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Power Play
The one who broke him may just be the one who puts him back together.
Kellan O’Reilly’s life is a delicate balancing act. He needs to have a stellar last season to get picked up by an NHL team, not get caught by his coach working an overnight job that he desperately needs to keep to help his family, and, adding even more to his plate, figure out why his new tutor seems to hate him on sight.
Bennett “Wells” Wellington III has done everything that he can to avoid tutoring athletes. So, when he’s forced to help Kellan O’Reilly, the carefully crafted facade he’s worked for years to perfect starts crumbling. Because even if Kellan doesn’t remember him, he’s part of the reason that Wells is unrecognizable as his past self.
Now, it’s Wells that holds the power after all these years, and he has no plans to give it up. The only problem is… Kellan’s nothing like the kid he used to know, and as he tries to make Kellan’s life hell, he’s starting to wonder who’s actually in charge. Or why being with Kellan is suddenly making him feel more like himself than ever before.
As they spend more time together, Wells’ commanding presence and dominating nature unlocks a part of Kellan that’s like a drug to experience. Better than the sleep he desperately needs. More gratifying than the record goals he’s putting up this season. And, honestly, the best sex of his life, hands down.
But Wells seems to hate that he wants him. How can Kellan make him realize that the two of them together could be the best thing that’s ever happened to both of them?
This is a standalone MM romance novel with explicit themes.
Kellan O’Reilly’s life is a delicate balancing act. He needs to have a stellar last season to get picked up by an NHL team, not get caught by his coach working an overnight job that he desperately needs to keep to help his family, and, adding even more to his plate, figure out why his new tutor seems to hate him on sight.
Bennett “Wells” Wellington III has done everything that he can to avoid tutoring athletes. So, when he’s forced to help Kellan O’Reilly, the carefully crafted facade he’s worked for years to perfect starts crumbling. Because even if Kellan doesn’t remember him, he’s part of the reason that Wells is unrecognizable as his past self.
Now, it’s Wells that holds the power after all these years, and he has no plans to give it up. The only problem is… Kellan’s nothing like the kid he used to know, and as he tries to make Kellan’s life hell, he’s starting to wonder who’s actually in charge. Or why being with Kellan is suddenly making him feel more like himself than ever before.
As they spend more time together, Wells’ commanding presence and dominating nature unlocks a part of Kellan that’s like a drug to experience. Better than the sleep he desperately needs. More gratifying than the record goals he’s putting up this season. And, honestly, the best sex of his life, hands down.
But Wells seems to hate that he wants him. How can Kellan make him realize that the two of them together could be the best thing that’s ever happened to both of them?
This is a standalone MM romance novel with explicit themes.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
196 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
February 10, 2026
DNF @ 32%
I don't think I understood why Kellan didn't just tell his coach that he was tired because he was trying to support his family? Was there a clause somewhere I missed that he would lose his scholarship or something if he did? He even mentions later that it isn't illegal for student athletes to have a job, so what's the holdup? I could not believe that he seriously thought his coach would force him to choose between supporting his family vs full commitment to hockey when his coach went through the trouble of helping him get his grades up + explicitly mentioned that he wanted to help.
And I don't understand why Wells took Julie's shit when 1. he was clearly not breaking rules, 2. he could've reported her for her being very antagonistic like she supposedly reported him for some falsehood (and he'd have evidence), and 3. did he even care about the job? He mentioned he didn't need it and that the reason he was at the university in the first place was a misguided attempt at earning his dad's respect (which he specifically acknowledged was a mistake) sooo, why stay and work with a bully and take her shit again? Just because the tutoring service was a place his family name didn't have weight (but conversations later sort of implied otherwise) and it was a good place to meet guys?
Also, wtf was that first sexual encounter? I don't think we had gotten enough of a setup for Kellan being attracted to Wells to make that justified. Yeah, he was thinking about Wells a lot, but the way the story told it, it was more curiosity about why Wells hated him and not physical attraction. Them suddenly getting it on after a fight was so out of left field. Then it just continues on to a weird "Kellan needs Wells to tell him what to do" kink that is not at all properly set up. That sort of control kink only works if the person giving up control tries to hold too much control in their regular life (aka control freaks or people with too much responsibilities). Kellan didn't try to control his life, he was trying to make things work despite his lack of it. He was forced to take a job because he had no control over his stepfather leaving. He was forced to take tutoring with Wells because he had no control over who his assigned tutor was. Him submitting to Wells' weirdass dom thing did not make sense because Kellan already had so little control over his life. Don't even get me started on the lack of acknowledgement of the sexual awakening considering Kellan is magically ok with having sex with Wells despite no mentions prior of him being attracted to men.
I DNFed when Wells just suddenly found himself kissing Kellan and then continuing to treat Kellan without anger afterwards. What the fuck happened to being angry at the guy who bullied him hard enough to develop a hatred for athletes? Where did the animosity go?
Between the lack of explanation for the set up, the lack of justification for the hookup + Kellan's attraction, AND the way Wells just magically drops his hatred, I just couldn't go on.
I don't think I understood why Kellan didn't just tell his coach that he was tired because he was trying to support his family? Was there a clause somewhere I missed that he would lose his scholarship or something if he did? He even mentions later that it isn't illegal for student athletes to have a job, so what's the holdup? I could not believe that he seriously thought his coach would force him to choose between supporting his family vs full commitment to hockey when his coach went through the trouble of helping him get his grades up + explicitly mentioned that he wanted to help.
And I don't understand why Wells took Julie's shit when 1. he was clearly not breaking rules, 2. he could've reported her for her being very antagonistic like she supposedly reported him for some falsehood (and he'd have evidence), and 3. did he even care about the job? He mentioned he didn't need it and that the reason he was at the university in the first place was a misguided attempt at earning his dad's respect (which he specifically acknowledged was a mistake) sooo, why stay and work with a bully and take her shit again? Just because the tutoring service was a place his family name didn't have weight (but conversations later sort of implied otherwise) and it was a good place to meet guys?
Also, wtf was that first sexual encounter? I don't think we had gotten enough of a setup for Kellan being attracted to Wells to make that justified. Yeah, he was thinking about Wells a lot, but the way the story told it, it was more curiosity about why Wells hated him and not physical attraction. Them suddenly getting it on after a fight was so out of left field. Then it just continues on to a weird "Kellan needs Wells to tell him what to do" kink that is not at all properly set up. That sort of control kink only works if the person giving up control tries to hold too much control in their regular life (aka control freaks or people with too much responsibilities). Kellan didn't try to control his life, he was trying to make things work despite his lack of it. He was forced to take a job because he had no control over his stepfather leaving. He was forced to take tutoring with Wells because he had no control over who his assigned tutor was. Him submitting to Wells' weirdass dom thing did not make sense because Kellan already had so little control over his life. Don't even get me started on the lack of acknowledgement of the sexual awakening considering Kellan is magically ok with having sex with Wells despite no mentions prior of him being attracted to men.
I DNFed when Wells just suddenly found himself kissing Kellan and then continuing to treat Kellan without anger afterwards. What the fuck happened to being angry at the guy who bullied him hard enough to develop a hatred for athletes? Where did the animosity go?
Between the lack of explanation for the set up, the lack of justification for the hookup + Kellan's attraction, AND the way Wells just magically drops his hatred, I just couldn't go on.
September 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this! A promising debut and I would like to read more by this author.
Reasons it isn’t a 4 star: I think some of the concepts weren’t as fully fleshed out as I wanted (the previous bullying, what Wells wanted in his life, etc) and the friendships/hockey could have been expanded more. The pacing was a bit off and the arguments seemed to blow up quickly and I felt like I had missed something.
BUT I really liked it.
Reasons it isn’t a 4 star: I think some of the concepts weren’t as fully fleshed out as I wanted (the previous bullying, what Wells wanted in his life, etc) and the friendships/hockey could have been expanded more. The pacing was a bit off and the arguments seemed to blow up quickly and I felt like I had missed something.
BUT I really liked it.
September 25, 2025
Quick to the 🌶, but a lovely slow burn, on the emotional/romance side. Kellan & Wells have definitely both nestled into a piece of my heart. (Yes, even if I side-eyed Wells the entire first half. lol)
October 12, 2025
ARC READ: I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. I love a good hockey romance and this one did not disappoint. Kellan & Wells are just so good together. You literally fall in love with them in their own way. I like that their undeniable chemistry wasn’t dragged out. Yeah there was push and pull but they fell so effortlessly, and them learning to just enjoy the now instead of constantly worrying what the future holds for each other. Both have been through some hard times, one not being accepted by his family and the other hiding abuse. But these two together just balance the other out and I love that. This is my first book I’ve read by this author and it most definitely won’t be my last.
September 26, 2025
4.5 stars.
Ok I want to rant for a minute, have you ever read a book that made you angry with the tropes? Not because they were there but because you usually hate them and a particular book the author made you love them? Well I have and this is the book. I usually do not like secret identity or “I can’t remember you from before” however in Power Play I loved that level of one sided hate. So many times I thought Wells you’re an idiot for not saying something, it’s going to blow up in your face. You’ll need to read Power Play to see if it did.
Now on to the good stuff. I loved the power dynamics in this one, the big strong hockey player submitted to the tutor and loving it. I also love that the class difference wasn’t something thrown in our faces.
Kellan and Wells relationship developed in 2 fold, insta-lust and then hard earned feelings. I truly don’t think their story would have worked any other way.
Kellan is a star forward hoping to make to the NHL, he wants to take care of his family and is doing so now at the cost of his grades and sleep. His coach makes him see a tutor so he doesn’t lose eligibility his senior year. Enter Wells the tutor who seems to have a hate on for Kellan and athletes in general. This kicks off a relationship that changes each of their lives, through each other they truly find themselves.
There is spice in this book, while it is open door it is not overly detailed and lots happens where we are told about it after.
Why this book isn’t 5 stars for me is that I wish there was more character development and growth with them as a couple, to be clear that isn’t saying there isn’t any, because for obvious reasons there needed to be growth. However as a couple they don’t really talk, I would have liked more conversations about their lives and have seen them together in public (semi-public) with their friends.
Mel McCabe’s debut novel is a great read, I read it in under 24 hours. It is hard to put down. I will be reading everything she puts out in the future.
Ok I want to rant for a minute, have you ever read a book that made you angry with the tropes? Not because they were there but because you usually hate them and a particular book the author made you love them? Well I have and this is the book. I usually do not like secret identity or “I can’t remember you from before” however in Power Play I loved that level of one sided hate. So many times I thought Wells you’re an idiot for not saying something, it’s going to blow up in your face. You’ll need to read Power Play to see if it did.
Now on to the good stuff. I loved the power dynamics in this one, the big strong hockey player submitted to the tutor and loving it. I also love that the class difference wasn’t something thrown in our faces.
Kellan and Wells relationship developed in 2 fold, insta-lust and then hard earned feelings. I truly don’t think their story would have worked any other way.
Kellan is a star forward hoping to make to the NHL, he wants to take care of his family and is doing so now at the cost of his grades and sleep. His coach makes him see a tutor so he doesn’t lose eligibility his senior year. Enter Wells the tutor who seems to have a hate on for Kellan and athletes in general. This kicks off a relationship that changes each of their lives, through each other they truly find themselves.
There is spice in this book, while it is open door it is not overly detailed and lots happens where we are told about it after.
Why this book isn’t 5 stars for me is that I wish there was more character development and growth with them as a couple, to be clear that isn’t saying there isn’t any, because for obvious reasons there needed to be growth. However as a couple they don’t really talk, I would have liked more conversations about their lives and have seen them together in public (semi-public) with their friends.
Mel McCabe’s debut novel is a great read, I read it in under 24 hours. It is hard to put down. I will be reading everything she puts out in the future.
October 20, 2025
⭐4/5⭐
An excellent debut hockey romance by Mel McCabe. It's got everything you could want: spice, slow-burn feelings, insta-lust, brooding men, power play (very straight forward title), and an overall wonderful story.
If you're looking to get into the hockey romance world, look not further. Add Power Play to your tbr ASAP!
Thank you to Mel McCabe and their team for the chance to obtain this ARC
*Will come back to write more detailed review*
An excellent debut hockey romance by Mel McCabe. It's got everything you could want: spice, slow-burn feelings, insta-lust, brooding men, power play (very straight forward title), and an overall wonderful story.
If you're looking to get into the hockey romance world, look not further. Add Power Play to your tbr ASAP!
Thank you to Mel McCabe and their team for the chance to obtain this ARC
*Will come back to write more detailed review*
February 12, 2026
3.5 stars
Okay, where to start? I liked the premise, the plot that should have built on this past animosity, but I admit I was expecting a little more exploration. The whole plot unfolds quite quickly, as the novel is quite short, so I feel that the character development is a little messy.
I would have liked to see more of Wells and Kellan. In the end, their dynamic is explored rather briefly and the power balance isn't explored enough in my opinion.
It's still a fairly enjoyable MM novel to read, quick to devour.
Okay, where to start? I liked the premise, the plot that should have built on this past animosity, but I admit I was expecting a little more exploration. The whole plot unfolds quite quickly, as the novel is quite short, so I feel that the character development is a little messy.
I would have liked to see more of Wells and Kellan. In the end, their dynamic is explored rather briefly and the power balance isn't explored enough in my opinion.
It's still a fairly enjoyable MM novel to read, quick to devour.
October 18, 2025
Always happy when I find a new to me author! This debut was amazing. Loved getting to know Kellan & Wells. They both had their share of issues but so glad they were able to heal themselves together.
October 7, 2025
This book had so many of the things I love angst, slow burning love, found family, character development and a hard fought HEA.
Wells wasn’t my favorite character at the beginning of the book but the way the growth of his character developed and the way he showed his love for Killan and his family was amazing.
I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read the ARC for Mel McCabe for her debut book.
Wells wasn’t my favorite character at the beginning of the book but the way the growth of his character developed and the way he showed his love for Killan and his family was amazing.
I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read the ARC for Mel McCabe for her debut book.
February 28, 2026
3 stars
Good story, I liked the second part more than the first one. I like how their relationship progressed, how both of them had their own obstacles to overcome to be really together.
I adored Kellan, he's such a nice guy, honest, hard worker, devoted to his family and committed to his career. I liked very much how he was always straightforward with Wells and never hid his feelings.
Unfortunately there were several parts that didn't work for me.
One of them being Well's behaviour: I found him interesting and all his coldness and closeness actually made sense. He avoided intimacy and real connections because of an internalised homophobia instilled by his parents. He was out and proud, but still, he didn't fully live his own life as a gay man.
What bothered me was that he wasn't honest with Kellan, not about his issues with his family, about his feelings and about their past.
That was the part that threw me off: he started his relationship with Kellan with him lying by omission. And honestly should always, always be the foundation.
Another thing: how Kellan didn't recognise him? I understand Wells wasn't thin and scrawny anymore, but his name should have rung a bell for Kellan, especially because he seemed to remember the rich boys who attended his high school.
Moreover, this "hidden identity" trope has been hanging over the story throughout the whole book and the revelation didn't come until 95%? And they make up just after one single conversation?
It was all terribly anticlimactic.
Third: Julie. She was a bully set on making Wells' life hell, then she just disappeared.
Fourth: their Dom/sub dynamic, so strong during their first hookups, just faded during the progression of the story. By the way, why Kellan felt this strong urge to submit and to let another person make decisions for him, when he already wasn't in charge of anything in his real life?
I mean, yes, he had to be strong for his family, but every decision (practice, games, job, second job, classes, tutoring) was forced upon him by external factors.
Fifth: Kellan's mother. I did not love that woman, she had the opportunity to make a better life for herself and all her children and then just let that awful man back in their life, like it was only her decision.
I love when children are respectful of their parents and help the family, but I don't like when grown up people let their own children be the real parents in the family. How could she not see that Kellan has been struggling for a long time?
I loved Cooper, Dutch and Carter, I hope there will be books for them too.
Good story, I liked the second part more than the first one. I like how their relationship progressed, how both of them had their own obstacles to overcome to be really together.
I adored Kellan, he's such a nice guy, honest, hard worker, devoted to his family and committed to his career. I liked very much how he was always straightforward with Wells and never hid his feelings.
Unfortunately there were several parts that didn't work for me.
One of them being Well's behaviour: I found him interesting and all his coldness and closeness actually made sense. He avoided intimacy and real connections because of an internalised homophobia instilled by his parents. He was out and proud, but still, he didn't fully live his own life as a gay man.
What bothered me was that he wasn't honest with Kellan, not about his issues with his family, about his feelings and about their past.
That was the part that threw me off: he started his relationship with Kellan with him lying by omission. And honestly should always, always be the foundation.
Another thing: how Kellan didn't recognise him? I understand Wells wasn't thin and scrawny anymore, but his name should have rung a bell for Kellan, especially because he seemed to remember the rich boys who attended his high school.
Moreover, this "hidden identity" trope has been hanging over the story throughout the whole book and the revelation didn't come until 95%? And they make up just after one single conversation?
It was all terribly anticlimactic.
Third: Julie. She was a bully set on making Wells' life hell, then she just disappeared.
Fourth: their Dom/sub dynamic, so strong during their first hookups, just faded during the progression of the story. By the way, why Kellan felt this strong urge to submit and to let another person make decisions for him, when he already wasn't in charge of anything in his real life?
I mean, yes, he had to be strong for his family, but every decision (practice, games, job, second job, classes, tutoring) was forced upon him by external factors.
Fifth: Kellan's mother. I did not love that woman, she had the opportunity to make a better life for herself and all her children and then just let that awful man back in their life, like it was only her decision.
I love when children are respectful of their parents and help the family, but I don't like when grown up people let their own children be the real parents in the family. How could she not see that Kellan has been struggling for a long time?
I loved Cooper, Dutch and Carter, I hope there will be books for them too.
October 15, 2025
Congrats to Mel McCabe on the release of this one, you did amazing!
Not gonna lie, I was so in the mood for an MM hockey romance that I started this month with a re-read of Iced Out (I barely ever indulge in re-reads) and even then, I was still craving it so when I saw this ARC pop on my feed I just couldn't resist.
I read this one in no time so it sure kept me captivated. Both characters were super nice, and I loved learning more about them throughout this story. They both had their struggles and quite a heavy past, which made things interesting on how it made them who they are now.
The relationship between these two was very insta-lust but still on the slow burn side on an emotional level, which I enjoyed. There was a big part that was pretty much hate to love with lots of angst, and this is something I always enjoy seeing because the tension is always off the charts. And, the power dynamic between the two was honestly quite delectable.
I particularly loved seeing Wells getting closer to his brother. Also, seeing Kellan with his family was part swoony and heartbreaking. I also quite enjoyed Kellan's teammates, it was all great additions to this story.
I will say though that something that was missing for me, and I think that it comes from the fact that Kellan was so "let's not talk about anything and just go with the flow" was a deeper connection to the characters. While there was a big emotional range to this story I couldn't find myself completely pulled in. It created this lack of depth in the whole story for me because they could have talked things through multiple times but it all felt surface level because there was no big discussions whatsoever.
I also had big expectations on the whole bullying story, like this would be some pivotal moment in their relationship, but it happened so close to the end and was resolved quickly so it was like there was this big buildup for pretty much nothing. I mean it still served the starting point of this hatred and all so that's fine, I just would have hoped it would have come up sooner somehow.
All in all this was a fantastic story and you definitely should try this one out if you enjoy mm romance that will bring you on quite the emotional ride!
Thanks to the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Not gonna lie, I was so in the mood for an MM hockey romance that I started this month with a re-read of Iced Out (I barely ever indulge in re-reads) and even then, I was still craving it so when I saw this ARC pop on my feed I just couldn't resist.
I read this one in no time so it sure kept me captivated. Both characters were super nice, and I loved learning more about them throughout this story. They both had their struggles and quite a heavy past, which made things interesting on how it made them who they are now.
The relationship between these two was very insta-lust but still on the slow burn side on an emotional level, which I enjoyed. There was a big part that was pretty much hate to love with lots of angst, and this is something I always enjoy seeing because the tension is always off the charts. And, the power dynamic between the two was honestly quite delectable.
I particularly loved seeing Wells getting closer to his brother. Also, seeing Kellan with his family was part swoony and heartbreaking. I also quite enjoyed Kellan's teammates, it was all great additions to this story.
I will say though that something that was missing for me, and I think that it comes from the fact that Kellan was so "let's not talk about anything and just go with the flow" was a deeper connection to the characters. While there was a big emotional range to this story I couldn't find myself completely pulled in. It created this lack of depth in the whole story for me because they could have talked things through multiple times but it all felt surface level because there was no big discussions whatsoever.
I also had big expectations on the whole bullying story, like this would be some pivotal moment in their relationship, but it happened so close to the end and was resolved quickly so it was like there was this big buildup for pretty much nothing. I mean it still served the starting point of this hatred and all so that's fine, I just would have hoped it would have come up sooner somehow.
All in all this was a fantastic story and you definitely should try this one out if you enjoy mm romance that will bring you on quite the emotional ride!
Thanks to the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
September 25, 2025
This story delivers everything I love in a romance—angst, redemption, and a hard-earned happily ever after.
Kellan is a college hockey player barely holding it together. Between keeping his scholarship, chasing his NHL dream, and secretly working nights to support his mom and younger brothers, he’s stretched to the breaking point. When his coach assigns him a tutor, it feels like just another burden. He doesn’t expect sparks—especially not with someone who seems to despise him from day one.
Wells, the tutor, comes from money and privilege, but that doesn’t mean his life is easy. He has one rule: never tutor athletes. So when he’s stuck with Kellan—a face from his painful high school past—he’s furious. Kellan doesn’t even remember the bullying Wells endured, which only fuels his resentment. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is for Wells to cling to old hurts, especially when he starts to see how much Kellan has changed.
The sexual tension is undeniable, the emotional pull impossible to ignore. Both men have walls, fears, and past wounds that threaten to destroy what’s growing between them. But as secrets come to light and truths are faced, they’re forced to decide whether love is worth the risk.
A gripping, emotional enemies-to-lovers romance with unforgettable characters and a beautifully hard-earned HEA.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book.**
Kellan is a college hockey player barely holding it together. Between keeping his scholarship, chasing his NHL dream, and secretly working nights to support his mom and younger brothers, he’s stretched to the breaking point. When his coach assigns him a tutor, it feels like just another burden. He doesn’t expect sparks—especially not with someone who seems to despise him from day one.
Wells, the tutor, comes from money and privilege, but that doesn’t mean his life is easy. He has one rule: never tutor athletes. So when he’s stuck with Kellan—a face from his painful high school past—he’s furious. Kellan doesn’t even remember the bullying Wells endured, which only fuels his resentment. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is for Wells to cling to old hurts, especially when he starts to see how much Kellan has changed.
The sexual tension is undeniable, the emotional pull impossible to ignore. Both men have walls, fears, and past wounds that threaten to destroy what’s growing between them. But as secrets come to light and truths are faced, they’re forced to decide whether love is worth the risk.
A gripping, emotional enemies-to-lovers romance with unforgettable characters and a beautifully hard-earned HEA.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book.**
October 19, 2025
ARC Read:
I really enjoyed this story. Wells is for the most part, sure of himself and content with his life thus far. He had barried a lot of his past and his traumas with his family, so he was kind of living in denial.
Kellan is stressed. On top of hockey and senior year of college, he has put it on himself to work and help financially support his mom and two younger brothers. He barely sleeps and because of his lack of focus, his grades start to slip.
Forced together due to Wells's witchy boss and Kellan's coach's orders, they are to study together twice a week. Wells knowing exactly who Kellan is, Kellan not having any idea why Wells seems to hate him on sight.
I wish there would have been more of a conversation about the former bullying. Kellan had brought up that he was a jerk to others when he was younger and going through a top time at home, and Wells had said a little about it, but I feel like they should have spoken to each other more about that. It felt like they got over it really soon. Especially considering how much it had affected Wells. I liked Kellan's easy acceptance of him liking being bossed around by Wells. It made sense considering most of his life he had to make many decisions and call a lot of the shots, so having the ability to let go and have someone else handle it, is definitely relieving.
I really enjoyed this story. Wells is for the most part, sure of himself and content with his life thus far. He had barried a lot of his past and his traumas with his family, so he was kind of living in denial.
Kellan is stressed. On top of hockey and senior year of college, he has put it on himself to work and help financially support his mom and two younger brothers. He barely sleeps and because of his lack of focus, his grades start to slip.
Forced together due to Wells's witchy boss and Kellan's coach's orders, they are to study together twice a week. Wells knowing exactly who Kellan is, Kellan not having any idea why Wells seems to hate him on sight.
I wish there would have been more of a conversation about the former bullying. Kellan had brought up that he was a jerk to others when he was younger and going through a top time at home, and Wells had said a little about it, but I feel like they should have spoken to each other more about that. It felt like they got over it really soon. Especially considering how much it had affected Wells. I liked Kellan's easy acceptance of him liking being bossed around by Wells. It made sense considering most of his life he had to make many decisions and call a lot of the shots, so having the ability to let go and have someone else handle it, is definitely relieving.
February 16, 2026
why do I keep reading stupid hockey books??? nobody knows.
anyway, cunty rich boy tutor with the personality and depth of a piñata sexually harasses his athlete tutee as soon as he comes into his office. also, tutee was his school bully but doesn't remember him, while cunty boy has decided to make his life miserable because of it. athlete boy is an ex bully who has an idiot mum, two young siblings and a scummy step dad who left them high and dry and used to hit him as a kid.
I mean what can go wrong.
it was exceptionally bad. no relationship development whatsoever if not for a ridiculous push and pull from cunty boy. athlete boy has never been attracted to a man but takes it up the arse with no second thoughts and not one smidge of self awareness. cunty boy has lived off dad's money forever, but once he's cut off, he has absolutely no problems to function despite not even having a proper job. the bully plot line was solved in literally less than 2 pages and then it was glissed over by some I love yous.
I almost hope this was written by AI because I dont want to believe humans can be this bad at this
anyway, cunty rich boy tutor with the personality and depth of a piñata sexually harasses his athlete tutee as soon as he comes into his office. also, tutee was his school bully but doesn't remember him, while cunty boy has decided to make his life miserable because of it. athlete boy is an ex bully who has an idiot mum, two young siblings and a scummy step dad who left them high and dry and used to hit him as a kid.
I mean what can go wrong.
it was exceptionally bad. no relationship development whatsoever if not for a ridiculous push and pull from cunty boy. athlete boy has never been attracted to a man but takes it up the arse with no second thoughts and not one smidge of self awareness. cunty boy has lived off dad's money forever, but once he's cut off, he has absolutely no problems to function despite not even having a proper job. the bully plot line was solved in literally less than 2 pages and then it was glissed over by some I love yous.
I almost hope this was written by AI because I dont want to believe humans can be this bad at this
October 5, 2025
This debut immediately pulled me in! I was so excited to see how the story would play out, especially knowing Kellan was the ex-bully of our other MMC, Wells. I expected a bit more angst with that setup, but it turned out to be a lighter read overall. It jumps into the spice pretty quickly, while the emotional connection and relationship development take their time which I actually love.
What dropped it to four stars for me was mostly the pacing. There were several time jumps that made me feel like I’d accidentally skipped pages, and the resolution when Kellan finds out who Wells really was from their past felt a little too glossed over. I wish that moment had happened earlier or been given more room to breathe because it had the potential for some delicious angst and emotional payoff.
Still, this was a very strong debut and an enjoyable read. I’ll definitely be picking up more from this author in the future!
What dropped it to four stars for me was mostly the pacing. There were several time jumps that made me feel like I’d accidentally skipped pages, and the resolution when Kellan finds out who Wells really was from their past felt a little too glossed over. I wish that moment had happened earlier or been given more room to breathe because it had the potential for some delicious angst and emotional payoff.
Still, this was a very strong debut and an enjoyable read. I’ll definitely be picking up more from this author in the future!
October 22, 2025
I read for the vibes & the vibes were ✨ Enjoyable ✨
📕: Hockey Player x Tutor
📗: Former Childhood Bully
🌶️: 3
📘: College Hockey
📙: Forced Proximity
Oooo wee, I thought we were going to make it through the whole book without touching one of the the main plot points! Had me worried there for a second, especially since it didn’t really get resolved until the very end.
The pacing? Amazing. The banter? Entertaining. How his bi awakening was presented? Flawless.
I really loved how open Kellan was about his feelings as they developed. And even with their messy history, Wells handled everything pretty well in my opinion. By the end, it wasn’t just about love or identity; it was about understanding yourself, and I think that’s what made this story a good overall read.
🖤Fav Quotes🤍
“Beauty doesn’t have a morality clause, sadly.“
“Push him further. Bend him and break him and then put him back together.“
“Maybe, I’ve considered over the years, that I go wild on an instinctual level for a big, muscled man that I control completely because of my past.”
📕: Hockey Player x Tutor
📗: Former Childhood Bully
🌶️: 3
📘: College Hockey
📙: Forced Proximity
Oooo wee, I thought we were going to make it through the whole book without touching one of the the main plot points! Had me worried there for a second, especially since it didn’t really get resolved until the very end.
The pacing? Amazing. The banter? Entertaining. How his bi awakening was presented? Flawless.
I really loved how open Kellan was about his feelings as they developed. And even with their messy history, Wells handled everything pretty well in my opinion. By the end, it wasn’t just about love or identity; it was about understanding yourself, and I think that’s what made this story a good overall read.
🖤Fav Quotes🤍
“Beauty doesn’t have a morality clause, sadly.“
“Push him further. Bend him and break him and then put him back together.“
“Maybe, I’ve considered over the years, that I go wild on an instinctual level for a big, muscled man that I control completely because of my past.”
October 4, 2025
What a fantastic MM debut!! I was hooked from the start! Kellen & Wells’ chemistry was palpable from the very beginning and I was excited to see how Well would handle his former childhood bully. Both characters had a complicated family history and emotional baggage they were carrying. It was refreshing to see them actually communicating their thoughts & feelings, especially towards the end. I do wish there had been a little more spice but the spice that was there was HOT!!! Overall, it was well paced and completely addictive. I hope to read more MM from this author in the future!
🏒 MM Romance
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Bi- Awakening
🏒 Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒 Nerd/Jock
🏒 Former Childhood Bully
🏒 Slow Burn
🏒 MM Romance
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Bi- Awakening
🏒 Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒 Nerd/Jock
🏒 Former Childhood Bully
🏒 Slow Burn
October 14, 2025
✨ Arc Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️
Hockey Player
Tutor
M/M
Quick Read
Hockey Romances are one of my favorite books to read so I was excited to sign up and read Power play. I went into this book not knowing what to expect and was I surprised. I really love Wells and Kellan. The topics that the Author touched upon were done beautifully. The spicy 🌶️ scenes were 😋😋😋😋 great. I really could have read 100 more pages about this couple. I love when a book is full of emotions and I can fully feel the depth of the emotions while reading.
Thank you Mel McCabe for allowing me the pleasure of an ARC. I will definitely be adding more books to my collection from this Author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️
Hockey Player
Tutor
M/M
Quick Read
Hockey Romances are one of my favorite books to read so I was excited to sign up and read Power play. I went into this book not knowing what to expect and was I surprised. I really love Wells and Kellan. The topics that the Author touched upon were done beautifully. The spicy 🌶️ scenes were 😋😋😋😋 great. I really could have read 100 more pages about this couple. I love when a book is full of emotions and I can fully feel the depth of the emotions while reading.
Thank you Mel McCabe for allowing me the pleasure of an ARC. I will definitely be adding more books to my collection from this Author.
October 12, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
I went into this book completely blind, and I’m so glad I did. It’s not something I would’ve picked up on my own, but it ended up being a really pleasant surprise.
The backstories of Wells and Kellen were so raw and real. I don’t personally relate to their experiences, but they felt authentic and reflective of things people go through more often than we realize.
A great, emotionally grounding read that leaves you looking at the world and people in general just a little bit different. Some who put up brave facades are not always that brave behind closed doors — I definitely recommend it.
I went into this book completely blind, and I’m so glad I did. It’s not something I would’ve picked up on my own, but it ended up being a really pleasant surprise.
The backstories of Wells and Kellen were so raw and real. I don’t personally relate to their experiences, but they felt authentic and reflective of things people go through more often than we realize.
A great, emotionally grounding read that leaves you looking at the world and people in general just a little bit different. Some who put up brave facades are not always that brave behind closed doors — I definitely recommend it.
November 29, 2025
Power Play is a fantastic MM hockey romance that I couldn't put down!!! I absolutely LOVE this book!! I think the author did a fantastic job with the characters, and the story development. If you enjoy MM Romance, Hockey Romance, Bi awakening, and/ or MMCs that are swoon worthy then I would recommend adding this book to your TBR! This is the first book I've read from this author and I can't wait to get my hands on more of this authors books!!
March 18, 2026
Not going to lie, I considered DNFing this at the start for a moment but I’m so glad I didn’t.
The writer knows how to keep you wanting more, but then also knows how to deliver it. I was so sure something wasn’t going to happen to the point that I was prepared to give it only 3 stars out of frustration, but then it happened in the best (for the story, worst for eh characters) way that really made it add to the story.
Loved.
The writer knows how to keep you wanting more, but then also knows how to deliver it. I was so sure something wasn’t going to happen to the point that I was prepared to give it only 3 stars out of frustration, but then it happened in the best (for the story, worst for eh characters) way that really made it add to the story.
Loved.
October 15, 2025
My first book by this author and I loved it! My favorite sport hockey and nerd (tutor). I love how they both stuck up for each other and that Kellan was able to win over Wells. These characters definitely deserved their HEA big time and I love how much Kellan took care of his family. Such an amazing book.
February 21, 2026
After being in a slump for... I don't even know how long at this point, it feels great to finally have a book that had me not wanting to put it down. I should have known it would be a sports romance that pulls me out of the trenches.
Was this a FAVORITE God Tier type read? No necessarily. But it's really close to being up there with my five star reads. I really enjoyed Kellan and Wells.
UPDATE-
The more I sit here thinking about this book, the more I'm convinced that I needed to bump this up to a five star. Not only did I fly through this book, but I'm still thinking about it and I'm desperate to get my hands on a physical copy for a shelf trophy. I LOVE Kellan and Wells. I really don't have any complaints.
Was this a FAVORITE God Tier type read? No necessarily. But it's really close to being up there with my five star reads. I really enjoyed Kellan and Wells.
UPDATE-
The more I sit here thinking about this book, the more I'm convinced that I needed to bump this up to a five star. Not only did I fly through this book, but I'm still thinking about it and I'm desperate to get my hands on a physical copy for a shelf trophy. I LOVE Kellan and Wells. I really don't have any complaints.
October 25, 2025
Arc review🖤
Power play was such a great read
Kellen and wells
Rich kid
Abused kid
The push and pull
the undeniable attraction.
Ugh good way to get sucks in to a hockey romance. Slow burn, spice and everything Kellen and wells was so nice. Best HEA yet.
Recommend 🖤🖤
Power play was such a great read
Kellen and wells
Rich kid
Abused kid
The push and pull
the undeniable attraction.
Ugh good way to get sucks in to a hockey romance. Slow burn, spice and everything Kellen and wells was so nice. Best HEA yet.
Recommend 🖤🖤
Did not finish
January 30, 2026jumping ship @ 29%
there’s not really any build up between the two, Kellan is dtf and submit from the word go, even though Wells has been nothing but an ass
also what is with “Why does it have to be Kellan who’s the most perfect sexual partner that I’ve ever met?” ??? …. boy, yall haven’t even done anything yet 🫠
there’s not really any build up between the two, Kellan is dtf and submit from the word go, even though Wells has been nothing but an ass
also what is with “Why does it have to be Kellan who’s the most perfect sexual partner that I’ve ever met?” ??? …. boy, yall haven’t even done anything yet 🫠
October 14, 2025
Super cute, sweet read. I always love a good Hockey Romance but make it a MM Hockey Romance and I'm in LOVE!!!
October 15, 2025
My oh myyyyy🤭 am I ever thankful for being able to Arc read Power Play! This book had me absolutely hooked through the entire read. Will definitely be looking into reading more from Mel!
Read
February 4, 2026DNF @ 8%. Made no sense why the hockey guy couldn't tell his coach he had a job. And I thought the tutor guy pulled a really juvenile stunt at their first meet. Not interested in reading any further.
March 14, 2026
Once you start reading gay hockey romance, there’s really no going back. The worse the cover (sorry), the better the story every single time.
October 18, 2025
I absolutely ADORE Kellan and Wells! The way their relationship developed throughout the book was great and felt very real and had me kicking my feet! Absolutely recommend!
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