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Alpha Omega Hockey #6
Full Body Hit: Part 2
THIS IS PART TWO OF FULL BODY HIT
A scentless Omega. A grumpy hockey legend. An anonymous hookup app that turns everything upside down.
Chase Spalding finally has his shot at the NHL—and a place on the New Orleans Spirits, the team his longtime idol, Auston Mazdaki, plays for. As a scentless Omega, Chase is used to hiding in plain sight, wearing a synthetic profile and keeping his head down. But under the confidence is a boy who aches to be seen, touched, and claimed.
Auston is a veteran in every older, jaded, and done pretending he wants more from the game—or anyone. He’s not interested in rookies, least of all one with a blank scent and too many secrets.
But when two lonely men connect on an anonymous hookup app, they find what they didn’t know they were missing. In the safety of digital walls, Aunix and Charlie explore kink, power, and Daddy/boy dynamics, praise, obedience, and the kind of care neither thought they deserved.
Anonymous identities. Age gap. Grumpy/Daddy Alpha x rookie Omega. Praise, power exchange, and all the tenderness kink can hold.
When the truth comes out, love is the hardest—and most rewarding—game they’ll ever play.
This book is PART TWO and contains a HEA.
A scentless Omega. A grumpy hockey legend. An anonymous hookup app that turns everything upside down.
Chase Spalding finally has his shot at the NHL—and a place on the New Orleans Spirits, the team his longtime idol, Auston Mazdaki, plays for. As a scentless Omega, Chase is used to hiding in plain sight, wearing a synthetic profile and keeping his head down. But under the confidence is a boy who aches to be seen, touched, and claimed.
Auston is a veteran in every older, jaded, and done pretending he wants more from the game—or anyone. He’s not interested in rookies, least of all one with a blank scent and too many secrets.
But when two lonely men connect on an anonymous hookup app, they find what they didn’t know they were missing. In the safety of digital walls, Aunix and Charlie explore kink, power, and Daddy/boy dynamics, praise, obedience, and the kind of care neither thought they deserved.
Anonymous identities. Age gap. Grumpy/Daddy Alpha x rookie Omega. Praise, power exchange, and all the tenderness kink can hold.
When the truth comes out, love is the hardest—and most rewarding—game they’ll ever play.
This book is PART TWO and contains a HEA.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
About the author
Marina Vivancos
28 books994 followersWhen Marina was a child she couldn’t sleep. Night after dissolving night she just couldn’t sleep. Nothing much worked – until she started making up stories in her head. Suddenly, the transition into unconsciousness was a smooth dive into calm waters.
Marina is currently in a period of sleepless upheaval, and she hopes writing down the stories in her head will cast the same spell it did years ago.
You can find her being malhumorada on Twitter.
Marina is currently in a period of sleepless upheaval, and she hopes writing down the stories in her head will cast the same spell it did years ago.
You can find her being malhumorada on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 20, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
I adored the first book but the end of book 2 was pretty terrible. I was very curious about what direction it would go after everything went down, and while I was pleased with most of the reactions, I wanted more groveling. I need people to work for forgiveness, not just 'I've apologized, so now I'll just quietly wait for you to get over it' (not a direct quote lmao).
The amazing chemistry and dynamic between Auston and Chase was still present, so that was at least nice, but there were too many things that didn't work for me to be a 5 star read like book 1 was.
Main issues other than a lack of groveling:
If you read that spoiler you'll understand why I went from adoring these guys and having a possible duet to add to my favorites list to being really upset. Overall I still enjoyed it. The writing is of course great (it's Marina Vivancos, duh), the plot felt original and fun, and mostly the MCs were sweet and loveable. It was just a shame that a big issue was introduced so late, leaving me with negative feelings towards the story.
3.5 🌟 but I don't feel generous enough to bump the rating up instead of down.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Bratty MC
Daddy/boy
Hockey romance
Omegaverse
Childhood crush + idol
Alpha x Omega
Age gap
Teammates
Size difference
Disability rep
Mutual pining
Nesting
Aftercare
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Phone sex
Enthusiastic rimming
Spanking
Lace and lingerie
Garters and corset
Orgasm control
Subspace
Knotting
Hands-free orgasms
Heat and rut
Cockwarming
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Power exchange
Explicit sexual content
Dubious consent
Verbally and emotionally abusive parent (on and off page, past and present)
Mentions of parent controlling MCs eating and exercise
Power imbalance
Mentions of past recreational drug use
Spanking as 'punishment'
Vomiting
Brief feminization of genitals (cunt, once)
Alcohol consumption - excessive drinking to avoid dealing with emotions
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Omegaverse romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 20 and 37
Series: Interconnected duet
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages:
Happy ending: Yes
Chase gave him his food, barely pausing to eat his own before going off to grab blankets and pillows to stuff around Auston. “For support,” Chase explained, and Auston wondered if he was lying or if he genuinely didn’t realise he was building Auston a nest.
“Miss you too,” Chase whispered as if their conversations on the phone were due to living hundreds of miles apart instead of the paralysing fear of meeting face-to-face.
It was too goddamn painful, mourning something he was killing.
“I guess the real question here is when you became an Auston Mazdaki fanboy.” Chase groaned. “You did not just refer to yourself in the third person. Let me out, I’m leaving.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I adored the first book but the end of book 2 was pretty terrible. I was very curious about what direction it would go after everything went down, and while I was pleased with most of the reactions, I wanted more groveling. I need people to work for forgiveness, not just 'I've apologized, so now I'll just quietly wait for you to get over it' (not a direct quote lmao).
The amazing chemistry and dynamic between Auston and Chase was still present, so that was at least nice, but there were too many things that didn't work for me to be a 5 star read like book 1 was.
Main issues other than a lack of groveling:
If you read that spoiler you'll understand why I went from adoring these guys and having a possible duet to add to my favorites list to being really upset. Overall I still enjoyed it. The writing is of course great (it's Marina Vivancos, duh), the plot felt original and fun, and mostly the MCs were sweet and loveable. It was just a shame that a big issue was introduced so late, leaving me with negative feelings towards the story.
3.5 🌟 but I don't feel generous enough to bump the rating up instead of down.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Bratty MC
Daddy/boy
Hockey romance
Omegaverse
Childhood crush + idol
Alpha x Omega
Age gap
Teammates
Size difference
Disability rep
Mutual pining
Nesting
Aftercare
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Phone sex
Enthusiastic rimming
Spanking
Lace and lingerie
Garters and corset
Orgasm control
Subspace
Knotting
Hands-free orgasms
Heat and rut
Cockwarming
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Power exchange
Explicit sexual content
Dubious consent
Verbally and emotionally abusive parent (on and off page, past and present)
Mentions of parent controlling MCs eating and exercise
Power imbalance
Mentions of past recreational drug use
Spanking as 'punishment'
Vomiting
Brief feminization of genitals (cunt, once)
Alcohol consumption - excessive drinking to avoid dealing with emotions
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Omegaverse romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 20 and 37
Series: Interconnected duet
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages:
Happy ending: Yes
Chase gave him his food, barely pausing to eat his own before going off to grab blankets and pillows to stuff around Auston. “For support,” Chase explained, and Auston wondered if he was lying or if he genuinely didn’t realise he was building Auston a nest.
“Miss you too,” Chase whispered as if their conversations on the phone were due to living hundreds of miles apart instead of the paralysing fear of meeting face-to-face.
It was too goddamn painful, mourning something he was killing.
“I guess the real question here is when you became an Auston Mazdaki fanboy.” Chase groaned. “You did not just refer to yourself in the third person. Let me out, I’m leaving.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
September 19, 2025
3*** stars
dropped @70%
I admit, there is nothing wrong with this book per se, my frustration and disappointment for this second part stems from one thing only: the author didn’t give me what I wanted.
This was mushy, ‘let’s take it slow’-boring (not the reason I’m reading omegaverse, that’s for damn sure), and the shock value I was hoping for for the big reveal was not shocking at all (mainly because the big reveal didn’t even remotely happened like I imagined).
Where was the intensity?
Where was the desperation?
Where were the fucking heats? (@70% in this second book, that’s where)
Honestly, if I hadn’t known this was an omegaverse, I might’ve missed it. Because so much of what I love about this genre was missing. And that is extra sad because Marina writes it so good. This two-parts installment was def more focused on the Daddy/boy dynamic Chase and Auston had going on.
I mean, sure, in the end this is her story and I cannot fault her for the decisions she made on how to tell it, but I damn well didn’t like it. This sounds harsh to even my own ears despite my frustration and no one is more sad than I am that these are my thoughts about it.
I hope the next one in this series will finally be for Sammy and Noah and will bring back everything I love about these books.
**************
Omega Alpha Hockey Series:
Book 1 - Fresh Ice - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Face Off - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Overtime
Book 4 - Florida: Broken Ice - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 5 - Full Body Hit: Part 1 - 4.25 stars
Book 6 - Full Body Hit: Part 2 - dropped / 3.0 stars
dropped @70%
I admit, there is nothing wrong with this book per se, my frustration and disappointment for this second part stems from one thing only: the author didn’t give me what I wanted.
This was mushy, ‘let’s take it slow’-boring (not the reason I’m reading omegaverse, that’s for damn sure), and the shock value I was hoping for for the big reveal was not shocking at all (mainly because the big reveal didn’t even remotely happened like I imagined).
Where was the intensity?
Where was the desperation?
Where were the fucking heats? (@70% in this second book, that’s where)
Honestly, if I hadn’t known this was an omegaverse, I might’ve missed it. Because so much of what I love about this genre was missing. And that is extra sad because Marina writes it so good. This two-parts installment was def more focused on the Daddy/boy dynamic Chase and Auston had going on.
I mean, sure, in the end this is her story and I cannot fault her for the decisions she made on how to tell it, but I damn well didn’t like it. This sounds harsh to even my own ears despite my frustration and no one is more sad than I am that these are my thoughts about it.
I hope the next one in this series will finally be for Sammy and Noah and will bring back everything I love about these books.
**************
Omega Alpha Hockey Series:
Book 1 - Fresh Ice - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Face Off - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Overtime
Book 4 - Florida: Broken Ice - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 5 - Full Body Hit: Part 1 - 4.25 stars
Book 6 - Full Body Hit: Part 2 - dropped / 3.0 stars
September 26, 2025
And then this one happened. Sigh. Honestly, I would have waited an entire year if it meant getting an entirely different book from this.
Started out so well, too.
Can honestly say that I don't think I've read a romance where one MC fucks up so badly that he engages preemptive grovel mode, all without the other even knowing they're together, let alone that something happened.
Auston whipped Chase into such a frenzy, he was suggesting Mormon soaking. Horrendously down bad.
That whole part was well done. No notes.
Everything after, though? Yikes.
It felt like a part two to a completely different story. So mind numbingly boring.
It doesn't help that it's like 50% sex. Physical this time.
Doesn't help that a there's no resolution to the situation with one MC's mom. (though the author explains why at the end, at it actually makes sense, but it didn't do the story any favors)
Doesn't help that the hockey is depressing.
Or that one MC behaves very out of character towards the end- I don't even know why that bit was necessary.
The really good parts(like coming out to the team) were rushed, and the boring parts (like Auston's plans post retirement) were given too much detail.
Loved this statement, though.
"You need to start treating me like I know what I’m doing instead of just being influenced by you. You’re not that influential.”
Because thank fuck he finally said it. I hate it when older MCs are at the exact latitude and longitude to fuck the younger one into subspace but act all concerned about their ability and maturity to consent to literally anything else.
In summary, this one was such a let down after the high of the first one that I almost wish I'd stopped IMMEDIATELY after they resolved the 'unknowingly dating my teammate' oopsie.
The rest of it felt like the behind the scenes stuff we don't get to see about the MCs after they get together at the end of the book.
Maybe it should have stayed behind the scenes.
Started out so well, too.
Can honestly say that I don't think I've read a romance where one MC fucks up so badly that he engages preemptive grovel mode, all without the other even knowing they're together, let alone that something happened.
Auston whipped Chase into such a frenzy, he was suggesting Mormon soaking. Horrendously down bad.
That whole part was well done. No notes.
Everything after, though? Yikes.
It felt like a part two to a completely different story. So mind numbingly boring.
It doesn't help that it's like 50% sex. Physical this time.
Doesn't help that a there's no resolution to the situation with one MC's mom. (though the author explains why at the end, at it actually makes sense, but it didn't do the story any favors)
Doesn't help that the hockey is depressing.
Or that one MC behaves very out of character towards the end- I don't even know why that bit was necessary.
The really good parts(like coming out to the team) were rushed, and the boring parts (like Auston's plans post retirement) were given too much detail.
Loved this statement, though.
"You need to start treating me like I know what I’m doing instead of just being influenced by you. You’re not that influential.”
Because thank fuck he finally said it. I hate it when older MCs are at the exact latitude and longitude to fuck the younger one into subspace but act all concerned about their ability and maturity to consent to literally anything else.
In summary, this one was such a let down after the high of the first one that I almost wish I'd stopped IMMEDIATELY after they resolved the 'unknowingly dating my teammate' oopsie.
The rest of it felt like the behind the scenes stuff we don't get to see about the MCs after they get together at the end of the book.
Maybe it should have stayed behind the scenes.
September 4, 2025
What a magical conclusion to this duology.
I adored this second part to pieces: it was angsty and sweet, tough and smutty, absolutely packed with wonderful characters with fantastic character development.
I'm so glad Marina Vivancos has decided to release these two parts on the same day. I swear, that cliffhanger had me SCREECHING my head off.
Without saying too much, reading about the consequences of Auston's past behaviour and Auston and Chase's secret identities was a freaking delight. For the grovelling lovers out there, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. I knew Marina was great at writing grovelling from past reads, but she really outdid herself here. It was painful and hopeful at the same time, packed with misery but also so much love and care from Auston's part? AHHHH it was everything, I swear. I was gnawing at my fingernails, kicking my feet, screeching into my pillow, all the timeeeeee.
I loved seeing Chase and Auston's daddy/boy dynamic develop here; I loved seeing them fully engage in this dynamic, and all the conversations they had about power imbalance, consent, limits, etc. were absolutely necessary and such a great addition. Once again, Marina Vivancos knocks it out of the park when it comes to handling tough subjects with care.
I adored the steam. I adored the more fluffier, romantic bits.
I loved seeing Chase and Auston grow together but also as individuals too. Their growth as characters was the thing of dreams! Both of them try so very hard, and seeing them finally start believing that they deserve love and that they deserve care was *tears up* so good. The mental health rep was absolutely wonderful, as per usual when it comes to this author.
Sammy and Chase's friendship continues to be one of my favourite things of this duology; of Marina's entire list of works, maybe.
I need, I NEED Noah and Sammy's book more than I need air, actually. I think I will perish if I don't get my hands on it. I need to know more about Sammy and I also desperately need to know if these two are THAT oblivious or if there's something more hidden there..... *grabby hands*
Anyway. God, I loved these two books. They're EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT stuff and I wholly recommend. Hockey, omegaverse, slow-burn with a dash of angst, grovelling and actual character growth, steam (SO MUCH STEAM) and amazingly done, delicious Daddy kink? YES PLEASE. Go and read these books on September 16th. You won't regret it.
TWs: emotionally abusive parent, past death of a parent, abusive language.
Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
I adored this second part to pieces: it was angsty and sweet, tough and smutty, absolutely packed with wonderful characters with fantastic character development.
I'm so glad Marina Vivancos has decided to release these two parts on the same day. I swear, that cliffhanger had me SCREECHING my head off.
Without saying too much, reading about the consequences of Auston's past behaviour and Auston and Chase's secret identities was a freaking delight. For the grovelling lovers out there, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. I knew Marina was great at writing grovelling from past reads, but she really outdid herself here. It was painful and hopeful at the same time, packed with misery but also so much love and care from Auston's part? AHHHH it was everything, I swear. I was gnawing at my fingernails, kicking my feet, screeching into my pillow, all the timeeeeee.
I loved seeing Chase and Auston's daddy/boy dynamic develop here; I loved seeing them fully engage in this dynamic, and all the conversations they had about power imbalance, consent, limits, etc. were absolutely necessary and such a great addition. Once again, Marina Vivancos knocks it out of the park when it comes to handling tough subjects with care.
I adored the steam. I adored the more fluffier, romantic bits.
I loved seeing Chase and Auston grow together but also as individuals too. Their growth as characters was the thing of dreams! Both of them try so very hard, and seeing them finally start believing that they deserve love and that they deserve care was *tears up* so good. The mental health rep was absolutely wonderful, as per usual when it comes to this author.
Sammy and Chase's friendship continues to be one of my favourite things of this duology; of Marina's entire list of works, maybe.
I need, I NEED Noah and Sammy's book more than I need air, actually. I think I will perish if I don't get my hands on it. I need to know more about Sammy and I also desperately need to know if these two are THAT oblivious or if there's something more hidden there..... *grabby hands*
Anyway. God, I loved these two books. They're EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT stuff and I wholly recommend. Hockey, omegaverse, slow-burn with a dash of angst, grovelling and actual character growth, steam (SO MUCH STEAM) and amazingly done, delicious Daddy kink? YES PLEASE. Go and read these books on September 16th. You won't regret it.
TWs: emotionally abusive parent, past death of a parent, abusive language.
Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
December 22, 2025
So, I enjoyed this right up until they properly got together but then it just became the standard ABO sex marathon, which was disappointing.
I liked the emotions and the relationship building, but it was almost like once they were a couple everything just revolved around sex?
The hockey was good, and I liked the friendships too. I also liked the trip to Gran Canaria, I went there for my 30th birthday! If I were Chase though I totally would have ditched Auston there and got the next flight home!
I liked the emotions and the relationship building, but it was almost like once they were a couple everything just revolved around sex?
The hockey was good, and I liked the friendships too. I also liked the trip to Gran Canaria, I went there for my 30th birthday! If I were Chase though I totally would have ditched Auston there and got the next flight home!
September 18, 2025
1. plain and simple, i don’t like auston
2. this dragged, felt like half the scenes in the second half of this book could’ve been cut
3. the whole spain thing??? why the fuck would you end the book with a honeymoon where auston would rather get piss drunk with a bunch of intolerant strangers than spend time with his mate!??! like have we lost the plot and forgotten that this is supposed to be a ROMANCE book
2. this dragged, felt like half the scenes in the second half of this book could’ve been cut
3. the whole spain thing??? why the fuck would you end the book with a honeymoon where auston would rather get piss drunk with a bunch of intolerant strangers than spend time with his mate!??! like have we lost the plot and forgotten that this is supposed to be a ROMANCE book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2026
I’m not sure this needed to be a duet, and Auston at the end felt wildly out of character. But I loved book one, and I’m glad I finished their story.
May 27, 2026
If there is one thing I adore, it’s crying as i’m reading and this book just truly got to me. I was so invested in Auston and Chase and their story that the second there a sign of angst, I was crying, even if it was for the smallest thing. And that just really enhanced my reading experience of the book.
I love reading about two idiots that want to be together so bad, but also struggle to make it work for a while because communication is hard sometimes and the way it was done in this book was just so entertaining (aka cry worthy).
I just adore Auston and Chase together, so much. I love their dynamic and the way their care for each other shows through every action that they make. Even though I was crying for a huge chunk of this book, I kept grinning at the interactions between these two because they were just so sweet together.
I had the best of time reading this duet and I am so sad to let these guys and their romance go, I will miss them, a lot.
I love reading about two idiots that want to be together so bad, but also struggle to make it work for a while because communication is hard sometimes and the way it was done in this book was just so entertaining (aka cry worthy).
I just adore Auston and Chase together, so much. I love their dynamic and the way their care for each other shows through every action that they make. Even though I was crying for a huge chunk of this book, I kept grinning at the interactions between these two because they were just so sweet together.
I had the best of time reading this duet and I am so sad to let these guys and their romance go, I will miss them, a lot.
September 22, 2025
Auston called for heat and rut cleanup and they ensconced themselves in the bathroom while the hotel staff did their job.
I can't think of a worse job to have in an omegaverse world. I hope they at least get paid well.
I can't think of a worse job to have in an omegaverse world. I hope they at least get paid well.
September 20, 2025
Goddamn, Marina hit the daddy kink + praise kink out of the park with these two books!
I loved the build up between Chase and Auston and they were so ridiculously hot once they finally got together! I think I mentioned their chemistry being on fire in my review for book 1 and I stand by that.
I mean, seriously, this book was HOT! Let me throw in one of my many highlights to demonstrate:
"He was just there to be used by Auston, a wet cocksleeve. He didn’t have to think or worry. He was helping Daddy relax—doing his duty."
The ending was maybe a little abrupt but I was here for the daddy kink and it fully delivered so I didn't mind much.
I'm not always too big on omegaverse but the possessiveness and mating here definitely worked for me and has me wanting to go back and check out the rest of the series.
I loved the build up between Chase and Auston and they were so ridiculously hot once they finally got together! I think I mentioned their chemistry being on fire in my review for book 1 and I stand by that.
I mean, seriously, this book was HOT! Let me throw in one of my many highlights to demonstrate:
"He was just there to be used by Auston, a wet cocksleeve. He didn’t have to think or worry. He was helping Daddy relax—doing his duty."
The ending was maybe a little abrupt but I was here for the daddy kink and it fully delivered so I didn't mind much.
I'm not always too big on omegaverse but the possessiveness and mating here definitely worked for me and has me wanting to go back and check out the rest of the series.
September 16, 2025
I really really enjoyed this book up until about 70/80% of the book. The ending lowkey felt rushed to me, I mean again I absolutely adore Chase and Auston... but while on their little vacation/mating honeymoon moment Auston lowkey/kinda was an assh*Le to Chase which I just felt like it was totally left field especially with how the beginning of the book was. Then Auston is just forgiven after one conversation then the book ends??? I just wanted a bit more especially in book 2 and the ending. Also Chase's mom? Yeah don't care for her..
This rating is for book 2 specifically and I'll rate the series as a whole at the end.
Book 1 - 4.5 ⭐
Book 2 - 3 ⭐
Series as a whole - 4 ⭐ only because I really liked book 1 and most of book 2.
This rating is for book 2 specifically and I'll rate the series as a whole at the end.
Book 1 - 4.5 ⭐
Book 2 - 3 ⭐
Series as a whole - 4 ⭐ only because I really liked book 1 and most of book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2026
3.5 stars... maybe?
This simply did not live up to the first. Honestly, these two halves would've worked better as a single slightly longer book (maybe like 450 pages?) with this second half being significantly shortened.
First of all, while I love the dynamic, I felt kind of uncomfortable once they started up with it again after the betrayal. Specifically the sort of mean/degrading thing Auston does (which was hot when they were on even ground). Like, I'm not trying to infantilize Chase (Auston does that enough) but I do think that Auston should've treaded more lightly at the start since he's the one who needed to build trust again. And maybe building trust was showing Chase that their dynamic hadn't changed and certainly Chase seemed fine with it, but for some reason I just... wasn't. This is perhaps a very Me specific thing.
I also absolutely HATE when one MC makes the unilateral decision that they're not going to have sex in the name of the other's well being. Obviously nobody owes anyone sex. Period. Full stop. And if Auston were saying that because HE himself didn't want to, that HE needed more time, then great, say that. But he clearly wanted to and just kept saying that it was what was right for Chase. Like, why? Chase needed care from Auston but I don't think this was it. There's a line somewhere with being a Daddy and making decisions for your baby and this was on the wrong side of it. Just felt like the author needed a reason for them to not engage in sex so quickly (in order to justify the length and needing this second installment) and instead of reasonably having either one of these guys say that they felt like waiting, she chose this instead. That said the sex was still really hot (although I'd be cool with authors never again writing MCs with unfathomably large cocks - just... ouch).
I don't know this just dragged and, ultimately, it did not feel joyful to me. I get that the setup to this story has things that are inherently not "feel good" - animosity/bullying between MCs, an abusive parent, career insecurity and end of career depression, etc - but it kind of felt like the MCs were almost always in a state of anxiety and depression and it just bummed me out lol. She didn't even let their mating be particularly joyous or romantic! And while I guess I appreciate being realistic about their hockey season, the age gap, Chase's mom (who never was tried for her crimes), and the end of Auston's career, I needed a little more levity. And what's crazy is that my vindictive ass didn't even care about the grovel (like I moved on as quickly from the initial treatment and betrayal as Chase did), which is such a pass for a story like this and it still didn't do enough to make me happy.
The most egregious offense, however, came at the like 92% mark and damn was that not a good time. Please do not make me intolerably angry at the already less likeable MC when I barely have time to feel good about him again before the book is over. It felt like a punishment to end on that note after I already sat through like 600 pages of their story.
The shining star in this book was Sammy. I am assuming that he and Noah have a book (or will have a book?) and while I would LOVE to read more of Sammy, I'm not sure that I will. Beau from Broken Ice was TSTL and here I had some issues with Auston, so it seems there will always be one MC that just pisses me off and I fear I wouldn't survive if she made that Sammy.
This book didn't suck by any means and there was still plenty that I enjoyed (and I loved Chase), but it ultimately felt unnecessary and I hate how the ending made me feel after all that. I still love Marina Vivancos' writing but I am learning that sometimes I do not love her MCs.
P.S. Absolutely random bonus points for "cocaine is a hell of a drug" showing up in one of my romance books.
Pet names: baby, honey, sweetheart, Daddy
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: None. Chase flirts with some alpha at a bar in order to provoke Auston into a scene but it's just for play.
This simply did not live up to the first. Honestly, these two halves would've worked better as a single slightly longer book (maybe like 450 pages?) with this second half being significantly shortened.
First of all, while I love the dynamic, I felt kind of uncomfortable once they started up with it again after the betrayal. Specifically the sort of mean/degrading thing Auston does (which was hot when they were on even ground). Like, I'm not trying to infantilize Chase (Auston does that enough) but I do think that Auston should've treaded more lightly at the start since he's the one who needed to build trust again. And maybe building trust was showing Chase that their dynamic hadn't changed and certainly Chase seemed fine with it, but for some reason I just... wasn't. This is perhaps a very Me specific thing.
I also absolutely HATE when one MC makes the unilateral decision that they're not going to have sex in the name of the other's well being. Obviously nobody owes anyone sex. Period. Full stop. And if Auston were saying that because HE himself didn't want to, that HE needed more time, then great, say that. But he clearly wanted to and just kept saying that it was what was right for Chase. Like, why? Chase needed care from Auston but I don't think this was it. There's a line somewhere with being a Daddy and making decisions for your baby and this was on the wrong side of it. Just felt like the author needed a reason for them to not engage in sex so quickly (in order to justify the length and needing this second installment) and instead of reasonably having either one of these guys say that they felt like waiting, she chose this instead. That said the sex was still really hot (although I'd be cool with authors never again writing MCs with unfathomably large cocks - just... ouch).
I don't know this just dragged and, ultimately, it did not feel joyful to me. I get that the setup to this story has things that are inherently not "feel good" - animosity/bullying between MCs, an abusive parent, career insecurity and end of career depression, etc - but it kind of felt like the MCs were almost always in a state of anxiety and depression and it just bummed me out lol. She didn't even let their mating be particularly joyous or romantic! And while I guess I appreciate being realistic about their hockey season, the age gap, Chase's mom (who never was tried for her crimes), and the end of Auston's career, I needed a little more levity. And what's crazy is that my vindictive ass didn't even care about the grovel (like I moved on as quickly from the initial treatment and betrayal as Chase did), which is such a pass for a story like this and it still didn't do enough to make me happy.
The most egregious offense, however, came at the like 92% mark and damn was that not a good time. Please do not make me intolerably angry at the already less likeable MC when I barely have time to feel good about him again before the book is over. It felt like a punishment to end on that note after I already sat through like 600 pages of their story.
The shining star in this book was Sammy. I am assuming that he and Noah have a book (or will have a book?) and while I would LOVE to read more of Sammy, I'm not sure that I will. Beau from Broken Ice was TSTL and here I had some issues with Auston, so it seems there will always be one MC that just pisses me off and I fear I wouldn't survive if she made that Sammy.
This book didn't suck by any means and there was still plenty that I enjoyed (and I loved Chase), but it ultimately felt unnecessary and I hate how the ending made me feel after all that. I still love Marina Vivancos' writing but I am learning that sometimes I do not love her MCs.
P.S. Absolutely random bonus points for "cocaine is a hell of a drug" showing up in one of my romance books.
Pet names: baby, honey, sweetheart, Daddy
It should have been obvious that Chase wasn’t a deceptive person. Apart from his flat scent, there was nothing that would suggest it. If Auston had spent any effort on being unbiased, he would have seen it right away.oH yOu DoN't SaY?
“Say it.” There was a moment of panting silence. “I…I’m the best thing you’ve ever seen.” “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Another pause. “I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to you.” “That’s right. You’re mine. Do you get that? I’m not letting you go.”
“I’m not saying I deserve it, but if you ever feel like you can give me a second chance…I’ll do anything. I’ll do anything for you.”
Auston made him feel good. Not just pleasurable, but as if he were good. As if he were worth being concerned about.
“Chase, I mean this from the bottom of my heart.…Fuck your mom.”
Auston would never forget Chase’s face the moment he’d realised Auston was Aunix. The horror—the fear. Auston lay in his bed at night with that image burned right on his ribcage, making it hard to breathe. Chase had been scared of him. Scared of what Auston was capable of. What he’d already done—the million little cuts he’d razed Chase with carelessly.
Auston felt like the best nest Chase had ever built. The place he wanted to go to if things were tough. His warm skin, the sleepy, even cadence of his breaths—it was a shelter.
Auston chuckled. “Brat.” Chase frowned, the floaty feeling dampening. “No.” Auston brushed Chase’s hair off his face, kissing all over his cheeks. “You’re right. You’re my perfect baby, aren’t you?” Chase settled, closing his eyes. “Yeah,” he mumbled sleepily.
“You need to get over this.” Auston blinked at him. “I’m in this with you. The whole…‘Oh my God, I’m guilty of this terrible sin’ thing is kind of annoying. I get it. You’re older. But I am an adult, and I am making my own decisions, so. You need to start treating me like I know what I’m doing instead of just being influenced by you. You’re not that influential.”
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: None. Chase flirts with some alpha at a bar in order to provoke Auston into a scene but it's just for play.
September 19, 2025
(3.5/5) Perhaps the second part didn't appeal to me quite as much as the first. It really wasn't bad, but it's a bit disappointing that their story was almost boring in this instalment. Overall, however, the story and the characters still won me over.
January 4, 2026
3.50 and rounding up because it is marina
Let’s start objectively:
Marina’s writing will forever be amazing. This book, among the sexy and sporty, still has those beautifully written passages that lets you connect to the feelings of the characters.
The overall plot for these two books was good, I enjoyed it, I love omegaverse and I love most of the tropes in the story:
Needy mc’s, d/s dynamics, subspace, nesting, that little bit of hurt and comfort. Hockey.
For me it was a good story, written and nice just simply not one of my favorites because, sadly, the two main tropes are in the few tropes that make me question my entire existence:
1. An astounding age gap:
It looks as if literal Tutankhamen deciding to spring to life and take a fresh 20 year old mate. Yes, that’s Auston’s official nickname. I gawk at age gaps, thread them carefully. Not everyone can write them good, and I gawk at them in real life too, sue me, it’s a first instinct reaction where I need to gather context, ages and dynamics before my judgement melts away.
17 years??? TWO DECADES. baby I was writhing in pain trying to not let it get to me—with any other author I wouldn’t have picked up the book, probably. I need to be blatantly honest with that.
Now, I liked the story, and the writing, so I simply brainwashed myself into thinking Tutankhamen was not one of the MCs but rather a much, better younger alternative—idk, a prince from the 16th century or something.
As the books went on, I didn’t let it bother me much. And, you get a real look into how they really do connect and complement each other for what they need/look for.
However, trope two was:
2. Teenage fanboy and tenured veteran.
I don’t really mind this trope, however i have trouble letting it pass when we get a scene of the younger mc salivating over the seventeen years older mc while he’s stilll in his teenage years (though fair, tbh, who hasn’t?) but it makes it a bit weirded to me to not see a flaunting loved eyed fool once they’re older and well, properly meeting.
Maybe that’s a me problem. But I enjoy better when it’s some kind of admiration, or something that builds when they’re already adults.
Anyways, those two issues make this not a five star read to me. A minuscule one was the way they mated: romantic, in omegaverse (love the you triggered my rut bit) but again, not something I would’ve preferred at the moment it happened or HOW it happened.
Still, I did have fun, I loved it despite everything, and as always bathed myself in the writing and their feelings as one always does with Vivancos writing.
Auston and Chase are not my favorite couple in the series, but I do believe they’re it for each other. I did enjoy reading them and their dynamics.
Let’s start objectively:
Marina’s writing will forever be amazing. This book, among the sexy and sporty, still has those beautifully written passages that lets you connect to the feelings of the characters.
The overall plot for these two books was good, I enjoyed it, I love omegaverse and I love most of the tropes in the story:
Needy mc’s, d/s dynamics, subspace, nesting, that little bit of hurt and comfort. Hockey.
For me it was a good story, written and nice just simply not one of my favorites because, sadly, the two main tropes are in the few tropes that make me question my entire existence:
1. An astounding age gap:
It looks as if literal Tutankhamen deciding to spring to life and take a fresh 20 year old mate. Yes, that’s Auston’s official nickname. I gawk at age gaps, thread them carefully. Not everyone can write them good, and I gawk at them in real life too, sue me, it’s a first instinct reaction where I need to gather context, ages and dynamics before my judgement melts away.
17 years??? TWO DECADES. baby I was writhing in pain trying to not let it get to me—with any other author I wouldn’t have picked up the book, probably. I need to be blatantly honest with that.
Now, I liked the story, and the writing, so I simply brainwashed myself into thinking Tutankhamen was not one of the MCs but rather a much, better younger alternative—idk, a prince from the 16th century or something.
As the books went on, I didn’t let it bother me much. And, you get a real look into how they really do connect and complement each other for what they need/look for.
However, trope two was:
2. Teenage fanboy and tenured veteran.
I don’t really mind this trope, however i have trouble letting it pass when we get a scene of the younger mc salivating over the seventeen years older mc while he’s stilll in his teenage years (though fair, tbh, who hasn’t?) but it makes it a bit weirded to me to not see a flaunting loved eyed fool once they’re older and well, properly meeting.
Maybe that’s a me problem. But I enjoy better when it’s some kind of admiration, or something that builds when they’re already adults.
Anyways, those two issues make this not a five star read to me. A minuscule one was the way they mated: romantic, in omegaverse (love the you triggered my rut bit) but again, not something I would’ve preferred at the moment it happened or HOW it happened.
Still, I did have fun, I loved it despite everything, and as always bathed myself in the writing and their feelings as one always does with Vivancos writing.
Auston and Chase are not my favorite couple in the series, but I do believe they’re it for each other. I did enjoy reading them and their dynamics.
September 6, 2025
This book takes right off at the revelation at the end of book one. Uff I wasn’t convinced the strategy being employed would be the best in the long run and I was glad the way it played out when everything came to light. 🤣😅. I heaved a huge sigh if relief with these two . I’m going to try and keep this as spoiler free as possible but I’ll still tell you this book is about a beautifully building relationship, about inner healing and growth, about finding your someone who helps nurture the soft parts of you.
Gosh Marina Vivancos writes like a dream, romance flowing and while there is a lot of these two to work through / a significant age gap, a tonne of baggage including a hidden identity and butt hurt feelings, protective found family and past conditioning and trauma, these two are meant to be.
Their chemistry is white hot, the K1nk in this book is some of my favourite- praise, edging, warming, power exchange - scorching hot with the tonne of emotional depth.
Watching Chase bloom, watching him support Auston through is transition, watching them build and mate was sublime. All the stars.
Gosh Marina Vivancos writes like a dream, romance flowing and while there is a lot of these two to work through / a significant age gap, a tonne of baggage including a hidden identity and butt hurt feelings, protective found family and past conditioning and trauma, these two are meant to be.
Their chemistry is white hot, the K1nk in this book is some of my favourite- praise, edging, warming, power exchange - scorching hot with the tonne of emotional depth.
Watching Chase bloom, watching him support Auston through is transition, watching them build and mate was sublime. All the stars.
September 27, 2025
more like 3.5. needed a little more groveling from auston.
September 19, 2025
Chase’s laughter cracked the moment open, and Auston wanted to make that happen a million times. Wanted to thread his atoms with the sound, with the expression on Chase’s face, his squinted eyes and wide lips.
Idk what Marina put in this book but I devoured it and I enjoyed every second! I had fun reading it, it kept me locked in and interested, and really that's what I needed. I needed to be fully absorbed in a story and this did exactly that.
I thought the relationship between Auston and Chase as Aunix and Charlie was well developed - they both needed something from the other and were able to be the missing piece for each other. They foud safety in the relationship which I liked, though I do wish there was a little bit more on Auston's side of what his role meant to him and why he was drawn to that sort of dynamic because he hadn't seemed like he had really done that before?
I liked how when Auston figured out the truth, he was quick to realize he needed to get it together, and that he had his own shit to deal with but that wasn't an excuse to be snappy with Chase. He did make an effort to fix that relationship instead of just bulldozing Chase with the truth. I even think it was good of him to try to put distance of the alter egos because he really wanted this thing between them to be real.
There was only this—Chase was his, and Auston was Chase’s.
I liked how once they were together as themselves, they communicated well, and while Chase wanted to rush into the relationship, Auston wanted them to take their time because being together in real life was still new.
I thought they were cute together, I loved how ride or die Sammy was, and I liked the protectiveness, and how Auston took care of Chase. This was a winner of a book imo :)
Idk what Marina put in this book but I devoured it and I enjoyed every second! I had fun reading it, it kept me locked in and interested, and really that's what I needed. I needed to be fully absorbed in a story and this did exactly that.
I thought the relationship between Auston and Chase as Aunix and Charlie was well developed - they both needed something from the other and were able to be the missing piece for each other. They foud safety in the relationship which I liked, though I do wish there was a little bit more on Auston's side of what his role meant to him and why he was drawn to that sort of dynamic because he hadn't seemed like he had really done that before?
I liked how when Auston figured out the truth, he was quick to realize he needed to get it together, and that he had his own shit to deal with but that wasn't an excuse to be snappy with Chase. He did make an effort to fix that relationship instead of just bulldozing Chase with the truth. I even think it was good of him to try to put distance of the alter egos because he really wanted this thing between them to be real.
There was only this—Chase was his, and Auston was Chase’s.
I liked how once they were together as themselves, they communicated well, and while Chase wanted to rush into the relationship, Auston wanted them to take their time because being together in real life was still new.
I thought they were cute together, I loved how ride or die Sammy was, and I liked the protectiveness, and how Auston took care of Chase. This was a winner of a book imo :)
September 21, 2025
Rating: 5
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: paranormal romance, omegaverse, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, secret identities, teammates
I completely devoured this fantastic continuation of Chase and Auston's story!
The second part of Full Body hit had a bit more angst to it, and the description 'slow emotional devastation' was truly on point for this duet. Even if Auston had tried to befriend and be nicer to Chase, he still had quite some grovelling to do for the way he'd acted towards him in real life. Meanwhile Chase was trying to come to terms with the fact that his perfect online Daddy was the last person he'd expected it to be, and he couldn't help but feel hurt and betrayed.
The tension and emotions were certainly high, and even if I'd been bracing for a fallout I wasn't entirely ready once it hit. I felt so much for Chase, especially after everything he'd been through in the past, and seeing him questioning his whole relationship with his online Daddy broke my heart. I just wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and keep him safe…
Their dynamic was amazing in the first part, and if possible I loved it even more here. I also loved seeing the relationship development between them once they'd talked things through. Auston got to prove that he could be the perfect Daddy for Chase irl too, and the way Chase trusted Auston and let him take care of him was beautiful to see.
The second part of Full Body Hit was just as impossible to put down as the first one - I just couldn't get enough of Auston and Chase! This duet was pure perfection, and definitely the kind of story that I'll come back to a lot. Marina wrote the tension and kink incredibly well here, and I truly hope there will be more kink in her coming stories!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: paranormal romance, omegaverse, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, secret identities, teammates
I completely devoured this fantastic continuation of Chase and Auston's story!
The second part of Full Body hit had a bit more angst to it, and the description 'slow emotional devastation' was truly on point for this duet. Even if Auston had tried to befriend and be nicer to Chase, he still had quite some grovelling to do for the way he'd acted towards him in real life. Meanwhile Chase was trying to come to terms with the fact that his perfect online Daddy was the last person he'd expected it to be, and he couldn't help but feel hurt and betrayed.
The tension and emotions were certainly high, and even if I'd been bracing for a fallout I wasn't entirely ready once it hit. I felt so much for Chase, especially after everything he'd been through in the past, and seeing him questioning his whole relationship with his online Daddy broke my heart. I just wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and keep him safe…
Their dynamic was amazing in the first part, and if possible I loved it even more here. I also loved seeing the relationship development between them once they'd talked things through. Auston got to prove that he could be the perfect Daddy for Chase irl too, and the way Chase trusted Auston and let him take care of him was beautiful to see.
The second part of Full Body Hit was just as impossible to put down as the first one - I just couldn't get enough of Auston and Chase! This duet was pure perfection, and definitely the kind of story that I'll come back to a lot. Marina wrote the tension and kink incredibly well here, and I truly hope there will be more kink in her coming stories!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 24, 2025
*I am reviewing part 1 & 2 together since this was a really long story and I don’t remember where one ends and the other begins *
This was a really great book. Totally worth the wait. Let’s agree that we all HATE Chase’s mom. At the beginning I did also really dislike Auston. He could have been more understanding and actually talked to Chase instead of just assuming what he did. He did make up for it later in the story. I really felt for chase and loved his character he was adorable and deserved all the love and spoiling he received from Auston (even when he didn’t know it was him). I honestly don’t think I would have forgave the lieing but I am very happy Chase did. I liked seeing the series past characters in the book it makes me want to revisit them. I cannot air for whatever else comes in this series
This was a really great book. Totally worth the wait. Let’s agree that we all HATE Chase’s mom. At the beginning I did also really dislike Auston. He could have been more understanding and actually talked to Chase instead of just assuming what he did. He did make up for it later in the story. I really felt for chase and loved his character he was adorable and deserved all the love and spoiling he received from Auston (even when he didn’t know it was him). I honestly don’t think I would have forgave the lieing but I am very happy Chase did. I liked seeing the series past characters in the book it makes me want to revisit them. I cannot air for whatever else comes in this series
September 9, 2025
Thank you Marina Vivancos for this ARC. This review is entirely my own.
We leave these two off in part one with Austin discovering who he has been talking too. He fights about what he should do and makes a few mistakes along the way. When Chase discovers that he Daddy is Austin, they have to figure out where to go from there.
Seeing them navigate being teammates and being together without the screen between them was heartfelt and real. The way these two treat each other and are their for each other is a hug to the heart. Their chemistry together is just as explosive as it was with a screen between them.
These two books were amazing and everything that I wanted when you combine Omegaverse and hockey. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the end. It felt really rushed and I do wish that it was expanded. Overall, these are great reads that will leave you happy (ending notwithstanding) and wishing that you could reread these books for the first time.
We leave these two off in part one with Austin discovering who he has been talking too. He fights about what he should do and makes a few mistakes along the way. When Chase discovers that he Daddy is Austin, they have to figure out where to go from there.
Seeing them navigate being teammates and being together without the screen between them was heartfelt and real. The way these two treat each other and are their for each other is a hug to the heart. Their chemistry together is just as explosive as it was with a screen between them.
These two books were amazing and everything that I wanted when you combine Omegaverse and hockey. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the end. It felt really rushed and I do wish that it was expanded. Overall, these are great reads that will leave you happy (ending notwithstanding) and wishing that you could reread these books for the first time.
September 20, 2025
*2.75 stars
What the hell happened in the last 10%
What the hell happened in the last 10%
November 1, 2025
I still love this & loved the conclusion, but I docked a star because I felt it was a litttttlllleee too long and drawn out. But, overall, such a solid read!! Love these characters!!
January 14, 2026
yeah but how does Marina manage to land hit after hit after HIT with her books that's just INSANE 🥺🥺🥺
August 28, 2025
Potential readers can get enough about the overall plot from the blurb, so I want to focus this review on the deeper themes at play here that stood out to me. This is going to be a long one, so...my apologies in advance. There's a kink list at the end if that's more your bag. ;)
There was an interesting bookend happening in this duology with Auston in his last year before retiring and Chase in his rookie year. The two books captured the anxieties that come along with both extremes for professional athletes in a way that felt authentic. Even though it would seem on the surface that the two extremes would be completely different, the way the story was told allowed me to see the similarities between the two experiences. Both come with insecurities concerning worth and highlighted the importance of community building. I need to think about this more, but my preliminary thoughts are that this is exactly what I love about sports romance as an genre: it opens the door to universal themes under extreme conditions.
Something that surprised me about these two books was Marina's attention to setting. New Orleans, Cancun, and Spain got delightful little ruminations that really added to the flavor and atmosphere of the story. At times it created interesting juxtapositions between what was happening with the characters and the settings themselves, and other times there was a sort of mirroring. I really liked this. I can't remember getting much of that from this author before, so I hope it means that this is something we'll seem more of in the future.
Sometimes authors struggle with keeping the tension once a couple gets together, but Marina set up the story to that even while we were allowed to enjoy the scenes of domestic bliss and kink, our two MCs relationship never felt stale. There was a mature exploration of the power dynamics inherent in the couple, as well as the power dynamics they elected, which I appreciated. I also enjoyed the seemingly natural progression of their dynamic, with highlights like Chase's bratting for attention and setting up scenes that both parties needed.
Finally, (and I suspect this may be my most controversial take) I like that she wasn't afraid to continue exploring that tension, even when there was so little left of the story. It really adds to the authenticity of these characters. It makes them seem three-dimensional. Like, let's not forget that this is omegaverse! If there's ever a subgenre in which authors tend to fall back on stereotypes, it's this one. But these two books, and furthermore, this series as a whole never does that. And that's one of many reasons why I'll keep reading them. :)
Kink list:
Daddy/boy (no age play)
Cockwarming
Male lingerie
Light CNC
Domestic discipline (spanking)
Orgasm control/denial
Surprise heat/rut
Dub consent mating due to medical condition (embraced by both parties)
(I was sent an ARC for review consideration but all opinions are my own.)
There was an interesting bookend happening in this duology with Auston in his last year before retiring and Chase in his rookie year. The two books captured the anxieties that come along with both extremes for professional athletes in a way that felt authentic. Even though it would seem on the surface that the two extremes would be completely different, the way the story was told allowed me to see the similarities between the two experiences. Both come with insecurities concerning worth and highlighted the importance of community building. I need to think about this more, but my preliminary thoughts are that this is exactly what I love about sports romance as an genre: it opens the door to universal themes under extreme conditions.
Something that surprised me about these two books was Marina's attention to setting. New Orleans, Cancun, and Spain got delightful little ruminations that really added to the flavor and atmosphere of the story. At times it created interesting juxtapositions between what was happening with the characters and the settings themselves, and other times there was a sort of mirroring. I really liked this. I can't remember getting much of that from this author before, so I hope it means that this is something we'll seem more of in the future.
Sometimes authors struggle with keeping the tension once a couple gets together, but Marina set up the story to that even while we were allowed to enjoy the scenes of domestic bliss and kink, our two MCs relationship never felt stale. There was a mature exploration of the power dynamics inherent in the couple, as well as the power dynamics they elected, which I appreciated. I also enjoyed the seemingly natural progression of their dynamic, with highlights like Chase's bratting for attention and setting up scenes that both parties needed.
Finally, (and I suspect this may be my most controversial take) I like that she wasn't afraid to continue exploring that tension, even when there was so little left of the story. It really adds to the authenticity of these characters. It makes them seem three-dimensional. Like, let's not forget that this is omegaverse! If there's ever a subgenre in which authors tend to fall back on stereotypes, it's this one. But these two books, and furthermore, this series as a whole never does that. And that's one of many reasons why I'll keep reading them. :)
Kink list:
Daddy/boy (no age play)
Cockwarming
Male lingerie
Light CNC
Domestic discipline (spanking)
Orgasm control/denial
Surprise heat/rut
Dub consent mating due to medical condition (embraced by both parties)
(I was sent an ARC for review consideration but all opinions are my own.)
September 19, 2025
Ay Marina, que mucho amo tu versatilidad...
It's so crazy to me that the author of In This Iron Ground is the same one writing a soft BDSM Omegaverse Hockey story. Like she truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
This was soft, tender, and sweet. There was a bit of everything: character development, a cute romance, hot smut, misunderstanding, good friendships, a bit of sport, found family, SUBSPACE and daddy/baby kink. I do have to say that you /need/ to like certain /things/ to like this book because if you're not somewhat into it, this book will be weird or boring to you. I don't care much for age gaps unless it's really weird, but Marina handled it pretty well in my opinion.
I do have to say that she dragged the ending. Tbh, I've wanting that she makes her stories longer so I won't complain about it, but:
*SPOILER*
- I think that Chase and Auston mated way too soon. I do get why it happened and why it was necessary to give the story a proper ending because it was not going to work unless they scented each other, hence the mating. But I think it could've been done later on.
- The relationship after the mating was pretty much "we mated, that's it". I maybe wanted more. Of what? I don't know, and I'm not sure how to explain it.
- The first book was definitely Chase's story and the second book was Auston's. The distinction was a bit more prominent with the POVs and how it was more focused on Auston's (ending) career and how he was exploring his relationship.
- The Europe trip was such an unnecessary thing to add. I would've loved more scenes with Auston's family AND Sammy and Noah.
Overall, I liked it a lot. It was pretty obvious that the author was very invested in this story, maybe more than the others from the series. I am very excited for the next book which I REALLY hope is going to be Sammy and Noah.
I'll give it four stars to round up, but I think it was a 3.7. I still need to marinate the story in my brain lol
It's so crazy to me that the author of In This Iron Ground is the same one writing a soft BDSM Omegaverse Hockey story. Like she truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
This was soft, tender, and sweet. There was a bit of everything: character development, a cute romance, hot smut, misunderstanding, good friendships, a bit of sport, found family, SUBSPACE and daddy/baby kink. I do have to say that you /need/ to like certain /things/ to like this book because if you're not somewhat into it, this book will be weird or boring to you. I don't care much for age gaps unless it's really weird, but Marina handled it pretty well in my opinion.
I do have to say that she dragged the ending. Tbh, I've wanting that she makes her stories longer so I won't complain about it, but:
*SPOILER*
- I think that Chase and Auston mated way too soon. I do get why it happened and why it was necessary to give the story a proper ending because it was not going to work unless they scented each other, hence the mating. But I think it could've been done later on.
- The relationship after the mating was pretty much "we mated, that's it". I maybe wanted more. Of what? I don't know, and I'm not sure how to explain it.
- The first book was definitely Chase's story and the second book was Auston's. The distinction was a bit more prominent with the POVs and how it was more focused on Auston's (ending) career and how he was exploring his relationship.
- The Europe trip was such an unnecessary thing to add. I would've loved more scenes with Auston's family AND Sammy and Noah.
Overall, I liked it a lot. It was pretty obvious that the author was very invested in this story, maybe more than the others from the series. I am very excited for the next book which I REALLY hope is going to be Sammy and Noah.
I'll give it four stars to round up, but I think it was a 3.7. I still need to marinate the story in my brain lol
August 29, 2025
I loved this widely written duet. Thank goodness both books will be released at the same time, so you don’t have to wait for part two!
The stories run around the NHL, and two players; Chase and Auston.
Chase, a vulnerable, young omega player of 20 years old, with a cold, distant mother, who made his self-esteem level go below zero, and his self-criticism on a high level. A mother who wanted her son to present as an alpha and did everything to reach that goal.
Chase has a medical condition that made his real scent locked away and he can’t smell anyone else either.
He has had a crush on Auston, the older hockey player, since Chase started playing hockey himself.
But the alpha is rude, mean, and unfair to him. Bye crush!
Auston Mazdaki is 37 and had been traded to the Spirits during the summer. The youngest player on the team is a strange guy, with no scent. Auston has a bad experience with omegas who can control their scent. The only reason why omegas would do this, is to manipulate alphas.
Chase has to be such a person.
Chaxe doesn’t need a mate, he’s okay with just hookups. There’s a date app where he just found a Daddy. No meet-ups just anonymous contact through the app. He can be his needy self, where no one knows about his condition. The guy is just perfect. Daddy knows what he needs!
Do you think he’s the only hockey player on this app?
And do you think it’s simple when true identities are revealed?
Ghosh what a journey! Is it all smooth and easy? Nope, absolutely not!
Both characters are well-developed, and their journey is well executed.
Prepare yourself for an age gap, grumpy Alpha, vulnerable Omega, hurt comfort, power-exchange story!
I can’t spoil but both books of this duet are super entertaining!
I received an arc.
The stories run around the NHL, and two players; Chase and Auston.
Chase, a vulnerable, young omega player of 20 years old, with a cold, distant mother, who made his self-esteem level go below zero, and his self-criticism on a high level. A mother who wanted her son to present as an alpha and did everything to reach that goal.
Chase has a medical condition that made his real scent locked away and he can’t smell anyone else either.
He has had a crush on Auston, the older hockey player, since Chase started playing hockey himself.
But the alpha is rude, mean, and unfair to him. Bye crush!
Auston Mazdaki is 37 and had been traded to the Spirits during the summer. The youngest player on the team is a strange guy, with no scent. Auston has a bad experience with omegas who can control their scent. The only reason why omegas would do this, is to manipulate alphas.
Chase has to be such a person.
Chaxe doesn’t need a mate, he’s okay with just hookups. There’s a date app where he just found a Daddy. No meet-ups just anonymous contact through the app. He can be his needy self, where no one knows about his condition. The guy is just perfect. Daddy knows what he needs!
Do you think he’s the only hockey player on this app?
And do you think it’s simple when true identities are revealed?
Ghosh what a journey! Is it all smooth and easy? Nope, absolutely not!
Both characters are well-developed, and their journey is well executed.
Prepare yourself for an age gap, grumpy Alpha, vulnerable Omega, hurt comfort, power-exchange story!
I can’t spoil but both books of this duet are super entertaining!
I received an arc.
September 18, 2025
Part 1 was everything I wished for 5+++++ 🌟
Part 2 was mostly great but ended on a flat note? And kind of abruptly? I would have liked to see Auston settled and satisfied in retirement and spoiling his baby Chase
Part 2 was mostly great but ended on a flat note? And kind of abruptly? I would have liked to see Auston settled and satisfied in retirement and spoiling his baby Chase
October 12, 2025
3.5 stars, definitely did not enjoy it as much as I did book 1 (which was a treat), but I adore Marina Vivancos’ writing so it gets automatically rounded up because I love the characters she crafts.
Can’t wait for Noah and Sammy’s book!!!!!
Full RTC
Can’t wait for Noah and Sammy’s book!!!!!
Full RTC
September 24, 2025
2.5 stars. Part Two was a bit slow for me.
November 16, 2025
The first book fcked so hard and then this one fizzled a little. (Ultimately a sweet conclusion though.)
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