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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 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 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
243 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
143 books1,409 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
October 21, 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
October 13, 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.
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.
January 6, 2026
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.
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 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 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 17, 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 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.
October 14, 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
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.
October 22, 2025
DNF 54% I really cant go on. I hate how Ferris is written. Having autism is literally the only thing that is talked about and it’s taking over the entire story/made his entire personality. I know that having autism affects many areas of a persons life and impacts how they see and respond to the world and I love that the author is trying to include autism rep in this book but it’s done poorly in my opinion. Ferris’ POV SHOULD be written how he sees the world as a person with autism and that’s that. It feels like it is brought up every other sentence tho and dramaticized and it’s irritating
Quinn seems sweet tho, I kinda love him so far but I’m too annoyed to find out
Quinn seems sweet tho, I kinda love him so far but I’m too annoyed to find out
October 20, 2025
i don't know why, because i've enjoyed every other book from this collection, but i couldn't connect with anything from this book, i had to dnf it
October 23, 2025
3.75 stars. Very sweet read, if not the most original. I loved both Ferris and Quinn and their connection was very obvious from the start. The autism and injury / disability rep was well done.
I would have liked it if there had been a bit more background info on a couple of things: Quinn's previous marriage (it's only mentioned very briefly that he had been married for two months and he blamed himself, but what happened exactly? Who was the guy?) and the way Ferris' family treated him. Also: I didn't get why they couldn't try being together from the start. I mean, I sort of understand why Quinn thought it wouldn't happen (because he was older, because he couldn't do everything he used to, and because he couldn't make his relationships work when he was in the NHL), but why was Ferris so set on being single in the NHL? And when they met again, why were they still thinking short-term, when everything went so well?
But other than that, nice read.
I would have liked it if there had been a bit more background info on a couple of things: Quinn's previous marriage (it's only mentioned very briefly that he had been married for two months and he blamed himself, but what happened exactly? Who was the guy?) and the way Ferris' family treated him. Also: I didn't get why they couldn't try being together from the start. I mean, I sort of understand why Quinn thought it wouldn't happen (because he was older, because he couldn't do everything he used to, and because he couldn't make his relationships work when he was in the NHL), but why was Ferris so set on being single in the NHL? And when they met again, why were they still thinking short-term, when everything went so well?
But other than that, nice read.
November 12, 2025
I enjoyed this mild age-gap, virgin hockey player - PT/former player romance. Especially Ferris’s crocheting habit! Adorable.
Ferris is a college hockey player, a goalie, who’s been signed to an NHL team and is finishing his final year. He’s on the spectrum and has found ways to manage his unique needs, including crocheting mini-animals and other things, which he often gifts to friends. (Honestly, he seemed perhaps overly defined by his autism? The author does strong different abilities rep, but, the story focused on that quite a lot.) He’s also a virgin who fears he’ll never find the right person to change that situation.
Quinn is a former NHL pro player whose career ended after a car accident ruined his knee. He’s now a PT.
They meet at a photoshoot and connect when Ferris texts Quinn to ask if he has advice on handling relationships while playing in the pros. They’re supposed to just get together and talk while Quinn is in town. Instead they really…connect…and it is HOT.
It’s classic Lindsey, with Ferris wondering if anyone will ever “get” him, and Quinn being the perfect pot for Ferris’s endearingly awkward and inexperienced lid. Quinn’s attraction to and acceptance of Ferris’s unique reactions and needs was stellar writing and created fabulously steamy and believably explosive first times (ever, for Ferris, and for them both as a couple). It was meant to be just one night…
Cue fabulous pining, as neither is able to forget the other, and when Ferris is injured in a freak accident and walks into the room to meet his new NHL approved PT, well…you can guess the rest!
Sure the patient-PT connection made reconnecting inappropriate…did I care? No. No I did not. Bring it! These two were terrific together and I ate up every forbidden caress.
Secondary characters are well-drawn and add a strong supporting cast, with Ferris’s teammates/fraternity house roomies surrounding him, and Ferris’s mom being a star in her own right. Quinn’s past is more glossed over; his parents were disengaged, and I don’t even remember if they’re alive or dead, and he was married for two months and then divorced, which I wish had been explored more, that’s pretty much all I know about it.
I did get annoyed with the constant “I really like him…but he isn’t mine to keep” refrain, because, why the F not?! It gets old. But, whatever. There’s also an unfortunate use of “ravage” instead of “ravish,” which…yikes. But mostly I was smiling throughout the story!
HEA, age-gap, virgin hero, hockey player/former hockey player turned PT. NO OM drama or OM action at all, safe for me. Recommended, and I’m loving this multi-author Love the Game hockey series! More please.
Ferris is a college hockey player, a goalie, who’s been signed to an NHL team and is finishing his final year. He’s on the spectrum and has found ways to manage his unique needs, including crocheting mini-animals and other things, which he often gifts to friends. (Honestly, he seemed perhaps overly defined by his autism? The author does strong different abilities rep, but, the story focused on that quite a lot.) He’s also a virgin who fears he’ll never find the right person to change that situation.
Quinn is a former NHL pro player whose career ended after a car accident ruined his knee. He’s now a PT.
They meet at a photoshoot and connect when Ferris texts Quinn to ask if he has advice on handling relationships while playing in the pros. They’re supposed to just get together and talk while Quinn is in town. Instead they really…connect…and it is HOT.
It’s classic Lindsey, with Ferris wondering if anyone will ever “get” him, and Quinn being the perfect pot for Ferris’s endearingly awkward and inexperienced lid. Quinn’s attraction to and acceptance of Ferris’s unique reactions and needs was stellar writing and created fabulously steamy and believably explosive first times (ever, for Ferris, and for them both as a couple). It was meant to be just one night…
Cue fabulous pining, as neither is able to forget the other, and when Ferris is injured in a freak accident and walks into the room to meet his new NHL approved PT, well…you can guess the rest!
Sure the patient-PT connection made reconnecting inappropriate…did I care? No. No I did not. Bring it! These two were terrific together and I ate up every forbidden caress.
Secondary characters are well-drawn and add a strong supporting cast, with Ferris’s teammates/fraternity house roomies surrounding him, and Ferris’s mom being a star in her own right. Quinn’s past is more glossed over; his parents were disengaged, and I don’t even remember if they’re alive or dead, and he was married for two months and then divorced, which I wish had been explored more, that’s pretty much all I know about it.
I did get annoyed with the constant “I really like him…but he isn’t mine to keep” refrain, because, why the F not?! It gets old. But, whatever. There’s also an unfortunate use of “ravage” instead of “ravish,” which…yikes. But mostly I was smiling throughout the story!
HEA, age-gap, virgin hero, hockey player/former hockey player turned PT. NO OM drama or OM action at all, safe for me. Recommended, and I’m loving this multi-author Love the Game hockey series! More please.
October 16, 2025
Here's EM Lindsey's "Top Shelf." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Love The Game.
["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 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?"]
These two met once before their massively cliched but entirely too perfect sexual experience. And that first time they met? Instant lust, instant chemistry, instant intrigue. The massively cliched but entirely too perfect sexual experience? More like falling in love in one afternoon, finding your perfect match, someone who understands you, sees you, hears you in ways that no one ever did.
Everything else? Fate stepping in and helping them along the way to their HEA.
They were perfect. Soft and warm and understanding. But it was also that perfect balance of spice. I loved them!!
Trigger Warnings: mentions of past emotional neglect, on-page severe injury, past career ending injury, on-page pedestrian struck by a car, ableism, ableist and self-deprecating language, and more.
#topshelf #emlindsey #fulltilt #theposterboy #barnburner #offsideplay #newrules #playwithme #puckshots #lovethegame #lovethegameseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["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 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?"]
These two met once before their massively cliched but entirely too perfect sexual experience. And that first time they met? Instant lust, instant chemistry, instant intrigue. The massively cliched but entirely too perfect sexual experience? More like falling in love in one afternoon, finding your perfect match, someone who understands you, sees you, hears you in ways that no one ever did.
Everything else? Fate stepping in and helping them along the way to their HEA.
They were perfect. Soft and warm and understanding. But it was also that perfect balance of spice. I loved them!!
Trigger Warnings: mentions of past emotional neglect, on-page severe injury, past career ending injury, on-page pedestrian struck by a car, ableism, ableist and self-deprecating language, and more.
#topshelf #emlindsey #fulltilt #theposterboy #barnburner #offsideplay #newrules #playwithme #puckshots #lovethegame #lovethegameseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
October 29, 2025
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book! Ferris and Quinn were the sweetest. I loved how Quinn put himself out there when he made his offer to help Ferris at the start of the book. Their first night together was such a great scene. So much tenderness and understanding. The connection between them was evident right from the start. And I loved how their paths crossed again. The situation wasn’t ideal, but that only served to ratchet up the longing from both characters. Neither one was very good at keeping things professional. They wanted each other too much for that.
I thought Ferris’s autism was written so well. He had his struggles, but he knew himself and his limitations so well, and it was wonderful how quickly Quinn tuned into what Ferris needed from him at any given moment. They really were on the same wavelength, even despite their differences in age and life experience. They just fit. Quinn may have seemed grumpy and closed off, but he was actually quite softhearted, especially when it came to Ferris.
The story was low angst. There were a few aspects that could have taken a turn toward angst, but I actually appreciated that things stayed on the lighter side. It was just so tender and cozy, with plenty of swoony moments and some adorably awkward and endearing moments as well. I enjoyed it from start to finish, it’s one of my favorite books from this series!
“You were not reading the room wrong, Ferris. I wanted you the moment I saw you at the photoshoot. I just never thought I’d get a chance.”
I really enjoyed this book! Ferris and Quinn were the sweetest. I loved how Quinn put himself out there when he made his offer to help Ferris at the start of the book. Their first night together was such a great scene. So much tenderness and understanding. The connection between them was evident right from the start. And I loved how their paths crossed again. The situation wasn’t ideal, but that only served to ratchet up the longing from both characters. Neither one was very good at keeping things professional. They wanted each other too much for that.
"I’ve never crossed this kind of line, and I know for a fact you are the only person I’d be willing to take this risk for.”
I thought Ferris’s autism was written so well. He had his struggles, but he knew himself and his limitations so well, and it was wonderful how quickly Quinn tuned into what Ferris needed from him at any given moment. They really were on the same wavelength, even despite their differences in age and life experience. They just fit. Quinn may have seemed grumpy and closed off, but he was actually quite softhearted, especially when it came to Ferris.
“I’m not sure about most of the things in my life, sweetheart. But you are the one thing I know I’m getting right.”
The story was low angst. There were a few aspects that could have taken a turn toward angst, but I actually appreciated that things stayed on the lighter side. It was just so tender and cozy, with plenty of swoony moments and some adorably awkward and endearing moments as well. I enjoyed it from start to finish, it’s one of my favorite books from this series!
“I know I was whole before I met you, but I didn’t feel complete until you got into my car and smiled at me that first time. I didn’t understand the feeling back then, but I do now.”
October 29, 2025
One of my favorite things about EM's books is that they work very hard to authentically write diverse characters. Ferris is autistic and I felt like the way his character was written really helped me understand all the struggles he has had to overcome, and how even despite loving him and having the best of intentions, his family didn't understand him, and thus couldn't help him, the way he really needed. But Quinn pays attention and somehow innately understand what Ferris needs, and on those occasions that he doesn't, he asks so he can make sure he is getting it right.
Both MCs, but I think especially Quinn, showed a lot of growth in the story. Quinn was a good guy, but he held himself closed off. Ferris helps him see that it's okay to open up and be vulnerable. Ferris learns to be confident in advocating for himself with the people he loves.
The story had a lot of spice and that was the driving force behind the relationship for most of the book, until it became more. This is a love-comes-later story, though the MCs are inexplicably drawn to each other from the start. That said, I did think the physical relationship was a bit much and eclipsed the story's plot at times. The age-gap here was also pretty vast (Ferris is less than half Quinn's age). Normally age-gap doesn't bother me, but this one was pretty big and it left me wondering if they could really make it for the long haul, but it's fiction and I am choosing to believe Quinn will find a fountain of youth so he can continue to keep up with Ferris.
This was only the second book in this multi-author series that I read and I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything by skipping around the series. There are a lot of cameos from MCs of other stories that I was unfamiliar with, but I wasn't intrigued enough by any of them to make me want to pick up their books right away, though I might return to the series later.
Both MCs, but I think especially Quinn, showed a lot of growth in the story. Quinn was a good guy, but he held himself closed off. Ferris helps him see that it's okay to open up and be vulnerable. Ferris learns to be confident in advocating for himself with the people he loves.
The story had a lot of spice and that was the driving force behind the relationship for most of the book, until it became more. This is a love-comes-later story, though the MCs are inexplicably drawn to each other from the start. That said, I did think the physical relationship was a bit much and eclipsed the story's plot at times. The age-gap here was also pretty vast (Ferris is less than half Quinn's age). Normally age-gap doesn't bother me, but this one was pretty big and it left me wondering if they could really make it for the long haul, but it's fiction and I am choosing to believe Quinn will find a fountain of youth so he can continue to keep up with Ferris.
This was only the second book in this multi-author series that I read and I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything by skipping around the series. There are a lot of cameos from MCs of other stories that I was unfamiliar with, but I wasn't intrigued enough by any of them to make me want to pick up their books right away, though I might return to the series later.
October 15, 2025
Ferris knows he is in trouble the moment he sees Quinn Rhodes. The older, retired NHL player who lost his career when he was in an accident. There is something that draws Ferris to Quinn, but with his lack of social skills and autism, having any chance of making something happen with Quinn seems out of reach. Until it isn’t. They have one night together that Ferris can’t forget and though he knows it should only be one night, he wishes it wasn’t. Then a few weeks later, Ferris gets into an accident that threatens to end his NHL career before it begins and when he enters the physical therapist office, he faces Quinn once more. Quinn was drawn to Ferris the moment they met, but has done his best to keep his distance. Yet when he let’s them have a night together, it’s one that changes him. He knows he should let Ferris go. And he tries. Until Ferris becomes his patient. He is torn between staying professional and wanting to pull Ferris close. And it’s only a matter of time until these two give in to the connection between them. I adored Ferris and Quinn’s relationship. Quinn actually understood Ferris and gave Ferris a real chance to be himself and not worry about whether or not he was acting strange. Quinn just let him be and didn’t look at him differently because of it, but loved him more for it. They were one another’s safe space. And for Quinn, Ferris entering his life gave him a love that he didn’t think he could ever have given his past. They were just so sweet together! I loved getting to know them and watching them fall in love. Another great story in this series!
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