear of how it will disrupt their current balance.
I love the encouragement and sensitivity the boys have for each others feelings and situations. They both feel pressure to help their families but at the same time they have their own desires to live their true selves.
This is a low angst, sweet and spicy, college hockey, MM romance with a HEA.
Tropes:
Nerd/Jock
Found Family
Roommates to lovers
Hurt/comfort
I love the encouragement and sensitivity the boys have for each others feelings and situations. They both feel pressure to help their families but at the same time they have their own desires to live their true selves.
This is a low angst, sweet and spicy, college hockey, MM romance with a HEA.
Tropes:
Nerd/Jock
Found Family
Roommates to lovers
Hurt/comfort
June 29, 2025
4++ This series just works so well for my MM college hockey romance-loving heart! This particular entry brought in some fave tropes, including the "loved you before I met you", the texting/online messaging, and forced proximity. Love! Stef and Alexei are so cute in their online messages and also in person. I was very interested in how cultural issues impacted their romance and their lives. Not everything gets perfectly resolved, but neither does it in real life. I will admit that there were some pacing issues for me, but overall I very much enjoyed this couple and their story. I look forward to more books in this series!!
July 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars
🌶🌶 - few descriptive scenes
⦁ meeting online
⦁ college hockey player / musician
⦁ roommates
⦁ Greek and Russian MC
⦁ coming out
⦁ forced proximity
I love anonymous online relationships turned real romances. My favorite niche trope.
Stef and Alexei's relationship was very sweet and wholesome. Stef struggles with panic attacks, and Alexei is facing the fact that he can't play professional hockey due to injury. They are very supportive of each other. I liked how the online relationship was uncovered. Both Stef and Alexei had amazing best friends who helped them work through the issue. Their romance was sweet as well.
My favorite part of the series was how cultural issues impacted Alexei and Stef's romance. Alexei is Russian, and Stephanos is Greek. Both worry about how their family will take their coming out. They also struggle with their future careers and if their parents will understand.
⦁ Untouchable Player - 3
⦁ Unlovable Player - 3.5
⦁ Unrecognizable Player - 4.5
🌶🌶 - few descriptive scenes
⦁ meeting online
⦁ college hockey player / musician
⦁ roommates
⦁ Greek and Russian MC
⦁ coming out
⦁ forced proximity
I love anonymous online relationships turned real romances. My favorite niche trope.
Stef and Alexei's relationship was very sweet and wholesome. Stef struggles with panic attacks, and Alexei is facing the fact that he can't play professional hockey due to injury. They are very supportive of each other. I liked how the online relationship was uncovered. Both Stef and Alexei had amazing best friends who helped them work through the issue. Their romance was sweet as well.
My favorite part of the series was how cultural issues impacted Alexei and Stef's romance. Alexei is Russian, and Stephanos is Greek. Both worry about how their family will take their coming out. They also struggle with their future careers and if their parents will understand.
⦁ Untouchable Player - 3
⦁ Unlovable Player - 3.5
⦁ Unrecognizable Player - 4.5
September 15, 2025
THAT WAS SO CUUUTEEE!!
I absolutely loved it! It was a cozy, low angst story. Both mcs were total sweethearts with similar backgrounds. Both are total family men that had to overcome personal challenges. That they knew each other online was perfect.
I loved the fact that they both had diverse backgrounds. I could totally imagine how their family lives looked and totally felt their different cultures.
The way they were both pining for each other, especially Alexei was *chefs kiss.
This book had a great pace, I could read it quickly without getting bored or distracted. There were also a lot of dialogues and not that many internal monologues, which I love! Great book all around.
I absolutely loved it! It was a cozy, low angst story. Both mcs were total sweethearts with similar backgrounds. Both are total family men that had to overcome personal challenges. That they knew each other online was perfect.
I loved the fact that they both had diverse backgrounds. I could totally imagine how their family lives looked and totally felt their different cultures.
The way they were both pining for each other, especially Alexei was *chefs kiss.
This book had a great pace, I could read it quickly without getting bored or distracted. There were also a lot of dialogues and not that many internal monologues, which I love! Great book all around.
August 16, 2025
I really liked the premise of this book and loved all the references to You've Got Mail. It is such an iconic rom-com to draw inspiration from, and it's done in a fun way. The characters are relatable, and they are given good development throughout the story. We get to watch them grow together, learn, and really bring out the best in each other. My only complaint on this was some unclear passage of time where the story seemingly jumped suddenly, and I was a bit confused because there was no clear indication that it happened or how much time had passed (be it hours or days).
November 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely loved this book! Such a good read. I’m obsessed with Stef and Alexei—their dynamic is everything. I loved the idea of them being pen pals before becoming roommates, and the fact that they didn’t know who each other were made it even better. Alexei was instantly attracted to Stef, and the chemistry between them felt like fate. I also loved that the angst was low; I was bracing for a third-act breakup, but thank God it didn’t happen. Overall, a really sweet, quick read that left me smiling.
Absolutely loved this book! Such a good read. I’m obsessed with Stef and Alexei—their dynamic is everything. I loved the idea of them being pen pals before becoming roommates, and the fact that they didn’t know who each other were made it even better. Alexei was instantly attracted to Stef, and the chemistry between them felt like fate. I also loved that the angst was low; I was bracing for a third-act breakup, but thank God it didn’t happen. Overall, a really sweet, quick read that left me smiling.
September 25, 2025
Going to be honest, I rate books on how much I enjoy them and I adored this book. It was not only a nice easy read, but I wasn’t bored at all which I sometimes get with the more fluffy stories.
Yes it doesn’t have a dramatic plot, there are no big twists and a very predictable HEA, but sometimes that’s what you need.
I read it all in one sitting with a big smile on my face, and feel like I’ve been hugged by a cozy blanket the entire time.
No notes, no criticism, 5 stars
Yes it doesn’t have a dramatic plot, there are no big twists and a very predictable HEA, but sometimes that’s what you need.
I read it all in one sitting with a big smile on my face, and feel like I’ve been hugged by a cozy blanket the entire time.
No notes, no criticism, 5 stars
November 28, 2025
3.5⭐️
There was nothing particularly bad about this book but also nothing great there was just something missing about it that made me not fully connect to it
The story was good and the characters good but they were nothing more I wasn’t overly invested in them
I did really like how each characters culture was written in the book I think the way it was weaved into the characters without being their entire personality was very well done
There was nothing particularly bad about this book but also nothing great there was just something missing about it that made me not fully connect to it
The story was good and the characters good but they were nothing more I wasn’t overly invested in them
I did really like how each characters culture was written in the book I think the way it was weaved into the characters without being their entire personality was very well done
November 30, 2025
Unrecognizable Player by Emmy Fox had a solid plot and genuinely good writing, but it just didn’t fully grab me. The premise was interesting and the setup had potential, but the pacing felt a bit slow and some parts of the story came across as a little boring. I still enjoyed the characters and the overall ideait just didn’t keep my attention the way I hoped. A decent read, just not a standout for me.
July 1, 2025
Love, Love, Love
If Emmery Fox writes it, sign me up to read it!! This book, like the rest of the series was amazing! I couldn't put it down and finished it in a weekend. A Queer You Got Mail with a hot hockey player and a Nerdy Musician, yes yes yes! If you haven't read this yet, you should!
If Emmery Fox writes it, sign me up to read it!! This book, like the rest of the series was amazing! I couldn't put it down and finished it in a weekend. A Queer You Got Mail with a hot hockey player and a Nerdy Musician, yes yes yes! If you haven't read this yet, you should!
October 6, 2025
the writing
I’m not one to complain about writing styles, as long as I’m having a good time it doesn’t matter but oof this was genuinely difficult to read. The plot and everything was great but the dialogue between characters was so strange like it didn’t seem like genuine conversation, forced and predictable ig. It was just an overall okay book.
I’m not one to complain about writing styles, as long as I’m having a good time it doesn’t matter but oof this was genuinely difficult to read. The plot and everything was great but the dialogue between characters was so strange like it didn’t seem like genuine conversation, forced and predictable ig. It was just an overall okay book.
December 1, 2025
So... this author has an obvious sweat-kink. Which isn't necessarily bad, just unexpected I think. Anyways, the book was alright but it was on KU and free. A good read and something to pass the time when I was looking for something sweet with spice. Had a few good 'protective behavior' scenes that were great.
Happy Reading!!
Happy Reading!!
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