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Tempting the Teammate
Andrei Sokolov has been my best friend for as long as I can remember.
We have played defense together since peewee hockey. We have been inseparable through every game, every road trip, and every bad decision.
Now we are back for our sophomore year at Northwood U, living in the same team house, chasing the same championship dreams, and stuck in the middle of a brand new mess.
The Arctic Titans have been turned into the stars of a season-long docu-series, and apparently, I am the Ladies’ Man. Andrei is the Bad Boy Defenseman. We are supposed to play it up for the cameras, but being told who to be makes me itch. And when the edits start leaning into our so-called bromance, things get complicated.
Because lately, I cannot stop noticing the way Andrei looks at me when the cameras are not rolling. Or the way I have started looking back.
One kiss turns into a secret. A secret turns into late-night skates, empty locker rooms, and moments that feel too much like falling in love. And the closer we get, the harder it is to pretend it is just friendship.
Andrei says sneaking around costs him too much. I say I cannot risk losing what we already have. But with the whole world watching, I am running out of ways to hide what is real.
Maybe it's time to give them a storyline worth streaming.
Tempting the Teammate is a standalone novel set in the world of the Arctic Titans of Northwood U and reading earlier entries is not necessary for your enjoyment of this story. It’s a best-friends-to-lovers, gay awakening story playing out before the cameras and the whole wide world. Get ready for secret kisses, steamy nights, and the found family unique to the Arctic Titans series. Return to Northwood U for the happiest ever after in all of romance.
We have played defense together since peewee hockey. We have been inseparable through every game, every road trip, and every bad decision.
Now we are back for our sophomore year at Northwood U, living in the same team house, chasing the same championship dreams, and stuck in the middle of a brand new mess.
The Arctic Titans have been turned into the stars of a season-long docu-series, and apparently, I am the Ladies’ Man. Andrei is the Bad Boy Defenseman. We are supposed to play it up for the cameras, but being told who to be makes me itch. And when the edits start leaning into our so-called bromance, things get complicated.
Because lately, I cannot stop noticing the way Andrei looks at me when the cameras are not rolling. Or the way I have started looking back.
One kiss turns into a secret. A secret turns into late-night skates, empty locker rooms, and moments that feel too much like falling in love. And the closer we get, the harder it is to pretend it is just friendship.
Andrei says sneaking around costs him too much. I say I cannot risk losing what we already have. But with the whole world watching, I am running out of ways to hide what is real.
Maybe it's time to give them a storyline worth streaming.
Tempting the Teammate is a standalone novel set in the world of the Arctic Titans of Northwood U and reading earlier entries is not necessary for your enjoyment of this story. It’s a best-friends-to-lovers, gay awakening story playing out before the cameras and the whole wide world. Get ready for secret kisses, steamy nights, and the found family unique to the Arctic Titans series. Return to Northwood U for the happiest ever after in all of romance.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
149 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Hayden Hall
72 books773 followersGay. Sweet. Steamy.
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.
Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.
His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.
You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.
Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.
His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.
You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
November 15, 2025
I like that there are a few authors I can always count on to give me a fun and easy romance🍃
Hell, I wouldn’t believe me. Maybe you never dated anyone because you were waiting for this. Maybe I dated everyone around us because I didn’t know that this was possible. There’s no way of knowing, Andrei.
i'm always in the mood for a friends-to-lovers hockey romance between childhood friends who're being shipped together in a docuseries, forcing them to confront their feelings for each other and finally do the devils tango 😈
Hell, I wouldn’t believe me. Maybe you never dated anyone because you were waiting for this. Maybe I dated everyone around us because I didn’t know that this was possible. There’s no way of knowing, Andrei.
i'm always in the mood for a friends-to-lovers hockey romance between childhood friends who're being shipped together in a docuseries, forcing them to confront their feelings for each other and finally do the devils tango 😈
November 20, 2025
I liked this one, even if it dragged a bit. Griffin and Andrei are a cute best friends to lovers, and I did feel for their struggles. NGL, I had some tears flowing in this one at the end.
I have a hard time remembering Phoenix, though. He was Coach Partridge's nephew, but didn't have his own book? And I thought Jaxon was someone else's boyfriend?
I have a hard time remembering Phoenix, though. He was Coach Partridge's nephew, but didn't have his own book? And I thought Jaxon was someone else's boyfriend?
November 12, 2025
"The moment stretched between us, heavy with possibility and terror. I could tell him. Right here, right now, in this place that belonged to us. I could explain that everything he’d just said about friendship was true, but incomplete. That knowing someone well enough to talk them through panic attacks could also mean loving them enough to want to be the cause of their joy instead of just a witness to it."
Tempting the Teammate is the eighth book in Hayden Hall's Arctic Titans of Northwood U series. It can be read on its own, but reading the entire series in the order of release helps with the overarching team dynamic, characters and back story.
This is Andrei and Griffin's story, and whilst best friends to lovers isn't usually one of my favourite tropes, I absolutely adored the way the author crafted their love story and Griffin's gradual realisation that he wasn't quite as straight as he had always thought. Just adorable.
What to Expect:
❥MM hockey romance
❥Childhood best friends to lovers
❥Bi-awakening
❥Roommates
❥Found family
❥Steamy first times
❥"It was always you"
❥HEA
4.5 stars 🌟
Tempting the Teammate is the eighth book in Hayden Hall's Arctic Titans of Northwood U series. It can be read on its own, but reading the entire series in the order of release helps with the overarching team dynamic, characters and back story.
This is Andrei and Griffin's story, and whilst best friends to lovers isn't usually one of my favourite tropes, I absolutely adored the way the author crafted their love story and Griffin's gradual realisation that he wasn't quite as straight as he had always thought. Just adorable.
What to Expect:
❥MM hockey romance
❥Childhood best friends to lovers
❥Bi-awakening
❥Roommates
❥Found family
❥Steamy first times
❥"It was always you"
❥HEA
4.5 stars 🌟
November 20, 2025
People could love him from afar, but nobody would love him quite the right way. Nobody but me. That belonged to us. That remained constant, no matter how many microphones they taped to our chests or storylines they tried to manufacture around us.
I just had to keep doing what I’d been doing for years: loving Griffin quietly, carefully, and, above all, invisibly.
I had always known this to be true: I belonged to him.
Super sweet, full of pining, forced proximity best friends to lovers. Fantastic found family aspects and the premise of a reality show being shot was a lovely addition. This is a very low angst quick read and o really enjoyed it. I would have loved more glimpses into the characters and specially their long term friendship. I think Griff’s sexual awakening was so well handled as was Andrei’s longing. While it’s a slow burn expect lots of heat when the burn hits.
December 28, 2025
My adviceeee issss to ruinnnnn the friendshiiip 🏒💜
November 18, 2025
How much longing can you handle? How much more can you hide the love you feel and make it look like it's only friendship? How can you hide yourself when cameras are always rolling and everyone can see what you hide?
The first part of this beautiful story was so tightly wound and ready to burst. And when it did it was pure Bliss. The moments of discovery and the relationship was so perfectly written. Griff and Andre finally got their love story and it was a gorgeous thing.
"And the world didn't end."
The Hallmark ending was a chef's kiss in romance. OTT to the max but adorable.🥲
All the stars.
Hayden Hall, you shine. 🌈
The first part of this beautiful story was so tightly wound and ready to burst. And when it did it was pure Bliss. The moments of discovery and the relationship was so perfectly written. Griff and Andre finally got their love story and it was a gorgeous thing.
"And the world didn't end."
The Hallmark ending was a chef's kiss in romance. OTT to the max but adorable.🥲
All the stars.
Hayden Hall, you shine. 🌈
November 13, 2025
Tempting The Teammate
Arctic Titans of Northwood U Book 8
Hayden Hall
Andrei & Griffin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Best friends to lovers
Teammates to Lovers
All the feels
All the Pining
Gay awakening
Found family
My oh my Hayden Hall can do no wrong.
Such poetry. Such beautifully written words that sound so much like poetry you forgot you are reading.
Andrei has loved Griffin for so long. So wholly so definitely that he would wait his entire life just for a simple touch.
Oh, my heart.
The team enters into a contract to be filmed. Their personal lives to be broadcasted. A blog if you will. They are given roles to play to sort of boost views.
Immediately fans start to ship Andrei and Griffin. They see what he has been trying to hide for years.
Griffin also begins to see Andrei in a new light. Griffin I think is an oblivious character. He just took things as they are.
“Tonight had been another thousand reasons to keep loving him quietly, carefully, invisibly.”
Oh my, the struggle though. Both were terrified of losing their best friend. Terrified of what their feelings could mean. They both held back which hurt the other.
Once they faced their feelings. Oh, my. The intimacy between these two was so beautiful. Hayden Hall can write a spicy scene that's for sure. But the intimacy he writes it with is so deep and unique it feels like you have never read a spice scene before.
“I would forever stand by his side, and my heart would forever beat in the rhythm of his name.”
I get teary-eyed at the emotions from the characters. It seems almost like it's private, and we are voyeurs at the moment. It's such incredible writing.
This was an incredible story.
This whole series was amazing.
I also loved seeing cameos from previous characters.
What a beautiful story. Griffin and Andrei eventually get their hea, and it's perfect.
I just think Hayden Hall has been on such a role and same with the Saints of Westmont U Series. That too has been incredible and poetic and deep and so beautiful
“I’ve known you for so many years, Andrei, and I never noticed how beautiful you were.”
“And I’ve watched you get more beautiful every day,” I admitted. “But I never dared tell you.” I shrugged. “Griff, you’re the first person I was attracted to.”
He is able to spin such hard challenging topics into such beautiful words and deep emotions.
Just read this book.
#Griffdrei forever
Read all his books lol.
They are just beautiful
So thankful for this arc
Arctic Titans of Northwood U Book 8
Hayden Hall
Andrei & Griffin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Best friends to lovers
Teammates to Lovers
All the feels
All the Pining
Gay awakening
Found family
My oh my Hayden Hall can do no wrong.
Such poetry. Such beautifully written words that sound so much like poetry you forgot you are reading.
Andrei has loved Griffin for so long. So wholly so definitely that he would wait his entire life just for a simple touch.
Oh, my heart.
The team enters into a contract to be filmed. Their personal lives to be broadcasted. A blog if you will. They are given roles to play to sort of boost views.
Immediately fans start to ship Andrei and Griffin. They see what he has been trying to hide for years.
Griffin also begins to see Andrei in a new light. Griffin I think is an oblivious character. He just took things as they are.
“Tonight had been another thousand reasons to keep loving him quietly, carefully, invisibly.”
Oh my, the struggle though. Both were terrified of losing their best friend. Terrified of what their feelings could mean. They both held back which hurt the other.
Once they faced their feelings. Oh, my. The intimacy between these two was so beautiful. Hayden Hall can write a spicy scene that's for sure. But the intimacy he writes it with is so deep and unique it feels like you have never read a spice scene before.
“I would forever stand by his side, and my heart would forever beat in the rhythm of his name.”
I get teary-eyed at the emotions from the characters. It seems almost like it's private, and we are voyeurs at the moment. It's such incredible writing.
This was an incredible story.
This whole series was amazing.
I also loved seeing cameos from previous characters.
What a beautiful story. Griffin and Andrei eventually get their hea, and it's perfect.
I just think Hayden Hall has been on such a role and same with the Saints of Westmont U Series. That too has been incredible and poetic and deep and so beautiful
“I’ve known you for so many years, Andrei, and I never noticed how beautiful you were.”
“And I’ve watched you get more beautiful every day,” I admitted. “But I never dared tell you.” I shrugged. “Griff, you’re the first person I was attracted to.”
He is able to spin such hard challenging topics into such beautiful words and deep emotions.
Just read this book.
#Griffdrei forever
Read all his books lol.
They are just beautiful
So thankful for this arc
November 18, 2025
"𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸'𝚍 𝚏𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚒𝚖, 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗. 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚘𝚕𝚍, 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚜𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚐𝚒𝚛𝚕'𝚜 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢."
This was such an adorable best friends to lovers hockey romance. I mean, I obviously enjoy this series since here I am on book 8, but this one was very sweet with minimal angst. It is made pretty clear to us from the beginning that Andrei has been in love with his best friend Griffin since they were young. The two are thick as thieves. Closer than your average besties I'd say, which is why Andrei has decided to suffer alone in silence rather than lose his best friend if he admits his feelings.
"𝚂𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚞𝚜. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚗𝚘 𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚎."
It isn't until their hockey team is chosen for a reality TV show that things start to change. Audiences adore the on-screen chemistry between Andrei and Griff which puts the spotlight on their friendship. Of course it explodes from there with speculation about secret lovers and even some pretty racy fan fiction. Gotta love it.
The good thing about all of this speculation is it leads to Griffin really taking a look at his feelings when it comes to his best friend. And when those feelings come to light, not only is it a shock to Andrei, but he also knows the time is now for him to be truthful in return. Starting a romance with your best friend in front of who knows how many viewers cannot be an easy beginning, so I totally understood when they decided to keep it under wraps for a bit.
"𝙰𝚗 𝚘𝚍𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗 𝙰𝚍𝚊𝚖'𝚜 𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚕𝚎, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎. 𝙼𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚠. 𝙼𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝙰𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚒'𝚜. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 - 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎- 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚢."
I loved getting an epilogue in the future showing how wonderful the MCs were doing down the line. Some soul searching had to be done and risks had to be taken, but Griffin and Andrei made it work and got a lovely HEA to show for it!
This was such an adorable best friends to lovers hockey romance. I mean, I obviously enjoy this series since here I am on book 8, but this one was very sweet with minimal angst. It is made pretty clear to us from the beginning that Andrei has been in love with his best friend Griffin since they were young. The two are thick as thieves. Closer than your average besties I'd say, which is why Andrei has decided to suffer alone in silence rather than lose his best friend if he admits his feelings.
"𝚂𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚞𝚜. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚗𝚘 𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚎."
It isn't until their hockey team is chosen for a reality TV show that things start to change. Audiences adore the on-screen chemistry between Andrei and Griff which puts the spotlight on their friendship. Of course it explodes from there with speculation about secret lovers and even some pretty racy fan fiction. Gotta love it.
The good thing about all of this speculation is it leads to Griffin really taking a look at his feelings when it comes to his best friend. And when those feelings come to light, not only is it a shock to Andrei, but he also knows the time is now for him to be truthful in return. Starting a romance with your best friend in front of who knows how many viewers cannot be an easy beginning, so I totally understood when they decided to keep it under wraps for a bit.
"𝙰𝚗 𝚘𝚍𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗 𝙰𝚍𝚊𝚖'𝚜 𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚕𝚎, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎. 𝙼𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚠. 𝙼𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝙰𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚒'𝚜. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 - 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎- 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚢."
I loved getting an epilogue in the future showing how wonderful the MCs were doing down the line. Some soul searching had to be done and risks had to be taken, but Griffin and Andrei made it work and got a lovely HEA to show for it!
November 11, 2025
Tempting the Teammate - Hayden Hall
5/5
* SPOILERS *
I really need to get caught up in this series but any book that Hayden puts out, I know I’m going to love what he has come up with. Griffin and Andrei were so fun to read. I’ve only read the first one and now this one so I need to read the books in between. Hayden can do no wrong when it comes to his books. When it features best friends to lovers, I’m all in! I think this might be might be my favorite of his.
This was so interesting when we get to see the team’s lives broadcast on air. I love how immediately people began to want these two together and even came up with hashtag names for them. Griffin’s awakening was so beautiful and man, he was so confused at first but then poor downed up to it.
I loved how in love Andrei was for him and would do anything for him. I snickered when Griffin told him how long he’s been feeling towards him. It was so cute. Also, him teasing him when it came to the underwear situation.
The way that Hayden writes his spice scenes is just so perfect and makes you want so much.
Hayden probably wrote one of the most declarations of love that I’ve ever read. The way that Griffin came onto the ice… oh my for, I was jumping in my seat because a confession broadcast like that?! I want someone to do that to me!
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
5/5
* SPOILERS *
I really need to get caught up in this series but any book that Hayden puts out, I know I’m going to love what he has come up with. Griffin and Andrei were so fun to read. I’ve only read the first one and now this one so I need to read the books in between. Hayden can do no wrong when it comes to his books. When it features best friends to lovers, I’m all in! I think this might be might be my favorite of his.
This was so interesting when we get to see the team’s lives broadcast on air. I love how immediately people began to want these two together and even came up with hashtag names for them. Griffin’s awakening was so beautiful and man, he was so confused at first but then poor downed up to it.
I loved how in love Andrei was for him and would do anything for him. I snickered when Griffin told him how long he’s been feeling towards him. It was so cute. Also, him teasing him when it came to the underwear situation.
The way that Hayden writes his spice scenes is just so perfect and makes you want so much.
Hayden probably wrote one of the most declarations of love that I’ve ever read. The way that Griffin came onto the ice… oh my for, I was jumping in my seat because a confession broadcast like that?! I want someone to do that to me!
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
November 24, 2025
Childhood best friends and teammates to lovers
Of all the tropes, childhood best friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorites. So is teammates. I absolutely adored this story, it made me laugh and legitimately made me cry. I loved watching Andrei and Griffin figure things out. They just had so much fun together, in and out of the bedroom. I also loved all of the secondary characters/teammates. I was even surprised by an interaction with arrival player. I was definitely annoyed by the push of the director to fit 'characters' and creating manufactured drama - but then that is 'Reality' TV for you. This was a fun book. Now I want to learn how to develop my own film!
I am newer to Hayden Hall's writing, but his masterful ability to keep me engaged throughout the book means I will keep coming back for more!
Of all the tropes, childhood best friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorites. So is teammates. I absolutely adored this story, it made me laugh and legitimately made me cry. I loved watching Andrei and Griffin figure things out. They just had so much fun together, in and out of the bedroom. I also loved all of the secondary characters/teammates. I was even surprised by an interaction with arrival player. I was definitely annoyed by the push of the director to fit 'characters' and creating manufactured drama - but then that is 'Reality' TV for you. This was a fun book. Now I want to learn how to develop my own film!
I am newer to Hayden Hall's writing, but his masterful ability to keep me engaged throughout the book means I will keep coming back for more!
December 4, 2025
Back to the arctic we go!
This was such fun, lighthearted but also emotional read. These two kept me captivated and the slowwwww burn was -chefs kiss-
I can count on Hayden to bring out the sweetness with a touch of feels and just that little bit of corniness to his books. Even with all of that the stories themselves are able to grab on and keep you there until the end.
It was fun to go back to this found family within a hockey team. I was curious about these two while reading the others and finally their story was more than I expected in the best way possible.
This was such fun, lighthearted but also emotional read. These two kept me captivated and the slowwwww burn was -chefs kiss-
I can count on Hayden to bring out the sweetness with a touch of feels and just that little bit of corniness to his books. Even with all of that the stories themselves are able to grab on and keep you there until the end.
It was fun to go back to this found family within a hockey team. I was curious about these two while reading the others and finally their story was more than I expected in the best way possible.
November 9, 2025
Already read the book as an ARC read, loved the book Or maybe I am biased by the writing of Hayden Hall, I have read and loved all the parts Artic Titans of Northwood U, it's slow burn, best friends to lovers, sexuality crisis kind of college romance with a guranteed HEA, very emotional for me at some points when they don't want to express there true feelings in fear of losing there friendship.
Definitely for those who love reading Friends to lovers trope.
Definitely for those who love reading Friends to lovers trope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
Loved this book, the way Andrei loves Griff since ever is so sweet
Andrei and Griff are steamy together
Highly recommended book
Andrei and Griff are steamy together
Highly recommended book
November 25, 2025
I liked this friends to lovers, but the end/big declaration was way too corny for me. However, I still enjoyed the fact that I got to see these two be friends before anything else.
December 9, 2025
*3.5 stars*
November 15, 2025
Here I thought book 7 was the end of the series, now we have 8, and 9 in the wings. Hooray!! The Artic Titans series is one with engaging and relatable characters, easy to fall in love with and root for each pair to reach their HEA. This time, it’s Andrei Sokolov and Griffin Shaw in the crosshairs. Best friends since the peewee leagues, Andrei has secretly loved Griffin for the last ten years. Knowing his straight best friend will never love him back in the same way, Andrei is resigned to spending his life remaining in Griff’s orbit, always on the sidelines, but near the man he loves. All that changes when the team finds out that they will be the subject of a docuseries that will have filming and microphones invading every part of their lives. Each participating team member is given a story line. Griff’s is to be campus Casanova/flirt/playboy while Andrei is cast as the brooding bad boy. Neither is pleased, nor impressed, but they go along with it since they have little choice. Everywhere they go and whatever they do, they will be recorded and filmed. Little do they realize the stresses that will cause, and the threat it will be to their relationship.
As the semesters starts up and practice and gym time begin, Griff finds himself noticing things about Andrei he has never noticed before, physical things he had always taken for granted like the width of his shoulders, the muscles of his arms, and he can’t figure out what is going on with him. It doesn’t help that with the show hitting the airways, he and Andrei are becoming more well known as #Griffdrei, and soon the fanfic starts, throwing them together, going from bromance to romance, making them more recognized and uncomfortable together. Griff’s feelings continue to grow into a desire for more with Andrei, but he fears Andrei will be mortified that he sees him that way, so it gets to the point of Griff avoiding Andrei so he won’t find out about these thoughts, and Andrei is avoiding Griff because he is afraid Griff will reject him if he knows the truth. On the brink of a split, both share their feelings for the other, and a whole new chapter begins in their relationship as they explore where it will go, while keeping it a secret for now. But secrets have a way of causing stress and tension on a new relationship, and theirs is no exception. Navigating this wonderful new change in their relationship comes with it own tradeoffs — will it last what is going on around them, or will they lose the bond as best friends and lovers in the aftermath?
There is less hockey action in this book than I remember in the previous ones, and more focus on the docuseries and its effect on Griff and Andrei, as well as the other teammates. Drama is manufactured, but none of the players can really do much about it. I thought it likely reflected the challenges for the individuals involved to try to go on with their everyday lives amid the constant intrusive filming, the social media hype, and the lack of privacy other than in their own rooms or the locker shower room. Tensions would be bound to arise, feelings might be hurt, misunderstandings caused, but as a whole the team did seem to have each other’s backs as eyes and ears were constantly on them the entire season.
The development of the switch from best friends to lovers was sensitively handled. Andrei’s decades long love for Griff was accepted by Griff with grace and understanding, and as Griff was made aware of what Andrei had gone through in those years, he tried his best to give Andrei what he hadn’t during that time. They spent as many hours together as they could away from the cameras, not only in hot, sexy times, but in seeking out places each might enjoy, pursuing Andrei’s love of photography with Griff getting involved too, walking and talking away from the pressures. The private moments were beautifully written and you could feel the love between them rolling off the page. Griff’s declaration was unexpected, but so perfect for the moment, I couldn’t help smiling and mentally cheering as I read it. One of the highlights of the book. If was nice, too, to recognize names and personalities from some of the former books.
This is an entertaining series from a great author. It doesn’t matter if you read just one or all, the time spent with these characters is well worth it.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
As the semesters starts up and practice and gym time begin, Griff finds himself noticing things about Andrei he has never noticed before, physical things he had always taken for granted like the width of his shoulders, the muscles of his arms, and he can’t figure out what is going on with him. It doesn’t help that with the show hitting the airways, he and Andrei are becoming more well known as #Griffdrei, and soon the fanfic starts, throwing them together, going from bromance to romance, making them more recognized and uncomfortable together. Griff’s feelings continue to grow into a desire for more with Andrei, but he fears Andrei will be mortified that he sees him that way, so it gets to the point of Griff avoiding Andrei so he won’t find out about these thoughts, and Andrei is avoiding Griff because he is afraid Griff will reject him if he knows the truth. On the brink of a split, both share their feelings for the other, and a whole new chapter begins in their relationship as they explore where it will go, while keeping it a secret for now. But secrets have a way of causing stress and tension on a new relationship, and theirs is no exception. Navigating this wonderful new change in their relationship comes with it own tradeoffs — will it last what is going on around them, or will they lose the bond as best friends and lovers in the aftermath?
There is less hockey action in this book than I remember in the previous ones, and more focus on the docuseries and its effect on Griff and Andrei, as well as the other teammates. Drama is manufactured, but none of the players can really do much about it. I thought it likely reflected the challenges for the individuals involved to try to go on with their everyday lives amid the constant intrusive filming, the social media hype, and the lack of privacy other than in their own rooms or the locker shower room. Tensions would be bound to arise, feelings might be hurt, misunderstandings caused, but as a whole the team did seem to have each other’s backs as eyes and ears were constantly on them the entire season.
The development of the switch from best friends to lovers was sensitively handled. Andrei’s decades long love for Griff was accepted by Griff with grace and understanding, and as Griff was made aware of what Andrei had gone through in those years, he tried his best to give Andrei what he hadn’t during that time. They spent as many hours together as they could away from the cameras, not only in hot, sexy times, but in seeking out places each might enjoy, pursuing Andrei’s love of photography with Griff getting involved too, walking and talking away from the pressures. The private moments were beautifully written and you could feel the love between them rolling off the page. Griff’s declaration was unexpected, but so perfect for the moment, I couldn’t help smiling and mentally cheering as I read it. One of the highlights of the book. If was nice, too, to recognize names and personalities from some of the former books.
This is an entertaining series from a great author. It doesn’t matter if you read just one or all, the time spent with these characters is well worth it.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
November 13, 2025
5⭐
I really loved this book! I really love sport romances with hockey players and this book has two hockey players as main characters.
Andrei and Griff are two best friends since they were very young. They went to the same schools and even university. One day a tv show production start to film the hockey players for a tv show.
People starts to ship Andrei and Griffin, even if Griffin is straight and Andrei... too...?
Andrei is in love witb Griffin since he was around 12 years old but he never said anything to him because he was scared to lose him forever.
I really loved Andrei POVs 'cause you can see how much he's in love with his best friend and I cried a lot reading. I really loved how the author wrote and described his feelings and the angst was well balanced.
It's a beautiful book and I recommend it!
Thank you GRR and Hayden Hall for my arc copy!
------
TEMPTING THE TEAMMATE (Arctic Titan of Northwood U 8)
VOTO: 5 ⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
RECENSIONE: Quando ho scelto questo libro l'ho fatto per due cose semplicissime: college e hockey. Vorrei dirvi che è stato semplice leggere questa storia, in realtà ho pianto.
La squadra di Hockey Arctic Titan, viene scelta come protagonista per un documentario. La produzione manda ad ogni ragazzo un copione dove ognuno di loro dovrà interpretare un "ruolo". Griffin, il protagonista di questa storia, dovrà interpretare il rubacuori o il donnaiolo, mentre Andrei, il suo migliore amico e compagno di stanza, dovrà interpretare il russo cupo e tenebroso (pur essendo nato negli USA e avendo solo i nonni russi).
Dopo la prima puntata i fans si appassionano a loro due, cominciando a creare reels e tiktok con i due giocatori che si guardano in modo "innamorato" e alcune fans scrivono anche Fanfiction spicy.
Sembra divertente, no? Aspettate! Dovete sapere che Andrei ama Griff da più di dieci anni ma non glielo ha mai confessato e questo interessamento su loro due lo fa andare in panico perché non vuole perdere l'amicizia con Griff. (Potete leggere le foto che ho allegato sul mio profilo @nancybennett394)
Griffin, nel frattempo, trova e legge una Fanfiction spicy con loro protagonisti e... Gli piace! Quindi mentre lui comincia a guardare Andrei con occhi diversi, l'amico cerca di mostrarsi neutrale a tutto questo. Ma Griff, una sera, pensa ad Andrei in modo "poco fraterno" e le cose tra di loro sembrano rovinarsi per sempre....
Ho amato questo libro dalla prima pagina all'ultima. Ci ho impiegato tre giorni perché soffrivo ad ogni pov di Andrei. Leggere di come lui ha sempre amato di nascosto Griffin mi ha fatto malissimo. Questa storia mi ha riportato al 2012 quando c'era una boyband e la sottoscritta shippava due cantanti in particolare. Quante notti passate su Ao3! 🫶🏼
Bello bello bello. Consigliatissimo se vi piacciono le sport romance e i risvegli sessuali. Ovviamente consigliata anche alle ex fans della boyband sopra citata. Mi raccomando, scrivetemi se lo fate ❤️❤️
Ringrazio la GRR e Hayden Hall per la copia ARC! ❤️🫶🏼
I really loved this book! I really love sport romances with hockey players and this book has two hockey players as main characters.
Andrei and Griff are two best friends since they were very young. They went to the same schools and even university. One day a tv show production start to film the hockey players for a tv show.
People starts to ship Andrei and Griffin, even if Griffin is straight and Andrei... too...?
Andrei is in love witb Griffin since he was around 12 years old but he never said anything to him because he was scared to lose him forever.
I really loved Andrei POVs 'cause you can see how much he's in love with his best friend and I cried a lot reading. I really loved how the author wrote and described his feelings and the angst was well balanced.
It's a beautiful book and I recommend it!
Thank you GRR and Hayden Hall for my arc copy!
------
TEMPTING THE TEAMMATE (Arctic Titan of Northwood U 8)
VOTO: 5 ⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
RECENSIONE: Quando ho scelto questo libro l'ho fatto per due cose semplicissime: college e hockey. Vorrei dirvi che è stato semplice leggere questa storia, in realtà ho pianto.
La squadra di Hockey Arctic Titan, viene scelta come protagonista per un documentario. La produzione manda ad ogni ragazzo un copione dove ognuno di loro dovrà interpretare un "ruolo". Griffin, il protagonista di questa storia, dovrà interpretare il rubacuori o il donnaiolo, mentre Andrei, il suo migliore amico e compagno di stanza, dovrà interpretare il russo cupo e tenebroso (pur essendo nato negli USA e avendo solo i nonni russi).
Dopo la prima puntata i fans si appassionano a loro due, cominciando a creare reels e tiktok con i due giocatori che si guardano in modo "innamorato" e alcune fans scrivono anche Fanfiction spicy.
Sembra divertente, no? Aspettate! Dovete sapere che Andrei ama Griff da più di dieci anni ma non glielo ha mai confessato e questo interessamento su loro due lo fa andare in panico perché non vuole perdere l'amicizia con Griff. (Potete leggere le foto che ho allegato sul mio profilo @nancybennett394)
Griffin, nel frattempo, trova e legge una Fanfiction spicy con loro protagonisti e... Gli piace! Quindi mentre lui comincia a guardare Andrei con occhi diversi, l'amico cerca di mostrarsi neutrale a tutto questo. Ma Griff, una sera, pensa ad Andrei in modo "poco fraterno" e le cose tra di loro sembrano rovinarsi per sempre....
Ho amato questo libro dalla prima pagina all'ultima. Ci ho impiegato tre giorni perché soffrivo ad ogni pov di Andrei. Leggere di come lui ha sempre amato di nascosto Griffin mi ha fatto malissimo. Questa storia mi ha riportato al 2012 quando c'era una boyband e la sottoscritta shippava due cantanti in particolare. Quante notti passate su Ao3! 🫶🏼
Bello bello bello. Consigliatissimo se vi piacciono le sport romance e i risvegli sessuali. Ovviamente consigliata anche alle ex fans della boyband sopra citata. Mi raccomando, scrivetemi se lo fate ❤️❤️
Ringrazio la GRR e Hayden Hall per la copia ARC! ❤️🫶🏼
November 23, 2025
I fell in love with this book and especially Griffin and Andrei. They've been the best of friends since they were young and inseperable to boot. No one knows them the way they do each other and that camaraderie can't be beaten. The only thing is that Andrei feels so much more than friendship and brotherhood when he looks at Griff and he suffers quietly because Griff is straight and his person and he doesn't want to lose him when he knows nothing good can ever come of being honest. But things change when their team is picked to be in a docuseries about their hockey team and the members on it. Each person has their roles even if they don't quite fit. The lens captures a lot and it shows their fans how deep and intense Griff and Andrei's friendship is and it puts a light on everything Andrei had tried to keep a lid on. But it also makes Griff look a little closer and start to question and wonder about things he never has before. Now in a way it's like he's seeing Andrei for the first time in crystal clear clarity. When did his best friend get so hot? When did being around him make his heart beat and mouth go dry? Why does he want to kiss him and give him the whole world? Truths come out and something even more beautiful comes out of it only now they have cameras watching their every move and have to navigate this new and fragile start that they intend to keep growing. But how do they do that when they aren't yet ready to tell the world yet can't imagine keeping such a fierce love quiet and contained? Well read this book to find out! I loved how the author showed us the process of Griff realizing this new found attraction to Andrei yet not every emotion is new but familiar and natural too. He isn't just all of a sudden straight to gay or bi but we get to see him process things and fall in love with Andrei in a new way and in real time. And we get to see Andrei get everything he's ever wanted how how they come together in the purest and sexiest ways possible. I haven't read every book in this series yet but if this is what the author has in store after already writing 7 books then best believe I'm about to go on a binge read asap.
November 23, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I melted into the floor.
Griffin getting romantic with Andrei gave me migration levels of butterflies! His sensuality was Valentine's Day dreamy, and my heart-eyes were tinting the world around me in a pink haze.
Everything
About
This
Romance just worked for me!
The narrative tone was sincere, and there was a good balance of energy between the romance, hockey, and the invasive vibe the docu-series presented. Both Andrei and Griffin were on the delicious side of achy, and there was more than enough actual hockey to satisfy the sports fan in me!
Best friends Andrei and Griffin were sooooo very veeeery YES, and I was fully immersed in both of their emotional landscapes, their vulnerabilities, Griffin's awakening, and Andrei's years of longing.
I hung on every word, and was invested to the teeth.
I've read about ten million hockey romances, and I think this was the first time I found the reason to stay on the dl a legit one. Because Andrei and Griffin's authentic chemistry and forever friendship was built on years of trust and devotion and loving care before anything else, and their connection pretty much jumped off the page for me. So the cost of changing their dynamic and losing the best friendship of both their lives would be devastating, and I could feeeel that.
And when they did take their sexy level up, this was the first time I genuinely w a n t e d to protect these babes from anyone finding out before they were ready. Their privacy was under valid threat, with the rise in the team's popularity due to the series sensationalizing both their season and their fake personas out in the wild.
So the tension here was rock solid for a reason and I ate. it. up. The stakes were high and the drama well-executed, and I found THIS installment in the Arctic Titans of Northwood U series a very captivating and compelling read! Loved this!
"Let me feed you chocolate, Andrei."
I melted into the floor.
Griffin getting romantic with Andrei gave me migration levels of butterflies! His sensuality was Valentine's Day dreamy, and my heart-eyes were tinting the world around me in a pink haze.
Everything
About
This
Romance just worked for me!
The narrative tone was sincere, and there was a good balance of energy between the romance, hockey, and the invasive vibe the docu-series presented. Both Andrei and Griffin were on the delicious side of achy, and there was more than enough actual hockey to satisfy the sports fan in me!
Best friends Andrei and Griffin were sooooo very veeeery YES, and I was fully immersed in both of their emotional landscapes, their vulnerabilities, Griffin's awakening, and Andrei's years of longing.
I hung on every word, and was invested to the teeth.
I've read about ten million hockey romances, and I think this was the first time I found the reason to stay on the dl a legit one. Because Andrei and Griffin's authentic chemistry and forever friendship was built on years of trust and devotion and loving care before anything else, and their connection pretty much jumped off the page for me. So the cost of changing their dynamic and losing the best friendship of both their lives would be devastating, and I could feeeel that.
And when they did take their sexy level up, this was the first time I genuinely w a n t e d to protect these babes from anyone finding out before they were ready. Their privacy was under valid threat, with the rise in the team's popularity due to the series sensationalizing both their season and their fake personas out in the wild.
So the tension here was rock solid for a reason and I ate. it. up. The stakes were high and the drama well-executed, and I found THIS installment in the Arctic Titans of Northwood U series a very captivating and compelling read! Loved this!
November 13, 2025
Oww, the blurb alone is already awesome!
Griffin Shaw and Andre Sokolov have been best friends for more than a decade and both play on the same Northwood U Arctic Titans hockey team. Best friends and inseparable, what Griffin doesn’t know is that Andrei has had feelings for him for a long time already.
Andrei pushed his feelings back, deep down, knowing there would never be anything between them other than friendship. Griffin is the ladies’ charmer.
This season the team will be followed, filmed, and interviewed for a docuseries.
The camera zooms in on certain things, and the public becomes obsessed with it. It’s about a bromance between Andrei and Griffin.
Andrei doesn’t like all the attention, Griffin thinks it’s fun.
The public is getting more excited and even insinuates there’s more between them.
It’s getting out of hand. It could even damage their friendship.
What Andrei doesn’t know is that Griffin starts to see Andrei with different eyes. It’s confusing Griffin, he doesn’t know how to act. He doesn’t want to lose his best friend.
When they admitted to each other how they felt, my heart, this was something else.
But there’s a world outside, and they are in their private bubble. The outside can’t know about it.
Is this the end and would it blow up in their faces, or could this be a new beginning? That’s something you need to read for yourself.
Gosh, I love me some good romance, and this one was great. The development felt so natural, from best friends to (secret) lovers, and the struggles that came with it. The intimate moments were hot, and even more precious were the pleasure and all those warm feelings they shared.
The author has a beautiful, almost lyrical style of writing, never superficial, with plausible characters and circumstances.
I loved this story very much!
Review also on LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Griffin Shaw and Andre Sokolov have been best friends for more than a decade and both play on the same Northwood U Arctic Titans hockey team. Best friends and inseparable, what Griffin doesn’t know is that Andrei has had feelings for him for a long time already.
Andrei pushed his feelings back, deep down, knowing there would never be anything between them other than friendship. Griffin is the ladies’ charmer.
This season the team will be followed, filmed, and interviewed for a docuseries.
The camera zooms in on certain things, and the public becomes obsessed with it. It’s about a bromance between Andrei and Griffin.
Andrei doesn’t like all the attention, Griffin thinks it’s fun.
The public is getting more excited and even insinuates there’s more between them.
It’s getting out of hand. It could even damage their friendship.
What Andrei doesn’t know is that Griffin starts to see Andrei with different eyes. It’s confusing Griffin, he doesn’t know how to act. He doesn’t want to lose his best friend.
When they admitted to each other how they felt, my heart, this was something else.
But there’s a world outside, and they are in their private bubble. The outside can’t know about it.
Is this the end and would it blow up in their faces, or could this be a new beginning? That’s something you need to read for yourself.
Gosh, I love me some good romance, and this one was great. The development felt so natural, from best friends to (secret) lovers, and the struggles that came with it. The intimate moments were hot, and even more precious were the pleasure and all those warm feelings they shared.
The author has a beautiful, almost lyrical style of writing, never superficial, with plausible characters and circumstances.
I loved this story very much!
Review also on LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
November 22, 2025
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, a wonderful best friends to lovers romance.
We're back at Northwood U with the Arctic Titans when the coach tells the players they've been selected for a docuseries and that they will be followed by cameras throughout the season.
Griffin and Andrei are best friends, they've been close since they were 12 and they never stayed away from each other. They have a solid friendship that helps them on ice too.
But what Griffin doesn't know is that Andrei is gay and has been in love with him since forever.
When the series is aired, fans go wild about the two of them and start making videos and fanfictions about them. While Andrei is very annoyed and he's scared his secret will be revealed, Griffin instead starts feeling different around his friend, he notices things he never noticed before and soon enough, he experiences sexual arousal around him.
I literally adored the moment they finally were honest with each other: Andrei was so sure he was going to lose Griff, while Griffin couldn't make sense of what he was feeling, he just knew he had to get close to him. Their first time was utterly emotional and intimate and it was clear that their chemistry wasn't limited only to the ice.
I also like how the story progressed: after the pining, they finally could explore their physical connection and built a relationship outside their friendship, but they also struggled with the attention and the pressure put on them by the filming.
There are a lot of characters from previous books in this story, and I was very very happy to see how Phoenix and Jaxon are doing (Skating After You, novella included in Hearts2Hearts Anthology 7). I love that the author gave us hints about their future together.
The Arctic Titans is one of my favourite series by Hayden Hall, I look forward to reading the next story.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, a wonderful best friends to lovers romance.
We're back at Northwood U with the Arctic Titans when the coach tells the players they've been selected for a docuseries and that they will be followed by cameras throughout the season.
Griffin and Andrei are best friends, they've been close since they were 12 and they never stayed away from each other. They have a solid friendship that helps them on ice too.
But what Griffin doesn't know is that Andrei is gay and has been in love with him since forever.
When the series is aired, fans go wild about the two of them and start making videos and fanfictions about them. While Andrei is very annoyed and he's scared his secret will be revealed, Griffin instead starts feeling different around his friend, he notices things he never noticed before and soon enough, he experiences sexual arousal around him.
I literally adored the moment they finally were honest with each other: Andrei was so sure he was going to lose Griff, while Griffin couldn't make sense of what he was feeling, he just knew he had to get close to him. Their first time was utterly emotional and intimate and it was clear that their chemistry wasn't limited only to the ice.
I also like how the story progressed: after the pining, they finally could explore their physical connection and built a relationship outside their friendship, but they also struggled with the attention and the pressure put on them by the filming.
There are a lot of characters from previous books in this story, and I was very very happy to see how Phoenix and Jaxon are doing (Skating After You, novella included in Hearts2Hearts Anthology 7). I love that the author gave us hints about their future together.
The Arctic Titans is one of my favourite series by Hayden Hall, I look forward to reading the next story.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
December 7, 2025
Andrei and Griffin's romance rekindled my obsession with best friends to lovers stories. These two college hockey guys had known each other since childhood, had the kind of easy camaraderie that lovers dream of, and had potential for more just waiting for the right catalyst to ignite. Andrei had been in love with Griffin for years but refused to compromise their friendship for fleeting romance, and his steadfast devotion showed in all the little spaces of their friendship. Theirs was definitely an opposites attract sort of friendship -- with Andrei as the silent stoic and Griffin as the charming people person -- and I adored how they brought out the happiest versions of themselves. The camera crew filming their team's upcoming hockey season ended up generating more pressure and fan expectations than any of them could have anticipated, and that created tension in Andrei and Griffin's foundation. I thought this book painted a realistic picture of how fame can turn the purest of intentions into something twisted, and I was impressed by the way everyone on the team handled the archetypes they'd been cast in. Griffin and Andrei in particular had to deal with the media spotlight on their bromance, and for a while I wasn't sure if the two of them were going to make it without their bond shattering. Thankfully Griffin and Andrei had been friends for too long to go down without a fight, and in the process of baring their deepest secrets they realized their desires were more aligned than ever. I was thrilled when they decided to explore their chemistry, and as the end of the book built up to them taking the brave step of letting the world know their truth, I thought my heart was going to explode it was so full. I'm re-energized and re-invested in the Arctic Titans and I can't wait to see what's next!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 11, 2025
TEMPTING THE TEAMMATE is the eighth installment in the Arctic Titans of Northwood U series. I can be read as a standalone without issue but the series is amazing and should be read in order just to get them all in.
Andrei and Griffin have been best friends and teammates since they played peewee hockey together. They share everything well almost everything, Andrei has been keeping a secret for years. Something he has kept from everyone, he's gay and completely and fully in love with is best friend. He knows he's always going to love Griffin from afar. He never wants he true feelings to be known and ruin the friendship they have. When a reality show lands on campus and is set to follow the hockey team on and off the ice Andrei isn't excited about what those cameras might catch. Each player is given a "character" to push those narratives, Griffin being the playboy and Andrei the strong silent type. When the fans quickly fall in love with the bromance, #Griffdrei, it becomes a character in it's own right. When their socials blow up and Griffin starts reading the things they are seeing or fanfics of the two of them Griffin's eyes are opened in a way he never expected. One moment changes everything for the two of them and Andrei is living in moments he never thought he'd be experiencing with Griffin.
I loved this one so much. I was so invested and I couldn't put it down. This was a one sitting cover to cover read for me. I cried, I laughed and it was everything I needed. Griffin had his awakening and never considered another option, he went all in. Andrei was finally living all the moments he ever dreamed of. They were explosive and sweet in all the ways they both needed.
I can't wait to see what's coming next!!
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review by the author.
Andrei and Griffin have been best friends and teammates since they played peewee hockey together. They share everything well almost everything, Andrei has been keeping a secret for years. Something he has kept from everyone, he's gay and completely and fully in love with is best friend. He knows he's always going to love Griffin from afar. He never wants he true feelings to be known and ruin the friendship they have. When a reality show lands on campus and is set to follow the hockey team on and off the ice Andrei isn't excited about what those cameras might catch. Each player is given a "character" to push those narratives, Griffin being the playboy and Andrei the strong silent type. When the fans quickly fall in love with the bromance, #Griffdrei, it becomes a character in it's own right. When their socials blow up and Griffin starts reading the things they are seeing or fanfics of the two of them Griffin's eyes are opened in a way he never expected. One moment changes everything for the two of them and Andrei is living in moments he never thought he'd be experiencing with Griffin.
I loved this one so much. I was so invested and I couldn't put it down. This was a one sitting cover to cover read for me. I cried, I laughed and it was everything I needed. Griffin had his awakening and never considered another option, he went all in. Andrei was finally living all the moments he ever dreamed of. They were explosive and sweet in all the ways they both needed.
I can't wait to see what's coming next!!
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review by the author.
November 15, 2025
MY OPINION: Low-angst, friends-to-lovers, college hockey, and romance is exactly what this book brings, and it hits on all notes. I am a Hayden Hall fan and always enjoy one of his titles. This was no exception. I felt that this was an easy read, with the pacing being such that you get a lot of information in small sections.
I did like these two MCs. One of them is hopelessly in love, and the other realizes it quite a way into the book, making this a slow-burning. Friends-to-lovers often has the undertone of ruining the friendship, which becomes apparent if it doesn’t work out. Much of the book's premise revolves around a ‘reality TV’ show that follows the team throughout the season. You get a good overview of several current team members.
What I like about this series (and I have only read one other) is that members leave and new ones join, so you don’t have all the team hooking up with each other because there are new groups of people on the team all the time, making it feel more natural. (I really hope that is what is happening, and I am not imagining it)
I felt like I knew Griffin a lot better than Andrei for some reason. Both men were kind-hearted and lovable in their own way, Griffin being more of the golden retriever type of guy, public, but rather thoughtful and introspective privately. The arch with Andrei being a photographer really appealed to me for some reason. Seeing them find their way together, accepting how they felt as a couple, and navigating what that means made for a nice story of two men trying to find forever together.
Best friends to lovers means they get to experience spicy bits for the first time together, and several scenes are hot. It’s a great falling in love with your best friend story, including hockey, college rivalries, good friends, and spicy bits. It’s a nice addition to the series and another great book by Hayden Hall.
I did like these two MCs. One of them is hopelessly in love, and the other realizes it quite a way into the book, making this a slow-burning. Friends-to-lovers often has the undertone of ruining the friendship, which becomes apparent if it doesn’t work out. Much of the book's premise revolves around a ‘reality TV’ show that follows the team throughout the season. You get a good overview of several current team members.
What I like about this series (and I have only read one other) is that members leave and new ones join, so you don’t have all the team hooking up with each other because there are new groups of people on the team all the time, making it feel more natural. (I really hope that is what is happening, and I am not imagining it)
I felt like I knew Griffin a lot better than Andrei for some reason. Both men were kind-hearted and lovable in their own way, Griffin being more of the golden retriever type of guy, public, but rather thoughtful and introspective privately. The arch with Andrei being a photographer really appealed to me for some reason. Seeing them find their way together, accepting how they felt as a couple, and navigating what that means made for a nice story of two men trying to find forever together.
Best friends to lovers means they get to experience spicy bits for the first time together, and several scenes are hot. It’s a great falling in love with your best friend story, including hockey, college rivalries, good friends, and spicy bits. It’s a nice addition to the series and another great book by Hayden Hall.
November 8, 2025
In a surprising twist, we have returned to Northwood U! Our story follows Andrei and Griffin. These two have been best friends since they were kids. Their bond unbreakable as they stayed together and played hockey together all the way to college. But as close as they are, they have their own secrets. Even from each other. And the biggest secret is held by Andrei. Andrei realized a long time ago that he was in love with his best friend. But fear of losing Griffin has kept his mouth shut not only about his feelings but about his sexuality as well. But something big is happening this hockey season. Their team has been asked to star in a docuseries that is coming off more like a bit of drama and lots of acting. With a camera in your face, Andrei realizes quickly that hiding how he feels for Griffin is not as easily disguised. And that it may be only a matter of time until Griffin puts the pieces together. Then what will happen to them? Meanwhile, Griffin has indeed been oblivious to Andrei’s feelings but watching themselves and what the outside world thinks of them, he is starting to realize something. His feelings for his best friend is changing. Into something way beyond friendship. But what if it ruins everything? Is this a secret he can keep in the hopes that he won’t lose the one person that matters? Let’s just say these two have some things to figure out but once they do, it’s great! I love seeing a good best friends to lovers romance. And this one was a nice opening your eyes to what is in front of you and realizing that this person by your side was always meant to be there. Glad to be back at Northwood U and I’m looking forward to more!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2025
If you love a good friends-to-lovers story, look no further. In Tempting the Teammate, Hayden Hall brings us back to Northwood U and the Arctic Titans. The story is a bit of a slow-burn, but not too slow. It’s a hockey romance with sweetness and spice, all done in Hall’s awesome signature style.
Andrei is quiet, stoic. He has been in love with his best friend for as long as he can remember. They’ve grown up in each other’s pocket, playing hockey and being besties. But Griffin has no idea he is even gay. When the Titans get selected for a tv show, Andrei knows it’s only a matter of time before the world sees how he looks at Griffin.
Griffin is lovable and charming. Cast as the shows “Casanova,” he’s seen as the guy who gets all the girls. But when he reads some of the fan fiction people have created about him and Andrei, he finds himself more than a little confused.
I loved the way Hall tackled both characters and their concerns. Both were afraid of their feelings and the impact they’d have on the friendship. This will they/won’t they kept me intrigued and waiting and hoping. The chemistry between them was fantastic. Griffin may have been confused about his interest at first, but once he admitted it, he was all in. I loved that Andrei let down his guard, but only for Griffin. These two were just adorable as a couple and total friendship goals.
Hayden Hall is the best at writing sweet, swoon-worthy stories. I’m so glad he has taken us back to Northwood U. But I also loved getting glimpses of some of the Saints. He’s created a fantastic world full of awesome characters. I’m eager to see whose story comes next.
Andrei is quiet, stoic. He has been in love with his best friend for as long as he can remember. They’ve grown up in each other’s pocket, playing hockey and being besties. But Griffin has no idea he is even gay. When the Titans get selected for a tv show, Andrei knows it’s only a matter of time before the world sees how he looks at Griffin.
Griffin is lovable and charming. Cast as the shows “Casanova,” he’s seen as the guy who gets all the girls. But when he reads some of the fan fiction people have created about him and Andrei, he finds himself more than a little confused.
I loved the way Hall tackled both characters and their concerns. Both were afraid of their feelings and the impact they’d have on the friendship. This will they/won’t they kept me intrigued and waiting and hoping. The chemistry between them was fantastic. Griffin may have been confused about his interest at first, but once he admitted it, he was all in. I loved that Andrei let down his guard, but only for Griffin. These two were just adorable as a couple and total friendship goals.
Hayden Hall is the best at writing sweet, swoon-worthy stories. I’m so glad he has taken us back to Northwood U. But I also loved getting glimpses of some of the Saints. He’s created a fantastic world full of awesome characters. I’m eager to see whose story comes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
Tempting the Teammate is a cute, slow burn romance about two friends - Griffin and Andrei - who've known each other for years. They went to the same schools, were in peewee hockey together and are now roomies in college while playing in the same team.
They know everything about each other but there's one thing Andrei's always kept a secret from Griff: he's been in love with him ever since knowing he liked boys more than girls. Seeing his best friend go out with girls is hard, but he'd rather have Griff's friendship than lose him by confessing how he feels.
Things change however when the team enters in a contract to be filmed. A crew will be following them on and of the ice, they each get a role to play losely based on their personal characters. When fans start to closely pay attention to Griff and Andrei and start posting about their obvious bromance, Griff starts to see his friend in a different light.
He starts to notice things about both Andrei and himself which leads to some hilarious scenes (think undies). And while both men are afraid to lose the friendship they have and try to keep their feelings for themselves, once they open up, they give it their all.
I loved both Andrei and Griff, both were wonderful characters that had each others back, where Griff is the happy charmer, Andrei is the more gruff guy. Griff never made a point of the person he fell for being a man, he just went all in.
Tempting the Teammate was another wonderful story in this great series and I can't wait to see who's up next.
*ARC kindly received from the author via Bookfunnel. I'm leaving a voluntary review.**
They know everything about each other but there's one thing Andrei's always kept a secret from Griff: he's been in love with him ever since knowing he liked boys more than girls. Seeing his best friend go out with girls is hard, but he'd rather have Griff's friendship than lose him by confessing how he feels.
Things change however when the team enters in a contract to be filmed. A crew will be following them on and of the ice, they each get a role to play losely based on their personal characters. When fans start to closely pay attention to Griff and Andrei and start posting about their obvious bromance, Griff starts to see his friend in a different light.
He starts to notice things about both Andrei and himself which leads to some hilarious scenes (think undies). And while both men are afraid to lose the friendship they have and try to keep their feelings for themselves, once they open up, they give it their all.
I loved both Andrei and Griff, both were wonderful characters that had each others back, where Griff is the happy charmer, Andrei is the more gruff guy. Griff never made a point of the person he fell for being a man, he just went all in.
Tempting the Teammate was another wonderful story in this great series and I can't wait to see who's up next.
*ARC kindly received from the author via Bookfunnel. I'm leaving a voluntary review.**
November 19, 2025
Griffin & Andrei
"I'm terrified right now," he said with a shaky laugh. "But I love him more than I fear this. I love him enough to risk everything. The game, the season, the fame, all of it. Because what's the point of winning anything if you can't share it with the person who makes you want to be better?"
This story was fantastic and sweetly exciting. I've read a few stories where a team or group of people have been followed around by cameras and it definitely makes things more tense and awkward, but these two really found their way around it and fought to keep & build their secret relationship. It was a challenge for them both, especially as they felt the pressure of staying quiet and staying hidden to save their sanity from the pressures of their fame. But ultimately taking that leap of faith and stepping into the spotlight to share their love with the world gave them the chance to control their own narrative (as much as can be done with fame).
The interactions we get to see with the Steel Saints were fun even though much of it was on the ice and somewhat destructive, lol. It's always great to catch back up with other MCs from other series and it was fun recognizing Jace just from the way his mannerisms & look were detailed.
I haven't read any of the other seven books that were written previously for the series, but I know I'll have to go back and explore their story lines because several of them were mentioned in this one and they all sound just as fantastic as any other story I've read from Hayden Hall.
Tempting the Teammate was another incredible read this fall and I'm so glad I had the chance to to experience at the romance between Griffin and Andrei. I'm looking forward to the more to come.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
"I'm terrified right now," he said with a shaky laugh. "But I love him more than I fear this. I love him enough to risk everything. The game, the season, the fame, all of it. Because what's the point of winning anything if you can't share it with the person who makes you want to be better?"
This story was fantastic and sweetly exciting. I've read a few stories where a team or group of people have been followed around by cameras and it definitely makes things more tense and awkward, but these two really found their way around it and fought to keep & build their secret relationship. It was a challenge for them both, especially as they felt the pressure of staying quiet and staying hidden to save their sanity from the pressures of their fame. But ultimately taking that leap of faith and stepping into the spotlight to share their love with the world gave them the chance to control their own narrative (as much as can be done with fame).
The interactions we get to see with the Steel Saints were fun even though much of it was on the ice and somewhat destructive, lol. It's always great to catch back up with other MCs from other series and it was fun recognizing Jace just from the way his mannerisms & look were detailed.
I haven't read any of the other seven books that were written previously for the series, but I know I'll have to go back and explore their story lines because several of them were mentioned in this one and they all sound just as fantastic as any other story I've read from Hayden Hall.
Tempting the Teammate was another incredible read this fall and I'm so glad I had the chance to to experience at the romance between Griffin and Andrei. I'm looking forward to the more to come.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
November 24, 2025
Tempting the Teammate is the 8th book in the Arctic Titans of Northwood U Series by Hayden Hall. While it is the eighth book in the series it is a stand alone novel. I had not read the series and did not feel like I missed out on the story and recognized one of the characters, Phoenix, from Hall’s Heart2Heart short story.
Right now, life is hard for Andrei Sokolov. He has secretly loved his best friend, Griffin, since they were thirteen years old. It is a secret he plans to keep for the rest of his life because his friendship with Griffin is more important to him than ever coming out to him and having Griffin find out the truth. That truth is getting harder and harder to hide because now the Arctic Titans are on a reality show and the cameras are picking up on clues; Andrei is trying hard to hide.
Griffin loves playing hockey and living with his best friend. He was excited about being on a reality show but somehow, he was cast as the team’s ladies’ man. He does not understand it because he does not seem to date a lot. He would rather just spend time with Andrei and now he is beginning to notice why he wants to spend so much time with Andrei. He just does not know if he has the courage to explore these new feelings.
Tempting the Teammate is a fantastic friends to lovers book with great characters, a good story and some spice. Hall does such a great job writing through the emotions of Griffin and Andrei as they work through their fears and find each other. There are a lot of guys on the Arctic Titans that were developed in the story. I am looking forward to where the series goes with them.
Right now, life is hard for Andrei Sokolov. He has secretly loved his best friend, Griffin, since they were thirteen years old. It is a secret he plans to keep for the rest of his life because his friendship with Griffin is more important to him than ever coming out to him and having Griffin find out the truth. That truth is getting harder and harder to hide because now the Arctic Titans are on a reality show and the cameras are picking up on clues; Andrei is trying hard to hide.
Griffin loves playing hockey and living with his best friend. He was excited about being on a reality show but somehow, he was cast as the team’s ladies’ man. He does not understand it because he does not seem to date a lot. He would rather just spend time with Andrei and now he is beginning to notice why he wants to spend so much time with Andrei. He just does not know if he has the courage to explore these new feelings.
Tempting the Teammate is a fantastic friends to lovers book with great characters, a good story and some spice. Hall does such a great job writing through the emotions of Griffin and Andrei as they work through their fears and find each other. There are a lot of guys on the Arctic Titans that were developed in the story. I am looking forward to where the series goes with them.
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