Unrecognizable Player

Ivy League Players #3

by Emmery Fox

A sweet and spicy MM college hockey romance where a jock falls in love with a music nerd."Hey horror boy, what’s up?"


When Stefanos breaks up with his boyfriend, he finds himself desperately in need of a place to live. His best option? The moody hockey captain's spare room. The only problem? The hockey captain doesn't seem to like him very much.
Maybe if the Alexei knew Stefanos was 'horror boy' - the guy he's been pining for anonymously online for the past year - he might change his mind.

Expect - college hockey, MM sweet and spicy romance, hurt/comfort, nerd/jock, You've Got Mail.

Genres: M M Romance, Hockey, Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, College, LGBT

328 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2025

About the author

When I'm not trying to invent the perfect book boyfriend, I'm studying towards a graduate degree in Modern History, trying to little avail to get better at drawing and watching You've Got Mail for the millionth time!

I write spicy MM romance with special emphasis on sports, small towns and childhood sweethearts.

I love romance books with spicy scenes that don't feel detached from the couple's relationship dynamics, and when our protagonists respect and root for each other.

Reviews

[Sandy Kay]

Started it, realized that MC1 *does* go out and get a (shitty) boyfriend after his anonymous DM-ing f-buddy (prologue), MC2, whom he's been hoping to meet but MC2 is too nervous, says don't let me stop you from finding a guy IRL, and I decided this is definitely not for me. Nope. Ewww. Squicky. They've been having DM sex too. So, already emotionally and physically invested, but MC1 still went out and found a (crap) bf. And that's where chapter 1 starts. (I wonder if the DM sexting stopped???) Not for me. Great cover art though, love it!

Note/update: see Susi's comment below, sounds like they do not DM, or not much, while MC1 is dating Mr. Abusive Jerk. So there's that.

And Susi enjoyed it, so do look at her review too, maybe my squicks won't quite be yours! Give it a shot.

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook update: Silas Hart and Walker Williams rocked this performance! They both brought out all the sweetness and all the heat and all the emotions. I loved this book even more after listening to it.

This series just works so well for my MM college hockey romance-loving heart! This particular entry brought in some fave tropes, including the "loved you before I met you", the texting/online messaging, and forced proximity. Love! Stef and Alexei are so cute in their online messages and also in person. I was very interested in how cultural issues impacted their romance and their lives. Not everything gets perfectly resolved, but neither does it in real life.However, the boys end up happy and I love them! I will admit that there were some pacing issues for me, but overall I very much enjoyed this couple and their story. I loved the caretaking and the hurt/comfort.I look forward to more books in this series!!

What to Expect:
*MM jock/nerd romance
*College hockey player + violinist
*Online friends first
*Love to discuss BOOKS!
*Greek x Russian Orthodox
*hidden identities
*forced proximity
*roommates
*caretaking
*(ethinic) food as comfort
*first times
*coming out
*hurt/comfort
*family issues x supportive family
*mutual pining
*performance anxiety (literal, lol)
*HEA

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book series so much. For some reason each book just gives me all the right feels.it's clear that the author is really growing and i just loved this one too. I’m a sucker for a story where there's an online relationship before the “real” relationship. I also love great texting/messaging sequences. This book has both!
The redemption they finally found when they did “meet” again in real life knowing who they really were was so rewarding. The cultural issues pushed upon them from their family was tough and although not everyone had a full redemption arc, I think that actually played well. Sadly, not everyone is going to come around right away.
Overall this is just a really sweet story between two MCs who help each other heal and become themselves, while falling in love. If you've enjoyed the previous books, this is a must read as it just continues with the similar vibe. I look forward to reading more from Emmery Fox.

[erm · Rating 3 out of 5]

i still don’t know ok

[Jen Wycech · Rating 5 out of 5]

College hockey romance
Nerd x Jock
Mistaken identity
Roommates
Opposites attract
The jock is the virgin
Caretaking
Hurt & comfort
Mutual pining
Dual POV - 1st person

Duet narration - Silas Hart & Walker Williams
I was blown away by Silas & Walker. They performed this sweet and heartwarming MM romance with such talent. You can feel the emotions in their performance.

Book #3 Ivy League Players series

I ADORED these characters. This book is a mix of emotional, sweet, and spicy.

Stef a greek nerdy violin player meets hot jock Alexi online in a readers group, but they are anonymous only going by usernames. The universe has plans for these two because they get a gentle nudge from fate after a failed meet up. Alexi is still very much in the closet, and it will take some much-needed courage and support to get him out. Stef is so sweet and loveable. He got the short end of the stick with his now ex-boyfriend. Alexi & Stef are pure sweetness together and I love them so much.

Overall, this was such an easy to enjoy feel good & cute MM romance.

Thank you Emmery Fox & Blue Nose Audio for this ALC.

[Susi June · Rating 5 out of 5]

THAT WAS SO CUUUTEEE!!

I absolutely loved it! It was a cozy, low angst story. Both mcs were total sweethearts with similar backgrounds. Both are total family men that had to overcome personal challenges. That they knew each other online was perfect.

I loved the fact that they both had diverse backgrounds. I could totally imagine how their family lives looked and totally felt their different cultures.

The way they were both pining for each other, especially Alexei was *chefs kiss.

This book had a great pace, I could read it quickly without getting bored or distracted. There were also a lot of dialogues and not that many internal monologues, which I love! Great book all around.

[Crisana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*. I liked it but it felt a bit predicable how they end up being roommates. I think it would have worked better (for me), if they had met through friends.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite microtropes is anonymous online but not IRL, so I ate this up! Not to mention the lowkey demi rep🤭

This was a fun, easy, low angst romance between Alexei and Stefanos, strangers turned roommates who have actually been chatting for over a year on an online book forum. Alexei (gay but not out) plays for the college hockey team and is looking forward to finishing his last year playing hockey at the top (with mounds of pressure from a dad who thinks he can still make it in the NHL despite his shoulder injury years ago). Stef (gay and only out to friends) recently broke up with his boyfriend after being cheated on and is looking forward to picking up the pieces and starting over (with his self esteem in the toilet from the douchebag) while somehow making it through his orchestral performances without passing out. Both are struggling with what their futures look like and turn to their online friend who they can be vulnerable with.

Things get a little messy when Alexei and Stef start getting closer in real life and eventually hook up. Stef realizes first but can’t find the best way to be honest. And this is why I love this trope!

Shoutout to the cultural details included for both Alexei and Stef, it was great to see a well rounded diverse character.

[Maddi Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

so sweet! every book in this series has been sweet while also dealing with complex issues and this was no exception. i loved the anonymous online relationship aspect and just the clear connection that the two had with each other even without knowing that they actually knew each other already. super cute and fun time ❤️

[Allan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
Definitely my favourite of the three, even if it was somewhat frustrating at times.

[Gabrielle Furrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored these characters and honestly could read an entire second book about alexei and stephanos. Such a great read

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

There was nothing particularly bad about this book but also nothing great there was just something missing about it that made me not fully connect to it

The story was good and the characters good but they were nothing more I wasn’t overly invested in them

I did really like how each characters culture was written in the book I think the way it was weaved into the characters without being their entire personality was very well done

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this is such a lovely story.

Honestly, I’ve been a bit hard on this series. The first book was a bit boring but the second book picked up my interest. It still lagged at points but, overall, it grew on me.

With this third book, it feels like this author has finally found their rhythm.

This third book revolves around the relationship between hockey player Alexei and musician Stef. Both have struggled with coming out—especially to their families. Both, also, are dealing with a lot of doubts about their career trajectories.

Alexei knows he can’t play hockey professionally with his injuries and is really more interested in pursuing a finance job but he worries that will disappoint his father. Meanwhile, playing in an orchestra setting in front of a large audience triggers Stef to have panic attacks. He much prefers to play in his family’s Greek restaurant. His self-confidence has been a lifelong battle.

When the two become roommates after an odd set of circumstances, the pair grow close. They bond over shared interests and try to support each other—Stef going to hockey games and Alexei listening to Stef play.

Unbeknownst to each other though, the two aren’t actually strangers. They’ve been speaking online in a forum from book fans for a year. After a failed IRL meet-up, discussion has dwindled a bit.

But, has fate brought them together again?

I liked this a lot actually. I found this story to be both heartfelt and sweet.

I thought the dynamic between Stef and Alexei was very wholesome and mutually supportive. It’s always nice to watch characters who have been hurt in the past heal with the right care from someone who loves them.

For a lot of us, I think that’s the ultimate fantasy—for a relationship to be not only good but healing.

Anyway.

If you did not enjoy the start of this series, I hope you’ll give the following books a chance. They get better.

I think any fan of contemporary queer sports romances would enjoy these stories~

[Sadie Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unrecognizable Player is a sweet and spicy MM college hockey romance that brings together a grumpy hockey captain and a quirky music nerd in the most unexpected of ways.

When Stefanos, freshly heartbroken and homeless, moves in with Alexei, the moody team captain, tension is instant—especially since Alexei doesn’t seem to like him much. But there’s a twist: Stefanos is secretly "horror boy," the anonymous online crush Alexei has been pining for all year.

What follows is a charming, emotional, and sizzling story filled with anonymous yearning, accidental proximity, and heartfelt discovery. With notes of You’ve Got Mail, the book plays beautifully with identity, attraction, and the line between virtual connection and real-life intimacy.

Expect hockey practice, late-night music, lingering looks, emotional vulnerability, and plenty of spice. It’s nerd/jock with heart, angst, and a whole lot of heat.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️— fun, heartfelt, and undeniably swoon-worthy.

[Cj Kee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I’ll start by saying i loved this book. Going into this book i was hopeful because i loved the premise of the book and it did not disappoint.
I felt like both Alexei and Stef were fully thought out, i felt like their relationship dynamic was because of how they supported each other, and i really enjoyed the side characters.
The writing in this book showed so much growth as an author and is my favorite in the series so far.

My only two qualms with the book is that i felt like there were too many mentions of “aftershave” which is a silly for me to complain about, and i felt like there were a few modern pop culture references.

[Adelaide Camp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the author might have a sweat kink with how often it’s mentioned. Both characters spend multiple paragraphs detailing sweat. It was a good read, but I really couldn’t get past that bit. This is really a 2.5 rounded up because I liked the first two. For me, I was hoping it would top the last one, as book two felt so much better than book one, but this is for sure my least fav. Good book too much sweat.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

this one is my absolute favorite from the series

I have enjoyed all of them but this one… loved it! The first chapter really captivated me with their texting. I loved how they are both from ethnic backgrounds and it was only mentioned in passing or to describe their looks, we get some culture also. Love them both as individuals and love them even more together. Best part is you actually get a good epilogue that’s not only a few weeks or months out.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going to be honest, I rate books on how much I enjoy them and I adored this book. It was not only a nice easy read, but I wasn’t bored at all which I sometimes get with the more fluffy stories.

Yes it doesn’t have a dramatic plot, there are no big twists and a very predictable HEA, but sometimes that’s what you need.

I read it all in one sitting with a big smile on my face, and feel like I’ve been hugged by a cozy blanket the entire time.

No notes, no criticism, 5 stars

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

the writing

I’m not one to complain about writing styles, as long as I’m having a good time it doesn’t matter but oof this was genuinely difficult to read. The plot and everything was great but the dialogue between characters was so strange like it didn’t seem like genuine conversation, forced and predictable ig. It was just an overall okay book.

[ana lopes · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, a huge thank you to Emmery Fox and Blue Nose Audio for sending me this ALC. I’m always incredibly grateful for every audiobook I receive from them, but give me a GOOD MM romance and you already have a very, very happy Ana. And this one? I loved every minute of it.

The easiest way I can describe this book is Heated Rivalry meets You’ve Got Mail, but make it MM, add a forbidden romance between a college hockey player and a violinist, throw in mistaken identities, roommates, nerd x jock, mutual pining, religious and family expectations, and two men trying to figure out who they really are when everyone around them seems to have already decided who they should be. Yep. I was completely in.

Alexei and Stefanos have been talking anonymously for over a year in an online book group, knowing each other only by their usernames, sharing pieces of themselves they don’t necessarily show to the people around them. And then, without realizing who the other person actually is, they end up becoming roommates. I LOVE this kind of trope, because there is something so delicious about watching two people fall for each other in two completely different ways while we know the truth they haven’t discovered yet.

But what really made this story work for me was that it went beyond the cute anonymous-online-friends/mistaken-identity premise. There are so many barriers between Alexei and Stef, and I loved watching them slowly build the confidence to face them. Family expectations, religion, culture, sexuality, fear of disappointing the people they love, the pressure of deciding what their futures should look like… all of it plays a part in their relationship and in their individual growth.

And I absolutely loved the cultural representation throughout the story. Stef and Alexei come from families with very strong cultural identities and traditions, and those backgrounds aren’t simply mentioned and forgotten; they actually influence who these men are, what is expected from them, the choices they make, and even the fears they carry. It gave both characters so much more depth.

I adore a good taboo/forbidden romance, and I especially adore an MM romance that feels properly developed and gives me characters who are more than their relationship or their sexuality. Alexei and Stef felt like two complete people, each carrying his own insecurities, expectations and emotional baggage, and watching them grow both individually and together was probably one of my favorite parts of the book.

And then we have THE AUDIO. ❤️

Silas Hart and Walker Williams were completely new narrators to me, and consider me officially a fan because this duet narration was MAGISTRAL. Their voices work beautifully together, but what impressed me most was how much emotion they brought to these characters.

Especially Alexei. God, Alexei.

The way his narrator gives a voice to that constant emotional turmoil, the pressure he carries, his desperate need to be the good boy everyone expects him to be, especially his father, and the way he has learned to suppress pieces of himself because of it… you can HEAR all of that in the performance. There were moments where the emotion in his voice genuinely gave me chills. The conflict between what Alexei wants and what he believes he is allowed to want feels so incredibly real through the narration.

And together? These two voices just WORK. The chemistry, the vulnerability, the softer moments, the hurt and comfort, the longing… everything translates beautifully into audio, and once again this is exactly why I love immersive reading so freaking much.

Sweet, emotional, romantic, spicy, full of mutual pining and with just the right amount of angst, this was such an easy book to fall into. I came for the MM hockey romance and the forbidden/taboo vibes, and stayed for two beautifully developed characters finding the courage to stop living according to everyone else’s expectations and start choosing themselves and each other.

And apparently I also left with two new narrators added to my list. ❤️

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unrecognizable Player by Emmery Fox is a captivating tale that intertwines themes of queer joy, love, and cultural diversity. The narrative follows Stefano, a passionate violinist who battles performance anxiety but finds solace and confidence playing at his parents' restaurant, and Alexei, a dedicated hockey player grappling with the aftermath of a career-threatening injury. The book explores Alexei's journey in understanding whether his hockey passion stems from personal love or familial expectations, offering a nuanced look at identity and aspiration. The story is enriched by the vibrant sense of family and community surrounding Stefano, whose familial bonds are a source of warmth and inspiration. The couple's journey is further enhanced by their lively and supportive friends, adding humour and depth to the narrative. Emmery Fox masterfully crafts a story that resonates with anyone who has faced similar life challenges, making it a compelling read for those seeking both heart and humour.
The audiobook by Blue Nose Audio is a wonderful adaptation that truly captures the essence of the book. Silas Hart and Walker Williams delivered exceptional performances, bringing the characters of Stef and Alexi to life with depth and nuance. Hart's portrayal of Stef, a Greek violinist battling stage fright, alongside Williams' rendition of Alexi, a Russian hockey player facing his own challenges, creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Their ability to convey the characters' chemistry, vulnerability, and emotional journey through anonymous online conversations and real-life interactions adds a layer of intimacy and realism that resonates deeply with listeners. The audiobook masterfully balance moments of hurt and comfort with the characters' longing and connection, making it a standout production for fans of the story.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight to read!

Stefano and Alexei’s story pulled me in so completely that I couldn’t put the book down. The celebration of queer joy, love, and the melting pot of cultures written by Emmery Fox had me devouring this book.

As a musician who is passionate about the violin and enjoys playing. Stefano (Stef) grapples with anxiety when he performs with the orchestra, yet playing in a more intimate setting like his parents’ restaurant he flourishes. I really felt for Stef with his struggles. Many of us can relate to these feelings.

Hockey is Alexei’s life! A serious injury has robbed him of his chance to pursue a career in the NHL, or has it! I did wonder if Alexei’s love of hockey was genuinely his or was it his Papa’s? I was keen to see how the dynamic between these two played out throughout the book.

My favourite part is, the sense of family Stefano has grown up with and still continues to revel in. I could feel the family love through these pages.

The best friends are also a hoot and I love how supportive they are of Stef and Alexei. The interactions between the friends and the guys is performed to a high level of exuberance by Silas Hart and Walker Williams.

I feel Alexei was testing the waters and building his confidence by confiding in a total stranger in an online community. When the time was right, this helped him to open up and share with someone in the real world, face to face.

Truly an absolute delight to listen as Silas Hart and Walker Williams brought all these characters to life. The personalities of the characters came through in their voices. Both Silas and Walker are new to me voice actors, I will definitely be on the lookout for more of their titles.

[✭ 𝖜𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖞✭ ｡^‿^｡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unrecognizable Player🎧📗
Written by: Emmery Fox
Performed in Duet by: Silas Hart & Walker Williams

✨ALC REVIEW ✨
Thank you to BlueNose Audio for the ALC and I am leaving this review voluntarily
You know when you want to write a review, that actually doesn’t sound like all the others? That’s where I am. Because Alexi and Stef became my friends, through the wonderful words strung together by Emmery Fox. She strung them so well, I didn’t want it to end. So now it’s only fair I try to do the same. So you too can be friends with the handsome hockey captain and the band geek who plays by ear. Amazing.
The way they met. The way they became friends to roommates to lovers, is such an endearing story. Alexi, with his family from Siberia, that he wants to take care of. Do right by. And coming out as gay was not the road to travel. Stefanos, Greek heritage and completely loving family is out, but not to them. Together they have expectations they think they must live up to, without losing who they are. Nor the families they love.
They find they complete each other and they hope their love will hold them all together. And getting there is worth picking up this book or listening to the audio. Either way, don’t miss out. You can’t read this without it touching something deep in your heart.
Kudos to both Silas and Walker whose performances are top notch. You both had a melodic cadence that was hypnotic and authentic. And make the audio a repeat listen.
I’ll end my garble with my favorite line…
“…it used to feel like finally. Now, it feels like coming home” - Alexi
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Narration: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️

[aellis]

Found out that the asshole boyfriend of pathetic main character™️ treated waiters like shit and the main character STAYED???? And had the audacity to be sad over him.
“But 🥺 he’s just going through a rough patch… he may have anger issues and calls my passions stupid (called his violin “whiny/screeching can’t remember”) but he cares for me 🥺”
And then the assholy boyfriend of pathetic main character™️ cheats. Because DUH. And the main character is surprised ??? Even sad ???
Pls. Why. Whyyyyy. why is this character so astronomically stupid. I can’t.
As *SOON.* as I learned the guy treated waiters like shit I DNFd, and our main character just… ignored it. Stayed. Continued loving him. Continued treating him like a man child.
Why is our main character a fucking child. We’re in university!!!!!!!

This got me heateddddd. Literally why. Why are we even afflicting ourselves with people who treat other people like dirt. Main character is so “woe is me” but does nothing. It’s sigh. Dare I say it. Selfish. Literally get ur head out of ur asss oh my godddd. Some people are just self centred… but about their insecurities instead of their strengths and sometimes… both are just as bad.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favorite family dynamics of the three books in this series by this author I’ve read so far. Liked Alexei and Stefano with their friends Alice and Misha, the specificities of their backgrounds and interests and inner lives. The romance I think I liked the concept more than the full execution, fave couple might be Sebastian/Austin book 2, but this was still a warm hug they’re really lovely. Even the conflict of Alexei reflexively being angry with Stefano when first finding out Stefano discovered he was the online book friend they’d talked to romantically before wasn’t there for long and it wasn’t a stupid cliche. The epilogue of them being settled in Nashville working for the Preds and as a server violin performer in a restaurant also felt very realistic true to life and homey- not everything in romance ends with like Stefano being a star prodigy in classical music world while Alexei is the top draft in NHL kind of world, and this happy ever after was sweet for them. Even the realism of Alexei’s dad from conservative Siberia immigrant still being resistant to him being gay and with Stefano and not coming around fully was real and appreciated.

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hopeful and engaging read.

I liked the premise of this book, the online component and how that fit into their real life interactions. I will say at times it felt frustratingly obvious who they were to each other and it was mad that they couldn't see it but generally it was enjoyable.

Alexei and Stef could not seem more different on the surface but beneath that they felt rather similar. Both struggled to accept that they were deserving of good things and thankfully that changed slowly throughout the book. They were lovely characters and felt very likeable throughout. The same goes for the secondary characters, they felt like they brought something to the story.

The internalised homophobia and potentional for a lack of acceptance from parental figures added a bit of depth to the story but didn't feel like it made the story feel overly negative. The focus felt like it was more on the hope and their own acceptance of their blossoming relationship.

A sweet book with an ending that is slightly unusual for a hockey romance.

[A🦄🌻🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️


This series just keeps getting better! The characters were so perfect and sweet and scared in their own ways. Their connection online and in person is undeniable and so addictive. I loved the unique perspectives we got with Stef’s Greek heritage, Alexei’s Russian heritage, Alice’s Korean heritage and Mischa’s Ukrainian heritage - it all was so beautiful and added a lot to the story. Definitely made me hungry lol. Stef’s family was just so incredibly supportive and proud of him and then when Alexei comes along, they do the same for him. Just beautiful and very sweet stuff. The sexy times were also quite hot - they had great chemistry between the sheetsss. The whole You’ve Got Mail of it all was a nice touch! I was definitely feeling a little anxious for when the shit hit the fan but they were able to get through it without much grief. I look forward to more from this author and hopefully from this series!

[Erin A. {midnight_rosepetals} Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:

🏒College hockey romance
❄︎Nerd x Jock
🏒Mistaken identity
❄︎Roommates
🏒Opposites attract
❄︎The jock is the virgin
🏒Caretaking
❄︎Hurt & comfort
🏒Mutual pining
❄︎Dual POV - 1st person

Duet narration by:
🎧Silas Hart
🎧Walker Williams
Written by:
📚 Emmery Fox

I swear, they just get better and better with each book and narrator choice!

Book #3 Ivy League Players series

I ADORED Stef and Alexi so much! This story was equal parts emotional, sweet, and spicy.

They start out talking anonymously in an online readers group—Stef being a nerdy Greek violinist and Alexi a hot jock—until fate intervenes after a missed meetup. Alexi is still in the closet and needs support to take that scary step, while sweet, lovable Stef is finally getting the love he deserves after a terrible ex. Their dynamic is pure sweetness, and I couldn't root for them enough!

[Sarahsaurus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good Nerd/Jock trope. Stef and Alexei become anonymous friends thru an app and later without realizing it, roommates. Alexei, the schools hockey captain is closeted and Stef, a violin music major is out to all but his family. Feeling develop and when one of the boys realize the other is the guy from the app he is scared to tell the other the truth for fear of how it will disrupt their current balance.

I love the encouragement and sensitivity the boys have for each others feelings and situations. They both feel pressure to help their families but at the same time they have their own desires to live their true selves.
This is a low angst, sweet and spicy, college hockey, MM romance with a HEA.

Tropes:
Nerd/Jock
Found Family
Roommates to lovers
Hurt/comfort

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars
🌶🌶 - few descriptive scenes

⦁ meeting online
⦁ college hockey player / musician
⦁ roommates
⦁ Greek and Russian MC
⦁ coming out
⦁ forced proximity

I love anonymous online relationships turned real romances. My favorite niche trope.

Stef and Alexei's relationship was very sweet and wholesome. Stef struggles with panic attacks, and Alexei is facing the fact that he can't play professional hockey due to injury. They are very supportive of each other. I liked how the online relationship was uncovered. Both Stef and Alexei had amazing best friends who helped them work through the issue. Their romance was sweet as well.

My favorite part of the series was how cultural issues impacted Alexei and Stef's romance. Alexei is Russian, and Stephanos is Greek. Both worry about how their family will take their coming out. They also struggle with their future careers and if their parents will understand.

⦁ Untouchable Player - 3
⦁ Unlovable Player - 3.5
⦁ Unrecognizable Player - 4.5