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The San Francisco Redwoods #3
Icing The Kicker
Elliot Baker knows the rules of the game—on the field and off.
As the San Francisco Redwoods’ star long kicker, he’s got a golden leg, a winning smile, and a enjoy the city’s nightlife, have some fun, and keep his heart out of it.
Then he meets Alex Holmes. NHL goalie for the San Francisco Thunder. Straight. Gorgeous. Impossible to ignore.
One kiss changes everything. Not for Elliot—he’s kissed plenty of men before—but for Alex, whose team wins their next game. Suddenly, Alex is convinced that Elliot is his new good-luck charm. The deal is keep things casual, keep winning.
But casual turns complicated fast. Between stolen moments, late-night texts, and the kind of chemistry that can’t be faked, Elliot finds himself wanting more. Alex tells himself that this is just about superstition… So why does he keep looking at Elliot like he’s more than a lucky break?
With their teams on their backs and their hearts on the line, Elliot and Alex are about to discover that love plays by its own rules.
As the San Francisco Redwoods’ star long kicker, he’s got a golden leg, a winning smile, and a enjoy the city’s nightlife, have some fun, and keep his heart out of it.
Then he meets Alex Holmes. NHL goalie for the San Francisco Thunder. Straight. Gorgeous. Impossible to ignore.
One kiss changes everything. Not for Elliot—he’s kissed plenty of men before—but for Alex, whose team wins their next game. Suddenly, Alex is convinced that Elliot is his new good-luck charm. The deal is keep things casual, keep winning.
But casual turns complicated fast. Between stolen moments, late-night texts, and the kind of chemistry that can’t be faked, Elliot finds himself wanting more. Alex tells himself that this is just about superstition… So why does he keep looking at Elliot like he’s more than a lucky break?
With their teams on their backs and their hearts on the line, Elliot and Alex are about to discover that love plays by its own rules.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2025
223 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Emily Shacklette
13 books72 followersEmily Shacklette is an avid reader, Swiftie and cat lady. She loves romantic tension and spice that lasts for pages. She currently resides in the heart of beautiful San Francisco with her husband and Olive, Punky, and Chicken (her cat children). When she's not reading or writing, you can find her watching Community, riding her Peloton, or listening to Taylor Swift as loudly as the volume will go.
Find her on Instagram (@authoremilyshack) and TikTok (@authoremilyshaack).
authoremilyshack.com
Find her on Instagram (@authoremilyshack) and TikTok (@authoremilyshaack).
authoremilyshack.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
November 11, 2025
This was adorable as fuck like straight up cute as hell.
I appreciate the no third act break up thing.
I appreciated the character arc’s cause they were funny as hell and adorable asf with Alex being your bubbly rambling cute idiot and Elliot being so goddamn amused by it and falling in love with him more and more.
I appreciate the pacing and how short the story was because honestly anything more than this would’ve probably gotten boring really quickly. And as somebody that doesn’t live in a country where they play ice hockey or football in this particular way, I also appreciate the author’s commitment to explaining both sports in a way that was fun to follow along with and eventually make me appreciate the name of the book.
I also appreciate how the story was always intimate from the beginning with everything from self-discovery to romance to giving back to the community, it all felt so wholesome and well thought out genuinely sometimes making me swoon for the smallest reasons.
Now do I feel like this was a masterpiece, no.. hence my 3 stars because although is was a fun time, it’s also not exactly different from your average friends to lovers MM romance story so I’ll say pick this up if you’re looking for something cute and easy.
Thank you Love Notes PR for the ARC copy.
I appreciate the no third act break up thing.
I appreciated the character arc’s cause they were funny as hell and adorable asf with Alex being your bubbly rambling cute idiot and Elliot being so goddamn amused by it and falling in love with him more and more.
I appreciate the pacing and how short the story was because honestly anything more than this would’ve probably gotten boring really quickly. And as somebody that doesn’t live in a country where they play ice hockey or football in this particular way, I also appreciate the author’s commitment to explaining both sports in a way that was fun to follow along with and eventually make me appreciate the name of the book.
I also appreciate how the story was always intimate from the beginning with everything from self-discovery to romance to giving back to the community, it all felt so wholesome and well thought out genuinely sometimes making me swoon for the smallest reasons.
Now do I feel like this was a masterpiece, no.. hence my 3 stars because although is was a fun time, it’s also not exactly different from your average friends to lovers MM romance story so I’ll say pick this up if you’re looking for something cute and easy.
Thank you Love Notes PR for the ARC copy.
November 10, 2025
Icing The Kicker 🏒
Firstly, I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Emily Shacklette for trusting me with this ARC!
Elliot is San Francisco Redwood's star & if he knows one thing as good as playing hockey is the rules.
Play well & have fun.
Everything will change when he will meet Alex Holmes.
Gorgeous.Hot.Unable to resist.-and straight.
Oh,Boy!
This is easily one of the best and SMUTTIEST books I have ever read and GIRL IT WAS FIRE.
First,we met the boys.
Elliot,who is the kindest soul out there & Alex,our staright ,not so straight,hottie.
E,is our hockey star,whose love & passion for the sport can easily highlight him.Mostly,I loved his confidence & how love changed him for the better.
Alex on the other hand is a whole different story.From his eyes,we see how someone can discover himself later in life and that is totally normal & okay!My favourite part about his journey is the support that encircled it.
Plus,my boy is such a cuttie!
& lastly Scarlett,I cannot not refer to the satisfying purrs & her buiscuit making!🍪
Continuing,in this romance which chemistry was here from page 1.The way these two were together!Just Goals🥹.Not only they were madly in love,but so supportive of each other & the 🌶️ they made was from AN OTHER PLANET.-it had love,lust and so much care-
To end with,something that you will undestand towards the end is the title,and to tell you the truth it's one my favourite parts of the book & what made me say :YES,WE HAVE A FIVE STAR READ OVER HERE!So,I will let you find it out yourselves really soon!
Out On Nov,17th🩵
5⭐
Firstly, I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Emily Shacklette for trusting me with this ARC!
Elliot is San Francisco Redwood's star & if he knows one thing as good as playing hockey is the rules.
Play well & have fun.
Everything will change when he will meet Alex Holmes.
Gorgeous.Hot.Unable to resist.-and straight.
Oh,Boy!
This is easily one of the best and SMUTTIEST books I have ever read and GIRL IT WAS FIRE.
First,we met the boys.
Elliot,who is the kindest soul out there & Alex,our staright ,not so straight,hottie.
E,is our hockey star,whose love & passion for the sport can easily highlight him.Mostly,I loved his confidence & how love changed him for the better.
Alex on the other hand is a whole different story.From his eyes,we see how someone can discover himself later in life and that is totally normal & okay!My favourite part about his journey is the support that encircled it.
Plus,my boy is such a cuttie!
& lastly Scarlett,I cannot not refer to the satisfying purrs & her buiscuit making!🍪
Continuing,in this romance which chemistry was here from page 1.The way these two were together!Just Goals🥹.Not only they were madly in love,but so supportive of each other & the 🌶️ they made was from AN OTHER PLANET.-it had love,lust and so much care-
To end with,something that you will undestand towards the end is the title,and to tell you the truth it's one my favourite parts of the book & what made me say :YES,WE HAVE A FIVE STAR READ OVER HERE!So,I will let you find it out yourselves really soon!
Out On Nov,17th🩵
5⭐
November 10, 2025
Thank you LoveNotes PR for the book!!
This was sooooooo adorable I can’t even put it into words 😭😭😭 Alex is such a precious little ball of sunshine who had me dying of cuteness every time he spoke (or simply existed). Elliot had my heart from the very beginning, too ❤️ They’re both such wonderful, fun, loving characters 🥹 I looooved everything about them. I laughed so much reading their text messages. The chemistry was strong from the start, and I found myself rooting for them as soon as they met. Elliot was an absolute sweetheart as well, but more level-headed, which made for the perfect contrast to Alex’s chaotic and hyperactive personality.
I also enjoyed reading about their backstories and childhoods, and how they ended up where they are now in their careers, especially in Elliot’s case. Seeing someone who overcame so many obstacles and still made it through, thanks to the love and support of his mom, made rooting for him even easier.
The game descriptions were really well done. As someone who knows absolutely nothing about either sport, I was nervous I’d get lost, but the author did a great job painting a clear picture of the games and what the characters were feeling during them.
Overall, this was a beautiful and heartfelt story. I love stories that capture "joy" and this one did it perfectly ❤️
This was sooooooo adorable I can’t even put it into words 😭😭😭 Alex is such a precious little ball of sunshine who had me dying of cuteness every time he spoke (or simply existed). Elliot had my heart from the very beginning, too ❤️ They’re both such wonderful, fun, loving characters 🥹 I looooved everything about them. I laughed so much reading their text messages. The chemistry was strong from the start, and I found myself rooting for them as soon as they met. Elliot was an absolute sweetheart as well, but more level-headed, which made for the perfect contrast to Alex’s chaotic and hyperactive personality.
I also enjoyed reading about their backstories and childhoods, and how they ended up where they are now in their careers, especially in Elliot’s case. Seeing someone who overcame so many obstacles and still made it through, thanks to the love and support of his mom, made rooting for him even easier.
The game descriptions were really well done. As someone who knows absolutely nothing about either sport, I was nervous I’d get lost, but the author did a great job painting a clear picture of the games and what the characters were feeling during them.
Overall, this was a beautiful and heartfelt story. I love stories that capture "joy" and this one did it perfectly ❤️
November 20, 2025
4.25⭐️ | 3🌶
Elliot and Alex were so wholesome. Emily's MM romances are just some of the best. I loved every second of Icing The Kicker. Thank you to love notes pr for the arc.
Elliot and Alex were so wholesome. Emily's MM romances are just some of the best. I loved every second of Icing The Kicker. Thank you to love notes pr for the arc.
November 8, 2025
Thank you Love Note PR for the book! 💌
Honestly, I don’t even remember if I requested it or if they just knew this would be my entire personality — but when it arrived in my mailbox I was like: Yes. Correct. This is my brand. 😌
And I was right.
If I didn’t have a 5-month-old, I would’ve finished this in one sitting 🥲 (new moms who read, you get it).
I haven’t read the previous standalones in the series, but I really enjoyed the writing style — so now I definitely will.
Elliot and Alex? Perfect match 🩵
I adored their dynamic from page one. The way Alex was so clearly down bad for El, while still figuring himself out? My heart.
It was soft, supportive, vulnerable, and just so sweet.
Also — no third act breakup.
We support healthy communication in this house 🙌
Honestly, I don’t even remember if I requested it or if they just knew this would be my entire personality — but when it arrived in my mailbox I was like: Yes. Correct. This is my brand. 😌
And I was right.
If I didn’t have a 5-month-old, I would’ve finished this in one sitting 🥲 (new moms who read, you get it).
I haven’t read the previous standalones in the series, but I really enjoyed the writing style — so now I definitely will.
Elliot and Alex? Perfect match 🩵
I adored their dynamic from page one. The way Alex was so clearly down bad for El, while still figuring himself out? My heart.
It was soft, supportive, vulnerable, and just so sweet.
Also — no third act breakup.
We support healthy communication in this house 🙌
November 12, 2025
3.5⭐️
Okay so… I really wanted to love this one. An NFL footballer and a hockey goalie? Like come on — that setup screams perfection. I had such high hopes going in.
But honestly? The execution just didn’t hit the mark for me. It felt cringey and awkward at times — something about the pacing and chemistry was just off.
I totally get that Alex had never had a boyfriend before and this was all new for him, and I was excited to see that personal journey play out. But it felt rushed. One minute he’s like “thanks for kissing me but I’m straight,” and the next he wins his game and suddenly decides he’s gay and Elliot’s his good luck charm?? It just didn’t feel organic.
Now Elliot — he was the saving grace. So sweet, so genuine, and I loved his relationship with his teammates and his mum.Honestly, he carried the story for me.
The rest though? Kind of forgettable. Not terrible, just… mid. It had so much potential with that storyline, but the execution fell flat. I didn’t hate it, but I wouldn’t rush to re-read it either.
Okay so… I really wanted to love this one. An NFL footballer and a hockey goalie? Like come on — that setup screams perfection. I had such high hopes going in.
But honestly? The execution just didn’t hit the mark for me. It felt cringey and awkward at times — something about the pacing and chemistry was just off.
I totally get that Alex had never had a boyfriend before and this was all new for him, and I was excited to see that personal journey play out. But it felt rushed. One minute he’s like “thanks for kissing me but I’m straight,” and the next he wins his game and suddenly decides he’s gay and Elliot’s his good luck charm?? It just didn’t feel organic.
Now Elliot — he was the saving grace. So sweet, so genuine, and I loved his relationship with his teammates and his mum.Honestly, he carried the story for me.
The rest though? Kind of forgettable. Not terrible, just… mid. It had so much potential with that storyline, but the execution fell flat. I didn’t hate it, but I wouldn’t rush to re-read it either.
October 8, 2025
Thank you Emily for giving me a chance to beta read!! I mean I would have read it regardless because I’m here for everything Emily Shacklette hands us!
I don’t want to give tooooo much away before Emily shares more but this was an easy 5 star read for me!
Alex and Elliot are LIFE! Team fanny packs and slutty little crop tops of life. I love and appreciate the fact that Elliot was like ok if I can’t have Alex as *mine* I will take his friendship if that’s all I can get. But it was never going to be that easy was it?
Alex has his biawakening thanks to his friendship and attention to Elliot but it feels like he isn’t really shocked by his new found sexuality. He just embraces it as a part of who he is and keeps being his quirky self.
THREEC CHEERS FOR OUR MOMMA’S BOY ELLIOT!! Gosh his character was the perfect mix of hard and soft. I want to read a million more books about their love and life together and hope we can see them again in the future!
Also, hi to our fave billionaire James Adler 👋🏻
I don’t want to give tooooo much away before Emily shares more but this was an easy 5 star read for me!
Alex and Elliot are LIFE! Team fanny packs and slutty little crop tops of life. I love and appreciate the fact that Elliot was like ok if I can’t have Alex as *mine* I will take his friendship if that’s all I can get. But it was never going to be that easy was it?
Alex has his biawakening thanks to his friendship and attention to Elliot but it feels like he isn’t really shocked by his new found sexuality. He just embraces it as a part of who he is and keeps being his quirky self.
THREEC CHEERS FOR OUR MOMMA’S BOY ELLIOT!! Gosh his character was the perfect mix of hard and soft. I want to read a million more books about their love and life together and hope we can see them again in the future!
Also, hi to our fave billionaire James Adler 👋🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
Thank you @lovenotes.pr for the advanced copy to review!
Y’all @authoremilyshack wrote this book *specifically* for me as it has nearly all of my favorite tropes, and my ultimate favorite ship of idiots to lovers. 💜💜💜💜
Alex is literally sunshine personified and I truly adore how he came to terms with his queerness during the book. Goalies are weird, this we know. But Alex was just so genuinely sweet and kind and loving and truly adorable on a level I can barely manage because my heart was screaming for him the entire time. His initial reaction to Elliot was SOOOOOO telling and hell yeah I was rooting for them immediately. Also being so vulnerable and saying what he wants. Yes yes yes. He is also so secretly wanting to be a good boy for his partner and that *lit me up* squealing during their s*x scenes. Oh and his s*x dreams?????? Don’t even get me STARTED on that closet scene specifically?!!! That was HOT AS F*CK! Oh and also - I love how affectionate Alex is in general. We love a secure man.
Okay now Elliot. A man who knows what he wants. Sexy as hell. Strong as all get out. Beautiful and smart and kind and so freaking ADORABLE. His crush on Alex was so stinking cute and how he called Alex goat??? And Baby??!?! And the way he just worshipped the ground Alex walked on??? Relatable. Remember when Alex wore Elliot’s jersey??? Remember when Elliot showed Alex how he felt not even caring that the cameras were on him?? *cries* I just love idiots in love I do.
The whole vibe of this book just made me so incredibly happy and I had the *best* time rooting for these two cuties. That ending was so well earned and the love you’s exchanged between these two had me melting on the floor.
Anyway thank you for them @authoremilyshack and this one is OUT NOW so fall in love with these two please 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Y’all @authoremilyshack wrote this book *specifically* for me as it has nearly all of my favorite tropes, and my ultimate favorite ship of idiots to lovers. 💜💜💜💜
Alex is literally sunshine personified and I truly adore how he came to terms with his queerness during the book. Goalies are weird, this we know. But Alex was just so genuinely sweet and kind and loving and truly adorable on a level I can barely manage because my heart was screaming for him the entire time. His initial reaction to Elliot was SOOOOOO telling and hell yeah I was rooting for them immediately. Also being so vulnerable and saying what he wants. Yes yes yes. He is also so secretly wanting to be a good boy for his partner and that *lit me up* squealing during their s*x scenes. Oh and his s*x dreams?????? Don’t even get me STARTED on that closet scene specifically?!!! That was HOT AS F*CK! Oh and also - I love how affectionate Alex is in general. We love a secure man.
Okay now Elliot. A man who knows what he wants. Sexy as hell. Strong as all get out. Beautiful and smart and kind and so freaking ADORABLE. His crush on Alex was so stinking cute and how he called Alex goat??? And Baby??!?! And the way he just worshipped the ground Alex walked on??? Relatable. Remember when Alex wore Elliot’s jersey??? Remember when Elliot showed Alex how he felt not even caring that the cameras were on him?? *cries* I just love idiots in love I do.
The whole vibe of this book just made me so incredibly happy and I had the *best* time rooting for these two cuties. That ending was so well earned and the love you’s exchanged between these two had me melting on the floor.
Anyway thank you for them @authoremilyshack and this one is OUT NOW so fall in love with these two please 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
November 12, 2025
This book was so cute. Alex and Elliot’s story is fun, quirky, romantic and spicy! I loved getting to know the characters and watch them fall in love. As a Swiftie, I loved all the “easter eggs” scattered throughout the book pointing back at Taylor’s works.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and blusssh! this is the book for you!
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and blusssh! this is the book for you!
November 17, 2025
"We weren’t fucking against the glass wall, we were dry-humping against it. We fucked in the bathroom of the club, like two men in a loving, committed relationship should.”
Delivered on everything it promised and more. I had so much fun falling in love with these characters while they fell in love with each other. The characters were very loveable and I laughed out loud several times. It was simultaneously very wholesome and a little filthy 🥵
Delivered on everything it promised and more. I had so much fun falling in love with these characters while they fell in love with each other. The characters were very loveable and I laughed out loud several times. It was simultaneously very wholesome and a little filthy 🥵
November 17, 2025
I honestly thought Alex was queer but when he told Elliott he was straight but he didn't push away when they had that first kiss like no way I got the vibe he was .
but I believe he somehow knew part of him was or maybe he needed elliot to awaken that in him cause he isn't hook up kind of guy, and that honestly makes sense.
but man, I felt so bad the way Alex parents are, especially his father. who the hell belittle their own child over and over . nothing was good enough for them .
Nicole (Elliott's mom) I love her she such amazing mom she had him young but she tried her best to give him what she could but she was amazing mom .
the text messages between Elliot and Alex were freaking cute and flirty.
Elliot friendship with Lennon and Breaker was so hilarious & they cared about his well-being, which is so beautiful to see.
the way they connected from friends to more was sweet and sexy . the way they both felt that attraction had me on the edge . there is something so hot about two men I can't describe it , I just melt every time . I love that Elliot was an NFL player, and Alex was an NHL player in different sports, yet they understand each other on that level, especially with Alex superstition.
his fanny pack was cherry on top cause he was confident in himself no matter how others saw him, and Elliot found that cute and adorable.
I loved this book
but I believe he somehow knew part of him was or maybe he needed elliot to awaken that in him cause he isn't hook up kind of guy, and that honestly makes sense.
but man, I felt so bad the way Alex parents are, especially his father. who the hell belittle their own child over and over . nothing was good enough for them .
Nicole (Elliott's mom) I love her she such amazing mom she had him young but she tried her best to give him what she could but she was amazing mom .
the text messages between Elliot and Alex were freaking cute and flirty.
Elliot friendship with Lennon and Breaker was so hilarious & they cared about his well-being, which is so beautiful to see.
the way they connected from friends to more was sweet and sexy . the way they both felt that attraction had me on the edge . there is something so hot about two men I can't describe it , I just melt every time . I love that Elliot was an NFL player, and Alex was an NHL player in different sports, yet they understand each other on that level, especially with Alex superstition.
his fanny pack was cherry on top cause he was confident in himself no matter how others saw him, and Elliot found that cute and adorable.
I loved this book
December 28, 2025
very meh, wayyyy too cringey for me. give me at least a little bit of yearning
November 13, 2025
Icing The Kicker is the third installment in the San Francisco Redwoods series, and it balances humor, heart, and the unpredictable nature of love.
Emily Shacklette delivers a captivating rollercoaster ride that explores the complexities of casual relationships, superstition, and the undeniable pull between two athletes from different worlds.
Elliot Baker is the long kicker for the San Francisco Redwoods. (No idea who/what that was, thank goodness for Google 😂) Elliot is a character, embodying the carefree spirit of someone who thrives in the nightlife while expertly navigating the pressures of professional sports.
His fling with Alex Holmes, the gorgeous NHL goalie of the San Francisco Thunder, adds just the right amount of tension and chemistry. From their first kiss, it's clear that their connection is electric, even as they both try to keep things light and fun.
The "good-luck charm" superstition becomes a clever plot device that tests both men’s resolve, pushing them to confront the fine line between casual and committed relationships. Elliot’s internal struggle as he finds himself wanting more, while Alex grapples with the idea that this isn’t just about luck, have me reading until I’d finished the book 😬
The late night texts and stolen moments had me smiling (yes I know it’s been done so many times lately, but I loved it)
The supporting cast added to the plot, loved the camaraderie and competition between the two teams.
To me , Icing The Kicker is a delightful romance that explores how love can defy expectations and challenge preconceived notions.
The author has written a story that was entertaining.
If you enjoy sports romance with, witty dialogue, and plenty of heart, this book is definitely a score worth reading. 😉
🦋
*copy supplied for review
Emily Shacklette delivers a captivating rollercoaster ride that explores the complexities of casual relationships, superstition, and the undeniable pull between two athletes from different worlds.
Elliot Baker is the long kicker for the San Francisco Redwoods. (No idea who/what that was, thank goodness for Google 😂) Elliot is a character, embodying the carefree spirit of someone who thrives in the nightlife while expertly navigating the pressures of professional sports.
His fling with Alex Holmes, the gorgeous NHL goalie of the San Francisco Thunder, adds just the right amount of tension and chemistry. From their first kiss, it's clear that their connection is electric, even as they both try to keep things light and fun.
The "good-luck charm" superstition becomes a clever plot device that tests both men’s resolve, pushing them to confront the fine line between casual and committed relationships. Elliot’s internal struggle as he finds himself wanting more, while Alex grapples with the idea that this isn’t just about luck, have me reading until I’d finished the book 😬
The late night texts and stolen moments had me smiling (yes I know it’s been done so many times lately, but I loved it)
The supporting cast added to the plot, loved the camaraderie and competition between the two teams.
To me , Icing The Kicker is a delightful romance that explores how love can defy expectations and challenge preconceived notions.
The author has written a story that was entertaining.
If you enjoy sports romance with, witty dialogue, and plenty of heart, this book is definitely a score worth reading. 😉
🦋
*copy supplied for review
November 10, 2025
The cover caught my eye and I had to read it once I read the synopsis. “Icing the Kicker” is a steamy, sweet and romantic friends to lovers sports MM romance that was a cute story to read that had both hockey and football in it.
Alex Holmes is a professional goalie and lives for structure and superstitions. He doesn’t date during the season and focuses completely on hockey. Elliott Baker is the kicker for the San Francisco Redwoods and loves his job and going out at night. When Elliott and Alex happen to be at the same club, Elliott is instantly drawn to him. But Alex is straight and Elliott is gay and despite the kiss they share that night, they develop a friendship. Alex is convinced that kiss and their friendship is why he is playing better but it also makes him question his sexuality. They agree to keep things casual as they explore things but the lines start to blur.
Alex and Elliott were so cute and I enjoyed their story. Elliott is confident, smart and knows what he wants. He doesn’t hide who he is and I loved that about him. Alex doesn’t hide himself because he honestly was never attracted to men until met Elliott. I love a later in life bi-awakening and Alex was so sweet. They had a great friendship and really got to know each other. They are both professional athletes so they understand the struggles and demands they go through. And when they finally go to the next level and give into their attraction, the steamy scenes were sizzling hot. Alex is always in control as a goalie, defending the net and having Elliott take control is exactly what he needed. They were so sweet together and I loved the ending.
Alex Holmes is a professional goalie and lives for structure and superstitions. He doesn’t date during the season and focuses completely on hockey. Elliott Baker is the kicker for the San Francisco Redwoods and loves his job and going out at night. When Elliott and Alex happen to be at the same club, Elliott is instantly drawn to him. But Alex is straight and Elliott is gay and despite the kiss they share that night, they develop a friendship. Alex is convinced that kiss and their friendship is why he is playing better but it also makes him question his sexuality. They agree to keep things casual as they explore things but the lines start to blur.
Alex and Elliott were so cute and I enjoyed their story. Elliott is confident, smart and knows what he wants. He doesn’t hide who he is and I loved that about him. Alex doesn’t hide himself because he honestly was never attracted to men until met Elliott. I love a later in life bi-awakening and Alex was so sweet. They had a great friendship and really got to know each other. They are both professional athletes so they understand the struggles and demands they go through. And when they finally go to the next level and give into their attraction, the steamy scenes were sizzling hot. Alex is always in control as a goalie, defending the net and having Elliott take control is exactly what he needed. They were so sweet together and I loved the ending.
November 18, 2025
Oh this book!! This was the exact book that I didn't know I needed in my life!! These two knuckleheads were the absolute perfect pairing! Elliot was so wonderful to watch, as he grew and learned that what he had had in the past wasn't what he wanted moving forward! His dedication to his own game, his community, and his loved ones was so beautiful to watch! I just loved getting to see him work so hard to maintain his goals, after working to improve his life, and then open himself up to his friends and Alex! And Alex was just the absolute sweetest puppy of a MMC! His own strength and dedication, despite his toxic family situation, was amazing to watch! The way he was easily reflective for his own wants and needs, and kept his mind and heart open, doing the work to truly accept himself, was just so beautiful to see! These two coming together was the absolute best time! Between the text banter, the joking, and the sweet moments together this was such an incredible book!! And getting so many of the Redwoods characters, and the Pussy Posse, made this one an absolute gem in this world! I just loved everything about it, and it is now arguably my favorite Emily Shacklette book!! 5 stars; 3.5 chili peppers
Tropes:
- Football Player x Hockey Goalie
- Bi Awakening
- Text Banter
- Friends to Lovers
- Meddling Friends
- "Teach Me"
Tropes:
- Football Player x Hockey Goalie
- Bi Awakening
- Text Banter
- Friends to Lovers
- Meddling Friends
- "Teach Me"
November 16, 2025
I really liked this book. I thought it was lighthearted and humorous. I love a playboy who falls head over heels for a cutie whose mind works a thousand miles a minute and the words come out of his mouth before he can even process them. I appreciated how uncomplicated Alex’s self discovery was, he was so easy going about it. The spice was very explicit, really well described. The reader can perceive the neediness and the want but some scenes are also romantic.
There are some references that I probably didn’t fully understand because I haven’t read the rest of the series, but I’ll be picking them up soon.
Also, Natasha Richardson was my queer awakening, so I absolutely get it.
Thank you to Emily Schacklette and Love Notes PR for providing me with an eARC.
There are some references that I probably didn’t fully understand because I haven’t read the rest of the series, but I’ll be picking them up soon.
Also, Natasha Richardson was my queer awakening, so I absolutely get it.
Thank you to Emily Schacklette and Love Notes PR for providing me with an eARC.
November 17, 2025
I just loved Alex and Elliot! This was just a perfect romcom about two idiots denying they are in love. Elliot is the kicker for the Redwoods and Alex is goalie for the Thunder. They meet at a club when the hockey team decides to meet up with the football team to celebrate their win. They are both instantly attracted to each other but Alex is straight, or so he always thought. Their friendship blossoms and Elliot tries to keep his crush in check while Alex is questioning everything he thought about himself. They start a friends with benefits situation but it only fools themselves. Everyone around them can see how they truly feel for each other, can they stop denying their feelings and make it work?
November 12, 2025
I read a LOT of mlm/mm romance and a good portion of it IS sports romance. That being said, this one was quite cute at times, but other times felt a bit forced. It took me a little longer to get into than usual, but the last 30% or so flew by. I don't hate it, by any means, this one just missed the mark for me somewhere. I think it was supposed to be friends to lovers, but fell more into Insta-love/lust.
I would still definitely read future works tho! 🖤
I would still definitely read future works tho! 🖤
December 28, 2025
So freaking cute!!
January 10, 2026
3.75*
January 29, 2026
This was fun! I had fun!!!
2.75/5
Shoutout to Alex for talking about pb&j’s so much, reminded me how good they are and I’ve been back on that grind.
I thought alex & Elliot were both cute characters and their relationship was good if a little predictable. I think more could have been done with Alex & his family or Elliot & his upbringing to add some more tension / depth.
Laughed out loud when I saw the breakdown of spicy chapters at the front of the book and it was a solid run of 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19. However, it was not as intense as I expected. Not a complaint, just a note.
Overall I’m glad I read it mostly because I kept seeing reels about it and now I know.
2.75/5
Shoutout to Alex for talking about pb&j’s so much, reminded me how good they are and I’ve been back on that grind.
I thought alex & Elliot were both cute characters and their relationship was good if a little predictable. I think more could have been done with Alex & his family or Elliot & his upbringing to add some more tension / depth.
Laughed out loud when I saw the breakdown of spicy chapters at the front of the book and it was a solid run of 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19. However, it was not as intense as I expected. Not a complaint, just a note.
Overall I’m glad I read it mostly because I kept seeing reels about it and now I know.
February 12, 2026
The most nonchalant bi awakening I’ve ever read
February 15, 2026
such a sweet and quick read 💕
November 18, 2025
4.25⭐️
super cute, low angst and short & sweet. just super feel good
super cute, low angst and short & sweet. just super feel good
November 10, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC of this story!! I was so glad to get to continue to read the series after absolutely loving the last one. I definitely liked this one but sadly not as much as the second in the series. The writing felt less fleshed out in this one. But!! It was still super enjoyable and a fast read!
December 27, 2025
This was a cute easy palette cleanser book. I didn’t hugely fall in love with the characters or the plot but I enjoyed the read ya know?!?
October 2, 2025
RTC BETA
November 6, 2025
I love myself a cute sport romance story. It’s not like my usual go to sport romance stories but it is different and unique and I’m guessing it’s great to be trying out new reads to be supporting authors! Overall, everything was good!
October 1, 2025
Beta read!!!!
November 18, 2025
Firstly thank you for picking me to be an ARC reader. I loved Elliot and Alex so much. Their cute texts and Alex's Fanny pack sealed the deal for me! also loved that Alex wasn't afraid to explore things with Elliot and wasn't afraid if people knew. He was mostly upfront about it. Alex is the quirky Bestfriend's that everyone needs. I wish they were more open with their feeling for each other, but regardless we got there eventually. Once the spice started it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed this one and I am looking forward to reading more by Emily and exploring the series.
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