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Radford U #1
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
First published October 14, 2025
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September 20, 2026
It seems everyone has a version of Heated Rivalry. The MM sports romance genre is having its big moment. I randomly selected this one and it was an easy guilty pleasure.
The difference here is that Kellan, the hockey player, is the smaller one. Bennett was bullied by him in high school, but now Bennett is the one who dominates Kellan, with his bigger muscles, higher status and his role as tutor. It is as fun as it sounds, and I expect people who are into these tropes will enjoy it even more.
My problem was that the author almost forgot that one of them doesn't remember that he was the bully of the man with whom he is falling in love.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy.
The difference here is that Kellan, the hockey player, is the smaller one. Bennett was bullied by him in high school, but now Bennett is the one who dominates Kellan, with his bigger muscles, higher status and his role as tutor. It is as fun as it sounds, and I expect people who are into these tropes will enjoy it even more.
My problem was that the author almost forgot that one of them doesn't remember that he was the bully of the man with whom he is falling in love.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy.
November 23, 2025
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.
![Profile Image for Megan [Jaded AF].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1634561405i/25103878._UY200_CR50,0,200,200_.jpg)
September 24, 2026
MM Romance
Jock/tutor
2.5 Stars ⭐️
🎧Narrated by Kevin Earlywine & Simon Dornet
-I’ve listened to Simon before and I thought I liked him but I’m pretty sure he was the one who narrated Wells and I was not feeling it. Or maybe I just couldn’t stand Wells. 😂🤷🏻♀️
So, this is a book about a jock, Kellan, who needs tutoring and the grumpy prick, Wells, who gets assigned to him. Kellan plays hockey but this is very much a book with hockey in it and not a hockey book if that makes sense. The title has to do with the way they like to fuck which honestly felt forced. Kellan is under a lot of pressure and stress and when he meets Wells, he gets dickmatized into being a bit submissive when that’s not his usual role. He’s also never been with a man before and never questions it which I found odd. While it was nice not to have him freak out after they first grind against each other in Wells office, the fact his POV doesn’t mention it at all made no sense. He explains later that he’s too stressed and busy to give it any real thought especially when it feels so good. Sure okay. 🤔 Wells hates Kellan on sight because he knows him from Freshman year of high school and how dare Kellan not recognize him when he bullied him daily! He tries to get out of tutoring him but there was some odd backstory about his boss that never went anywhere. I guess it was just there to explain why Wells couldn’t push Kellan off on another tutor but it literally NEVER came up again. Apparently Wells fucked her boyfriend not knowing it was her boyfriend and she was out to get him in trouble and make his life hell. So naturally I thought she’d show back up and catch them fucking in his office but never mentioned again. Sure…
So Wells is big mad he can’t get out of tutoring Kellan and the first day he tutors him, he makes sure Kellan catches him getting off with some random guy. Payback for bullying him freshman year 🙄😂 I guess he wanted to make him uncomfortable but instead it turned him on, go figure. I should probably mention if anyone doesn’t like love interests hooking up with others this probably isn’t the book for you. While they are technically not together, Wells is out to hurt Kellan at the start so he’s constantly hooking up with others in front of him trying to make him uncomfortable. I didn’t really care because I like club/party scenes where love interests are dancing/grinding against others in order to annoy the other. But Wells does hook up on page with other men a lot and after a while it got old.
I think my issue with this book overall is that I found Wells pretty insufferable. His POV was annoying and originally I thought it was the narrator until I switched to reading it and promptly fell asleep. Jokes on me. 🤣 There were so many things that just didn’t make much sense to me especially why Kellan wasn’t honest with his mom. It was hard for me to really understand any of that tbh. I also hated how Wells doesn’t come clean that he knows Kellan until 95%!! And how Kellan found out was just kind of fucked when Wells had so many opportunities to just be honest. Their communication sucked and I didn’t understand how they even fell for each other. All of a sudden Wells thought Kellan was perfect because he was such a good boy for him 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Two more things. Since this is a debut I am trying to overlook the fact this author used the word “clean” when they talked about STD status. It’s 2026, can we not use this term? And the “power play” dynamic just flew out the window at some point which was weird when it was such a big thing at the start. If it was supposed to be a kink, I wasn’t buying it. I wish I could still enjoy low angst books like this especially because I used to love jock/tutor but there was too much here I just couldn’t get into.
TLDR: I think most people will like this book if they like sports romances that are low angst but I found Wells insufferable and one of the narrators bugged me. People who don’t like their love interests with others should steer clear.
Thank you netgalley for the arc. These are my honest opinions.
#The52BookClub-Author’s first and last name start with same letter
Jock/tutor
2.5 Stars ⭐️
🎧Narrated by Kevin Earlywine & Simon Dornet
-I’ve listened to Simon before and I thought I liked him but I’m pretty sure he was the one who narrated Wells and I was not feeling it. Or maybe I just couldn’t stand Wells. 😂🤷🏻♀️
So, this is a book about a jock, Kellan, who needs tutoring and the grumpy prick, Wells, who gets assigned to him. Kellan plays hockey but this is very much a book with hockey in it and not a hockey book if that makes sense. The title has to do with the way they like to fuck which honestly felt forced. Kellan is under a lot of pressure and stress and when he meets Wells, he gets dickmatized into being a bit submissive when that’s not his usual role. He’s also never been with a man before and never questions it which I found odd. While it was nice not to have him freak out after they first grind against each other in Wells office, the fact his POV doesn’t mention it at all made no sense. He explains later that he’s too stressed and busy to give it any real thought especially when it feels so good. Sure okay. 🤔 Wells hates Kellan on sight because he knows him from Freshman year of high school and how dare Kellan not recognize him when he bullied him daily! He tries to get out of tutoring him but there was some odd backstory about his boss that never went anywhere. I guess it was just there to explain why Wells couldn’t push Kellan off on another tutor but it literally NEVER came up again. Apparently Wells fucked her boyfriend not knowing it was her boyfriend and she was out to get him in trouble and make his life hell. So naturally I thought she’d show back up and catch them fucking in his office but never mentioned again. Sure…
So Wells is big mad he can’t get out of tutoring Kellan and the first day he tutors him, he makes sure Kellan catches him getting off with some random guy. Payback for bullying him freshman year 🙄😂 I guess he wanted to make him uncomfortable but instead it turned him on, go figure. I should probably mention if anyone doesn’t like love interests hooking up with others this probably isn’t the book for you. While they are technically not together, Wells is out to hurt Kellan at the start so he’s constantly hooking up with others in front of him trying to make him uncomfortable. I didn’t really care because I like club/party scenes where love interests are dancing/grinding against others in order to annoy the other. But Wells does hook up on page with other men a lot and after a while it got old.
I think my issue with this book overall is that I found Wells pretty insufferable. His POV was annoying and originally I thought it was the narrator until I switched to reading it and promptly fell asleep. Jokes on me. 🤣 There were so many things that just didn’t make much sense to me especially why Kellan wasn’t honest with his mom. It was hard for me to really understand any of that tbh. I also hated how Wells doesn’t come clean that he knows Kellan until 95%!! And how Kellan found out was just kind of fucked when Wells had so many opportunities to just be honest. Their communication sucked and I didn’t understand how they even fell for each other. All of a sudden Wells thought Kellan was perfect because he was such a good boy for him 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Two more things. Since this is a debut I am trying to overlook the fact this author used the word “clean” when they talked about STD status. It’s 2026, can we not use this term? And the “power play” dynamic just flew out the window at some point which was weird when it was such a big thing at the start. If it was supposed to be a kink, I wasn’t buying it. I wish I could still enjoy low angst books like this especially because I used to love jock/tutor but there was too much here I just couldn’t get into.
TLDR: I think most people will like this book if they like sports romances that are low angst but I found Wells insufferable and one of the narrators bugged me. People who don’t like their love interests with others should steer clear.
Thank you netgalley for the arc. These are my honest opinions.
#The52BookClub-Author’s first and last name start with same letter
September 10, 2026
I enjoyed this book, but it didn’t blow me away. Kellan and Wells definitely had chemistry, and I liked seeing them get to know each other and work through everything between them.
However, I struggled to believe in their romance. Especially in the beginning, the power dynamic between them made me quite uncomfortable, and it took me a while to settle into their relationship.
What really worked for me were the themes that came through later in the story. I thought they added a lot to both characters and gave their development more depth. Kellan in particular had a lot to work through, and I liked seeing how his past shaped him and how his relationship with Wells helped him move forward. This made the book a three-star.
🎧 The narration was good overall. It was easy to follow and I enjoyed listening to the characters, even if the story itself wasn’t the right fit for me.
However, I struggled to believe in their romance. Especially in the beginning, the power dynamic between them made me quite uncomfortable, and it took me a while to settle into their relationship.
What really worked for me were the themes that came through later in the story. I thought they added a lot to both characters and gave their development more depth. Kellan in particular had a lot to work through, and I liked seeing how his past shaped him and how his relationship with Wells helped him move forward. This made the book a three-star.
🎧 The narration was good overall. It was easy to follow and I enjoyed listening to the characters, even if the story itself wasn’t the right fit for me.
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.
July 31, 2026
I inhaled this. Who needs sleep when the book you're reading is this good?
I wasn't sure what to expect. In all honesty, I didn't vibe with the beginning, but suddenly it just clicked and I found myself completely unable to put it down.
The chemistry is absolutely off the charts. 🔥
Enemies to lovers (or, well, one sided beef and man who isn't engaging with all that nonsense to lovers) done deliciously. Argh, I absolutely devoured this whole romance.
If you've been following my reviews a while you'll know there are two things I absolutely can't resist in a book:
1. Yearning. Give me all the yearning. I live for this.
2. Complex characters that start off, shall we say, erm, a little bit toxic…
This book absolutely delivered on both parts.
Wells gripped my attention so quickly. I was fully invested in his unique flavour of toxic yearning: Hot, intense, and just a little bit petty. The way he battled between control of the situation and feelings that could overwhelm him with their intensity in five seconds flat… Ridiculously hot.
Kellan was so complex and nuanced. It felt impossible not to fall in love with him. The way he met Wells’ avoidant dynamics unflinching, with honesty and communication, was so grounding. As the story progressed I adored him more and more.
Both characters had complex developed backstories and family dynamics that added so much to the story. The character development of both of them was genuinely satisfying to read– they just worked so well together.
Worth losing sleep for.
This is going straight on the favourites shelf and I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
I wasn't sure what to expect. In all honesty, I didn't vibe with the beginning, but suddenly it just clicked and I found myself completely unable to put it down.
The chemistry is absolutely off the charts. 🔥
Enemies to lovers (or, well, one sided beef and man who isn't engaging with all that nonsense to lovers) done deliciously. Argh, I absolutely devoured this whole romance.
If you've been following my reviews a while you'll know there are two things I absolutely can't resist in a book:
1. Yearning. Give me all the yearning. I live for this.
2. Complex characters that start off, shall we say, erm, a little bit toxic…
This book absolutely delivered on both parts.
Wells gripped my attention so quickly. I was fully invested in his unique flavour of toxic yearning: Hot, intense, and just a little bit petty. The way he battled between control of the situation and feelings that could overwhelm him with their intensity in five seconds flat… Ridiculously hot.
Kellan was so complex and nuanced. It felt impossible not to fall in love with him. The way he met Wells’ avoidant dynamics unflinching, with honesty and communication, was so grounding. As the story progressed I adored him more and more.
Both characters had complex developed backstories and family dynamics that added so much to the story. The character development of both of them was genuinely satisfying to read– they just worked so well together.
Worth losing sleep for.
This is going straight on the favourites shelf and I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
June 28, 2026
It took me about 30% to really get into this but once it hit, oh boy — I could not put it down. Sometimes sleep really gets in the way.
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 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 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)
June 21, 2026
This was cute, it dragged a little bit in the middle there for me because I think that the characters got together a little too fast. It would have been better if the burn was slower because the tension was so good at the beginning and then they just got together so quickly even if they were naming it they were acting like a couple. This this had a lot of cute moments and I am interested in reading the next book in the series which I think will be following Coop? 👀
September 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
Okay, I really loved this one! I’m always a sucker for a good hockey romance, and Power Play gave me exactly what I was looking for. Kellan and Wells had such a fun dynamic, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship go from instant attraction to something that actually felt meaningful.
The tutoring setup was such a good way to bring them together, especially with Wells being so unimpressed by Kellan at first 😂. I loved their chemistry and the power dynamic between them. There were definitely moments where I wanted to yell at them to just TALK, but honestly, that’s part of what kept me turning the pages.
This was also such a quick and easy read for me. Once I started, I flew through it and had a hard time putting it down. I loved the characters, the romance, and all the little emotional moments that made me root for them.
The audiobook was a fun way to experience the story and kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Overall, such a fun debut! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what Mel McCabe writes next. 💕🏒
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, I really loved this one! I’m always a sucker for a good hockey romance, and Power Play gave me exactly what I was looking for. Kellan and Wells had such a fun dynamic, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship go from instant attraction to something that actually felt meaningful.
The tutoring setup was such a good way to bring them together, especially with Wells being so unimpressed by Kellan at first 😂. I loved their chemistry and the power dynamic between them. There were definitely moments where I wanted to yell at them to just TALK, but honestly, that’s part of what kept me turning the pages.
This was also such a quick and easy read for me. Once I started, I flew through it and had a hard time putting it down. I loved the characters, the romance, and all the little emotional moments that made me root for them.
The audiobook was a fun way to experience the story and kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Overall, such a fun debut! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what Mel McCabe writes next. 💕🏒
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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.
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 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.
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*
October 14, 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.
Read
June 15, 20264.25, so so good!! Excited for book 2
May 20, 2026
⭐ - 3.8/5
⊹ | 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮 by Mel McCabe is a contemporary, enemies-to-lovers M/M sports romance. It is the first book in the 𝘙𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘜 series and follows Kellan O'Reilly and Wells Wellington.
This story was super cute, in my opinion. I liked it, but I found myself wanting more from the storylines at times. Additionally, the ending felt a bit unresolved, but maybe that's just my opinion.
Wells is a prickly tutor with a disdain for athletes and a messy home life. When he's forced to help the person who bullied him in high school, he's angry, and the walls he's built start to slowly come crumbling down. He's even more enraged when he realizes Kellan doesn't even remember him. Now Wells wants revenge; he wants to break Kellan. But the more time they spend together, the more Wells sees that Kellan might not be the same person he used to be.
Kellan is tired. After his abusive stepfather skipped town, Kellan was forced to step up for his struggling single mom and two younger brothers. He's working almost every night, playing college hockey, trying to maintain eligibility for his scholarship, and barely getting any sleep. When Kellan's so-called perfect balancing act starts to tilt and he's at risk of losing what he's worked so hard to achieve, his coach helps find him a tutor. Coming face-to-face with a prickly, closed-off tutor who is set on hating him on sight—for reasons unknown to Kellan—is not what he expected at all. As time goes on, the fine line between love and hate begins to blur, and tough choices must be made.
Kellan and Wells's story was super interesting, I will definitely give it that, but it also felt like it was missing something. I think the story could have benefited from the occasional flashback scene of Wells and Kellan in high school to help paint a better picture and understand their past together. Even though some things could have been worked out a little better, I still really enjoyed reading this story.
Wells's character irritated me occasionally, I'm not even going to lie. He was a character who allowed his hatred to have so much power over him that, in some ways, it affected his life. Still, I understood why he did the things he did in order to protect himself. Did I like all the things he did? No. I feel like he was giving Kellan tons of mixed signals, but I still low-key loved his character. He was confused about who he was and what he wanted, and I wish that we got to see him figure himself out more.
I loved Kellan's character so much. That man just needed to let go, and he seriously matched Wells's energy so freaking well. His storyline was really heartbreaking, and I could honestly feel the stress he was enduring throughout the story. I'm so happy that by the end of the book things were a lot better for him and his family.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamic between Wells and Kellan, but I also really loved the supporting characters. I can't wait for Dutch's book next, and I really hope we eventually get a book on Cooper—which I think we might, so fingers crossed!
— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
⊹ | 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮 by Mel McCabe is a contemporary, enemies-to-lovers M/M sports romance. It is the first book in the 𝘙𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘜 series and follows Kellan O'Reilly and Wells Wellington.
This story was super cute, in my opinion. I liked it, but I found myself wanting more from the storylines at times. Additionally, the ending felt a bit unresolved, but maybe that's just my opinion.
Wells is a prickly tutor with a disdain for athletes and a messy home life. When he's forced to help the person who bullied him in high school, he's angry, and the walls he's built start to slowly come crumbling down. He's even more enraged when he realizes Kellan doesn't even remember him. Now Wells wants revenge; he wants to break Kellan. But the more time they spend together, the more Wells sees that Kellan might not be the same person he used to be.
Kellan is tired. After his abusive stepfather skipped town, Kellan was forced to step up for his struggling single mom and two younger brothers. He's working almost every night, playing college hockey, trying to maintain eligibility for his scholarship, and barely getting any sleep. When Kellan's so-called perfect balancing act starts to tilt and he's at risk of losing what he's worked so hard to achieve, his coach helps find him a tutor. Coming face-to-face with a prickly, closed-off tutor who is set on hating him on sight—for reasons unknown to Kellan—is not what he expected at all. As time goes on, the fine line between love and hate begins to blur, and tough choices must be made.
Kellan and Wells's story was super interesting, I will definitely give it that, but it also felt like it was missing something. I think the story could have benefited from the occasional flashback scene of Wells and Kellan in high school to help paint a better picture and understand their past together. Even though some things could have been worked out a little better, I still really enjoyed reading this story.
Wells's character irritated me occasionally, I'm not even going to lie. He was a character who allowed his hatred to have so much power over him that, in some ways, it affected his life. Still, I understood why he did the things he did in order to protect himself. Did I like all the things he did? No. I feel like he was giving Kellan tons of mixed signals, but I still low-key loved his character. He was confused about who he was and what he wanted, and I wish that we got to see him figure himself out more.
I loved Kellan's character so much. That man just needed to let go, and he seriously matched Wells's energy so freaking well. His storyline was really heartbreaking, and I could honestly feel the stress he was enduring throughout the story. I'm so happy that by the end of the book things were a lot better for him and his family.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamic between Wells and Kellan, but I also really loved the supporting characters. I can't wait for Dutch's book next, and I really hope we eventually get a book on Cooper—which I think we might, so fingers crossed!
— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
September 14, 2026
Power Play by Mel McCabe is such a sweet enemies-to-lovers college hockey romance! I read this series out of order, so while I already knew who Kellan and Wells were, I didn’t know much about their story. It was so much fun to return to Radford U and get to know these two characters!
The story follows Radford U hockey player Kellan O’Reilly and the academic tutor he’s been assigned, Bennett “Wells” Wellington III, who's tasked with helping Kellan improve his grades so he can keep his hockey scholarship. Unbeknownst to Kellan, he and Wells actually have a history, one that Wells hasn’t been able to let go of for the past eight-ish years.
While their attraction to each other is almost immediate, Wells is initially more interested in seeking revenge than pursuing a relationship. However, as their tutoring sessions turn into secret hookups, Wells begins to realize that Kellan is no longer the person he used to be. In fact, he’s pretty much the complete opposite now, forcing Wells to decide if he can finally let go of the past and pursue a future with Kellan.
This was such a great listen! I really enjoyed the dual narration. Kellen and Wells had such different backgrounds and journeys to their HEA, so I enjoyed getting both perspectives. If you're a fan of hockey romances, enemies-to-lovers, and forced proximity, I recommend checking this one out!
The story follows Radford U hockey player Kellan O’Reilly and the academic tutor he’s been assigned, Bennett “Wells” Wellington III, who's tasked with helping Kellan improve his grades so he can keep his hockey scholarship. Unbeknownst to Kellan, he and Wells actually have a history, one that Wells hasn’t been able to let go of for the past eight-ish years.
While their attraction to each other is almost immediate, Wells is initially more interested in seeking revenge than pursuing a relationship. However, as their tutoring sessions turn into secret hookups, Wells begins to realize that Kellan is no longer the person he used to be. In fact, he’s pretty much the complete opposite now, forcing Wells to decide if he can finally let go of the past and pursue a future with Kellan.
This was such a great listen! I really enjoyed the dual narration. Kellen and Wells had such different backgrounds and journeys to their HEA, so I enjoyed getting both perspectives. If you're a fan of hockey romances, enemies-to-lovers, and forced proximity, I recommend checking this one out!
September 11, 2026
Devoured this in one sitting! I was surprised by the amount of plot and depth to the plot in this steamy hockey romance. After the first several chapters, I was expecting smut and not much else, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much Kellen and Wells families drove the plot forward. I really liked the balance between family drama and romance and found that the depth of the story made what could have been a simple hockey romance so much better.
I loved their progression of (one sided) hate to love, and how Wells came to see Kellen in a new light, for the person he really is instead of the troubled teenager. I was so thrilled by how well they communicated too, even when it did not come easy to them. I always appreciate when the author finds ways to create tension without using miscommunication, and when a couple are shown to be excellent communicators it makes me so ridiculously happy. Both characters lives difficult lives in their own ways and felt older than college age, which I liked too.
The audiobook narrators did a solid job conveying the emotion in the story, especially in the second half. I always appreciate a duet narration, especially in romance, as it allows each character to feel distinctly different. I don’t remember listening to an audiobook narrated by these two before but I’m definitely adding them to my mental list of good narrators.
I loved their progression of (one sided) hate to love, and how Wells came to see Kellen in a new light, for the person he really is instead of the troubled teenager. I was so thrilled by how well they communicated too, even when it did not come easy to them. I always appreciate when the author finds ways to create tension without using miscommunication, and when a couple are shown to be excellent communicators it makes me so ridiculously happy. Both characters lives difficult lives in their own ways and felt older than college age, which I liked too.
The audiobook narrators did a solid job conveying the emotion in the story, especially in the second half. I always appreciate a duet narration, especially in romance, as it allows each character to feel distinctly different. I don’t remember listening to an audiobook narrated by these two before but I’m definitely adding them to my mental list of good narrators.
September 12, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley and Tantor Media, for the ALC! 🎧
I enjoyed this one a lot.
You all know by now that I’m a sucker for a good MM hockey romance, and this one was really well done. The dynamic between the MMCs was spot on: hot, angsty, but also incredibly gentle. 🏒❤️
I really liked the “hidden” conflict in the story, especially because Wess manages to overcome it by himself. I thought it was a beautiful way to show the characters growing and moving forward instead of letting old notions define them.
Of course, I would have loved for Kellan to figure out by himself who Wells was, but at the same time, Kellan was such a well-written character that I really can’t criticise the author’s choice.
What I absolutely loved was that Kellan never really questioned himself or why he was attracted to Wells, and he didn’t struggle excessively with discovering his sexuality.
I think there is something really beautiful about portraying discovering that you’re queer as something that can simply be normal. Of course, that’s not how it goes for everyone in real life, and there are plenty of people who go through a much more complicated journey. But why take all the magic out of books? ✨
Sometimes it’s nice to read about someone discovering a new part of themselves and simply thinking, oh… okay. This is who I am.
And honestly, I absolutely loved that choice. 💙
I enjoyed this one a lot.
You all know by now that I’m a sucker for a good MM hockey romance, and this one was really well done. The dynamic between the MMCs was spot on: hot, angsty, but also incredibly gentle. 🏒❤️
I really liked the “hidden” conflict in the story, especially because Wess manages to overcome it by himself. I thought it was a beautiful way to show the characters growing and moving forward instead of letting old notions define them.
Of course, I would have loved for Kellan to figure out by himself who Wells was, but at the same time, Kellan was such a well-written character that I really can’t criticise the author’s choice.
What I absolutely loved was that Kellan never really questioned himself or why he was attracted to Wells, and he didn’t struggle excessively with discovering his sexuality.
I think there is something really beautiful about portraying discovering that you’re queer as something that can simply be normal. Of course, that’s not how it goes for everyone in real life, and there are plenty of people who go through a much more complicated journey. But why take all the magic out of books? ✨
Sometimes it’s nice to read about someone discovering a new part of themselves and simply thinking, oh… okay. This is who I am.
And honestly, I absolutely loved that choice. 💙
September 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this one! 😍 A cute, spicy MM bi-awakening sports romance is pretty much guaranteed to get my attention and this absolutely delivered. 🏒🌈 Kellan and Wells had me completely invested, especially watching their relationship shift from all that tension and resentment into something genuinely sweet. There’s spice 🔥 but also a surprising amount of emotion and I loved seeing them both work through their pasts and figure out what they actually want. And that epilogue?! 😭 I genuinely cried actual happy, emotional tears. That’s when you know a book has got you! 💕
September 10, 2026
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!
The book was great up until the last few chapters where everything we built up to just kinda resolved itself. A bit of a nothing sandwich ending. Like all the anxiety and stakes that were dealt with throughout the book just ended up not actually mattering.
I found myself feeling like I wasted my time because the end was just a lot of nothing. -1 ⭐
I think one of the narrators was a bad choice... I think the narrator might watch a lot of Anime because he voices characters in an anime tone and cadence. It did not work at all for me. -1 ⭐
I won't dissuade anyone from reading this book... I just feel like it could've been better 🤷
The book was great up until the last few chapters where everything we built up to just kinda resolved itself. A bit of a nothing sandwich ending. Like all the anxiety and stakes that were dealt with throughout the book just ended up not actually mattering.
I found myself feeling like I wasted my time because the end was just a lot of nothing. -1 ⭐
I think one of the narrators was a bad choice... I think the narrator might watch a lot of Anime because he voices characters in an anime tone and cadence. It did not work at all for me. -1 ⭐
I won't dissuade anyone from reading this book... I just feel like it could've been better 🤷
February 7, 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.
June 24, 2026
7/10 Спочатку здалась трошки дурною, потім, якимось чином, герої стали більш живими, наче, більш реальними. Підозрюю, що обкладинку тут теж малювала наша ✨українська ілюстраторка✨
August 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed it but wish there was more depth to the relationship other than intimacy. Each character had depth and interesting backgrounds and struggles. But I felt that the book should have should a bit more substance to them, especially at the beginning. They did become a more rounded couple by the end of the book though.
🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed it but wish there was more depth to the relationship other than intimacy. Each character had depth and interesting backgrounds and struggles. But I felt that the book should have should a bit more substance to them, especially at the beginning. They did become a more rounded couple by the end of the book though.
Read
September 26, 2026RTC
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.
October 10, 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.
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