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Love The Game
The Poster Boy
One goal to make a career.
One kiss to derail a life.
Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie, but he's also not out. At least, he wasn’t. Because one kiss with the wrong man slams Marek out of the closet and into the spotlight.
Determined to the make the best of a bad situation, Marek goes on the offensive, charming the media one interview at a time, happy to be the poster boy the media is after. Only, not everyone is pleased with the attention Marek is receiving, and he finds himself traded to a different team.
Separated from his home and his sister, Marek vows to handle the shots thrown at him. He throws himself into being the best goalie he can for the his new team, but no matter what he does, he can't earn the friendship of the hot and broody defenseman, Jay Brookbank.
One text message to turn it all upside down.
Marek might be out and proud, but Jay is not, and after seeing the fallout from Marek's grand reveal, he doesn't want to be. Unfortunately, he still has needs and unfortunately, the faceless torso on the other end of the hookup app turns out to be none other than Marek Myers.
One hookup to change everything.
All Marek wants is someone to accept him for who he is, and Jay needs someone who can put up with his bullshit. The two of them are perfect for each other, but there's one big problem—Jay doesn’t like Marek. Maddeningly, he can’t stop thinking about him.
He doesn’t want to see Marek again, but he can't stay away.
He’s absolutely not falling for Marek, and he’s definitely not willing to risk it all for him.
Right?
RIGHT?!
***
The Poster Boy is book four in a brand new sports shared world. Love the Game features books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.
One kiss to derail a life.
Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie, but he's also not out. At least, he wasn’t. Because one kiss with the wrong man slams Marek out of the closet and into the spotlight.
Determined to the make the best of a bad situation, Marek goes on the offensive, charming the media one interview at a time, happy to be the poster boy the media is after. Only, not everyone is pleased with the attention Marek is receiving, and he finds himself traded to a different team.
Separated from his home and his sister, Marek vows to handle the shots thrown at him. He throws himself into being the best goalie he can for the his new team, but no matter what he does, he can't earn the friendship of the hot and broody defenseman, Jay Brookbank.
One text message to turn it all upside down.
Marek might be out and proud, but Jay is not, and after seeing the fallout from Marek's grand reveal, he doesn't want to be. Unfortunately, he still has needs and unfortunately, the faceless torso on the other end of the hookup app turns out to be none other than Marek Myers.
One hookup to change everything.
All Marek wants is someone to accept him for who he is, and Jay needs someone who can put up with his bullshit. The two of them are perfect for each other, but there's one big problem—Jay doesn’t like Marek. Maddeningly, he can’t stop thinking about him.
He doesn’t want to see Marek again, but he can't stay away.
He’s absolutely not falling for Marek, and he’s definitely not willing to risk it all for him.
Right?
RIGHT?!
***
The Poster Boy is book four in a brand new sports shared world. Love the Game features books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, Becca Seymour, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
131 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Denning
96 books549 followersEM Denning has more than twenty romance novels under her belt and has become an author you can rely on to bring you emotionally endearing, soft and fuzzy, stories. She is well known among her friends for her love of naps and sarcasm. She spends her free time reading as many romance novels as she can get her hands on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 1, 2026
I’m starting this year by continuing to read a series that’s turning out not to be that good, but I’ll finish it anyway. Think of it as my New Year’s resolution. I’ve got to bring those numbers up, so I’ll finish everything, even if it sucks. 😭
I’m not saying this book sucked. I’m giving it 3.75⭐, it's the best book in the series so far. And up until about 80% it was a really good one. I loved both main characters and their dynamic, liked the author’s writing, and honestly thought we were going out with a bang.
But… no such luck.
🟢 Teammates
🟡 Both gay (one in the closet)
🟣 Age gap 28/one a little younger
🔵 Grumpy / sunshine
🟢 mentions ADHD, but not enough
🟠 Great first 80%, a complete downfall in the last 20%
🌶️ Good sex, I loved it all except the end of the book; rimming, oral, penetrative; both vers (switch)
The story is pretty good and both Marek and Jay are hot together, right until that final part, when they’re actually together together. That Christmas break ruined everything.
So, Marek is a goalie who gets traded to the Vancouver Vikings because he has huge media exposure and it’s starting to bother his former team. They trade him out, everyone knows him, and the new team accepts him soon enough, except for Jay Brookbank, their defenseman.
Marek and Jay have this ongoing tension, where Jay is hating on the guy, not only because he's out and just the perfect sunshiny guy that everyone likes, but Jay is far too attracted to Marek
"I’m just tired of seeing his face everywhere.” His stupid, pretty face, with piercing blue eyes and his blond hair that had been cut into a boy-next-door style, but was a bit longer now."
Marek is the poster boy for openly gay players in the league, he also has ADHD and is in his head most of the time, so he doesn’t understand why Jay doesn’t like him, he’s actually pretty hurt by it, especially since he’d been crushing on Jay even before joining the team (which is mentioned in one sentence and not elaborated on further)
"I knew I wasn’t a catch. I was flighty and had a hard time wrangling my brain on a good day. My house was a mess, which felt like a good metaphor for how my life was going currently. But Jay knew none of those things. He knew none of that, and yet I’d been good enough to have sex with but not good enough to talk to."
When they start hooking up is where it gets really good. The author was building up this dynamic where they still weren’t convinced of each other, but had great sexual chemistry and were just the right fit. I loved all of their one-on-one moments on page, and I liked how the sex was written down. I felt like we were just getting started, nowhere near actual feelings yet, and I couldn't wait to get more
"Myers wrapped his other hand around my mouth. “Shhh.” The thrust of his hips was sharp and sudden. “Be a good boy and stay quiet for me.”
Fuck my life. Fuck my whole life and fuck Marek Myers for making that hotter than it had any reason to be."
We also get to read about Marek’s ADHD, but in connection to Jay it’s mostly brushed over. It's explained how it affects his life, but I wanted Jay to have a bigger role in all of it. What we get instead is Jay cleaning up Marek’s apartment once and that’s it. I thought that once they got together and became more serious, this would be part of their relationship and come up more, Jay would be this person that really gets him and helps him, but he just did his laundry once and that's it.
The turning point happens when Marek goes with Jay to a Christmas break at another teammate’s place and while they’re there, they don’t really do anything together. They hardly even talk, even though they’re sleeping in the same room and in the same bed. There was definitely much more needed to get them talking and actually becoming boyfriends than just coming home, Jay quickly realizing he loves Marek (not falling in love, not even falling into a big like, which would have been far more believable), but suddenly full-on loving him.
And Marek just loves him back. Just like that.
That last 20% killed the whole vibe for me, especially because the dialogue between them started feeling awkward and stilted. I didn’t like it. Their personalities and dynamic got completely lost. There’s a big chunk missing between that Christmas party and them officially getting together, so everything that happened in-between just didn’t work (for me).
The ending was mediocre and didn’t add much value to the story. We rushed into a happy relationship while I was left wondering, like, where’s the rest of it, and where are the two hot guys I’d been reading about??
Forgettable.
I’m not saying this book sucked. I’m giving it 3.75⭐, it's the best book in the series so far. And up until about 80% it was a really good one. I loved both main characters and their dynamic, liked the author’s writing, and honestly thought we were going out with a bang.
But… no such luck.
🟢 Teammates
🟡 Both gay (one in the closet)
🟣 Age gap 28/one a little younger
🔵 Grumpy / sunshine
🟢 mentions ADHD, but not enough
🟠 Great first 80%, a complete downfall in the last 20%
🌶️ Good sex, I loved it all except the end of the book; rimming, oral, penetrative; both vers (switch)
The story is pretty good and both Marek and Jay are hot together, right until that final part, when they’re actually together together. That Christmas break ruined everything.
So, Marek is a goalie who gets traded to the Vancouver Vikings because he has huge media exposure and it’s starting to bother his former team. They trade him out, everyone knows him, and the new team accepts him soon enough, except for Jay Brookbank, their defenseman.
Marek and Jay have this ongoing tension, where Jay is hating on the guy, not only because he's out and just the perfect sunshiny guy that everyone likes, but Jay is far too attracted to Marek
"I’m just tired of seeing his face everywhere.” His stupid, pretty face, with piercing blue eyes and his blond hair that had been cut into a boy-next-door style, but was a bit longer now."
Marek is the poster boy for openly gay players in the league, he also has ADHD and is in his head most of the time, so he doesn’t understand why Jay doesn’t like him, he’s actually pretty hurt by it, especially since he’d been crushing on Jay even before joining the team (which is mentioned in one sentence and not elaborated on further)
"I knew I wasn’t a catch. I was flighty and had a hard time wrangling my brain on a good day. My house was a mess, which felt like a good metaphor for how my life was going currently. But Jay knew none of those things. He knew none of that, and yet I’d been good enough to have sex with but not good enough to talk to."
When they start hooking up is where it gets really good. The author was building up this dynamic where they still weren’t convinced of each other, but had great sexual chemistry and were just the right fit. I loved all of their one-on-one moments on page, and I liked how the sex was written down. I felt like we were just getting started, nowhere near actual feelings yet, and I couldn't wait to get more
"Myers wrapped his other hand around my mouth. “Shhh.” The thrust of his hips was sharp and sudden. “Be a good boy and stay quiet for me.”
Fuck my life. Fuck my whole life and fuck Marek Myers for making that hotter than it had any reason to be."
We also get to read about Marek’s ADHD, but in connection to Jay it’s mostly brushed over. It's explained how it affects his life, but I wanted Jay to have a bigger role in all of it. What we get instead is Jay cleaning up Marek’s apartment once and that’s it. I thought that once they got together and became more serious, this would be part of their relationship and come up more, Jay would be this person that really gets him and helps him, but he just did his laundry once and that's it.
The turning point happens when Marek goes with Jay to a Christmas break at another teammate’s place and while they’re there, they don’t really do anything together. They hardly even talk, even though they’re sleeping in the same room and in the same bed. There was definitely much more needed to get them talking and actually becoming boyfriends than just coming home, Jay quickly realizing he loves Marek (not falling in love, not even falling into a big like, which would have been far more believable), but suddenly full-on loving him.
And Marek just loves him back. Just like that.
That last 20% killed the whole vibe for me, especially because the dialogue between them started feeling awkward and stilted. I didn’t like it. Their personalities and dynamic got completely lost. There’s a big chunk missing between that Christmas party and them officially getting together, so everything that happened in-between just didn’t work (for me).
The ending was mediocre and didn’t add much value to the story. We rushed into a happy relationship while I was left wondering, like, where’s the rest of it, and where are the two hot guys I’d been reading about??
Forgettable.
September 18, 2025
I'll be real with you. This is a story as old as ti... as old as the first mm hockey romances🏒🌈😉. The happy fact is that it is adorably written and peppered with little nuances that make it unique and enjoyable. A good read.
September 8, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Marek and Jay
This was my first time reading E.M. Denning but now I'm thinking I need to go back and read their entire backlist.
I went into this completely blind. The only thing I knew about it was that it is part of a series that is intertwined, and each book follows a different couple written by a different author. Give me MM and hockey and I'm in.
Marek is pushed out when he hooks up with someone famous. The media storm that follows pushes his team to offer him up for a trade. That trade means he ends up on Jay's team. Jay seemingly hates him. The truth is that he's bitter, jealous, and grumpy because he's still in the closet and hates the attention from the media that flocks to Marek.
I loved Jay. He was grumpy and knew that a lot of his attitude was for the wrong reasons, but he couldn't help it.
And I was overly emotional, like crying during parts, at how much Marek and his ADHD struggles made me feel completely seen. There is a scene in the book (the first time Jay is at his place) that caught me so off-guard I went from smiling to sobbing. And it's not an emotional scene. It's just that I have the same struggles every single day and it just hit me hard to see a character going through it and to see someone understand and help without negative remarks or judgement.
Obviously, this was a personal moment for me. The book itself is much more lighthearted and low angst. There are some moments with them navigating things since Marek is openly out and Jay is still very much in the closet. Those moments add a bit of stress for them and a small amount of angst. Mostly this is a feel-good romance. If it wasn't for the ADHA rep I don't think I would have had such a visceral emotional response.
I loved Marek and Jay, and I adored the rest of the team and found family. The romance was a bit slow burn (animosity to lovers) but swoony once it gets going. The steam is hot (toys, phones, a flip scene). And the ADHD rep was perfect. I'll be annotating the hell out of the physical copy when it's available and reread this.
This entire series is shaping up to be comfort reads, books I'll return to over and over again to lift my mood and bring me pure joy.
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Marek and Jay
This was my first time reading E.M. Denning but now I'm thinking I need to go back and read their entire backlist.
I went into this completely blind. The only thing I knew about it was that it is part of a series that is intertwined, and each book follows a different couple written by a different author. Give me MM and hockey and I'm in.
Marek is pushed out when he hooks up with someone famous. The media storm that follows pushes his team to offer him up for a trade. That trade means he ends up on Jay's team. Jay seemingly hates him. The truth is that he's bitter, jealous, and grumpy because he's still in the closet and hates the attention from the media that flocks to Marek.
I loved Jay. He was grumpy and knew that a lot of his attitude was for the wrong reasons, but he couldn't help it.
And I was overly emotional, like crying during parts, at how much Marek and his ADHD struggles made me feel completely seen. There is a scene in the book (the first time Jay is at his place) that caught me so off-guard I went from smiling to sobbing. And it's not an emotional scene. It's just that I have the same struggles every single day and it just hit me hard to see a character going through it and to see someone understand and help without negative remarks or judgement.
Obviously, this was a personal moment for me. The book itself is much more lighthearted and low angst. There are some moments with them navigating things since Marek is openly out and Jay is still very much in the closet. Those moments add a bit of stress for them and a small amount of angst. Mostly this is a feel-good romance. If it wasn't for the ADHA rep I don't think I would have had such a visceral emotional response.
I loved Marek and Jay, and I adored the rest of the team and found family. The romance was a bit slow burn (animosity to lovers) but swoony once it gets going. The steam is hot (toys, phones, a flip scene). And the ADHD rep was perfect. I'll be annotating the hell out of the physical copy when it's available and reread this.
This entire series is shaping up to be comfort reads, books I'll return to over and over again to lift my mood and bring me pure joy.
September 19, 2025
3⭐ Lots of repetition and inconsistencies.
September 24, 2025
Jay + Merik
-mm enemies to lovers
-hockey teammates
-secret romance
-grumpy/sunshine
-accidental app match
-adhd/ace/aro rep
this was a great story with tension that had you side eyeing these two wondering when they were going to get their shit together! it was so juicyyy! haha i loved it & the adhd rep from merik literally had me V-I-B-I-N-G!! we are one! haha
-mm enemies to lovers
-hockey teammates
-secret romance
-grumpy/sunshine
-accidental app match
-adhd/ace/aro rep
this was a great story with tension that had you side eyeing these two wondering when they were going to get their shit together! it was so juicyyy! haha i loved it & the adhd rep from merik literally had me V-I-B-I-N-G!! we are one! haha
September 19, 2025
This is a teammates sports romance, featuring Marek Myers and Jay Brookbank, and is book three in the Love The Game series.
Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie forced out of the closet after one kiss, and while he embraces the spotlight, a trade to a new team leaves him clashing with Jay, the broody defenseman. But when a hookup app reveals Marek and Jay’s secret connection, sparks fly, and despite Jay’s resistance, neither of them can stay away.
This story was the right amount of hockey, drama, heat and emotions. Marek and Jay had me hooked, the out-and-proud sunshine goalie meets grumpy, closeted defenseman, and sparks fly in all the best messy ways. The hookup app twist was so fun, and I loved watching their walls break down as they slowly shifted from annoyance to something much more complicated. Loving this series!
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3
Multi author series
MM sports romance
Set in Canada
Hockey teammates
Defenseman x Goalie
Grumpy x Sunshine
Closeted x Outed
Anonymous hook up app
Secret hookups
Spicy times & dirty talk
Semi public s*x
S*x toys
Slight lack of communication
Calls him good boy
HEA
Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie forced out of the closet after one kiss, and while he embraces the spotlight, a trade to a new team leaves him clashing with Jay, the broody defenseman. But when a hookup app reveals Marek and Jay’s secret connection, sparks fly, and despite Jay’s resistance, neither of them can stay away.
This story was the right amount of hockey, drama, heat and emotions. Marek and Jay had me hooked, the out-and-proud sunshine goalie meets grumpy, closeted defenseman, and sparks fly in all the best messy ways. The hookup app twist was so fun, and I loved watching their walls break down as they slowly shifted from annoyance to something much more complicated. Loving this series!
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3
Multi author series
MM sports romance
Set in Canada
Hockey teammates
Defenseman x Goalie
Grumpy x Sunshine
Closeted x Outed
Anonymous hook up app
Secret hookups
Spicy times & dirty talk
Semi public s*x
S*x toys
Slight lack of communication
Calls him good boy
HEA
September 21, 2025
This was a little all over the place for me, some bits worked really well but there were others that were a little repetitive and a little clunky.
What did work really well was the ADHD rep. The way that Mareks struggles are explained is so very real, talking as someone who also has ADHD and struggles with the same things.
It was a nice low angst story, but was missing that umph for me.
What did work really well was the ADHD rep. The way that Mareks struggles are explained is so very real, talking as someone who also has ADHD and struggles with the same things.
It was a nice low angst story, but was missing that umph for me.
September 20, 2025
I found this on random & love me a hate to lovers romance with hockey teammates so I gave it a chance!
I have skipped & skimmed but I think I've read enough from start to finish (especially later chapters), over the 3-4hrs I spent on it. Plus I wanted to write my thoughts! I really related to Marek (on most things), so much so that I even took ADHD screening tests online 😅. They showed me moderate so who the f knows lol.
I've seen these types of stories a lot but I enjoyed this one nevertheless, they're fun hehe. I was mad at Jay but did get him, Grumpy x Sunshine lol. Tho, people around him are quite accepting—but it still should be his choice.
M+J's chemistry is hot when they finally get together like 3.5/5 🔥 atleast! I love me vers couple (even with preference 😉). The 3rd act, I liked that they both got eachother's view points, even if it took time. Technically, both their faults lol.
It didn't sit right with me that Jay'll want to come out for Marek & wanting him to not regret Jay, but phew, in next chapter Jay does think he wants to do so for himself & live life as he wants, so that's good. Overall, I had a good time with this story.
Short burst (skim/skip) read: 19-20 Sept 2025.
I have skipped & skimmed but I think I've read enough from start to finish (especially later chapters), over the 3-4hrs I spent on it. Plus I wanted to write my thoughts! I really related to Marek (on most things), so much so that I even took ADHD screening tests online 😅. They showed me moderate so who the f knows lol.
I've seen these types of stories a lot but I enjoyed this one nevertheless, they're fun hehe. I was mad at Jay but did get him, Grumpy x Sunshine lol. Tho, people around him are quite accepting—but it still should be his choice.
M+J's chemistry is hot when they finally get together like 3.5/5 🔥 atleast! I love me vers couple (even with preference 😉). The 3rd act, I liked that they both got eachother's view points, even if it took time. Technically, both their faults lol.
It didn't sit right with me that Jay'll want to come out for Marek & wanting him to not regret Jay, but phew, in next chapter Jay does think he wants to do so for himself & live life as he wants, so that's good. Overall, I had a good time with this story.
Short burst (skim/skip) read: 19-20 Sept 2025.
September 24, 2025
“I don’t even like you.” Myers only grinned. He fucking smiled at me, wide and bright and completely unbothered. “Good, because you’re not exactly a prize yourself. But we’re both here, we’re both…” “Don’t say it.” “Queer.” Myers gleefully ignored my protest.This started off strong for me, I loved Marek so much, still do, but for an unknown reason my interest just dropped. It took me SO long to finish. I kept picking it up and putting it down after a sentence. Tbh this may have just been because of this wicked reading slump I'm in.
Anyway, yes I liked it, no it wasn't life changing. There is no OM/OW/sex with others drama. The friend group is pretty awesome and supportive as is Marek's sister.
January 3, 2026
Touched My Heart!
Oh, I loved this story! The emotions of being forced out while playing a "manly" rough sport. The issues of having a medical condition that was stressful even without the added strain of being a gay man in professional team sports.
Both main characters jumped off the page as complex yet very human beings. I was immersed in their story and their love.
Oh, I loved this story! The emotions of being forced out while playing a "manly" rough sport. The issues of having a medical condition that was stressful even without the added strain of being a gay man in professional team sports.
Both main characters jumped off the page as complex yet very human beings. I was immersed in their story and their love.
November 26, 2025
So sweet, so hot.
September 23, 2025
4☆
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Marek, Jay
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Enemies to Lovers, Teammates, Hockey Romance, Grumpy Sunshine
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Marek, Jay
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Enemies to Lovers, Teammates, Hockey Romance, Grumpy Sunshine
September 21, 2025
Here's EM Denning's "The Poster Boy." It's a novel in the multi-author series, Love The Game.
["One goal to make a career.
One kiss to derail a life.
Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie, but he's also not out. At least, he wasn’t. Because one kiss with the wrong man slams Marek out of the closet and into the spotlight.
Determined to the make the best of a bad situation, Marek goes on the offensive, charming the media one interview at a time, happy to be the poster boy the media is after. Only, not everyone is pleased with the attention Marek is receiving, and he finds himself traded to a different team.
Separated from his home and his sister, Marek vows to handle the shots thrown at him. He throws himself into being the best goalie he can for the his new team, but no matter what he does, he can't earn the friendship of the hot and broody defenseman, Jay Brookbank.
One text message to turn it all upside down.
Marek might be out and proud, but Jay is not, and after seeing the fallout from Marek's grand reveal, he doesn't want to be. Unfortunately, he still has needs and unfortunately, the faceless torso on the other end of the hookup app turns out to be none other than Marek Myers.
One hookup to change everything.
All Marek wants is someone to accept him for who he is, and Jay needs someone who can put up with his bullshit. The two of them are perfect for each other, but there's one big problem—Jay doesn’t like Marek. Maddeningly, he can’t stop thinking about him.
He doesn’t want to see Marek again, but he can't stay away.
He’s absolutely not falling for Marek, and he’s definitely not willing to risk it all for him.
Right?
RIGHT?!"]
This one was a lot amgstier than the others in this series so far. Lots of hurt/comfort minus the comfort. Lots of anxiety and stress and hate and self-hate. Marek was drowning in the responsibility of being a poster boy and the feeling of being too much, of being unwanted. Jay was drowning in his feelings of anger and jealousy of a life he would never have. They were both so lonely that it was consuming them.
But the moment they let go, they found themselves. They found each other. They found love. It wasn’t easy going, but they made it work.
#theposterboy #emdenning #barnburner #offsideplay #newrules #fulltilt #puckshots #topshelf #playwithme #lovethegame #lovethegameseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["One goal to make a career.
One kiss to derail a life.
Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie, but he's also not out. At least, he wasn’t. Because one kiss with the wrong man slams Marek out of the closet and into the spotlight.
Determined to the make the best of a bad situation, Marek goes on the offensive, charming the media one interview at a time, happy to be the poster boy the media is after. Only, not everyone is pleased with the attention Marek is receiving, and he finds himself traded to a different team.
Separated from his home and his sister, Marek vows to handle the shots thrown at him. He throws himself into being the best goalie he can for the his new team, but no matter what he does, he can't earn the friendship of the hot and broody defenseman, Jay Brookbank.
One text message to turn it all upside down.
Marek might be out and proud, but Jay is not, and after seeing the fallout from Marek's grand reveal, he doesn't want to be. Unfortunately, he still has needs and unfortunately, the faceless torso on the other end of the hookup app turns out to be none other than Marek Myers.
One hookup to change everything.
All Marek wants is someone to accept him for who he is, and Jay needs someone who can put up with his bullshit. The two of them are perfect for each other, but there's one big problem—Jay doesn’t like Marek. Maddeningly, he can’t stop thinking about him.
He doesn’t want to see Marek again, but he can't stay away.
He’s absolutely not falling for Marek, and he’s definitely not willing to risk it all for him.
Right?
RIGHT?!"]
This one was a lot amgstier than the others in this series so far. Lots of hurt/comfort minus the comfort. Lots of anxiety and stress and hate and self-hate. Marek was drowning in the responsibility of being a poster boy and the feeling of being too much, of being unwanted. Jay was drowning in his feelings of anger and jealousy of a life he would never have. They were both so lonely that it was consuming them.
But the moment they let go, they found themselves. They found each other. They found love. It wasn’t easy going, but they made it work.
#theposterboy #emdenning #barnburner #offsideplay #newrules #fulltilt #puckshots #topshelf #playwithme #lovethegame #lovethegameseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
December 10, 2025
This was not as good as expected. So much happened off page. The book starts with the fact that Marek is outed. In the blurb we read more about what follows than in the book itself. It’s literally one sentence 😳 Or actually it’s less than that.
“It sounded so simple. Unfortunately, that’s not what happened. Spring rolled around and my team was out in the first round of the playoffs.”
What happened??? We don’t really know. Three sentences later the whole story has rolled out apparently. “Suddenly, I was a gay icon. A poster boy for gay hockey players.” And then he gets traded, because his team doesn’t like the media attention.
No scandal, nothing. Just a trade to another team, and there’s Jay. Jay of course is gay too, and he hates Marek for being so loud about being out. Then they fuck, Jay invites him for Christmas but doesn’t want anyone to know why and ignores him. He bought Marek a special present but didn’t bring it, feels shit about that but it is never mentioned again. When they come home they fuck again in the car in the parking garage because Marek doesn’t want to do it out in the open 🙄😱 but it’s really more of a fight and then they don’t speak for a week. All of a sudden they do talk again, and guess what they love each other. “I need you to know that I know I fucked up. And I’ll probably fuck up again. And again. But I won’t ever stop trying not to… because I love you.”
They’ve been together for 3 weeks! (Or maybe it’s six months but we have no idea because It’s Not Mentioned!)
A while later Jay is still not out but he kisses Marek in front of the team to tell them. (Why can’t people in books never use words to out themselves? Just say “I’m in love with Marek”.)
It doesn’t leak although Marek is very obvious because he gives Jay secret smiles all the time. Not a kiss though so it can’t be seen. The end.
This book was so promising. And it was a hockey book, and for me that’s half the battle. If authors would just write the story instead of telling about it, the world would be so much nicer (or at least filled with better books).
Won’t reread, and don’t recommend
“It sounded so simple. Unfortunately, that’s not what happened. Spring rolled around and my team was out in the first round of the playoffs.”
What happened??? We don’t really know. Three sentences later the whole story has rolled out apparently. “Suddenly, I was a gay icon. A poster boy for gay hockey players.” And then he gets traded, because his team doesn’t like the media attention.
No scandal, nothing. Just a trade to another team, and there’s Jay. Jay of course is gay too, and he hates Marek for being so loud about being out. Then they fuck, Jay invites him for Christmas but doesn’t want anyone to know why and ignores him. He bought Marek a special present but didn’t bring it, feels shit about that but it is never mentioned again. When they come home they fuck again in the car in the parking garage because Marek doesn’t want to do it out in the open 🙄😱 but it’s really more of a fight and then they don’t speak for a week. All of a sudden they do talk again, and guess what they love each other. “I need you to know that I know I fucked up. And I’ll probably fuck up again. And again. But I won’t ever stop trying not to… because I love you.”
They’ve been together for 3 weeks! (Or maybe it’s six months but we have no idea because It’s Not Mentioned!)
A while later Jay is still not out but he kisses Marek in front of the team to tell them. (Why can’t people in books never use words to out themselves? Just say “I’m in love with Marek”.)
It doesn’t leak although Marek is very obvious because he gives Jay secret smiles all the time. Not a kiss though so it can’t be seen. The end.
This book was so promising. And it was a hockey book, and for me that’s half the battle. If authors would just write the story instead of telling about it, the world would be so much nicer (or at least filled with better books).
Won’t reread, and don’t recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
The Poster Boy by E.M. Denning is an addictive hockey romance and joins the list of my all time favorites! There is so much to this book and done in such a subtle way that while I’ve already reread it more than once, I continue to fall in love even more each time.
While I’d likely be able to write a dissertation on why I love this book so much, let me begin with representation. It matters so very much. The ADHD was incredibly well done. I’ve seen it in other books without the same level of accuracy and respect that this author uses. It’s clear that E.M. Denning is either familiar with it or made time to make sure to research.
I’d also like to give a shout out for handling aromatic so perfectly. I’ll note here that this is not a major part of the plot, but to someone who needed to see that? It was perfect.
Now, the characters… my favorite part about any E.M. Denning book. I never know if it’s going to be love from the beginning or if it’ll take a while. This one was both. I adored Marek. As in, wanted to use bubble wrap to protect him and just shower him with all the love possible. Despite the hand he’s dealt, his perseverance? Honestly, I couldn’t look away.
Jay, however, I wasn’t sold on immediately. And that made it even better. The tension! Not just between the characters with that, but internally. He had to fight to win me over, and wow did he. A major portion of that is because this author digs so much into the characters we see them through the different lenses of experiences—from their friends to partners to themselves. It gives us a deeper understanding and that is why I fell in love with him.
As always, E.M. Denning added her signature expertise. In this case, it’s defying both societal and genre expectations. And I sincerely thank her for it because it reinforces some very important lessons. I’m not sure how it comes as a surprise to me anymore, but this author is able to pull at my very soul.
If I could, I’d have a poster with this line from this book: "People are just people. We’re all messy and f*cked up and imperfect. If you screwed up, you can apologize."
5+ stars for leaving me absolutely speechless afterwards.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
While I’d likely be able to write a dissertation on why I love this book so much, let me begin with representation. It matters so very much. The ADHD was incredibly well done. I’ve seen it in other books without the same level of accuracy and respect that this author uses. It’s clear that E.M. Denning is either familiar with it or made time to make sure to research.
I’d also like to give a shout out for handling aromatic so perfectly. I’ll note here that this is not a major part of the plot, but to someone who needed to see that? It was perfect.
Now, the characters… my favorite part about any E.M. Denning book. I never know if it’s going to be love from the beginning or if it’ll take a while. This one was both. I adored Marek. As in, wanted to use bubble wrap to protect him and just shower him with all the love possible. Despite the hand he’s dealt, his perseverance? Honestly, I couldn’t look away.
Jay, however, I wasn’t sold on immediately. And that made it even better. The tension! Not just between the characters with that, but internally. He had to fight to win me over, and wow did he. A major portion of that is because this author digs so much into the characters we see them through the different lenses of experiences—from their friends to partners to themselves. It gives us a deeper understanding and that is why I fell in love with him.
As always, E.M. Denning added her signature expertise. In this case, it’s defying both societal and genre expectations. And I sincerely thank her for it because it reinforces some very important lessons. I’m not sure how it comes as a surprise to me anymore, but this author is able to pull at my very soul.
If I could, I’d have a poster with this line from this book: "People are just people. We’re all messy and f*cked up and imperfect. If you screwed up, you can apologize."
5+ stars for leaving me absolutely speechless afterwards.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
September 19, 2025
Jay and Marek's story is an explosive one, they have an enemies to lovers vibe going on between them mainly due to Jay not actually getting to know Marek as a person...
Once his best friend Boone finally convinced him to give their new goalie a chance does he realize that Marek isn't so bad after all... And he actually might like the other man.
Marek got outed in the press, traded, harassed by paparazzi and hated by one of his teammates as soon as he arrives in town. He's struggling with everything changing, people not liking him, his brain not allowing him to do tasks he knows he should do, and just generally having a hard time... But when his anonymous match for a night of fun ends up being the person who hates him, things turn around for him.
Marek is an absolute sweetheart, Jay's description of him is pretty spot on, he does have a golden retriever vibe. He just wants to make people happy and wants to succeed. Whereas Jay is the complete opposite of Marek, while Marek is sunshine, Jay is a storm cloud. Not to say Jay is bad, just definitely more grumpy and hostile than Marek. But somehow these two balance the other out, they work well together once they could finally get out of their own way.
While I did enjoy reading this book I wish there were more couple-y esque moments that occured throughout the story, and less steamy scenes. We never really got to see them go on a date, or see Jay meet Marek's sister... Those are the moments/scenes I love in romance books, and they weren't here. That being said I did still enjoy the story, I'm excited to see Marek and Jay's teammates hopefully get paired up themselves. Boone and Andrew are the two side characters who piqued my interest the most, I hope they'll each get their own story eventually.
Once his best friend Boone finally convinced him to give their new goalie a chance does he realize that Marek isn't so bad after all... And he actually might like the other man.
Marek got outed in the press, traded, harassed by paparazzi and hated by one of his teammates as soon as he arrives in town. He's struggling with everything changing, people not liking him, his brain not allowing him to do tasks he knows he should do, and just generally having a hard time... But when his anonymous match for a night of fun ends up being the person who hates him, things turn around for him.
Marek is an absolute sweetheart, Jay's description of him is pretty spot on, he does have a golden retriever vibe. He just wants to make people happy and wants to succeed. Whereas Jay is the complete opposite of Marek, while Marek is sunshine, Jay is a storm cloud. Not to say Jay is bad, just definitely more grumpy and hostile than Marek. But somehow these two balance the other out, they work well together once they could finally get out of their own way.
While I did enjoy reading this book I wish there were more couple-y esque moments that occured throughout the story, and less steamy scenes. We never really got to see them go on a date, or see Jay meet Marek's sister... Those are the moments/scenes I love in romance books, and they weren't here. That being said I did still enjoy the story, I'm excited to see Marek and Jay's teammates hopefully get paired up themselves. Boone and Andrew are the two side characters who piqued my interest the most, I hope they'll each get their own story eventually.
September 22, 2025
The Poster Boy
Love The Game
EM Denning
Merek & Jay
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Enemies to lovers
Secret relationship
Low angst
Accidental app match
Teammates
Grumpy / Sunshine
Out & Proud / In The Closet
I really enjoyed this
I have enjoyed this entire series
This was a beautiful story
Merek was outed incredibly unfairly. It was awful, he is not wanting to be in the closet but rather just wanted to choose how he came out, in his own way. He then becomes the poster boy if you will for our athletes, especially with hockey.
He is charismatic and bubly and charming. Also, inside i believe he is struggling, he has add, and change is hard for him, he has also moved away from his sisters and has no friends here.
Merek just wants someone to stay, to notice him, to make an effort.
Jay is gruff and grumpy, fiercely loyal and in the closet. I think he resents Merek for being able to just be out.
These two clash in the beginning, well Jay is quite stand offish, and doesn't really give Merek the time of day, even his teammates can see his surliness towards Merek is worse than usual.
Jay decides to let off some steam and find a hook-up, low and behold, I wonder who he matched with?
“Myers wrapped his other hand around my mouth. “Shhh.” The thrust of his hips was sharp and sudden. “Be a good boy and stay quiet for me.”:
Things evolve from there with these two.
“Marek’s love was the sun shining on my soul.”
Its a great book. Im glad they both got a HEA together.
“I’d never been in love before, and I’d never had someone love me before, not like this. Not in a way that was everything.”
This has been a great series
Love The Game
EM Denning
Merek & Jay
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Enemies to lovers
Secret relationship
Low angst
Accidental app match
Teammates
Grumpy / Sunshine
Out & Proud / In The Closet
I really enjoyed this
I have enjoyed this entire series
This was a beautiful story
Merek was outed incredibly unfairly. It was awful, he is not wanting to be in the closet but rather just wanted to choose how he came out, in his own way. He then becomes the poster boy if you will for our athletes, especially with hockey.
He is charismatic and bubly and charming. Also, inside i believe he is struggling, he has add, and change is hard for him, he has also moved away from his sisters and has no friends here.
Merek just wants someone to stay, to notice him, to make an effort.
Jay is gruff and grumpy, fiercely loyal and in the closet. I think he resents Merek for being able to just be out.
These two clash in the beginning, well Jay is quite stand offish, and doesn't really give Merek the time of day, even his teammates can see his surliness towards Merek is worse than usual.
Jay decides to let off some steam and find a hook-up, low and behold, I wonder who he matched with?
“Myers wrapped his other hand around my mouth. “Shhh.” The thrust of his hips was sharp and sudden. “Be a good boy and stay quiet for me.”:
Things evolve from there with these two.
“Marek’s love was the sun shining on my soul.”
Its a great book. Im glad they both got a HEA together.
“I’d never been in love before, and I’d never had someone love me before, not like this. Not in a way that was everything.”
This has been a great series
October 25, 2025
This is a cute story. It’s a m/m sports hockey romance. It has great characters but it lacks any depth or true development and everything is a bit convenient. This book had amazing potential but felt rushed
Negatives, It has soooo much repetition! And some strange inconsistencies for example one mc starts of declaring himself bi after a teenage kiss with a male friend at hockey camp and liking that as well & his parents fall out with him when he’s still seeing men as well when older, then later in book by a chapter or two when asked says something about I’ve always been gay and refers to his first and last kiss with a girl. It also indicates he falls out with parents after they see him kiss a man, but later makes it sound like he very much loves his mum and the way he talks about her then sounds more like she passed away. He’s also very closeted but kissed a guy in a restaurant that his parents happened to stroll into. We’re also fed little tidbits of info that remain unresolved & at times it felt like a paint by numbers story it all fit together very conveniently and was suddenly over. I wonder if it was a short story that was extended for this charity anthology as the good qualities such as the character’s personalities are really strong but the story has lots of padding.
I believe if the repetitive parts were replaced with more depth and better on page relationship development & plot build up, this story could have really shone out! If you read alot and love this genre give it ago it’s a sweet tale, if your reading time is precious and you have to be super selective probably skip it.
Negatives, It has soooo much repetition! And some strange inconsistencies for example one mc starts of declaring himself bi after a teenage kiss with a male friend at hockey camp and liking that as well & his parents fall out with him when he’s still seeing men as well when older, then later in book by a chapter or two when asked says something about I’ve always been gay and refers to his first and last kiss with a girl. It also indicates he falls out with parents after they see him kiss a man, but later makes it sound like he very much loves his mum and the way he talks about her then sounds more like she passed away. He’s also very closeted but kissed a guy in a restaurant that his parents happened to stroll into. We’re also fed little tidbits of info that remain unresolved & at times it felt like a paint by numbers story it all fit together very conveniently and was suddenly over. I wonder if it was a short story that was extended for this charity anthology as the good qualities such as the character’s personalities are really strong but the story has lots of padding.
I believe if the repetitive parts were replaced with more depth and better on page relationship development & plot build up, this story could have really shone out! If you read alot and love this genre give it ago it’s a sweet tale, if your reading time is precious and you have to be super selective probably skip it.
November 16, 2025
💙💥🧊 Enemies? Rivals? Soulmates Who Won’t Admit It? 💥💙🧊
This book?? Sent me. Launched me. Catapulted me straight into hockey-romance heaven. I went in knowing basically nothing except “hockey + teammates + tension,” and somehow this ended up being my first EM Denning book — which is honestly rude because WHY did no one shove one of these into my hands sooner??
Marek stole my heart, my sanity, and probably my lunch money. He’s messy, charming, overwhelmed, lonely, and trying his absolute best, and I was ready to adopt him like a stray cat by chapter two. His ADHD is written with so much warmth, and even though I don’t have ADHD, the way his brain worked had me wanting to burrito-wrap him in a blanket and hand-feed him snacks until he felt safe 😭🫶🏻 Watching him try to keep it together in a new city, on a new team, after being publicly shoved into the spotlight?? MY PROTECTIVE GREMLIN MODE ACTIVATED.
And then there’s Jay… my grumpy, emotionally constipated, secretly-soft storm cloud 🌩️ He walks around acting like Marek personally insulted his entire lineage, meanwhile noticing every tiny detail about him like it’s the most important research in the world. The man protests SO MUCH. I cannot. I laughed. I cried. I also want to smack him and hug him at the same time.
The enemies-but-not-really vibes, the accidental app match, the “fine we’ll just hook up ONCE”… and then BOOM 💥 feelings everywhere. Jay trying so hard to act immune while internally combusting?? Comedy. Gold. I cannot with these two.
And the team?? The found-family energy?? The chirping?? The locker-room chaos?? Inject it straight into my veins, please.
Low-angst, high-heart, high-heat, and full of messy boys figuring out their messy feelings. I could’ve devoured another 200 pages of these idiots falling stupidly in love on and off the ice. EM Denning, I fear you’ve claimed my entire soul. 🩵🏒🔥
This book?? Sent me. Launched me. Catapulted me straight into hockey-romance heaven. I went in knowing basically nothing except “hockey + teammates + tension,” and somehow this ended up being my first EM Denning book — which is honestly rude because WHY did no one shove one of these into my hands sooner??
Marek stole my heart, my sanity, and probably my lunch money. He’s messy, charming, overwhelmed, lonely, and trying his absolute best, and I was ready to adopt him like a stray cat by chapter two. His ADHD is written with so much warmth, and even though I don’t have ADHD, the way his brain worked had me wanting to burrito-wrap him in a blanket and hand-feed him snacks until he felt safe 😭🫶🏻 Watching him try to keep it together in a new city, on a new team, after being publicly shoved into the spotlight?? MY PROTECTIVE GREMLIN MODE ACTIVATED.
And then there’s Jay… my grumpy, emotionally constipated, secretly-soft storm cloud 🌩️ He walks around acting like Marek personally insulted his entire lineage, meanwhile noticing every tiny detail about him like it’s the most important research in the world. The man protests SO MUCH. I cannot. I laughed. I cried. I also want to smack him and hug him at the same time.
The enemies-but-not-really vibes, the accidental app match, the “fine we’ll just hook up ONCE”… and then BOOM 💥 feelings everywhere. Jay trying so hard to act immune while internally combusting?? Comedy. Gold. I cannot with these two.
And the team?? The found-family energy?? The chirping?? The locker-room chaos?? Inject it straight into my veins, please.
Low-angst, high-heart, high-heat, and full of messy boys figuring out their messy feelings. I could’ve devoured another 200 pages of these idiots falling stupidly in love on and off the ice. EM Denning, I fear you’ve claimed my entire soul. 🩵🏒🔥
September 20, 2025
One night out changes everything for Marek. Outed against his will, he does his best to roll with this new reality of being in the media’s spotlight. Instead of trying to hide, he’ll fake it and embrace it. Perhaps being out will help those younger kids be comfortable with who they are as they aim to play professional sports. But playing nice with the media backfires when his hockey team trades him not long after. Moving to a new team from his sister, his only family, is hard. Especially when he struggles with change. But he’ll put a smile on his face and try his best. What he doesn’t expect is for his new teammate, Jay, to take an instant dislike to Marek. Marek can tell immediately that whatever beef Jay has with him started way before they met. So what is his deal? Marek is everything Jay fears. Coming out without consent and having the media in your face. It drives Jay crazy that Marek makes it look so easy. And he just can’t get over his grumpiness about it. But when these two find an alternative to deal with their tension, neither are prepared the chemistry that sparks. They are falling for one another hard but with Marek being out and Jay not, can they even hope to have a future? I am really enjoying this series so far! Marek and Jay were definitely out sunshine and grumpy couple. It took a bit for them to really give one another a chance, but once they did, they were quite sweet. Definitely looking forward to more from this series!
September 3, 2025
Marek is a goaltender who, after being incidentally outed, has become the league’s unintentional poster boy for gay hockey players. He’s confident, a bit of a “player,” and constantly in the media spotlight.
Jay, on the other hand, couldn’t be more different. He’s still deeply closeted, bitter about Marek’s reputation, and jealous of the freedom Marek seems to have. When Marek is traded to his team, tension is inevitable.
But on the road, a hook-up gone sideways changes everything. Jay’s late-night search for a distraction leads him straight to Marek’s hotel door. What was supposed to be a one-time anonymous encounter turns into something neither of them can walk away from. Repeated secret meetings blur the line between lust and something more, even as both men work hard to deny their feelings.
The push and pull—the secrecy, the fear, the intensity—was written so well. Watching them stumble, fall, and fight their way toward acceptance and love was heartbreaking and beautiful. Jay’s fear of coming out, of what it would mean for his life and career, felt so raw and real. Marek’s patience and persistence balanced it perfectly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the HEA was not only perfect but so well-deserved. 💙💙
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️
**I received a complimentary copy of this book.**
Jay, on the other hand, couldn’t be more different. He’s still deeply closeted, bitter about Marek’s reputation, and jealous of the freedom Marek seems to have. When Marek is traded to his team, tension is inevitable.
But on the road, a hook-up gone sideways changes everything. Jay’s late-night search for a distraction leads him straight to Marek’s hotel door. What was supposed to be a one-time anonymous encounter turns into something neither of them can walk away from. Repeated secret meetings blur the line between lust and something more, even as both men work hard to deny their feelings.
The push and pull—the secrecy, the fear, the intensity—was written so well. Watching them stumble, fall, and fight their way toward acceptance and love was heartbreaking and beautiful. Jay’s fear of coming out, of what it would mean for his life and career, felt so raw and real. Marek’s patience and persistence balanced it perfectly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the HEA was not only perfect but so well-deserved. 💙💙
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️
**I received a complimentary copy of this book.**
September 30, 2025
4.5⭐️
Marek Myers has been outed without him saying so, after he was seen with a Hollywood star. All he wants to do is play hockey and live his life quietly. He lives with his sister Kelsey, after their parents disowned him for being gay.
He has just found out he is being traded to the Vancouver Vikings, and has to start again in a different city.
Jay Brookbank is in the closet and takes an instant dislike to his new teammate, Marek. He sees him as a poster boy for all gay athletes. He has to play nice as he is the teams new goalie.
On a hockey road trip Jay uses a hookup app, but when Marek is the one who answers the message anonymously, they are both shocked when they come face to face at Jay’s hotel room door. One amazing hookup turns into a frequent thing, and then they cannot get enough of each other.
This is my first EM Denning novel. I liked the writing and the fluidity of it. I will definitely read more of theirs.
The Poster Boy is the fourth book in the Love The Game multi author series.
This one sided enemies to lovers story, is lovely to read. Marek has been through a lot recently and just wants someone to bring calm to his ADHD life and accept and love him for who he is. Jay, being in the closet needs courage to be able to life his life.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Marek Myers has been outed without him saying so, after he was seen with a Hollywood star. All he wants to do is play hockey and live his life quietly. He lives with his sister Kelsey, after their parents disowned him for being gay.
He has just found out he is being traded to the Vancouver Vikings, and has to start again in a different city.
Jay Brookbank is in the closet and takes an instant dislike to his new teammate, Marek. He sees him as a poster boy for all gay athletes. He has to play nice as he is the teams new goalie.
On a hockey road trip Jay uses a hookup app, but when Marek is the one who answers the message anonymously, they are both shocked when they come face to face at Jay’s hotel room door. One amazing hookup turns into a frequent thing, and then they cannot get enough of each other.
This is my first EM Denning novel. I liked the writing and the fluidity of it. I will definitely read more of theirs.
The Poster Boy is the fourth book in the Love The Game multi author series.
This one sided enemies to lovers story, is lovely to read. Marek has been through a lot recently and just wants someone to bring calm to his ADHD life and accept and love him for who he is. Jay, being in the closet needs courage to be able to life his life.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 3, 2025
DNF at 63%. Denning substituted emotional development with sex scenes - and don't get me wrong: sometimes sex scenes CAN contribute to the emotional development of the relationship between the MCs. That wasn't the case in "The Poster Boy." Instead, it was just... there was a spicy scene, and then all the sudden the emotional posture between the MCs had completely changed. Repeat ad nauseam. Giant leaps in emotional intimacy unsupported by anything that actually happened in the story.
December 28, 2025
“We’re fine, Jay. Friends. Teammates. We don’t need to be more. I was forced to come out, and I’d never want someone to come out the way I did. But I at least want someone who won’t make me feel invisible.”
I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would!
Marek is the golden boy - the gay hockey icon forced into the media because of a forced outing. And Jay is the jealous closeted teammate who hates Marek for being what he isn’t.
These two were fiery - 1, because “hate sex” is hot and 2, because they were a perfect pairing of opposites attract. I loved seeing Marek let his walls down and let Jay see the mess that he is and I loved seeing Jay open up to Marek and realize that he wants more in his life that being closeted and alone.
I usually hate third act breakups but this one worked really well and felt necessarily for the plot as a way to help force these two to communicate their feelings.
The found family vibes were impeccable between the teammates and Marek’s sister. I really want more of this team.
What you’re getting:
ADHD rep
Teammates
Grumpy / sunshine
Secret hookups
Enemies to lovers
HEA
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would!
Marek is the golden boy - the gay hockey icon forced into the media because of a forced outing. And Jay is the jealous closeted teammate who hates Marek for being what he isn’t.
These two were fiery - 1, because “hate sex” is hot and 2, because they were a perfect pairing of opposites attract. I loved seeing Marek let his walls down and let Jay see the mess that he is and I loved seeing Jay open up to Marek and realize that he wants more in his life that being closeted and alone.
I usually hate third act breakups but this one worked really well and felt necessarily for the plot as a way to help force these two to communicate their feelings.
The found family vibes were impeccable between the teammates and Marek’s sister. I really want more of this team.
What you’re getting:
ADHD rep
Teammates
Grumpy / sunshine
Secret hookups
Enemies to lovers
HEA
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 16, 2025
I adored this book. It's a look at how two different people, in different stages of life can come together and figure out how to make things work.
Jay and Marek probably shouldn't work. Not only are they teammates, but Marek is dealing with something rather traumatic—being forced to come out before he was ready, and Jay is firmly in the closet because he doesn't want to deal with the circus that Marek is for being an openly queer athlete.
I enjoyed the ADHD representation in this book. So many that I've read do not do it justice, but the author took time and care to portray it accurately. The executive dysfunction that the character experiences is REAL and his emotions about it are ones that I've felt at the height of despair and wondering why everything is just so hard for me.
What I appreciated most, though, was the way everything laid out. The ending really ties this book together and makes for a read that will take your breath away because it is so raw, real, and awe-inspiring.
Jay and Marek probably shouldn't work. Not only are they teammates, but Marek is dealing with something rather traumatic—being forced to come out before he was ready, and Jay is firmly in the closet because he doesn't want to deal with the circus that Marek is for being an openly queer athlete.
I enjoyed the ADHD representation in this book. So many that I've read do not do it justice, but the author took time and care to portray it accurately. The executive dysfunction that the character experiences is REAL and his emotions about it are ones that I've felt at the height of despair and wondering why everything is just so hard for me.
What I appreciated most, though, was the way everything laid out. The ending really ties this book together and makes for a read that will take your breath away because it is so raw, real, and awe-inspiring.
August 28, 2025
Should've known that E.M. Denning would be the one to get me back into sports romances. With The Poster Boy she brings us a low-angst, sweet romance that still hit me in the feels just right.
Not going to lie, Jay took me a bit to warm up to. But I did, over the course of the book. Marek, on the other hand, I loved instantly. I wanted to give him a big cuddle and protect him at all cost. He absolutely stole my heart. The cast of side characters is also quite entertaining, but the romance was definitely on the forefront. It was sweet, with just a touch of angst. I don't want to say too much about this book because I'd rather you go and read it yourself, if I'm honest.
If you're looking for a low-angst sports romance that has low-key rivals-to-lovers vibes, check out this book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Not going to lie, Jay took me a bit to warm up to. But I did, over the course of the book. Marek, on the other hand, I loved instantly. I wanted to give him a big cuddle and protect him at all cost. He absolutely stole my heart. The cast of side characters is also quite entertaining, but the romance was definitely on the forefront. It was sweet, with just a touch of angst. I don't want to say too much about this book because I'd rather you go and read it yourself, if I'm honest.
If you're looking for a low-angst sports romance that has low-key rivals-to-lovers vibes, check out this book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 15, 2025
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EM scored with her first-ever hockey romance!
When Marek is outed, he makes the most of it by becoming the media favourite. Embracing his sexuality publicly and hoping he’s giving hope to some kid out there.
But not everyone appreciates his patience with the media. Especially his closeted teammate Jay, who is beyond annoyed by Marek before they even meet.
Marek is a sweetheart who wants to be liked, so Jay’s ire is difficult for him to deal with. But I love that he’s not a pushover to him either.
What starts as butting heads becomes delicious hookups and turns to sweet understanding and acceptance.
So much fun!
EM scored with her first-ever hockey romance!
When Marek is outed, he makes the most of it by becoming the media favourite. Embracing his sexuality publicly and hoping he’s giving hope to some kid out there.
But not everyone appreciates his patience with the media. Especially his closeted teammate Jay, who is beyond annoyed by Marek before they even meet.
Marek is a sweetheart who wants to be liked, so Jay’s ire is difficult for him to deal with. But I love that he’s not a pushover to him either.
What starts as butting heads becomes delicious hookups and turns to sweet understanding and acceptance.
So much fun!
September 17, 2025
I pretty much inhaled this book. It hit the spot perfectly for me. There was funny banter, but also depth to the story. I really empathized with Marek, how his ADHD presented was very close to how mine presents and sometimes that made me cry. I felt seen and understood, but my heart also went out to him because I understand the struggle. I was so happy that he had Jay there to step up and help him. I was also happy that Marek brought Jay out of his antisocial shell.
I loved their animosity at the start, which came more out of them not knowing each other than anything else. I really enjoyed how everything played out, and how obsessed they got with each other, and how all in they got pretty quickly.
This was a low-angst, fun and sweet read for me. I would gladly read more about the Vancouver Vikings.
I loved their animosity at the start, which came more out of them not knowing each other than anything else. I really enjoyed how everything played out, and how obsessed they got with each other, and how all in they got pretty quickly.
This was a low-angst, fun and sweet read for me. I would gladly read more about the Vancouver Vikings.
October 6, 2025
Marek & Jay
Sunshine/Grumpy describes these two. Marek is sunshine although he struggles with his ADHD and his sunny personality covers up some of what he thinks are his shortcomings. Jay can’t stand the little ball of sunshine. With his good looks, media darling presence and warm personality covers, Jay makes it his goal to ignore and glare. But it’s all for show and being self aware, he realizes he really does like Marek and is most definitely attracted to him. Marek tries and tries to get Jay to treat him like a teammate but Jay’s dismissal hurts. Until a hookup goes really well and they can’t deny the attraction any longer. Boone is a great help to Jay as his best friend and captain, calling him out when he should and making him see what’s in front of him. Good story with some great guys.
Sunshine/Grumpy describes these two. Marek is sunshine although he struggles with his ADHD and his sunny personality covers up some of what he thinks are his shortcomings. Jay can’t stand the little ball of sunshine. With his good looks, media darling presence and warm personality covers, Jay makes it his goal to ignore and glare. But it’s all for show and being self aware, he realizes he really does like Marek and is most definitely attracted to him. Marek tries and tries to get Jay to treat him like a teammate but Jay’s dismissal hurts. Until a hookup goes really well and they can’t deny the attraction any longer. Boone is a great help to Jay as his best friend and captain, calling him out when he should and making him see what’s in front of him. Good story with some great guys.
August 30, 2025
This is #4 in the new multi-author Love the Game series, although I had an ARC, so I read this one first. It's a standalone, however I'm sure there were probably some characters in this book that I'll read more about later.
Marek, the goalie, is outed while making out with a movie star, and ends up being the poster boy for gay athletes. The media attention he receives annoys his current team, and he gets traded. He meets Jay, the D-man, on this new team, and Jay hates him. Of course hates turns to lust turns to love.
Liked the main characters - they fit together nicely, and there were several interesting side characters that helped the story along (a sister, teammates, parents). It was a fun, easy read, and I eagerly consumed it in one sitting.
Marek, the goalie, is outed while making out with a movie star, and ends up being the poster boy for gay athletes. The media attention he receives annoys his current team, and he gets traded. He meets Jay, the D-man, on this new team, and Jay hates him. Of course hates turns to lust turns to love.
Liked the main characters - they fit together nicely, and there were several interesting side characters that helped the story along (a sister, teammates, parents). It was a fun, easy read, and I eagerly consumed it in one sitting.
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