What do you think?
Rate this book
Love The Game
Top Shelf
No one ever explained to me what to do when the man who took your virginity turns out to be the one in charge of your physical therapy.
NHL veteran Quinn Rhodes was supposed to be a one-time thing: just a hookup who kisses like a dream and screws like a god.
Then, three weeks later, a freak accident threatens to destroy my debut NHL career before it begins. And if almost losing my spot on my team wasn't bad enough, I walk into my PT’s office and find him assigned to my recovery.
I can handle this, damn it. I can keep it professional.
And for a short while, it seems like Quinn’s willing to do the same. But it doesn’t take long for the two of us to shut our mouths and let our bodies do the talking.
If this was just physical, two guys scratching an itch, I could handle it. But deep down, I know there's more to it.
These stolen moments between us mean something. After all, Quinn doesn’t smile for just anyone, and the way he holds me when our hookups are over tells me that this thing between us doesn't have to end the moment my knee is healed.
The only question is, will either one of us be brave enough to take a shot on that goal?
Top Shelf is a stand alone, MM high heat, grumpy/sunshine rom-com set in the Love The Game universe featuring books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, EM Denning, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, E.M. Lindsey, and Cora Rose.
It contains a freshly signed NHL prospect with autism, a crochet habit, and no idea what direction he wants his future to go in, a retired NHL player who just wants a calm, quiet existence, several moments of being at the right place at the right time—even when it feels wrong—dates that they don’t know are dates, amigurumi as a love language, and a swoony, steamy happily ever after.
NHL veteran Quinn Rhodes was supposed to be a one-time thing: just a hookup who kisses like a dream and screws like a god.
Then, three weeks later, a freak accident threatens to destroy my debut NHL career before it begins. And if almost losing my spot on my team wasn't bad enough, I walk into my PT’s office and find him assigned to my recovery.
I can handle this, damn it. I can keep it professional.
And for a short while, it seems like Quinn’s willing to do the same. But it doesn’t take long for the two of us to shut our mouths and let our bodies do the talking.
If this was just physical, two guys scratching an itch, I could handle it. But deep down, I know there's more to it.
These stolen moments between us mean something. After all, Quinn doesn’t smile for just anyone, and the way he holds me when our hookups are over tells me that this thing between us doesn't have to end the moment my knee is healed.
The only question is, will either one of us be brave enough to take a shot on that goal?
Top Shelf is a stand alone, MM high heat, grumpy/sunshine rom-com set in the Love The Game universe featuring books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, EM Denning, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, E.M. Lindsey, and Cora Rose.
It contains a freshly signed NHL prospect with autism, a crochet habit, and no idea what direction he wants his future to go in, a retired NHL player who just wants a calm, quiet existence, several moments of being at the right place at the right time—even when it feels wrong—dates that they don’t know are dates, amigurumi as a love language, and a swoony, steamy happily ever after.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2025
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
238 books1,666 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
August 30, 2026
Honestly, one of my top 10 favourite read of the entire year so far. I just adored everything about this book, so so much.
The way these two were insta obsessed with each other from day 1 and just wanted to spend all of their time together even if a relationship would complicate their already very busy lives (and be frowned upon since Ferris was Quinn’s PT client). They liked each other so much to say fuck it to all the noise and it was a thing of beauty to witness. I love how they tried so hard to keep it professional and not cross a line but they couldn't help themselves at all not matter how much they tried. I just loved how much they wanted to be together and fought for it to happen.
I just adored their love so so much. I loved the massive trust these two had for each other. I love how they always wanted to make the other feel safe and cerished no matter the situation. I adored their interactions and how their chemistry shown through every moments they shared. I thought that they were a perfect fit for each other and I had the best time reading all about it.
This is a fairly lower angst book but I got so invested in Ferris and Quinn as characters that I was crying every time the smallest thing happened (good or bad), which just shows how much I adored this book.
The way these two were insta obsessed with each other from day 1 and just wanted to spend all of their time together even if a relationship would complicate their already very busy lives (and be frowned upon since Ferris was Quinn’s PT client). They liked each other so much to say fuck it to all the noise and it was a thing of beauty to witness. I love how they tried so hard to keep it professional and not cross a line but they couldn't help themselves at all not matter how much they tried. I just loved how much they wanted to be together and fought for it to happen.
I just adored their love so so much. I loved the massive trust these two had for each other. I love how they always wanted to make the other feel safe and cerished no matter the situation. I adored their interactions and how their chemistry shown through every moments they shared. I thought that they were a perfect fit for each other and I had the best time reading all about it.
This is a fairly lower angst book but I got so invested in Ferris and Quinn as characters that I was crying every time the smallest thing happened (good or bad), which just shows how much I adored this book.
October 20, 2025
4.0 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️
- virgin hockey player x grumpy ex hockey player turned physical therapist
- age gap
- cute crotchet animals
- they have a cat named Clawdine, so cutee
i love their dynamic and bravery. story is pretty cute and the smut scenes where so intense. Quinn was so caring for Ferris and they complement each other well. although this plot and trope has been used before already EM Lindsey put her own flair to it that made this story come alive on its own
- virgin hockey player x grumpy ex hockey player turned physical therapist
- age gap
- cute crotchet animals
- they have a cat named Clawdine, so cutee
i love their dynamic and bravery. story is pretty cute and the smut scenes where so intense. Quinn was so caring for Ferris and they complement each other well. although this plot and trope has been used before already EM Lindsey put her own flair to it that made this story come alive on its own
August 18, 2026
I just love EM Lindsey’s sports romances. She killed it again. No notes.
October 12, 2025
5 stars
This was absolutely adorable, another fantastic story by E.M. Lindsey. I appreciated so much the low angst and the fluffiness, even if there were heavy themes involved like Quinn's injury and Ferris' disability. As usual, the author handled them with care and attention.
Ferris is a hockey player, already drafted by the Boston Bruins, but still in his last year of college. Ferris lives in a frat house where, very unexpectedly since he didn't have the best experiences with jocks, he found dear and protective friends (Colton, Cosmo and Eli). Ferris is autistic and all his life he had to fight to find his own place where he could feel safe and be himself; he has loving parents but he struggled even with them because they never fully understood him.
Because of his social awkwardness, Ferris is still a virgin.
During a photoshoot of queer athletes, Ferris meets Quinn, a former hockey player who's been retired for over a decade and who's 20 years his senior, and they seem to hit off. They exchange only a few words but Quinn lets Ferris get close to him despite his grumpiness and a few days later, Quinn reaches out to him after Ferris writes about himself and his struggles in the group chat.
The day they spent in Quinn's hotel room was wonderfully emotional: Ferris asks Quinn to be his first and their connection is so strong and intimate to the point that they're both crushed when Ferris has to go back to the frat house. They agreed on a one night stand, but they've been on each other's mind for days.
Ferris felt understood, cherished, taken care of without being treated like a child for the first time in his life; Quinn seemed to know when he needed time to speak or to decompress and he never pushed nor was condescending.
Quinn felt emotions he never thought he could feel: for a long time his only focus was on hockey and he gave all himself to the game. When hockey was ripped away from him, he went through the motions miserable until he found a new purpose, but the loneliness was still there.
Both of them are insecure and are scared to not be enough, but in reality, they're perfect for each other. I literally adored how Quinn became a safe place for Ferris and how Ferris' innocence gave Quinn hope to find happiness again.
Ferris also gave Quinn his family and his interactions with Manisha and Liam were truly lovely.
I really wanted to know about Quinn's previous wedding, that side of his past left me quite curious.
I liked the side characters very much, they all have their own stories in this series and I hope I'll get the chance to read them soon.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
This was absolutely adorable, another fantastic story by E.M. Lindsey. I appreciated so much the low angst and the fluffiness, even if there were heavy themes involved like Quinn's injury and Ferris' disability. As usual, the author handled them with care and attention.
Ferris is a hockey player, already drafted by the Boston Bruins, but still in his last year of college. Ferris lives in a frat house where, very unexpectedly since he didn't have the best experiences with jocks, he found dear and protective friends (Colton, Cosmo and Eli). Ferris is autistic and all his life he had to fight to find his own place where he could feel safe and be himself; he has loving parents but he struggled even with them because they never fully understood him.
Because of his social awkwardness, Ferris is still a virgin.
During a photoshoot of queer athletes, Ferris meets Quinn, a former hockey player who's been retired for over a decade and who's 20 years his senior, and they seem to hit off. They exchange only a few words but Quinn lets Ferris get close to him despite his grumpiness and a few days later, Quinn reaches out to him after Ferris writes about himself and his struggles in the group chat.
The day they spent in Quinn's hotel room was wonderfully emotional: Ferris asks Quinn to be his first and their connection is so strong and intimate to the point that they're both crushed when Ferris has to go back to the frat house. They agreed on a one night stand, but they've been on each other's mind for days.
Ferris felt understood, cherished, taken care of without being treated like a child for the first time in his life; Quinn seemed to know when he needed time to speak or to decompress and he never pushed nor was condescending.
Quinn felt emotions he never thought he could feel: for a long time his only focus was on hockey and he gave all himself to the game. When hockey was ripped away from him, he went through the motions miserable until he found a new purpose, but the loneliness was still there.
Both of them are insecure and are scared to not be enough, but in reality, they're perfect for each other. I literally adored how Quinn became a safe place for Ferris and how Ferris' innocence gave Quinn hope to find happiness again.
Ferris also gave Quinn his family and his interactions with Manisha and Liam were truly lovely.
I really wanted to know about Quinn's previous wedding, that side of his past left me quite curious.
I liked the side characters very much, they all have their own stories in this series and I hope I'll get the chance to read them soon.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
October 31, 2026
This was such a good read, and I loved so many things about it. Quinn becoming increasingly protective of Ferris was one of my favourite parts, and seeing how warmly Ferris's parents treated Quinn made me so happy. Colton, Cosmo, and Eli's care for Ferris was just as lovely to read about. I will never get tired of stories that show how beautiful friendships can be and how much it means to have people who genuinely care about you. I also loved Quinn and Ferris's first meeting, and Ferris himself was such a wonderfully written, real, and relatable character❤️
Ferris using amigurumi (crocheting) to cope with his anxiety and prevent himself from having a meltdown was such a meaningful detail. I loved how the book showed us that his little creations weren't just an adorable hobby, but something that genuinely brought him comfort when things became overwhelming. And the fact that he gifted all those to his friends made it even more special. There was something so beautiful about seeing how he used something that helped him regulate his emotions to also show love and care for the people around him. I really appreciated this glimpse into Ferris as an autistic character. It made me love and understand him even more.
I loved how often Quinn called him 'sweetheart' and 'sweetness'. Loved, loved, LOVED every single time😍
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Me: So yeah, how do you even handle relationships when you're so busy all the time? I mean, do I wait? Do I date? Does it even matter? Is all of this reasonable? How can I be with someone if I'm never around to spend time with them? If I'm being annoying, please ignore me.
Brayden: Don't put yourself in a box, man. Your rookie year you're supposed to be having fun.
Colton: You're overthinking it. You're never annoying, okay? And I will kick anyone's ass who makes you think that. Got it, chat? Now, go crochet me a dragon.
Cosmo: Breathe, dude. Even if you do date, you don't need to propose to anyone. It's not that deep. Rookie years are for playing hard and having fun. Just like the frat house, right?
Me: I guess that sounds reasonable, yeah.
Then, two minutes later, I had a private message from someone I never thought I'd hear from again.
Quinn: I'm in Boston soon if you want to get together and talk about this sort of thing. I know pretty much all there is to know about maintaining relationships while being an active player.
"Knock knock."
I glanced up, my heart hammering, and found Colton staring at me with a confused frown. "Hi. Hey. What's up?"
He walked in and folded his arms over his chest. “You're crying.”
"What? No, I—" Oh. I guess I was, kind of. I wasn't crying crying. But I was definitely leaking.
He took another step closer. "I'm in the mood to hit someone. Who was it?"
“No,” I told him with a sigh. “I just got overwhelmed for a second."
Colton sighed and sank down next to me, pulling the half quail out of my lap. "What is it?"
"Button quail. With a hat and a Spanish guitar."
He smiled. "Can I have it when you're done?"
"Of course." My heart had finally stopped pounding, and I could breathe again. "I think I'm going out." Shit. Saying it out loud made it very, very real.
His brows flew up. "In the rain? You hate the rain." It was sweet that he knew that.
"He's picking me up."
"He?" Colton leaned closer, grinning.
"Will you stop that,” I begged.
Colton grinned and grabbed my wrist, slapping the condoms into my hand. "Remember to have fun, pick a safe word, and call me if anything goes sideways. I'm not scared of jail, Reddy. My dad has an amazing lawyer."
Ferris let out a small laugh and shook his head. "No. I get the expression. I'm autistic, but I'm not stupid."
"If anyone calls you stupid, let me know. My knee might not work, but my fists do, and it's been a while since I've been able to rearrange a face."
"People see my little crochet hobby and think, oh, how cute. Look at those little birds he makes all the time. And they don't see me rocking frantically back and forth on my bed, trying not to cry as I use crocheting to keep me from having an actual screaming meltdown.” He dared a look at me after he word-vomited all of that, his expression terrified like I was about to throw him out on his ass.
"Is it...is it wrong if I just focus on one thing? On hockey? Until I know I can love someone too?"
I squeezed his hands hard. “No. It's not wrong. But you should know there won't ever be a perfect time. You'll never know if you're until you try. You don't want to end up like me, Ferris."
He frowned. "Gorgeous? Kind? Easy to talk to?”
My throat felt tight. Had anyone ever used those words to describe me? Even once? Even as a lie?
"Colton is probably my best friend. He gets angry when people are mean to me. It's funny because he's mean to everyone else." I stroked a touch along the back of his neck as he relaxed even more.
"His boyfriend, Myles, is sweet. Anxious. He gets it. Gets me. Colton can be a lot, but he's never made me feel weird about myself. Also, he likes my crochet animals."
"Who wouldn't?" I murmured. "They're cute."
Ferris raised his head to look at me. "I'll make you more."
My first instinct was to tell him he didn't have to, but I stopped myself because I knew him a bit better than that now. I could tell it was something he wanted to do.
"Thank you."
He kissed me for my answer.
Ferris using amigurumi (crocheting) to cope with his anxiety and prevent himself from having a meltdown was such a meaningful detail. I loved how the book showed us that his little creations weren't just an adorable hobby, but something that genuinely brought him comfort when things became overwhelming. And the fact that he gifted all those to his friends made it even more special. There was something so beautiful about seeing how he used something that helped him regulate his emotions to also show love and care for the people around him. I really appreciated this glimpse into Ferris as an autistic character. It made me love and understand him even more.
I loved how often Quinn called him 'sweetheart' and 'sweetness'. Loved, loved, LOVED every single time😍
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Me: So yeah, how do you even handle relationships when you're so busy all the time? I mean, do I wait? Do I date? Does it even matter? Is all of this reasonable? How can I be with someone if I'm never around to spend time with them? If I'm being annoying, please ignore me.
Brayden: Don't put yourself in a box, man. Your rookie year you're supposed to be having fun.
Colton: You're overthinking it. You're never annoying, okay? And I will kick anyone's ass who makes you think that. Got it, chat? Now, go crochet me a dragon.
Cosmo: Breathe, dude. Even if you do date, you don't need to propose to anyone. It's not that deep. Rookie years are for playing hard and having fun. Just like the frat house, right?
Me: I guess that sounds reasonable, yeah.
Then, two minutes later, I had a private message from someone I never thought I'd hear from again.
Quinn: I'm in Boston soon if you want to get together and talk about this sort of thing. I know pretty much all there is to know about maintaining relationships while being an active player.
"Knock knock."
I glanced up, my heart hammering, and found Colton staring at me with a confused frown. "Hi. Hey. What's up?"
He walked in and folded his arms over his chest. “You're crying.”
"What? No, I—" Oh. I guess I was, kind of. I wasn't crying crying. But I was definitely leaking.
He took another step closer. "I'm in the mood to hit someone. Who was it?"
“No,” I told him with a sigh. “I just got overwhelmed for a second."
Colton sighed and sank down next to me, pulling the half quail out of my lap. "What is it?"
"Button quail. With a hat and a Spanish guitar."
He smiled. "Can I have it when you're done?"
"Of course." My heart had finally stopped pounding, and I could breathe again. "I think I'm going out." Shit. Saying it out loud made it very, very real.
His brows flew up. "In the rain? You hate the rain." It was sweet that he knew that.
"He's picking me up."
"He?" Colton leaned closer, grinning.
"Will you stop that,” I begged.
Colton grinned and grabbed my wrist, slapping the condoms into my hand. "Remember to have fun, pick a safe word, and call me if anything goes sideways. I'm not scared of jail, Reddy. My dad has an amazing lawyer."
Ferris let out a small laugh and shook his head. "No. I get the expression. I'm autistic, but I'm not stupid."
"If anyone calls you stupid, let me know. My knee might not work, but my fists do, and it's been a while since I've been able to rearrange a face."
"People see my little crochet hobby and think, oh, how cute. Look at those little birds he makes all the time. And they don't see me rocking frantically back and forth on my bed, trying not to cry as I use crocheting to keep me from having an actual screaming meltdown.” He dared a look at me after he word-vomited all of that, his expression terrified like I was about to throw him out on his ass.
"Is it...is it wrong if I just focus on one thing? On hockey? Until I know I can love someone too?"
I squeezed his hands hard. “No. It's not wrong. But you should know there won't ever be a perfect time. You'll never know if you're until you try. You don't want to end up like me, Ferris."
He frowned. "Gorgeous? Kind? Easy to talk to?”
My throat felt tight. Had anyone ever used those words to describe me? Even once? Even as a lie?
"Colton is probably my best friend. He gets angry when people are mean to me. It's funny because he's mean to everyone else." I stroked a touch along the back of his neck as he relaxed even more.
"His boyfriend, Myles, is sweet. Anxious. He gets it. Gets me. Colton can be a lot, but he's never made me feel weird about myself. Also, he likes my crochet animals."
"Who wouldn't?" I murmured. "They're cute."
Ferris raised his head to look at me. "I'll make you more."
My first instinct was to tell him he didn't have to, but I stopped myself because I knew him a bit better than that now. I could tell it was something he wanted to do.
"Thank you."
He kissed me for my answer.
November 16, 2025
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this low-angst age-gap romance between a soon-to-be NHL rookie and a former player who retired due to injury, but it didn’t wow me.
Ferris is mixed race (mum Pakistani, dad white American) and also Autistic. His parents are good people although his mother has kind of smothered him most of his life thanks to early diagnoses that suggested he might never speak or be independent, and continues to be overprotective; he struggles with loving her and wanting her to back off.
He’s at college in Boston and lives in a frat house, which is going better than he’d ever expected. Some of the guys are dickheads, but some are decent – to him at least – and he’s made some good friends, who know when to leave him alone and when to offer help. The one thing really bugging him though is that he’s still a virgin at twenty-two, and he decides he needs to dispense with that before he finishes college and heads off to play in the NHL.
Quinn Rhodes’ hockey career was ended when he was hit by a car and his leg was so badly broken that he has a permanent limp and stiff knee. After the accident, his doctors had given him hope that he’d play again – but after four surgeries were forced to conclude it wasn’t happening. It was a tough time, but he decided he wanted to help others in his situation, so he went back to school, got his degree and became a physical therapist – and when the story starts, is about to start a new job at a practice in Boston.
Quinn and Ferris meet at a photoshoot involving queer athletes – and although they don’t interact all that much, Ferris can’t forget the older man’s kindness or the way he’d looked at him with those deep, penetrating eyes, and Quinn can’t forget the most gorgeous man he’s ever set eyes on. When, a few weeks later, Ferris starts to freak out a bit in the group chat, word vomiting about whether he should date or whether he should even want a relationship when he’s playing in the NHL, Quinn offers a sympathetic ear and suggests that maybe they should meet up and talk about it. And that really is his intention, just to talk and offer advice – but when Ferris makes clear that he’s up for way more than advice, Quinn is only too happy to oblige.
The sex is hot and revelatory for both of them. But they know it’s a one-time deal; Ferris has his life ahead of him and an exciting new career to start, and Quinn is much older (I don’t think his age is given, but I’m assuming late thirties/early forties?) and has a settled life to live. Even so, they can’t stop thinking about each other.
Three weeks later, Ferris is injured in a freak accident and his ankle needs surgery. He can’t help remembering what happened to Quinn and how his injury was career-ending, but he’s told his prognosis is excellent and that he should be recovered sufficiently to be able to attend training camp and to start with the Bruins as intended. After the surgery, he’s going to need extensive physical therapy - and is shocked to arrive at his first appointment to discover that his PT is Quinn Rhodes.
Quinn is just as surprised to discover the identity of his new, last minute patient, and is determined to keep things professional, but the pull of the attraction thrumming between him and Ferris is too strong to ignore or resist. They decide being together for whatever time they can have is worth the risk of discovery, and even though they know they’re pretending that whatever is happening between them is just a fling, neither of them is quite ready to admit to wanting more.
I have to say that the ‘this can only be temporary’ issue is one of the things that didn’t work for me about this one, because – why? These two are in deep almost from the beginning, and I didn’t understand why Ferris seemed set on being single in the NHL or why Quinn was so sure they couldn’t be together. And when they meet again after their amazing night together, they’re still thinking short-term, even though their feelings are deepening and the relationship is going well.
Ferris is a sweetheart. (I loved that he’d crochet little amigurumi animals and give them to the people he cares about.) Life hasn’t been and isn’t easy for him and as always with this author, the neurodivergent rep is excellent; his Autism is sensitively portrayed and we get a real insight into how it affects him and how it impacts his daily life. Quinn is less well-characterised; we know about his physical limitations, but we’re not given much information about his life between the accident and now, other than mention of a very brief and disastrous marriage. He’s a good man, but has been holding himself aloof (he says he hasn’t had anyone in his life for over five years) and I liked him as a character; his backstory is just not all that well fleshed-out.
Quinn and Ferris do make a good couple. Ferris has always worried that he’ll never find a partner who really gets him, and in Quinn he finds it, someone who understands and cherishes him and knows how to take care of him without smothering him. On the downside – and I said the same about another book by this author I read recently – I had to wonder how Quinn knew exactly what Ferris needed given they haven’t known each other all that long and he hasn’t had a lot of time to learn to read Ferris’ cues. I did like Quinn’s ready and easy acceptance of all of Ferris, his unique reactions, his blunt honesty – but his ability to read Ferris so perfectly and so quickly felt unrealistic and meant their relationship didn’t have any real challenges to overcome.
Top Shelf is warm, funny, cute and very sexy, the two leads are likeable, the secondary characters are well-drawn and the Autistic rep feels authentic. Even so, it didn’t quite hit the spot for me – partly, I think, because the romance feels a bit insta-love-y; Quinn and Ferris are pretty far gone for each other from the start, even though they’ve hardly said a word to each other – and partly because there’s no real impediment to their being together. But it’s well-written and readable and I enjoyed the time I spent in this world. It’s just not a book I’ll pick up again.
I enjoyed this low-angst age-gap romance between a soon-to-be NHL rookie and a former player who retired due to injury, but it didn’t wow me.
Ferris is mixed race (mum Pakistani, dad white American) and also Autistic. His parents are good people although his mother has kind of smothered him most of his life thanks to early diagnoses that suggested he might never speak or be independent, and continues to be overprotective; he struggles with loving her and wanting her to back off.
He’s at college in Boston and lives in a frat house, which is going better than he’d ever expected. Some of the guys are dickheads, but some are decent – to him at least – and he’s made some good friends, who know when to leave him alone and when to offer help. The one thing really bugging him though is that he’s still a virgin at twenty-two, and he decides he needs to dispense with that before he finishes college and heads off to play in the NHL.
Quinn Rhodes’ hockey career was ended when he was hit by a car and his leg was so badly broken that he has a permanent limp and stiff knee. After the accident, his doctors had given him hope that he’d play again – but after four surgeries were forced to conclude it wasn’t happening. It was a tough time, but he decided he wanted to help others in his situation, so he went back to school, got his degree and became a physical therapist – and when the story starts, is about to start a new job at a practice in Boston.
Quinn and Ferris meet at a photoshoot involving queer athletes – and although they don’t interact all that much, Ferris can’t forget the older man’s kindness or the way he’d looked at him with those deep, penetrating eyes, and Quinn can’t forget the most gorgeous man he’s ever set eyes on. When, a few weeks later, Ferris starts to freak out a bit in the group chat, word vomiting about whether he should date or whether he should even want a relationship when he’s playing in the NHL, Quinn offers a sympathetic ear and suggests that maybe they should meet up and talk about it. And that really is his intention, just to talk and offer advice – but when Ferris makes clear that he’s up for way more than advice, Quinn is only too happy to oblige.
The sex is hot and revelatory for both of them. But they know it’s a one-time deal; Ferris has his life ahead of him and an exciting new career to start, and Quinn is much older (I don’t think his age is given, but I’m assuming late thirties/early forties?) and has a settled life to live. Even so, they can’t stop thinking about each other.
Three weeks later, Ferris is injured in a freak accident and his ankle needs surgery. He can’t help remembering what happened to Quinn and how his injury was career-ending, but he’s told his prognosis is excellent and that he should be recovered sufficiently to be able to attend training camp and to start with the Bruins as intended. After the surgery, he’s going to need extensive physical therapy - and is shocked to arrive at his first appointment to discover that his PT is Quinn Rhodes.
Quinn is just as surprised to discover the identity of his new, last minute patient, and is determined to keep things professional, but the pull of the attraction thrumming between him and Ferris is too strong to ignore or resist. They decide being together for whatever time they can have is worth the risk of discovery, and even though they know they’re pretending that whatever is happening between them is just a fling, neither of them is quite ready to admit to wanting more.
I have to say that the ‘this can only be temporary’ issue is one of the things that didn’t work for me about this one, because – why? These two are in deep almost from the beginning, and I didn’t understand why Ferris seemed set on being single in the NHL or why Quinn was so sure they couldn’t be together. And when they meet again after their amazing night together, they’re still thinking short-term, even though their feelings are deepening and the relationship is going well.
Ferris is a sweetheart. (I loved that he’d crochet little amigurumi animals and give them to the people he cares about.) Life hasn’t been and isn’t easy for him and as always with this author, the neurodivergent rep is excellent; his Autism is sensitively portrayed and we get a real insight into how it affects him and how it impacts his daily life. Quinn is less well-characterised; we know about his physical limitations, but we’re not given much information about his life between the accident and now, other than mention of a very brief and disastrous marriage. He’s a good man, but has been holding himself aloof (he says he hasn’t had anyone in his life for over five years) and I liked him as a character; his backstory is just not all that well fleshed-out.
Quinn and Ferris do make a good couple. Ferris has always worried that he’ll never find a partner who really gets him, and in Quinn he finds it, someone who understands and cherishes him and knows how to take care of him without smothering him. On the downside – and I said the same about another book by this author I read recently – I had to wonder how Quinn knew exactly what Ferris needed given they haven’t known each other all that long and he hasn’t had a lot of time to learn to read Ferris’ cues. I did like Quinn’s ready and easy acceptance of all of Ferris, his unique reactions, his blunt honesty – but his ability to read Ferris so perfectly and so quickly felt unrealistic and meant their relationship didn’t have any real challenges to overcome.
Top Shelf is warm, funny, cute and very sexy, the two leads are likeable, the secondary characters are well-drawn and the Autistic rep feels authentic. Even so, it didn’t quite hit the spot for me – partly, I think, because the romance feels a bit insta-love-y; Quinn and Ferris are pretty far gone for each other from the start, even though they’ve hardly said a word to each other – and partly because there’s no real impediment to their being together. But it’s well-written and readable and I enjoyed the time I spent in this world. It’s just not a book I’ll pick up again.
Read
October 27, 2025DNF 43%
I thought I’d give this a try because I’ve really enjoyed this author’s other hockey books, and I thought it might be a good start to see if I can enjoy an age gap book since it seems like 30% of new releases are age gaps. SIGH.
I can’t do it. I hate the age gap when the younger one is so young. It’s not good. I also don’t like this trope I’ve read a few times now of an autistic character (yes he’s autistic, we’re told 600 times) finding the *perfect* guy who understands and loves allll his quirks and honestly to me it comes off a touch patronizing and a tough parenty. Blech.
I thought I’d give this a try because I’ve really enjoyed this author’s other hockey books, and I thought it might be a good start to see if I can enjoy an age gap book since it seems like 30% of new releases are age gaps. SIGH.
I can’t do it. I hate the age gap when the younger one is so young. It’s not good. I also don’t like this trope I’ve read a few times now of an autistic character (yes he’s autistic, we’re told 600 times) finding the *perfect* guy who understands and loves allll his quirks and honestly to me it comes off a touch patronizing and a tough parenty. Blech.
October 15, 2025
Quinn + Ferris
-mm hockey romance
-forbidden relationship
-first times
-age gap
-hurt/comfort
-virgin mmc
-autism rep
-rookie nhl goalie x retired injured player
these two were cute & i loved the side character scenes, especially with ferris’ mom! she was so funny
-mm hockey romance
-forbidden relationship
-first times
-age gap
-hurt/comfort
-virgin mmc
-autism rep
-rookie nhl goalie x retired injured player
these two were cute & i loved the side character scenes, especially with ferris’ mom! she was so funny
December 14, 2025
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, first time, hookup to more
A very sweet and tender romance!
RTC
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, first time, hookup to more
A very sweet and tender romance!
RTC
October 21, 2025
Top Shelf is E.M. Lindsey's contribution to the multi-author Love the Game collaborative series. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, although there is crossover between characters. At the time of reading Top Shelf, I hadn't read any of the other books in the series and found this to be enjoyable as a complete standalone. Here's what you can expect from Ferris and Quinn:
🏒 MM contemporary hockey romance
🏒 First person dual point of view
🏒 Guaranteed happily ever after
🏒 Open door spice
🏒 Player/physical therapist
🏒 Forbidden romance
🏒 Autistic main character
🏒 Virgin main character
🏒 Age gap
🏒 Found family
🏒 Crochet as a love language
Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
I absolutely devoured Ferris and Quinn's adorable story! I loved the high heat and minimal angst (there's definitely a bit of angst, and of course the nature of their relationship is forbidden but overall, I did find this book to be low angst). This book also flew by, before I knew it I was 75 percent of the way through and had to find out exactly how their story ends. I also appreciated the little illustration the author had commissioned of Ferris and Quinn and included in the book, it really added to my visualization of the characters.
As I've come to expect with Lindsey's books, the representation was on point. Because this story is told from a first person point of view, we get firsthand insight into Ferris's Autism and how it impacts his daily life. Check out the foreword to learn more about how the author shaped Ferris's character (and hey, I was 100 percent not complaining about the four-chapter spicy scene - it was perfect perfect perfect). This book had lots of laughs (both main characters, and some of the situations they got themselves in were hilarious) and lots of heart as Ferris and Quinn came to realize they had big feelings for one another. The spice was so good in this story, and I adored the passion between the characters. Ferris has had to fight for his independence his whole life, and I'm glad he now has someone to fight alongside him. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a bonus scene to see Ferris hopefully hoisting the cup over his head one day!
🏒 MM contemporary hockey romance
🏒 First person dual point of view
🏒 Guaranteed happily ever after
🏒 Open door spice
🏒 Player/physical therapist
🏒 Forbidden romance
🏒 Autistic main character
🏒 Virgin main character
🏒 Age gap
🏒 Found family
🏒 Crochet as a love language
Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
I absolutely devoured Ferris and Quinn's adorable story! I loved the high heat and minimal angst (there's definitely a bit of angst, and of course the nature of their relationship is forbidden but overall, I did find this book to be low angst). This book also flew by, before I knew it I was 75 percent of the way through and had to find out exactly how their story ends. I also appreciated the little illustration the author had commissioned of Ferris and Quinn and included in the book, it really added to my visualization of the characters.
As I've come to expect with Lindsey's books, the representation was on point. Because this story is told from a first person point of view, we get firsthand insight into Ferris's Autism and how it impacts his daily life. Check out the foreword to learn more about how the author shaped Ferris's character (and hey, I was 100 percent not complaining about the four-chapter spicy scene - it was perfect perfect perfect). This book had lots of laughs (both main characters, and some of the situations they got themselves in were hilarious) and lots of heart as Ferris and Quinn came to realize they had big feelings for one another. The spice was so good in this story, and I adored the passion between the characters. Ferris has had to fight for his independence his whole life, and I'm glad he now has someone to fight alongside him. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a bonus scene to see Ferris hopefully hoisting the cup over his head one day!
Read
October 13, 2025A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Top Shelf is part of the multi-author Love the Game collection, featuring a group of out athletes who share a group chat. There is some character crossover in the books, with folks appearing as side characters in other books (we see both Cosmo from Puck Shots and Colton from Play With Me appear here as Ferris’ fraternity brothers). However, the stories stand alone and you can jump in here with no problem.
One of the things I often note with E.M. Lindsey books is how good they are with character development and that shows here as well, particularly with Ferris.
Overall, this is a sweet and sexy story about a retired NHL player and one who is just starting his career. I enjoyed the connection between the men and found it an engaging story.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Top Shelf is part of the multi-author Love the Game collection, featuring a group of out athletes who share a group chat. There is some character crossover in the books, with folks appearing as side characters in other books (we see both Cosmo from Puck Shots and Colton from Play With Me appear here as Ferris’ fraternity brothers). However, the stories stand alone and you can jump in here with no problem.
One of the things I often note with E.M. Lindsey books is how good they are with character development and that shows here as well, particularly with Ferris.
Overall, this is a sweet and sexy story about a retired NHL player and one who is just starting his career. I enjoyed the connection between the men and found it an engaging story.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
October 16, 2025
I really enjoyed the dynamic here. Quinn is a surprise, I expected him to be a grumpy man but his protective nature towards Ferris is really cute. It would have been so easy to make him a dark, brooding, jaded figure. But he surprised even himself with his resilience. He deserved all the love, and the found family. They practically heal each other.
Ferris is very endearing. His autistic nature makes him irresistible in his forwardess and his forthright way of speaking, never coy and never lying. He creates both heartfelt moments and also burst-out-in chuckle moments.They are both sweethearts and their love story is absolutely gorgeous.
E.M.Linsey once again delivers a beautiful love story inclusive of disability and culture. Well done.
Ferris is very endearing. His autistic nature makes him irresistible in his forwardess and his forthright way of speaking, never coy and never lying. He creates both heartfelt moments and also burst-out-in chuckle moments.They are both sweethearts and their love story is absolutely gorgeous.
E.M.Linsey once again delivers a beautiful love story inclusive of disability and culture. Well done.
October 16, 2025
This is more like a 3.5, rounded down!
There were thing I liked a lot:
- Quinn praising Ferris
- How Quinn reassured Ferris and didn't let him sit in his negative thoughts for long
- Ferris, in general lol, I loved him so much
Things that were eh for me:
- I wished the plot point of Ferris' family lowkey being assholes to him his whole life was expanded on? It seemed like they treated him poorly but Ferris kind of was like "yep this is a thing that happened but now they're fine" and it seemed like how they treated him deserved a little bit less nonchalance about it idk
- Didn't love the epilogue
- I felt like there wasn't enough page time of Quinn and Ferris not having sex so the love confessions at the end felt a little rushed to me :(
There were thing I liked a lot:
- Quinn praising Ferris
- How Quinn reassured Ferris and didn't let him sit in his negative thoughts for long
- Ferris, in general lol, I loved him so much
Things that were eh for me:
- I wished the plot point of Ferris' family lowkey being assholes to him his whole life was expanded on? It seemed like they treated him poorly but Ferris kind of was like "yep this is a thing that happened but now they're fine" and it seemed like how they treated him deserved a little bit less nonchalance about it idk
- Didn't love the epilogue
- I felt like there wasn't enough page time of Quinn and Ferris not having sex so the love confessions at the end felt a little rushed to me :(
October 15, 2025
I had the pleasure of sensitivity reading for this novel and am so excited for everyone to enjoy Ferris and Quinn's sweet love story. EM Lindsey's novel in this shared World series was adorable, sweet and heavy on the steam! I absolutely adored watching these two find their person in each other. For Ferris, who often doesn't feel like he fits in amongst his neurotypical friends and family, it's a wonder to meet a man who seems to understand him and is willing to put in the work to learn everything about him. Similarly Quinn can't believed someone as beautiful and capable and sweet as Ferris wants anything to do with him and seeing these two fall for each other was just so achy and heart-squeezy.
Lindsey deftly weaves in each characters identity-Ferris' South Asianness and autism, and Quinn's disability and difficult retirement from the sport he loved-into the main love story and as always, it never feels like it's shoehorned in. I particularly loved seeing Ferris' family and his layered relationship with his mom. A fun, feel good story!
CWs: Car accident on-page and in the past); accident leading to a disability; some mentions of ableism; some mentions of emotional neglect; death of parents (in the past); brief mention of divorce (in the past)
CNs: this is a book in a shared world sports romance series that can be read as a stand alone. Tropes include age gap, grumpy/sunshine, forbidden romance and hurt/comfort. The novel is high steam and includes several on-page sex scenes.
Lindsey deftly weaves in each characters identity-Ferris' South Asianness and autism, and Quinn's disability and difficult retirement from the sport he loved-into the main love story and as always, it never feels like it's shoehorned in. I particularly loved seeing Ferris' family and his layered relationship with his mom. A fun, feel good story!
CWs: Car accident on-page and in the past); accident leading to a disability; some mentions of ableism; some mentions of emotional neglect; death of parents (in the past); brief mention of divorce (in the past)
CNs: this is a book in a shared world sports romance series that can be read as a stand alone. Tropes include age gap, grumpy/sunshine, forbidden romance and hurt/comfort. The novel is high steam and includes several on-page sex scenes.
October 8, 2025
When a One-Night Stand Becomes Your Physical Therapist 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, one-night stand to lovers, workplace proximity, hurt/comfort
When an NHL rookie’s biggest regret turns out to be his new physical therapist, things are bound to get messy—and hot. EM Lindsey’s Top Shelf is another winner in the Love the Game universe, blending high heat with heartfelt emotional growth.
Quinn and Ferris are pure opposites: a quiet, grumpy ex-pro just trying to live peacefully, and a neurodivergent, freshly signed player still figuring himself out. Their chemistry is off the charts, but what really shines is the tenderness beneath all the banter and heat. The way Quinn softens and the younger man learns to trust himself makes this more than just a steamy sports romance—it’s a genuine story of acceptance and second chances.
If I had one critique, it’s that a few emotional moments get slightly overshadowed by the spice—but that’s a small price for how sweet and satisfying this pairing ends up being.
In short: a steamy, emotionally intelligent MM hockey romance with crochet, quiet care, and all the right moves.
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, one-night stand to lovers, workplace proximity, hurt/comfort
When an NHL rookie’s biggest regret turns out to be his new physical therapist, things are bound to get messy—and hot. EM Lindsey’s Top Shelf is another winner in the Love the Game universe, blending high heat with heartfelt emotional growth.
Quinn and Ferris are pure opposites: a quiet, grumpy ex-pro just trying to live peacefully, and a neurodivergent, freshly signed player still figuring himself out. Their chemistry is off the charts, but what really shines is the tenderness beneath all the banter and heat. The way Quinn softens and the younger man learns to trust himself makes this more than just a steamy sports romance—it’s a genuine story of acceptance and second chances.
If I had one critique, it’s that a few emotional moments get slightly overshadowed by the spice—but that’s a small price for how sweet and satisfying this pairing ends up being.
In short: a steamy, emotionally intelligent MM hockey romance with crochet, quiet care, and all the right moves.
November 1, 2025
4.5/5. I couldn't put this book down! Ferris is wonderful. He's a sweetheart. He loves his family, even if they don't fully understand him. He loves his friends, even if he isn't fully convinced they're all his friends. And he love to crochet, which I am obsessed with. I love how he shows his love by giving away little crochet critters. Quinn is great, too. No, he's not the best person (at least it seems that way given how he talks about his past mistakes), but he is a good person. He's kind and strong and he genuinely cares about Ferris. I think they go great together. And their story was so fun. From the four chapter spicy scene to the accidental meet again to falling in love, I had fun with them. I love how protective Quinn is regarding Ferris. And he truly sees him, which not many people try to do. And Ferris is such a good MC. He feels real, the Autism rep feels really good, and he's refreshing. Overall, I'd really recommend this book.
Notes: 2.5/5 spice levels, virgin mc, autism rep, disability rep (Quinn's leg), hockey, age gap, PT/patient, frat mc, college
Notes: 2.5/5 spice levels, virgin mc, autism rep, disability rep (Quinn's leg), hockey, age gap, PT/patient, frat mc, college
October 3, 2025
Ferris & Quinn: Reading an ARC from this author is a no-brainer. It’s like a gift from the bookworm gods. Ferris is easily one of my favorite characters Lindsey has written. He’s so authentic and the people in his life that truly understand him are better for knowing him. Quinn and Ferris meet and get together for an advice session on life in the NHL but they both would like the meeting to take a different turn. Which it does. One taste is not enough for either of them. Words escape Ferris at times but his honesty and Quinn’s realization that he needs to move forward pushes them toward each other repeatedly and the rest is unavoidable. Fantastic story and very steamy!
October 15, 2025
A very sweet story about two lonely souls desperate to find love, meaning and place for themselves. A very good disability rep, also for autism. On a side note how ethnicity affects (not exactly affects) but certainly having a big part in upbringing especially for an autistic person. I am afraid I am messing this up, but what you’re going to find in this story is two people loving each and accepting each other in a very positive healthy way.
March 4, 2026
This is a good sports romance for non-sports readers as there's very little ice time. More importantly, the evolution of the romance is great. And the autistic representation is good, not overdone, just a fact of Ferris's life, like being Pakistani or male.
October 27, 2026
3.75 amigurumi stars
We met Ferris and Quinn in the Punk as puck series and I really wanted to read their story even though I usually stay away from books with an age-gap. And I really liked it. It was a bit insta but it was very sweet.
We met Ferris and Quinn in the Punk as puck series and I really wanted to read their story even though I usually stay away from books with an age-gap. And I really liked it. It was a bit insta but it was very sweet.
November 6, 2026
Really well done
I love the way the characters react to each other and how no one infantilizes Ferris. I actually felt like I learned a lot about people with autism and how they react with others. Really well done!
I love the way the characters react to each other and how no one infantilizes Ferris. I actually felt like I learned a lot about people with autism and how they react with others. Really well done!
October 5, 2025
Love this author
Top Shelf by E.M. Lindsey is part of the multi-author series Love the Game. It is no secret that I love this author’s work, but this one may be my favorite of all time. The characters are both amazing and like Quinn, I am obsessed with Ferris. From the moment the story begins, I was so taken with how he thinks and feels about things. He struggles to fit in and desperately wants to “be normal”. He doesn’t see how special he is. Quinn is struggling to find his place after an injury takes his NHL career. He is a new sports physical therapist. He and Ferris have a moment where they connect only to be reunited months later after Ferris suffers an injury. I just loved these two so much. I love how they understood each other and built a relationship together. How there was no one even close to comparing. There are no words to say how much I loved this. I will definitely be rereading this one.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
Top Shelf by E.M. Lindsey is part of the multi-author series Love the Game. It is no secret that I love this author’s work, but this one may be my favorite of all time. The characters are both amazing and like Quinn, I am obsessed with Ferris. From the moment the story begins, I was so taken with how he thinks and feels about things. He struggles to fit in and desperately wants to “be normal”. He doesn’t see how special he is. Quinn is struggling to find his place after an injury takes his NHL career. He is a new sports physical therapist. He and Ferris have a moment where they connect only to be reunited months later after Ferris suffers an injury. I just loved these two so much. I love how they understood each other and built a relationship together. How there was no one even close to comparing. There are no words to say how much I loved this. I will definitely be rereading this one.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
October 15, 2025
The writing was good as always from this author but the story was a bit too cute and everything was just wrapped up in a nice bow at the end.
October 16, 2025
3.5 ✨
Was this particularly well written? Meh. But it’s hockey, gay people, and autism. What’s not to love??
Was this particularly well written? Meh. But it’s hockey, gay people, and autism. What’s not to love??
October 25, 2025
They say “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. In this case, judge, judge away! The dude on the cover gives me the ick! Seriously makes me uncomfortable! If that dude looked at me like that in a bar, I might call the cops! There is a text from Quinn to Ferris that says: “Cool if you don’t want to. I’m not a serial killer or anything.” The front cover would say otherwise dude!
Let me get this straight…Ferris is a 20 year old autistic virgin. Meets a dude and hangs out with him for only an hour, then says “Let’s have sex”? Bffr!
I hate age gap romances so much. That trope literally isn’t for me at all. Cool if that’s your yum but it isn’t mine! But that’s not the reason tor my 1 ⭐️. The reason for my 1 ⭐️ is because of all of the inner dialogue! Also Ferris having autism is mentioned so many times it became his personality. Like dude, we get it, you have autism! You’ve only told us this 100 times!
The writing is just way too juvenile and immature. It’s almost as if a 12 year old wrote it. I seriously can’t go on! DNF!
Let me get this straight…Ferris is a 20 year old autistic virgin. Meets a dude and hangs out with him for only an hour, then says “Let’s have sex”? Bffr!
I hate age gap romances so much. That trope literally isn’t for me at all. Cool if that’s your yum but it isn’t mine! But that’s not the reason tor my 1 ⭐️. The reason for my 1 ⭐️ is because of all of the inner dialogue! Also Ferris having autism is mentioned so many times it became his personality. Like dude, we get it, you have autism! You’ve only told us this 100 times!
The writing is just way too juvenile and immature. It’s almost as if a 12 year old wrote it. I seriously can’t go on! DNF!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
oh these sweet BABIES
March 6, 2026
Rating is for audiobook
October 21, 2025
I loved this so much but E. M. Lindsey is one of my favourite authors
I loved this so so much, the only reason this isn't a 5 star read is because I feel like it's a bit too short and we needed maybe a couple more scenes with the couple, maybe a few more domestic scenes, to make their love believable to me. But the chemistry? That was 100% real from the beginning
I loved this so so much, the only reason this isn't a 5 star read is because I feel like it's a bit too short and we needed maybe a couple more scenes with the couple, maybe a few more domestic scenes, to make their love believable to me. But the chemistry? That was 100% real from the beginning
January 9, 2026
Beautiful Read
So sweet. So appreciative of how the author treated the subject of autism with care, knowledge and understanding. Their love and interactions touched my heart.
So sweet. So appreciative of how the author treated the subject of autism with care, knowledge and understanding. Their love and interactions touched my heart.
May 20, 2026
OMG THIS BOOK 😭🏒💖 I loved Ferris & Quinn so damn much. E.M. Lindsey really just knows how to take my heart, squeeze it a little, and then hand it back wrapped in comfort and found family feels 🥹
This was sweet, emotional, spicy as hell 🌶️ and honestly just SO full of care. From the second Ferris and Quinn were thrown back into each other’s lives, I was completely hooked. The chemistry between them? INSANE. That one night stand? Whew 😮💨🔥 But what I loved even more was how their connection became about so much more than attraction.
Ferris completely stole my heart. He’s awkward, honest, vulnerable, and just desperately wants to be understood without feeling “too much” for people. And Quinn 😭 I expected grumpy retired hockey player vibes but instead got this soft, protective, quietly hurting man who would do absolutely anything to make Ferris feel safe and seen. The way Quinn just understood him without making him feel small?? GAH 🥹💕
These two really healed something in each other and I adored every second of it. Ferris gave Quinn hope again, while Quinn became this safe space Ferris had been searching for his whole life. Their relationship felt tender and patient and achy in the best way.
And can we PLEASE talk about the found family in this series because I am obsessed with this frat house crew 😭 The banter, the support, the chaos… I love them all so much. Ferris’s parents were also such an important part of the story and I really loved seeing those layered family dynamics explored too.
Also shoutout to E.M. Lindsey for always handling disability, neurodiversity, identity and culture with so much care. Nothing ever feels forced — these characters just feel REAL. 💛
Low angst, high feelings, ridiculously swoony, and packed with heat and heart 🏒✨ Honestly I could have stayed with Ferris and Quinn for another 300 pages without complaining.
This was sweet, emotional, spicy as hell 🌶️ and honestly just SO full of care. From the second Ferris and Quinn were thrown back into each other’s lives, I was completely hooked. The chemistry between them? INSANE. That one night stand? Whew 😮💨🔥 But what I loved even more was how their connection became about so much more than attraction.
Ferris completely stole my heart. He’s awkward, honest, vulnerable, and just desperately wants to be understood without feeling “too much” for people. And Quinn 😭 I expected grumpy retired hockey player vibes but instead got this soft, protective, quietly hurting man who would do absolutely anything to make Ferris feel safe and seen. The way Quinn just understood him without making him feel small?? GAH 🥹💕
These two really healed something in each other and I adored every second of it. Ferris gave Quinn hope again, while Quinn became this safe space Ferris had been searching for his whole life. Their relationship felt tender and patient and achy in the best way.
And can we PLEASE talk about the found family in this series because I am obsessed with this frat house crew 😭 The banter, the support, the chaos… I love them all so much. Ferris’s parents were also such an important part of the story and I really loved seeing those layered family dynamics explored too.
Also shoutout to E.M. Lindsey for always handling disability, neurodiversity, identity and culture with so much care. Nothing ever feels forced — these characters just feel REAL. 💛
Low angst, high feelings, ridiculously swoony, and packed with heat and heart 🏒✨ Honestly I could have stayed with Ferris and Quinn for another 300 pages without complaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews